An Inspiring Career Journey

On February 5, 2025, Jumpstart Refugee Talent hosted a highly engaging online webinar featuring Camara Chambers, Director of Leadership Development at The Dais, affiliated with Toronto Metropolitan University. Camara, a renowned leader in community engagement and career development, shared valuable insights on navigating today’s competitive job market. Recognized as one of the 100 Top Black Women to Watch in Canada (2019/2020), she has worked with over 400,000 Torontonians in leadership development and career coaching. Having arrived in Toronto in 2011 with no local connections, Camara’s journey—from working a minimum-wage job for survival to becoming an Executive Director at 31 years old and later founding a nonprofit that has engaged over 2,000 people—serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and success.

1. Clarify Your Career Goals

During the session, Camara outlined 10 essential tips for job seekers to enhance their career prospects. She began by emphasizing the importance of reflecting on career goals and setting realistic, specific targets. Many job seekers, especially newcomers, struggle with articulating what they are looking for. Having a clear career direction not only helps with networking but also ensures a more strategic job search. She advised participants to define their target industry, role, and ideal work environment to make the job search process more efficient. 

2. Rethink Networking: Be Curious

Camara also encouraged job seekers to rethink traditional networking. Instead of simply attending events and trying to make connections on the spot, she suggested approaching career exploration with curiosity. Informational interviews—one-on-one conversations with professionals in a particular industry—are a great way to build relationships, gain insights, and expand professional networks. She advised participants to be intentional in reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn by crafting personalized messages that highlight shared interests or experiences. 

3. Seek Honest Feedback on Applications

Another crucial piece of advice was the need for honest feedback. Many job seekers unknowingly make avoidable mistakes in their resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Employers, who often review hundreds of applications, can easily spot generic resumes, spelling errors, or missing details. Seeking constructive criticism from mentors, career advisors, or even colleagues can significantly improve application materials and boost confidence in interviews. 

4. Find Joy Beyond the Job Hunt

Beyond job searching, Camara stressed the importance of finding joy outside of the job hunt. Searching for employment can be stressful and overwhelming, making it essential to engage in activities that bring happiness and balance. Whether it is reading, volunteering, hiking, or spending time with friends, taking breaks from job hunting can help maintain a positive mindset. She shared that her involvement in community projects and volunteer work not only helped her build a network but also contributed to her long-term career growth. 

5. Build a Supportive Job Search Community

Finding a supportive community of job seekers was another strategy she recommended. Having an accountability partner—a friend or colleague also looking for work—can provide motivation and keep job seekers on track. She shared that during her own job search, she and a friend would meet at a café to apply for jobs together, exchange leads, and keep each other encouraged. This type of structured support can make the process less isolating and more productive. 

6. Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way

Camara also emphasized the need to celebrate small wins along the way. The job search process can feel discouraging, but recognizing progress—such as being invited for an interview, expanding professional connections, or receiving positive feedback on an application—can boost morale. Even if a job offer isn’t immediate, every step forward is a valuable learning experience. 

7. Identify and Overcome Job Search Roadblocks

One of the most insightful points Camara shared was the importance of identifying roadblocks in the job search process. If a job seeker is submitting applications but not receiving interviews, it may indicate an issue with their resume or cover letter. If they are getting interviews but not landing job offers, their interview skills may need improvement. Recognizing these patterns and adjusting strategies accordingly can make a huge difference in achieving job search success. 

8. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

She also discussed the importance of focusing on quality over quantity when applying for jobs. Many job seekers fall into the trap of sending hundreds of generic applications rather than investing time in tailoring each one to the specific employer. Employers can easily recognize when a candidate has put effort into an application, and personalized applications stand out far more than mass submissions. 

9. Tailor Your Resume to Employer Expectations

Another critical point she raised was the need to give employers exactly what they want. When crafting resumes and cover letters, job seekers should closely mirror the language and requirements of the job posting. Using keywords from the job description and removing unrelated experiences ensures that an employer can quickly see how a candidate’s skills align with the role. Hiring managers often scan resumes in a matter of seconds, so clarity and relevance are key. 

10. Be Patient and Stay Persistent

Finally, Camara reminded participants to be patient and persistent. The job search process can be long and unpredictable but staying resilient and adaptable is essential. She shared that before landing her first leadership role, she spent six months in a survival job, often questioning whether she had made the right decision in moving to Canada. However, she persisted, adapted her job search strategies, and eventually found the right opportunity. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that rejections and setbacks are part of the journey, and success comes with time and perseverance. 

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The workshop concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants asked about resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies. Camara also addressed the importance of leveraging LinkedIn, seeking mentorship, and navigating career transitions as a newcomer to Canada. 

Jumpstart Refugee Talent continues to support job seekers through career mentorship, resume coaching, and networking programs designed to help refugees and newcomers thrive in the Canadian job market.  

Your next opportunity is out there—stay motivated, stay connected, and keep going!