Ask Me Anything: Insights on Navigating the Job Market
The Ask Me Anything (AMA) Virtual Event hosted by Jumpstart Refugee Talent brought together industry experts and job seekers for an open and insightful discussion about career development, job search strategies, and overcoming barriers in the labour market.
The session created a safe space for participants to ask honest questions about employment challenges while learning directly from experienced professionals in human resources and talent acquisition.
A Conversation Designed to Empower Job Seekers
During the event, participants heard from Nadia Jamal, Senior Human Resource Business Partner, and Tiffany Blile, a Senior Talent Acquisition Leader with more than 25 years of experience connecting people to meaningful careers.
The discussion was moderated by members of the Jumpstart team and focused on practical strategies that refugee professionals can use to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
Throughout the conversation, speakers shared personal career journeys, lessons learned from setbacks, and advice for navigating professional transitions.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
One of the most powerful themes of the event was resilience.
Tiffany Bliley shared how she once faced a major challenge when trying to transition from social services into executive search. Despite having the right skills, she struggled to get interviews because her experience came from a different industry.
Instead of giving up, she focused on networking and building connections. By reaching out to people in her professional circle and continuing to pursue opportunities, she eventually connected with the right people and secured the role she had been aiming for.
Her message to job seekers was clear:
“It’s easy for employers to say no to a resume. It’s much harder to say no to a person.”
The story highlighted the importance of persistence, networking, and human connections in the job search process.
A Newcomer Journey Many Can Relate To
Nadia Jamal, also shared her personal experience as an immigrant arriving in Canada more than two decades ago.
Without social media or digital networking tools available at the time, she relied on recruitment agencies and accepted a wide range of opportunities to gain experience in the Canadian workforce.
From short-term contracts to administrative projects and customer service roles, she took every opportunity available while continuing to develop her professional credentials.
Through perseverance and continuous learning, she eventually advanced into a senior HR leadership role.
Her advice to newcomers was both practical and honest:
- Be open to starting from entry-level roles
- Take opportunities that help build local experience
- Continue learning and upgrading skills
- Focus on long-term career growth rather than immediate titles
Practical Job Search Strategies
The speakers also shared several actionable tips for improving job search success:
- Tailor Your Resume
Resumes should follow Canadian standards:
- Clear formatting
- Concise content (usually two pages)
- Focused on relevant experience
Employers often review hundreds of applications, and resumes are frequently screened by automated systems before reaching recruiters.
- Use Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Aligning your resume with the language used in the job posting can improve the chances of being shortlisted.
- Leverage Networking
Networking remains one of the most powerful job search strategies. Attending professional events, connecting with people on LinkedIn, and reaching out to professionals in your field can open unexpected doors.
Sometimes, the right opportunity comes from a connection rather than a job posting.
- Stay Persistent and Focused
Job markets can be competitive. In some cases, employers receive hundreds of applications for a single role.
Maintaining a positive attitude, staying focused on your goals, and continuing to engage with opportunities can make a significant difference.
The Power of Community and Support
The event reinforced an important message: you don’t have to navigate your career journey alone.
Jumpstart encourages participants to reach out, ask questions, and take advantage of available resources—from career coaching and mentorship to networking opportunities and professional workshops.
As the team emphasized during the event:
“You can ask Jumpstart anything, at any time. You don’t have to wait for a workshop.”
Looking Ahead
The Ask Me Anything session was a reminder that career journeys are rarely linear. Setbacks, transitions, and unexpected challenges are often part of the process.
However, with the right mindset, support network, and strategies, job seekers can turn those challenges into opportunities for growth.
Jumpstart remains committed to empowering refugee professionals and newcomers by providing the tools, connections, and guidance needed to build meaningful careers.