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International Students Struggle To Find Employment In Canada: Skills That Canadian Employers Look For

In today’s competitive globe, getting higher studies has become necessary for attaining a relaxing life. While several students choose higher studies in their home nation, many decide to study overseas, with Canada becoming a specifically famous destination for international students.

Studying overseas, while a significant investment, also presents numerous opportunities. Even for scholarship-holding students, the cost of living can be high, leading many to consider part-time employment. In Canada, the laws for part-time jobs are straightforward, and understanding them can open doors to valuable work experience. To inspire hope and motivation, we will discuss the fundamental rules for international students seeking part-time employment and what employers look for when hiring for such positions.

The Part-Time Jobs Laws For International Students

Many international students are qualified to have a job while studying in Canada. Hence, there are various conditions for working on and off campus. Working on campus involves employment within your institution’s environments, whereas working off campus involves employment anywhere in the city where your institutions are located.

Students can operate off campus without a work permit if they satisfy the following conditions:

  • You are a full-time student at an assigned learning institution.
  • You are registered in a post-secondary education, professional, or skilled internship course or a secondary-level professional internship program.
  • Your course of study is at least six months long and results in a certification.
  • You have a social insurance number.

International students can commonly operate off campus for 24 hours weekly and full-time during official holidays or after school, provided they have made an application for a non-student work permit.

Hence, exceeding the stipulated working hours is considered an offense against study permit requirements. It can lead to losing student status, making it difficult to get future study or work permits.

Issues Faced By International Students In Discovering Part-time Employment

International students usually undergo three primary difficulties when looking for part-time employment:

Unawareness of work conditions: One of the critical challenges international students face is the need for more understanding of work conditions. Many students embark on off-campus part-time job searches, assuming the process is similar to that in their home country. This understanding can clarify how to tailor their resumes to meet employer expectations. However, with the correct information and preparation, students can navigate these challenges and find suitable employment.

Uncertainty concerning skill development: Students face difficulty recognizing which experiences they must work on in Canada and how to get them. Due to this, they miss out on part-time employment prospects they would otherwise be able to execute.

The Canada experience: “Canada experience” describes a work skill obtained within Canada. Several employers choose to employ students with this experience, acknowledging that it imparts specific understanding or experiences that can only be obtained through working in Canada. This priority usually leaves qualified students without part-time employment, even if they have the relevant masteries.

Skills Canadian Employers Need For Part-Time Employment

Below are five common but crucial skills that Canadian employers usually check for when employing international students for part-time employment:

Communication proficiencies: Impactful verbal and written communication is essential for any employment. Employers look for students who can make known themselves evidently and occupationally in diverse employment settings.

Customer service: Offering outstanding client service is essential, specifically in sectors such as retail, food service, and hospitality. Employers seek people who can be patient, focused, and empathetic while handling client requests and difficulties.

Teamwork: Employers highly value students who can connect well with others. The capacity to operate in a team and add to a favorable work setting is essential for several part-time employments.

Issue-solving: Employers are happy with students who think well and discover answers to difficulties quickly. Managing unexpected conditions and providing practical answers is crucial in any position.

Adjustability and flexibility: The capacity to adjust to modifying conditions and manage various projects is crucial in part-time employment, especially in fast-paced settings. Adjustability with work durations, shifts, and employment duties is usually needed.