On a record-breaking day, nearly 90 refugee newcomers from across Canada tuned in for a dynamic Ask Me Anything (AMA) session hosted by Jumpstart Refugee Talent. The event brought together four of our newly joined experts in career coaching and recruitment, each of whom offered a host of insights on how to succeed in the competitive Canadian job market. 

This wasn’t just another webinar — it was a moment of real connection, honest storytelling, and practical advice from professionals. Whether you’re just getting started in your job search or are trying to pivot into a new industry, this session covered strategies, debunked myths, and encouraged confidence in every skill and story newcomers bring with them. 

Here’s a deep dive into the key topics and lessons that came out of the conversation. 

From Around the World to Jumpstart: Career Journeys with Purpose 

The session opened with each speaker sharing their personal and professional journey, highlighting their transitions from corporate sectors and international roles into employment support and advocacy work at Jumpstart. 

From talent acquisition to career coaching, their collective experience spans industries like automotive, tech, ESL education, and nonprofit work. What united them? A shared mission: to empower newcomers and refugees to thrive in the Canadian workforce. 

Several speakers spoke to their lived experience as immigrants themselves or as individuals who grew up watching their families face the challenges of resettlement — giving them a deeply personal drive to support others walking the same path. 

Cultural Intelligence & Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Career Success 

One of the most resonant discussions centered on cultural differences in communication and workplace expectations. Newcomers often face a major shift — from indirect styles of communication to the more assertive, individualistic approach valued in many Canadian industries. 

So how can one bridge this cultural gap? 

• Self-awareness: Understand your own values, communication style, and cultural tendencies. 

• Cultural curiosity: Seek to understand how Canadian workplaces function, but don’t feel the pressure to fully assimilate. 

• Authenticity with adaptability: Stay true to your identity, while being mindful of what’s effective in a professional context. 

The message was clear: You don’t need to erase who you are — but you do need to translate your strengths into a language employers can understand. 

Transferable Skills & The Myth of “Canadian Experience” 

For many newcomers, the dreaded phrase “lack of Canadian experience” feels like a wall. But the panel offered a different perspective: 

• It’s not about experience “in Canada” — it’s about helping employers see how your previous work is relevant to their needs. 

• Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities. What did you accomplish? How did your work make an impact? 

• Use Canadian terminology in resumes and interviews. Look at job postings to understand how roles are framed here. 

And most importantly: Don’t downplay your international experience. One speaker reminded us that employers don’t always know what they need until you show them what you bring to the table. 

Strategic Volunteering and Upskilling: Steps Toward Career Growth 

A key takeaway? Volunteer and internship roles should not be approached randomly. 

Instead, panelists urged newcomers to: 

• Be strategic with their volunteering — choose opportunities within their field or organizations that connect to their career goals. 

• Consider even 1–2 hours a week of volunteering as valuable. It’s about making meaningful connections and gaining industry-specific insights. 

• Use volunteering as a way to network, build Canadian references, and better understand workplace culture. 

For those looking to transition out of academia or pursue more stable roles, the advice was to: 

• Explore bridging programs, research assistant positions, and student-facing roles at universities. 

• Break into the institution through entry points that align with your long-term vision — even if it’s not your ideal role at first. 

One speaker shared a story of someone who landed a job in banking after researching their dream role, identifying gaps, and pursuing targeted certifications — a great example of working backwards from your goals. 

Tailoring Resumes & Leveraging LinkedIn 

When it comes to resumes, the advice was clear: 

• Tell a clear story of your professional journey. 

• Customize each resume to the role you’re applying for — generic resumes won’t cut it. 

• Showcase your accomplishments in bullet points using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). 

• Use terminology from job postings and align your job titles to recognizable equivalents — especially for international roles. 

On LinkedIn, many newcomers underestimate its value. Speakers emphasized: 

• Optimizing your profile with keywords and a professional summary. 

• Requesting endorsements and recommendations — even from colleagues or supervisors back home. 

• Engaging in discussions and reaching out to recruiters directly. 

It’s not about perfection — it’s about being visible, professional, and intentional. 

Career Sustainability: Think Long-Term, Not Just Survival 

Beyond finding a job, the discussion explored how to build a sustainable career in Canada: 

• Network intentionally: Join industry-specific associations and attend events to plant the seeds for future opportunities. 

• Understand workplace rights: Learn about the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Act, and Occupational Health & Safety Act. 

• Explore career ladders: Look for organizations with transparent job architecture and opportunities for internal growth. 

• Keep learning: Consider micro-certifications from Canadian colleges, but only after researching what employers are looking for. 

And perhaps most importantly: Strategize your job search like a campaign, not a lottery. Have a Plan A, B, and C. Track your progress. Stay focused. Adjust when needed. 

Final Words: Your Experience is Valuable 

The session closed with this powerful reminder: You belong here. 

You bring years of experience, global perspectives, resilience, and adaptability. Don’t let self-doubt, “Canadian experience” myths, or cultural barriers stop you from reaching your full potential. 

Jumpstart’s team of career coaches and recruiters are here to help — not just to get you hired, but to help you build a career that’s meaningful, sustainable, and true to who you are. 

Whether you need help refining your resume, understanding an industry, or just having someone in your corner — you’re not alone. 

If you missed the session or want to revisit any part, please visit our Reports and Resources page to view the recording here.