I too came from the Gulf in Aug 04 with a similar background like Balaji, I mean B.com with solid computer background.

During my initial job hunting stage I must have sent around 200-300 resumes thru various sites, news papers etc. including Surejobs.com which made me poorer by CAD 240. Placement agencies did not give me any calls basically because they wanted to have someone with local experience i.e experience in quickbooks, accpac,simply accounting, adp, ceridian etc. Basically the whole process demoralises you howsoever confident you are.

However it's thru network that I got a temporary 6 months contract with a reputed bank. I consider myself lucky irrespective of the data entry job that I do, however during my time of job hunting I met some people struggling to get a proper job and so cannot really sing praises of Canada. In my case having worked in the gulf I was not financially desperate and ready to wait for 6-12 months, but those coming from India without any family/financial support I guess labour job could only be the option to meet the bills. It's the system that scares you not the country itself.

As I did not like gulf I do not have any complaints, but for those if you are happy stay wherever you are and make yourself more happy thru your thinking. There isn't a place that is perfect.

Val,

Some very good points indeed. And I agree with you that Canada isn't for everyone and people must do a very thorough analysis of where they stand before they plan to migrate.

Just have a few questions...

1) What is it you do now? Have you found a job in your profession yet?
2) What age group do you belong to?
3) What preparations did you do prior to landing in Canada?


Please reply when you have a chance.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Are you there?

Hi Bl

Here is the answer to your questions.

1) What is it you do now? Have you found a job in your profession yet?

Though I came here in July, I started looking for employment only around mid aug got a temp break in mid oct 04. Since this contract of data entry and a bit of reconciliation is for 6 months I have decided to stay and work hard and simultaneously intend to take a course on software packages which canadian employers are asking for, at the same time I will try to get a job within the organization, but that can only be done near the end of the contract.

What I like most is working atmosphere, having lived & worked in the middle east I value that most in fact more than the money !!!.

2) What age group do you belong to?

Very soon I am going to celebrate my 40.

3) What preparations did you do prior to landing in Canada?

Having had the shock of my life when I first came to Canada in 2002 I was more careful, those days CD was not there to givethe feel of things. I prepared myself in following areas

a) Prepared my cv to canadian standard right in Dubai
b) Stitched myself few good clothes and suits
c) Started talking loudly clearly & confidently in front of the mirror as I have some complex with the way I speak.
d) I took a list of possible questions from Monster and put my answer in writing so many times till I felt comfortable to answer the uncomfortable questions.
e) Tried thru CD to get a proper share a accommodation but could not get one so rented an apartment. I was concerned about the mindset . Read the story of a deaf frog somewhere .....
f) As a backup I kept my family back in Dubai so if life gets so tough here I will go back to India.
g) CD was of great help,and honestly I picked some valueable tips from Mr. India, Chandresh and others.

Hope this clarifies your questions.

Regards