My new full-time job: professional job-hunter!

I cannot pretend I did not know what was waiting for me when I first set foot on Toronto Pearson airport last December.

No, I'm not talking about the scary winter chill. Although, that too is a challenge for many newcomers. Especially, for one from the warm, South-American side of the globe. I'm kidding, I'm so thrilled to be living in a country where there are more than just two seasons in a year: hot and scalding. LOL :)

I'm also not referring to the quest to land an apartment in one of the most competitive real estate markets in North America.

For most of us immigrants, when we decide to pack-up and leave our home country, it's like riding a roller-coaster of emotions.

Even though you'll only be a Skype call or whatsapp message away, the farewell party feels like attending your own funeral: nothing can prepare you for saying good-bye to your beloved friends and family. You're making a deliberate move, and you're thrilled, but the tears are inevitable.

However, for me, personally, I also felt like I was divorcing my job. I worked for 10 years as a Marketer for the same group (Nestlé). Of course I miss my family, my friends and my favourite restaurants. But I also must admit that I really miss my job, and I don't mean my salary only.

At first, I felt like I was on vacation. I could get up late, calmly have breakfast while watching some TV, and when I decided to finally leave the house, I was in a new city, just waiting to be discovered. It was so exciting!

But then, reality sets in. The honeymoon is over. Everything is sorted out: new phone, new address, new driver's license.

The time has come to take on a brand new role, one very foreign to me, in the literal and figurative sense of the word. Full-time JOB HUNTER.

Ever since I started planning my move, over a year ago, I knew that being in such a position would be extremely challenging.

And, now, here I am, sharing my new journey with you!

This blog is part of a project for my Digital Marketing Management course at University of Toronto.

If you are also looking to start or continue a new career here in Toronto, you can expect some tips on job-searching, writing Canadian-style resumes, cover letters, networking and interviewing.

The first series of posts will cover all the basics of job-searching, that's why I called them "Job Search for newcomers 101". Stay tuned!

I'd love to hear from you as well. Are you new to Canada? What has been your toughest challenge as an immigrant so far?

Cheers,

Marcia.

#jobhunting #immigration #toronto #newcomers