Working

in Alberta
A guide for internationally
trained and educated immigrants
Immigrant-serving agencies, career practitioners and educators
This guide contains information to help internationally educated and trained immigrants identify
realistic work opportunities and make successful employment transitions in Alberta. It will help them
• find and use information to research the labour market
• learn about the requirements of occupations governed by law in Alberta
• research new work opportunities
• use job search skills and techniques to find work
• become familiar with the Alberta workplace
• find further information and resources

Immigrants living in Alberta and staff from Alberta immigrant-serving agencies were interviewed
in the development of this book. The examples presented reflect their actual experiences. However,
some of the individual stories are compilations of the experiences of two or more individuals.

Acknowledgment
Alberta Human Services extends special thanks to the individuals, immigrant-serving agencies,
community organizations and government departments that contributed their insights, information
and expertise to this publication.

Catalogue Item #761881 Government of Alberta, Human Services publications

may contain or reference publications, trademark,
This publication is available to download or order patent or copyright held by third parties (“third party
online at alis.alberta.ca/publications. material”), identified with a credit to the source. This
For copyright information, contact does not grant the user a licence or right to that third
Alberta Human Services party material. Users who wish to reproduce any third
Workplace and Career Planning party material in this publication should seek
Telephone: 780-422-1794 permission from that third party.
Fax: 780-422-5319
Email: [email protected]
Information in this publication was accurate,
© 2004, 2013 Government of Alberta, Human Services to the best of our knowledge, at the time of
printing. However, legislation, labour market
This material may be used, reproduced, stored or information, websites and programs are subject
transmitted for non-commercial purposes. However, to change, and we encourage you to confirm
Crown copyright is to be acknowledged. It is not with additional sources of information when
to be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for making career, education, employment and
commercial purposes without written permission business decisions.
from the Government of Alberta, Human Services.
This publication is not for resale unless licensed with
the Government of Alberta, Human Services. Every The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with
reasonable effort has been made to identify the owners the Government of Canada to provide employment
of copyright material reproduced in this publication support programs and services.
and to comply with Canadian copyright law. The
publisher would welcome any information regarding All photos in this booklet are for illustrative purposes
errors or omissions. only. They are not actual photos of any individuals
mentioned.
ISBN 978-0-7785-8857-3
07/2013—6.5M
11/2013—25M
03/2016—10M
12/2016—15M
 Table of Contents

Introduction ..............................................................................................................2
Moving to Alberta ..............................................................................................2
Finding employment—your responsibility .........................................................4

Doing Your Research.........................................................................................6

Getting ready to start your research ..................................................................6
Researching your occupation in Alberta ..........................................................12
Assessing and upgrading your qualifications ...................................................15
Researching new work possibilities ..................................................................20
Meeting English language requirements .........................................................27

Finding Work in Alberta .................................................................................30

Worksheets and checklists Building your Canadian work experience ........................................................30

My occupation Making connections by networking .................................................................33
in Alberta ............................. 18
Finding work opportunities ..............................................................................35
Getting work in my
Promoting yourself to employers .....................................................................36
occupation in Alberta .......... 19
Your skills checklist .............. 22
Considering new On the Job in Alberta .....................................................................................51
work possibilities ................. 24
Alberta’s workplace culture and etiquette .......................................................51
English language
requirements
in Alberta ............................. 29 Focus on the Future ........................................................................................57
Your resumé
checklist ............................... 42
Your cover letter Resources.........................................................................................................58
checklist ............................... 43
Your interview
Employment Terms Used in Alberta ..............................................................63
checklist ............................... 47

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 1
 Introduction
People from all over the world come to Alberta seeking new opportunities and a new
way of life. Alberta is a safe and prosperous place to live, work and raise children, in large
part because of the contribution of newcomers. Alberta needs people like you to help our
province continue to grow and prosper. We need people with the skills and knowledge
necessary to keep our economy strong.

Moving to Alberta
New challenges
Education level of recent
Making the decision to come to
immigrants
Alberta may have been one of the
In 2011, among new immigrants most important and challenging
to Alberta aged 20 and over
things you have ever done. But you
• 12% had a non-university and your family may be finding it
diploma difficult to adapt to a new country
• 5% had a trade certificate and a new way of life. You may
• 48% had a university degree have learned a new language
(bachelor’s, master’s or already. Now you are learning Welcome to Alberta:
doctoral) about living in a new culture, Information for Newcomers
community and society. You If you want basic information about
(Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada, formerly known as Citizenship and may be looking for a job to help living in Alberta, obtain a copy of
Immigration Canada)
support yourself and your family. Welcome to Alberta. Topics range from
housing, health care and education
You will probably find it easier
to employment, transportation and
to get through this period of transition by
citizenship. Copies are available
taking advantage of the many resources to Albertans at immigrant-serving
available to help you: agencies, professional agencies and elsewhere. Order or
organizations, government departments, download Welcome to Alberta at
websites and publications. You can find contact alis.alberta.ca/publications.
information in the Resources section.

2 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Hasina—Taking a new career direction

Hasina was a French translator and teacher in her home country of Egypt. When
she arrived in Alberta, she was not sure she wanted to teach again and could not
find work in translating, so she decided to look at other options. When she had her
qualifications assessed, it was determined that her bachelor of education/bachelor
of arts degree from Egypt was the equivalent of a four-year bachelor of arts
degree in Alberta. Hasina’s multiple language skills helped her get a job in an office
where they needed someone who spoke French. Not only was she able to use her
multiple language skills, she was also learning about the Alberta workplace.

Hasina eventually got a position that offered an unexpected opportunity. The office
accountant left, and Hasina’s supervisor asked her to do some of the work. She was
good at it and enjoyed it. She decided to take a business administration diploma
with a major in accounting. Hasina found out that with her training, university
education and other qualifications, she could challenge the professional accounting
examination and potentially be eligible for an accounting designation. As she says,
“You can always start something new.”

Coping with change

“One of the hardest things about
By getting the information and support you coming to Alberta was leaving
need, you can better prepare to deal with life’s behind everything I knew. I did more
changes. The better prepared you are, the more than cook in Trinidad. When I was
able you are to take control and make the career younger, I was a track and field star
decisions and choices that work for you. and coached part time… I knew
‘thousands of people,’ but when I
came to Alberta, I knew few people.”

Reggie, a cook who worked for

“People come here because they want a different life. That is 25 years in Trinidad and Tobago
the main reason. Canada is not all about getting a job. Look at before coming to Alberta
the people who came before you. They had a plan. They stayed
positive. They enjoyed life. Mental health—it means a lot. I came
as a refugee. I would be killed if I went back. Before I came, I
captained a ship and worked in business. When I first came, I
delivered pizza. When I work with immigrants who are getting If you are having difficulty coping with change,
discouraged, I ask them if they would go back to their home there are organizations that can help. Contact
country. Most say they would not.” an immigrant-serving agency to put you in
An immigrant who came to Alberta as a refugee and now leads a touch with the appropriate organization.
large organization Visit albertacanada.com/settle

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 3
 Finding employment—
your responsibility
The Canadian workplace may be very different be able to help with your job search. However, it is
from that of your original country. Even if the ultimately up to you to go through the job search
Government of Canada has admitted you to process to obtain employment.
Canada as a skilled worker, there is no guarantee
that Alberta employers, professional regulatory
organizations or provincial government
departments will accept your qualifications “When we work with immigrants, our
or your experience. Being qualified to work process has four components. We
offer information, assessment, skills
in Canada does not mean that finding work
development and bridging programs.
will be easy. As well, the employment situation
The strongest thing about our agency
in any occupation may change depending on is our approach. We work with our
the economy and the supply and demand of clients as partners. We work together
workers in a particular industry. on the employment action plan rather
In Canada’s and Alberta’s labour markets, than prescribe what to do.”
employers decide whether they are going to hire A manager at an immigrant-serving
someone. It is also up to individuals to find their agency
own work. Government, some immigrant-serving
agencies and staff in community programs may

4 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Karl—Building an occupation into a business

Karl had always wanted to be an architect. When he came to Alberta, he was

determined to stay in his profession. As a young man in Poland, he earned his
architecture degree at a well-respected technical university. He went to work for a
large construction company, but for a variety of reasons, he and his wife immigrated
to Alberta.

Karl was able to get work as a draftsperson. He was happy to have the work, but he
did not intend to do it forever. Fortunately, he was working for another architect
who advised him to get in touch with his professional association. He learned
what he had to do to become a registered architect in Alberta. It meant a lot of
upgrading and getting Canadian work experience in some specific areas. He also had to write a
professional exam.

Karl spent the next several years working and learning about the practice of architecture in
Alberta. He became involved with his professional community and got to know other architects.
He successfully challenged his examinations and earned his registration about eight years after
he first arrived in Alberta.

There were times when he wanted to give it all up and find something else. However, Karl feels
it was worth the effort. Today—after many late nights and weekends spent working—Karl is a
partner in his own successful architectural firm specializing in environmentally friendly buildings.
He also volunteers with his professional organization on a number of committees. As Karl says,
“It has been difficult, but I cannot imagine being anything else but an architect.”

Working in Alberta includes basic information If you obtained your education and skills training
on a wide variety of topics, including outside of Canada, then you may need help
recognition of international qualifications, figuring out how to have your qualifications
the registration and certification process, recognized or updated. This guide can help.
occupational information, career management,
Do you want to look for work related to the
job search skills and the labour market.
occupation for which you are trained? Are you
considering another type of work? Do you know
What Does Being “Internationally how to present international experience to
Educated and Trained” Mean? Alberta employers? This guide has information
This guide defines an internationally
and tools to help you research your occupation
educated and trained immigrant as a in Alberta, look at other work alternatives and
person who has a professional degree, become familiar with the Alberta workplace. By
post-secondary diploma or trade learning more about working in Alberta, you
certificate from a country other than can move closer to your career goals.
Canada. Examples of skilled immigrants
include, but are not limited to, people
who are accountants, engineers, nurses
or carpenters.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 5
 Doing Your Research
Research plays an important role in making work decisions and finding employment. This
part of the guide includes basic information, checklists, exercises and other resources for
collecting information and asking questions. It includes information on what you need to
consider as you explore working in Alberta.

Getting ready to start your research

Using research to make Be persistent in your research. It will take time
decisions and effort, but you will probably find that it is
worth the effort. Taking the time now to learn
Before you begin your research, take some time how things work in Alberta will save you time
to think about the information you want to and trouble later.
find, and the tools and approach you will use to Do not give up if you do not find all the
find it. Having a plan will help you stay focused information you need right away. There are
and make the best use of your research time. many places and ways to get information.
One of the first decisions you may have to make
is what kind of work you will look for. You will Finding labour market
not really be making one decision. Rather, you information
will be taking information from a variety of
sources—including yourself— When you research occupational choices and
and making a series of decisions. other information related to work, what you
Do you need access to a There is no magic formula for are really doing is collecting labour market
computer? making decisions. However, one information. Labour market information is the
Do you need to do an online way to make decisions is to collect information you need to make decisions about
job search or other Internet information by doing research your career direction. It includes information
research? Do you want to print and asking questions. Making about occupational options, training programs,
your resumé? If you do not have decisions involves taking what employment opportunities and industry
a computer, there are places you have learned, evaluating growth. Labour market information also
where you can use one. Try your
all the factors, coming to some includes information about the current labour
local Alberta Works Centre or
conclusions, making choices and market environment, as well as trends and
public library. Call the Alberta
putting these choices into action. forecasts about the future.
Career Information Hotline at
1-800-661-3753 toll-free, or For example, labour market information could
780-422-4266 in Edmonton, be information about what types of companies
for the Alberta Works Centre
or industries are increasing or decreasing their
nearest you. You can also visit the
labour force. You can use that information
ALIS website at alis.alberta.ca/awc
to decide which occupations have good
for more information.
employment prospects now and in the future.

6 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 You can get labour market information from a • Educational Programs
variety of sources, including websites, resource (alis.alberta.ca/edinfo)
centres, publications and people. It is a good The Educational Programs section of
idea to verify information by consulting more OCCinfo lists current information on
than one source. Following are some of the post-secondary education and training
resources you can use to learn more about the programs in Alberta. This section
labour market in Alberta. also has information about distance-learning
programs.
Alberta Learning Information • Occupations
Service website (alis.alberta.ca) (alis.alberta.ca/occinfo-occupations)
The Alberta Learning Information Service In the Occupations section of OCCinfo,
(ALIS) website is a Government of Alberta you will find detailed information on over
site that provides career, education and job 550 occupations in a set of occupational
information and resources. It has several labour profiles. Each profile includes information
market information sections. about an occupation’s typical duties and
responsibilities, working conditions, personal
Company & Industry Research and educational requirements,
(alis.alberta.ca/lmi) and salary ranges in Alberta. If you cannot
Get a realistic picture of what it might be find your occupation in the OCCinfo profiles,
like to work for a certain kind of company or see if you can find a similar or related
industry. In this section of the ALIS website, occupation. For example, a person working in
you will find information on opportunities and the panel beater trade outside Canada may do
trends in Alberta, industry outlooks, regional work similar to the autobody technician trade
information, wage and salary information, and in Alberta.
professional associations.
• Wages and Salaries
OCCinfo (alis.alberta.ca/occinfo) (alis.alberta.ca/wageinfo)
If you want to know how much jobs pay
Looking to kick-start your career or explore
in Alberta, check out the Wages and Salaries
new options? ALIS’s OCCinfo is your one-stop
section of OCCinfo. It covers more than
source for up-to-date information on Alberta’s
400 occupations and provides current
occupations, educational programs and schools.
information on wages and salaries for
With over 550 occupational profiles, planning
full-time employees in Alberta. This section
your career has never been easier. You can also
includes information by geographic area and
find information about various industries
industry group. It also has information on
that make up Alberta’s economy and influence
skills shortages in Alberta.
its society.
• Certification Requirements
(alis.alberta.ca/certinfo)
Are you wondering what certification
or registration requirements you must
satisfy before you can work in Alberta?
The Certification Requirements section of
the OCCinfo website provides information
on occupations that are governed by law in
Alberta. It answers common questions about
the certification and registration process
in Alberta and includes a list of regulated
occupations.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 7
 Alberta Works Centres Radio
Alberta Works Centres are located in Many radio stations broadcast informational
communities across Alberta. They provide programming and talk shows, which can be a
information about career planning, source of labour market information.
occupations, the labour market and future
Television
trends. Alberta Works Centres have computers,
telephones and fax machines you can use for Watch television shows that relate to your career
your work search. interests and evaluate the information they
provide about the current labour market and
Media resources future trends.

Internet Magazines
The Internet can be a good place to find Trade or industry magazines publish articles
information on labour market trends. If you and advertisements related to a specific field.
do a general search, type in terms like labour To find relevant trade publications, ask at your
market and Alberta to get relevant websites. local public library or talk to people in a related
professional association or union.
Social media websites are generally used for
connecting with friends, but they can also be Newspapers
used to let your contacts know you’re looking
The career and business sections of newspapers
for work. Many companies and organizations
and their websites often have articles about
join these websites and post job openings on
economic, industry and business trends. You
their pages.
can also learn a lot about which companies
are hiring and what occupations are currently
in demand by reading advertisements in the
classified and career sections of the paper.

Studies and reports

Libraries have copies of studies, reports and
other documents produced by publicly funded
organizations, such as Statistics Canada and
economic development offices. Local economic
development offices and chambers of commerce
often provide information about the current
business climate and local opportunities.

8 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Information interviews
Another very useful way to get information “Believe in yourself. Also get as
about the labour market is to talk to people. much information as possible. The
Asking for first-hand information about a information will empower you. Seek
particular occupational field, the specific job, out an agency that will empower
or required skills and qualifications is called you. If you have an idea of what is
really going on, you are prepared
an information interview. You can talk to staff
and you are ready to persevere. You
at immigrant-serving agencies and Alberta
can be successful here. You have to
Works Centres. You can also contact employers
have drive and commitment to your
who work in your specific field. Contact professional goals.”
your professional regulatory organization or
professional association for the names of some An employment counsellor who
employers in your community. works with immigrants who are
professionals
For an information interview, you will most
likely call a company and ask to speak with a
person doing the type of job you are interested Ф
in or with the manager of the department. It
is a very useful way to get current information
from someone who works on the inside of the Information interview dos and don’ts
sector where you want to work. You may have to • Do be specific. Decide what
get comfortable with the idea of cold calling— information you need before you ask.
phoning someone you do not know and have Doing so allows people to answer
never met. Remind yourself that information your questions more accurately.
interviews are commonly used by Albertans who • Do be prepared. Bring a list of
are seeking assistance to make career decisions. potential questions with you.
• Do take advantage of off-peak hours.
Try to talk to people when they are
less likely to be busy. They may feel
less pressured and have more time to
help you.
• Do make an appointment. An
appointment is especially important if
you’re asking for help or for detailed
information—for example, what kinds
of job opportunities a company might
have. Show up at your appointment
early or on time.
• Don’t ask for a job. Most people will
be happy to talk to you. However,
they will not appreciate being asked
for a job.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 9
 Sample scripts for Human resources manager: It depends on the
information interviews individual’s background. We may be looking for
a combination of training and work experience.
To prepare for an information interview, write
Some people may have trained somewhere
out a script and practise it. The following are
else and need to upgrade their skills before we
some examples of situations and some script
would consider hiring them. Many of our staff
ideas you may find useful as you do your
are registered members of the Association of the
research.
Chemical Profession of Alberta.
Example #1—In-person interview Kristina: How does your company advertise job
Kristina is trying to find out if any companies openings?
are hiring chemists. She has 15 years’ experience Human resources manager: People send us
working as a chemist for a large company in their resumés directly. Positions are posted on
Hungary but wants to find out if she can work as our company website.
a chemist in Alberta. She has already contacted
the Alberta professional regulatory organization Kristina: Here is my business card. May I
for chemists and learned what she needs to do to contact you again if I have any more questions?
become registered as a professional chemist. As Human resources manager: Certainly.
part of her continuing research, Kristina is going
to talk to some chemical companies about their Kristina: Thank you.
hiring requirements.
Example #2—Telephone interview
Kristina: Hello, I’m Kristina (include last Charles was a veterinarian in China. He wants
name). I’m a chemist from Hungary, and I to talk to the professional regulatory organization
would like to ask you a few questions about in Alberta. He needs to find out what specific
chemists at this company. things he has to do before he can be registered as a
Human resources manager at chemical veterinarian here.
company: Nice to meet you. Charles: My name is Charles Quek. I would
Kristina: First, how many chemists do you like to speak to someone about veterinarians
employ? in Alberta. I have just emigrated from China,
where I worked as a veterinarian. I would like
Human resources manager: We now have to know what I have to do before I can practise
approximately 90 chemists on staff at this site. in Alberta. I hope to work in an established
We also have about 30 working at our smaller clinic for a few years before I open up my own
plant. business.
Kristina: Do you hire chemists based on their Receptionist: The person you need to talk to
training and experience or do you also require is Diane Meeks. Ms. Meeks is not in right now.
them to be registered? May I have your name again and your number
so I can have her call you?
Charles: Yes, thank you. It is Charles Quek—
Q–U–E–K (spell out your name). My phone
number is…

10 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Keeping notes
on your research “Success depends on
resourcefulness. Immigrants who are
You will be collecting a lot of information as resourceful are the ones most likely
you research, so keep track of everything by to make it back to their occupation.”
writing it down. As you gather information,
keep notes about A counsellor with a training
institute
• the conversations and interviews you have
• the information you find out
• your ideas, thoughts and feelings about the
information you find out
• the contacts you make—names, telephone
numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses
and other information
You can write these notes in a notebook or
binder, on index cards or on a computer.

Sample research notes

Babak is researching his trade in Alberta. He wants to find out whether there are any job
opportunities and what he has to do to become certified to work in his trade. Babak keeps track of
the information he collects this way:

Information I need Who I contacted What I found out Notes

or where I looked
What do people • OCCinfo on ALIS website • People in my trade in • There are some tasks I have
in my trade do (alis.alberta.ca/occinfo) Alberta do very similar work not performed before.
in Alberta? • tradesecrets.alberta.ca to what I am used
to doing.

Do I have to • tradesecrets.alberta.ca • Yes, I must be certified. • In the meantime, is there

be certified? • Alberta Apprenticeship • I will need to have my some other kind of job
and Industry Training office qualifications assessed. where I could use my skills?
(call the Alberta Career
Information Hotline for the
address of my local office)

Who is hiring people • ALIS website • Many companies are hiring. • I should decide where I’ll
in my trade? • Newspaper Most are in construction for look for work when I’m
the oil industry. It depends certified.
• Trade workers’ union where I want to work. • I can start learning now
• Work search websites about companies and how
they work so I know who to
apply to when I’m certified.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 11
 Researching your
occupation in Alberta
Because you got your education and training example, if you were a building scientist in your
outside of Alberta, you may not be able to home country, try looking under “Engineer”
work in your occupation of training right and “Engineering Technologist” to see how the
away. Doing what is necessary to work in your occupations compare.
occupation could be a very time-consuming,
Regardless of your occupation, you must be
expensive and occasionally frustrating process.
able to demonstrate to potential employers
The benefits may be worth the effort, but only
that you have the knowledge and skills to
you can decide what is best in your case.
do the work. Employers often ask to see
Take time to research how your occupation works documents that support what you say about
in Alberta. Some occupations in Alberta may your education, training and work experience.
not exist in your country and some occupations In regulated occupations, employers also ask for
may be similar to those in your country but need evidence that you have the required licensing,
different qualifications in Alberta. certification or registration. Later in this section,
you will learn how to have your qualifications
See OCCinfo at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo for
assessed for Alberta, if necessary.
information about occupations, including those
that are not regulated. If the name of your You may wish to use the worksheets that are
occupation is not included in the OCCinfo included at the end of this section to record
profiles, look for a similar occupation. For the answers to your research. They contain

Matthew and Felee—Taking advantage of work

opportunities in Alberta

Matthew and Felee, a married couple, both worked as nurses for more than
15 years in their home country of the Philippines. Both had family who were
already in Alberta, so they were not worried about being alone. Since English
is one of the official languages of the Philippines, their English skills were
already excellent. Before coming to Alberta, Matthew and Felee visited the
professional regulatory organization’s website and learned about the steps
they needed to take to get registered in Alberta. For example, they found out
that in addition to needing official transcripts from their nursing school in the
Philippines, they also had to take a nursing refresher course and write and pass
a national nursing examination.

It took time, hard work and some of their savings to become registered nurses
in Alberta, but for both Matthew and Felee, it was worth the effort. Matthew
works at a specialized health facility in a community just outside Red Deer. Felee was pleased
to get a full-time job at a hospital near her home. Since coming to Alberta, they have met
many other people from the Philippines, reconnected with some of their relatives and become
involved in the community.

12 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 questions that will give you the information you • typical duties and responsibilities and where
need to know about the way your occupation you can find more detailed information
works in Alberta. My occupation in Alberta about the occupation
(page 18) has questions about regulated
• the title of relevant legislation and
occupations in Alberta as well as certification
regulations
and credential assessment requirements. Getting
work in my occupation in Alberta (page 19) • basic education, experience and examination
contains labour market information questions. requirements for certification or registration
• contact information for the professional
Regulated occupations regulatory organization
and designated trades
Registration or
Each province in Canada is responsible for
setting the standards, education and training
certification process
requirements for occupations and trades. As a If your occupation is regulated in Alberta, it
result, there are different standards across Canada. may take weeks, months or years to register with
In Alberta, regulated occupations have legal a professional regulatory organization or to
requirements or restrictions in place to protect obtain the certification you need to work in your
the public. In some regulated occupations, occupation. The length of time it takes will vary
such as pharmacist, engineer or accountant, from one occupation to another and from one
you must be registered with the appropriate situation to another. It may also vary depending
professional regulatory organization. In a on the country where you received your training.
regulated (or designated) trade, such as welder, The standards and requirements may be very
hairstylist or heavy equipment technician, you different from those in Alberta.
must be registered with Alberta Apprenticeship
and Industry Training (AIT).
AIT is part of the provincial government Immigrant Access Fund
ministry responsible for administering If you are a foreign-trained professional
laws and regulations governing work in or tradesperson, you may be eligible for
the designated trades. These laws require a loan from the Immigrant Access Fund.
trades to have industry-established job This fund offers loans of up to $10,000 to
skills and competencies, as well as a help immigrants become accredited to
training program called an apprenticeship work in Alberta.
program. Apprenticeship programs include Eligible costs include
a combination of formal technical training • exam fees with professional governing
(20 per cent) and documented on-the-job association
training and work experience (80 per cent). • qualifications assessments
Tradespeople from outside Canada may be • professional association fees
eligible to apply for certification in Alberta. • tuition fees at a recognized post-
For more information about certification in secondary institution
the trades, visit the AIT website at
• cost of books and course materials
tradesecrets.alberta.ca or your nearest
• living allowance during study time
AIT office (see the Resources section for
contact information). • travel expenses to write exams
To find out more about the Immigrant
For more information on regulated occupations Access Fund
in Alberta, visit the Certification Requirements
• call 780-756-3023 in Edmonton or
section of OCCinfo at alis.alberta.ca/certinfo.
403-228-9981 in Calgary
It is a government resource that provides
• go online to www.iafcanada.org
descriptions of each regulated occupation in
Alberta, including

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 13
 There will also be differences in the steps In addition to examination and registration
you must take to obtain your certification or fees, there may be other costs associated with
registration. For example, you may have to obtaining registration or certification. Contact
write examinations, obtain work experience or your professional regulatory organization for
get additional training or education before you more information.
can be certified to work in your occupation in
Alberta. If you are certified, it means that the Non-regulated
professional regulatory organization recognizes
your qualifications. However, gaining additional
occupations
education or attaining membership with Some occupations in Alberta are not regulated.
the professional regulatory organization or You do not have to meet any specific legal
professional association does not guarantee you requirements to work in non-regulated
a job. You then need to find an employer who occupations. Employers set the standards
will hire you. and decide how employees will best meet
In some occupations, professional regulatory their requirements.
organizations and professional associations
have signed international mutual recognition Occupational associations
agreements that make it much easier for members If you are a member of an unregulated
to have their credentials recognized in other occupation, you may still wish to see whether
countries. As well, some Alberta professional there is a professional organization or
regulatory organizations may allow applicants association for your occupation. These types of
for registration or certification to challenge organizations can help you make connections
examinations or meet other requirements and, in some cases, obtain voluntary
while they are still living outside Alberta. Some certification. You can check the Internet or
occupations also have national examinations. the business pages of your local telephone
For general information on accreditation book for some possibilities. Review headings
in regulated occupations, visit the Certification like “organizations,” “associations,” “society,”
Requirements section of OCCinfo at “institute” or “college.”
alis.alberta.ca/certinfo. For detailed
information about accreditation in your Designated occupations
occupation, contact the appropriate regulatory Designated occupations recognize skills and
or professional organization. competencies that meet industry standards.
Training in the designated occupations is
Registration costs voluntary. An individual who has demonstrated
Every regulated occupation has different the standards of competence may be granted an
requirements for licensing, registration occupational certificate. However, this certificate
or certification and related fee schedules. is not required to work in the occupation.
Requirements may include Some designated occupations may have formal
training, some may have only work experience
• written examination(s) and some may have a combination of formal
• oral examination(s) training and work experience. Those pursuing
certification in a designated occupation are
• language proficiency standards responsible for paying any associated tuition fees.
• a qualifications assessment conducted by For more information about designated
the professional regulatory organization occupations in Alberta, visit tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
or a specified assessment service (see
Qualifications assessments later in this
section)
• a period of supervised work experience

14 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Assessing and upgrading
your qualifications
Once you have gathered information about Qualification
your occupation in Alberta, the next step is to Certificate Program
compare your qualifications to the occupational The Alberta Qualification Certificate Program
requirements. You can then determine what allows tradespeople to prove that their skills
you need to do to have your qualifications and experience meet the Alberta standards.
recognized, or what additional education or Individuals who meet industry-established
training you might consider. competencies in an Alberta-designated trade
or occupation are eligible to challenge the
Qualifications assessments Qualification Certificate exam(s). Upon
successfully passing the exam(s), they receive an
If you trained outside Alberta and want your Alberta Qualification Certificate or an Alberta
education and experience to be recognized by Occupational Certificate.
professional regulatory organizations, employers
For more information on the Qualification
or post-secondary institutions in this province,
Certificate Program, contact AIT. For the
you will need to have your credentials assessed
office nearest you, call the Alberta Career
to determine how well you meet the standards
Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free,
for your occupation in Alberta. An assessment
or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit
involves comparing your qualifications to
tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
similar qualifications in Alberta and Canada.
Qualifications can include your credentials,
training, work experience and education.

Assessments for Prepare your documents to save time

regulated occupations and trouble
If your occupation is regulated, your professional An assessment of your qualifications can
regulatory organization may conduct its own take months to complete. It may take
qualifications assessments. But it could also longer if you have problems providing
required documents. Make sure you have
require that you have your qualifications assessed
all of the original or notarized copies of
by an assessment service. For more information
documents you need in order to have
on qualifications assessments, contact an
your qualifications assessed, including
immigrant-serving agency, professional
• degrees
association or professional regulatory
organization. You can also see Assessments of • diplomas
qualifications in the Resources section. • certificates
• employment records
• letters of reference
• official transcripts of marks from
educational institutions
Allow time for any documents that must
be translated into English and certified by
a translator before they can be assessed.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 15
 International Qualifications Prior Learning Assessment
Assessment Service and Recognition
The International Qualifications Assessment Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Service (IQAS) is a Government of Alberta (PLAR) evaluates the skills and knowledge
service. For a fee, it does assessments and that people acquire outside a formal learning
issues certificates that show how educational environment. It considers learning through
credentials from other countries compare to non-credit courses, on-the-job training and
educational standards in Canada. Employers professional workshops, as well as people’s
may use an IQAS assessment to help them life and work experience. The assessment
understand the educational credentials determines how that informal learning
presented by a job applicant. You can include should apply toward receiving credit in a
an IQAS assessment certificate with your post-secondary program, meeting regulated
resumé when applying for employment. IQAS occupation requirements or other goals.
assessments will not automatically lead to
A PLAR assessment may include one or more of
employment, but they can help demonstrate
the following:
your qualifications to Alberta employers.
• written challenge exam
For more information about IQAS, see the
Resources section for contact information or • oral exam or interview
visit work.alberta.ca/iqas.
• performance assessment
• product assessment
• portfolio assessment
See the Resources section for more information
about PLAR programs.

Sample IQAS assessment

(This is not an actual assessment, nor is it
intended to show any real qualifications. It is only
an example of what a basic assessment might
look like.)

16 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Concerned about your finances?
Maybe you are taking job-related
Education and training training or are upgrading your English
upgrades language skills. You may be wondering
how you can support yourself and your
family during this time of transition.
Additional training or Some Government of Alberta programs
education and services include loans, grants
After having your education and training and other types of financial assistance.
assessed, you may discover that you need Contact the Alberta Career Information
Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free,
to upgrade your qualifications before you
or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, to find
can work in your occupation in Alberta.
an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Your professional regulatory organization or
professional association may be able to advise
you about suitable training. A career counsellor
or immigrant-serving agency can also help occupation. Bridging programs help immigrants
you identify and select a suitable education acquire the additional skills and training they
program. For example, some immigrant- need to successfully undertake their occupation
serving agencies offer computer training, in Alberta.
communication skills courses and other training
opportunities. Alberta Works Centres can help Bridging programs can provide training in
you find education and training resources. Canadian workplace culture, training in how
In some communities, the Government of an occupation in Alberta differs from the
Alberta funds career and employment services immigrant’s country of origin and training
specifically for immigrants. Contact the Alberta in job search skills. Some bridging programs
Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 are designed for specific occupations, such as
toll-free, or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, for engineering, nursing and accounting.
more information. See Bridging programs in the Resources
section for information on these programs. You
Bridging programs can also contact the Alberta Career Information
Some community organizations work with Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free, or 780-
educational institutions to offer “bridging” 422-4266 in Edmonton, for information about
programs to immigrants seeking work in their bridging programs in your community.

Rishad—Adapting to change by learning new skills

Rishad was a professional mechanical engineer in his home country of India. Soon after
he arrived, Rishad began researching what he would need to do to become registered
as an engineer in Alberta. At the same time, he visited a community agency that helped
immigrants. There, he heard about a program that helps immigrants with an engineering
background learn new skills so they can become certified engineering technologists.
Although Rishad still eventually wanted to work as a professional engineer, he liked the
idea that he could at least work in the same general field. Rishad was accepted into the
program. It took Rishad 10 months to complete the program, but he is now qualified as
an engineering technologist in Alberta. He learned new skills and acquired some Canadian
work experience. Rishad has a job lined up and will work toward getting his professional
engineering registration at some time in the future.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 17
 My occupation in Alberta

You can use this worksheet to record information about your occupation in Alberta.

1. What is the name of my occupation in Alberta?

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What are typical duties and responsibilities for my occupation in Alberta?

____________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the certification or registration requirements for my occupation, if any?

____________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the name of the professional regulatory organization or professional

association for my occupation, if there is one (e.g. Association of Professional Engineers,
Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGA) or the College and Association of
Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA))? What is its contact information?

____________________________________________________________________________

5. Do I need to have my qualifications/credentials assessed before I can work in Alberta?

If so, where can I get my credentials assessed? Who provides this service?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

6. How much will it cost to have my qualifications/credentials assessed?

____________________________________________________________________________

7. How long will it take to have my qualifications/credentials assessed?

____________________________________________________________________________

8. Next steps:

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Where to find more information • tradesecrets.alberta.ca: apprenticeship and

• alis.alberta.ca/occinfo: information on industry training
occupations, educational programs and • professional regulatory organizations
schools in Alberta. Learn about Alberta’s
outlook for employment and advancement, • professional associations
job duties and working conditions,
educational and certification requirements,
industries, and wage and salary ranges.

18 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Getting work in my occupation in Alberta

You can use this worksheet to record information about work opportunities in
your occupation in Alberta.

1. What industries hire people in my occupation in Alberta?

(See alis.alberta.ca/occinfo.)

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What companies or organizations hire people in my occupation?

(Check the Internet, your local library or Alberta Works Centre for business directories.)

____________________________________________________________________________

3. What qualifications and experience do companies or organizations want?

____________________________________________________________________________

4. What job titles are in my occupation in Alberta? (e.g. information management

technician, chartered accountant)

____________________________________________________________________________

5. Is demand for workers increasing, staying the same or decreasing?

____________________________________________________________________________

6. What are the salaries?

____________________________________________________________________________

7. What are the opportunities for me to be self-employed in my occupation in Alberta?

____________________________________________________________________________

Where to find more information • work.alberta.ca/lmi: labour market

• alis.alberta.ca/occinfo: information on information
occupations, educational programs and • tradesecrets.alberta.ca: apprenticeship and
schools in Alberta. Learn about Alberta’s industry training
outlook for employment and advancement,
job duties and working conditions, • professional regulatory organizations
educational and certification requirements, • professional associations
industries, and wage and salary ranges.
• information gathering interviews
• newspapers

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 19
 Researching new work possibilities
Many workers in Alberta change their career Gathering information to
direction. Instead of staying with one company
or occupation, they manage their careers and
help you decide
move as new opportunities arise or interests
By taking some time to research other
develop. Their work history might involve
occupations in Alberta, you can learn what
different kinds of employment and a variety
other options are available and make an
of employers. Along the way, they use their
informed choice about whether or not to
transferable skills and develop new ones.
pursue a new career path. Researching new
You may find it difficult to leave behind an
work options is similar to researching your
occupation that you worked hard to enter
occupation of training. For example, you can
and enjoyed doing. But you may also discover
research the following questions:
rewards that come from different work.
• What industries are hiring people with my
background and training?
• Which companies are recruiting?
• Which companies have a good record of
hiring skilled immigrants?
• What occupations are in demand?
• What are the qualifications for these
occupations?
• Am I qualified for these occupations?
• Do I need any additional education or
training?
• What are the average annual starting salaries
for the occupations I am considering?

Where to find more information

Use some of the same sources you used for
researching the labour market and your
occupation of training. For example, a good
source of information about occupations is
OCCinfo at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo. You can also
visit an Alberta Works Centre or call the Alberta
Career Information Hotline for information
about work at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free, or
780-422-4266 in Edmonton.
Whatever sources you use, try to collect all the
information you need to make an informed
decision.

20 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Transferring your skills to with skills for a specific job. However, they are
also looking for people with skills that can be
different work situations transferred from one job to another.
You take your skills with you wherever you go. Once you begin working, you may be able to
As you look at new work options, consider which learn the required technical skills, such as how
of the skills you have developed could be applied to operate specific equipment, through on-the-
to different work. Alberta employers are looking job or short-term training. Transferable skills
for people who can do more than perform a set are harder to teach, so employers want to hire
of tasks. Yes, employers are looking for people people who already have them. For example,
they are often looking for people who
• have good interpersonal and communication
“Learn to talk about your skills,
skills
not your occupation title. Rather
than just say ‘I’m a physiotherapist’ • can plan, manage their work and solve
you should describe what you can problems
actually do. Learn to talk about
the skills that you can use. You can • can work independently or on teams
do this whether you’re working at Take a few minutes to do the exercise on the next
getting registered or looking for a
page. If you are able to identify, describe and
different kind of work.”
highlight the transferable skills you have already
A counsellor who works with developed, it may help you consider which new
immigrants who are professionals occupations might be suitable choices.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 21
 Your skills checklist
Whatever work you do, you can take your skills with you. You can transfer them from one
situation to another, from one employer to another, from one occupational field to another. It’s
important to know your skills when you are considering other work possibilities.
The following is a list of skills that Canadian employers value most. Read the list and check off
those you can do well.

Fundamental skills q Recognize the human, interpersonal,

technical, scientific and mathematical
The skills needed as a base for further dimensions of a problem
development q Identify the root cause of a problem
q Be creative and innovative in exploring
Communicate possible solutions
q Read and understand information
q Use science, technology and
presented in a variety of forms (e.g.
mathematics as ways to think, gain and
words, graphs, charts, diagrams)
share knowledge, solve problems and
q Write and speak so others pay attention make decisions
and understand
q Evaluate solutions to make
q Listen and ask questions to understand recommendations or decisions
and appreciate the points of view of
q Implement solutions
others
q Share information using a wide range
of information and communications Personal management skills
technologies (e.g. voice, email,
The personal skills, attitudes and behaviours
computers)
that drive one’s potential for growth
q Use relevant scientific, technological and
mathematical knowledge and skills to Demonstrate positive attitudes
explain or clarify ideas
and behaviours
Manage information q Feel good about yourself and be
confident
q Locate, gather and organize information
using appropriate technology and q Deal with people, problems and
information systems situations with honesty, integrity and
personal ethics
q Access, analyze and apply knowledge
and skills from various disciplines (e.g. q Recognize your own and other people’s
the arts, languages, science, technology, good efforts
mathematics, social sciences and the q Take care of your personal health
humanities) q Show interest, initiative and effort

Use numbers Be responsible

q Decide what needs to be measured or q Set goals and priorities balancing work
calculated and family life
q Observe and record data using q Plan and manage time, money and other
appropriate methods, tools and resources to achieve goals
technology q Assess, weigh and manage risk
q Make estimates and verify calculations q Be accountable for your actions and the
actions of your group
Think and solve problems
q Be socially responsible and contribute to
q Assess situations and identify problems your community
q Seek different points of view and
evaluate them based on facts Be adaptable
q Work independently or as part of a team
q Carry out multiple tasks or projects

22 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 q Be innovative and resourceful: identify q Be flexible: respect, be open to and be
and suggest alternate ways to achieve supportive of the thoughts, opinions
goals and get the job done and contributions of others in a group
q Be open and respond constructively to q Recognize and respect people’s
change diversity, individual differences and
q Learn from your mistakes and accept perspectives
feedback q Accept and provide feedback in a
q Cope with uncertainty constructive and considerate manner
q Learn continuously q Contribute to a team by sharing
q Be willing to continuously learn and information and expertise
grow q Lead or support when appropriate,
q Assess personal strengths and areas for motivating a group for high
development performance
q Set your own learning goals q Understand the role of conflict in a
group to reach solutions
q Identify and access learning sources and
opportunities q Manage and resolve conflict when
appropriate
q Plan for and achieve your learning goals
Participate in projects and tasks
Work safely
q Plan, design or carry out a project
q Be aware of personal and group health
or task from start to finish with well-
and safety practices and procedures
defined objectives and outcomes
and act in accordance with these
q Develop a plan, seek feedback, test,
revise and implement
Teamwork skills q Work to agreed quality standards and
The skills and attributes needed to specifications
contribute productively q Select and use appropriate tools and
technology for a task or project
Work with others
q Adapt to changing requirements and
q Understand and work within the information
dynamics of a group
q Continually monitor the success of a
q Ensure that a team’s purpose and project or task and identify ways to
objectives are clear improve

(Source: Employability Skills 2000+, Conference Board of Canada)

My main skills the following worksheet, Considering new work

Look over the skills you checked off in the skills possibilities, as you think about how you can use
checklist. On a separate piece of paper, write familiar skills for different kinds of work.
down Take the time to become more aware of your
• the 10 skills you do best skills. People who can adapt their skills to a
variety of work situations often find it easier
• the 10 skills you enjoy doing most to move in new career directions. Check out
• the 10 skills you would like to or need to CAREERinsite, a one-stop guide to online
further develop career planning at alis.alberta.ca/careerinsite.
Explore and compare career options based on
Now you can link your skills and qualifications your values, skills and interests, and develop an
with the occupational research you have done, as action plan for your future.
well as opportunities that might interest you. Use

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 23
 Considering new work possibilities
Use this worksheet to record information as you consider different work options.

1 2

New occupation
I am considering

Qualifications and skills

required by the occupation I am
considering (use information from
OCCinfo and elsewhere)

My relevant qualifications and

skills (use information from the
skills checklist)

Am I qualified? (yes, no, maybe)

What additional education or

training do I need? (e.g. ESL or
computer training)

Am I willing to consider this type

of work? (yes, no, maybe)

24 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Where to find more information
You can get copies of the following publications
by visiting alis.alberta.ca/publications.
Assessing You: The First Step in Career Planning
This book will help you adapt in today’s world
3 4
of work. Read about the skills employers are
looking for and work on written exercises that
will help you identify your own strengths.
Assessing You includes suggestions for keeping
track of your skills and ideas for packaging your
career assets to suit your current needs.
Career Planner: Choosing an Occupation
This plain language workbook is full of exercises
and tips to guide you through five career
planning steps. It will help you decide what
occupation is right for you by asking these
questions: What am I doing right now? What do
I need to know? What are my best choices? What
do I need to do now? What actions will I take?
My Choices, My Work, My Life
Whether you’re considering planning your
career, changing jobs, upgrading your skills or
trying to balance work with the needs of your
family, My Choices, My Work, My Life will help
you see your options, make a decision, set goals
and complete the tasks that will lead you closer
to your vision for your life.
Research career and occupational information
at the following websites:
• alis.alberta.ca/careerinsite: online activities
to generate occupational options and develop
an action plan
• alis.alberta.ca/occinfo: information on
occupations, educational programs and
schools in Alberta. Learn about Alberta’s
outlook for employment and advancement,
job duties and working conditions,
educational and certification requirements,
industries, and wage and salary ranges.
• tradesecrets.alberta.ca: apprenticeship and
industry training

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 25
 Making your decision • Will this new occupation help you move
closer to your goals?
The information you collect during your
• How would your decision affect your family?
research will help you make decisions and take
action. You will probably spend considerable • What other factors will affect your choices?
time looking at new work choices and weighing (e.g. finances, age, transportation)
your options. As you go through this process, If you consider more than the facts, you may be
look beyond the facts. Consider your family more comfortable with your decisions.
situation as well as your own feelings and
attitudes. For example, Do not be too concerned if you cannot make
a decision about a new occupation right away.
• How would you feel about leaving your The process of managing your career in today’s
occupation of training? changing world can be complicated. There is
• How would you feel about trying something not one “right” occupation for you. Rather,
new? there are many interesting occupations you
could feel satisfied working in. Be curious and
• What new challenges and opportunities
open so you can consider new possibilities as
would this new occupation provide?
they arise. Look for chances to apply your skills
and experience in new ways.

Parveen—Using employability skills to move forward

With a six-year university degree and a background in teaching and economics in India,
Parveen worked in a day-care centre not long after she arrived in Alberta. She was glad
to earn the money to support her children, but she missed her former job where she
worked with university students.

Parveen continued to work in a variety of transitional jobs. She was beginning to wonder
when she was going to get back on track and start using her education again. The
turning point came when she met a human resources manager during an interview for a
cleaning job. Instead of hiring Parveen, the manager told her she was overqualified and
encouraged her to pursue her occupation. She told Parveen, “If you get this job, you’ll
stay for the rest of your life.” Parveen was surprised at the time but now sees the manager’s
response as a positive event. She did work as a child care provider again but started to actively
pursue getting back to her field of training. Parveen took part-time computer courses and
grammar training. She also saw counsellors and learned how to revise her resumé, write cover
letters and start looking for new employment opportunities. Parveen also continued to improve
her English language skills.

After progressively more responsible positions, hard work, persistence and a bit of luck,
Parveen now works as an employment counsellor. Her job combines everything she had learned
before and more. Over the years, she has taken countless workshops, short-term courses and
training from employers to arrive in her current position.

26 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Meeting English language
requirements
In all skilled occupations, you must be able to • Test of English as a Foreign Language
speak, read and write in English very well to (TOEFL)
obtain employment in Alberta. Immigrants who
• Test of English for International
have basic communication skills in English must
Communication (TOEIC)
often upgrade their language skills before they are
able to convince employers that they are the best • Test of Spoken English (TSE)
candidates for employment opportunities.
Several organizations offer English language
You can use the worksheet English language assessment services. For information on the
requirements in Alberta (page 29) to record assessment services in your community, contact
information you gather about English language your local immigrant-serving agency or the
requirements. Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-
3753 toll-free, or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton.
Assessing your English
language skills Communicating in the
technical language of your
You can demonstrate your English language occupation
skills by taking part in an interview or by
submitting the results of an English language Although you may already have excellent
proficiency assessment. There are several different English skills for communicating in everyday
tests that can assess your English language life, your occupation may use very specific
proficiency, including those listed below. technical terminology. In order to obtain
Different professional regulatory organizations work in Alberta, you will also have to know
and professional associations may use different this terminology. In technical occupations,
tools. Find out which one is accepted before you there may be operating manuals or specific
take an assessment. Examples of commonly used codes that you must know how to interpret.
assessment tests include For example, architects must know how
• Canadian Academic English Language to interpret provincial building codes and
Assessment (CAEL) technical drawings. Check with the professional
regulatory organization or professional
• Canadian English Language Proficiency association for your occupation. They can tell
Index Program (CELPIP) you the English language requirements of your
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement occupation.
Test (CLBPT) and Canadian Language
Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
• International English Language Testing Try to speak English as often
System (IELTS) as you can
There are conversational, business and
technical ways to speak English. By
practising your English in a variety of
situations, you can become comfortable
using a variety of English language
speaking styles.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 27
 Getting English
language training “Learn as much English as you can.
When you understand, everything
There are different types of English language comes easily. You need the language
training available. Once you get your English to understand the information. I
language skills assessed, you can find out what knew a computer programmer who
wanted to do upgrading, but what he
training will best meet your needs.
really needed was language training.
He found work cleaning buildings.
Language Instruction for That was OK for a while. But once he
Newcomers to Canada improved his English language skills,
The Government of Canada funds the Language he was able to get a job in his field.”
Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
Ed, an emigrant from Nicaragua
program for newcomers. You can find out more
about LINC through your local immigrant-
serving agency or the language assessment and
referral centres (see the Resources section for English as a Second Language
contact information). English as a Second Language (ESL) is English
language training for people whose first
language is not English. Training is designed
to help participants learn basic to advanced
reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
Visit these websites to find out more about ESL
programs in Alberta:
• Calgary area—immigrantservicescalgary.ca
(click on “How We Can Help,” and then click
on “ESL and LINC Directories”)
• Edmonton and other select urban centres in
Alberta—catholicsocialservices.ab.ca (click
on “Find Programs by Service,” and then
click “Immigration and Settlement Service”)
• alis.alberta.ca/occinfo (click on “Educational
Programs,” and then enter “English as a
Second Language” in keyword search)

Occupational language
training
Occupational language training is specific
to a particular occupation. It goes beyond
basic language training and may include
technical terminology.

28 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 English language requirements in Alberta

You can use this worksheet to record information about the English language
requirements of your occupation.

1. What English language proficiency examination does my professional regulatory

organization require?

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What level of English is required for my occupation?

____________________________________________________________________________

3. Do I need to know more technical English for my occupation?

____________________________________________________________________________

4. Where can I get my English language skills assessed? (Be sure to include the name,
address and telephone number and, if applicable, website address.)

____________________________________________________________________________

5. Do I need more English language training?

____________________________________________________________________________

6. What type of training do I need? (There are different types, such as LINC, ESL and
occupational language training.)

____________________________________________________________________________

7. Do I need help with clearer pronunciation?

____________________________________________________________________________

8. Where can I get more English language training or training to improve

pronunciation? (Be sure to include the name, address and telephone number and, if
applicable, website address.)

____________________________________________________________________________

Free English Lessons

Keep up to date with news while
learning English. For more information,
visit albertacanada.com/breakthewall

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 29
 Finding Work in Alberta
Whether you are considering a new career path, working in a transitional job or moving
toward getting your certification, these examples, checklists, ideas and other resources
will support your search for employment.

Building your Canadian

work experience
One of the biggest challenges newcomers face
in the labour market is getting Canadian work
Transitional jobs
experience. You may find yourself thinking, More likely than not, you will begin your time
I cannot get a job because I have no Canadian working in Canada in a transitional job. A
work experience. But I cannot get work experience transitional job can be best described as a job
because I cannot get a job. you need in order to earn money while you are
Yes, many employers are looking for people with looking for other opportunities. Maybe you
Canadian work experience. It can be difficult to have decided to get Alberta certification in your
get work experience, especially if your English occupation of training, but that’s going to take
skills need improvement or if you do not know some time. In the meantime, you still need to
very many people yet. However, there are ways pay your bills. A transitional job—or jobs—can
to start building your Canadian experience. help you get through this period of change.
Transitional jobs may seem like a step down from
Full-time work and your former type of work. But they are often
an important part of the settlement process for
alternatives many immigrants. It may surprise you, but a
transitional job can do more than just help you
If you are open to many possibilities, you may
meet your basic needs. Transitional jobs can also
find it easier to obtain work in Alberta. There
lead to unexpected work opportunities.
are many different work arrangements that have
become increasingly common, including the
following:
“You have to have realistic
Part-time employment—Working for a single expectations and plans. If you come
employer for less than 30 hours a week in as an engineer, do not expect that
Job-sharing—Two or more people sharing your first job will be as an engineer.
This is a new country. You have to
the same job for the same employer, with each
be realistic about your expectations
person working part time
for employment and where you are
Self-employment—Developing, producing and going to start and where you are
marketing services in a one-person operation going to end up.”

A career counsellor who is also an

immigrant

30 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Transitional jobs can have some real advantages. A transitional job can also help you impress
A transitional job can help you employers. If you are already working and
have proven yourself, employers may be more
• get Canadian work experience
willing to hire you than to hire someone who is
• get yourself known to employers who may be unemployed.
hiring for other jobs later on
A qualifications assessment may help in
• learn more about other work opportunities your search for a transitional job. Employers
in a particular industry may use a qualifications assessment to help
• learn about Canadian workplace culture them understand the educational credentials
presented by a job applicant. You can attach
• meet other people in the workforce and build an assessment certificate to your resumé when
up your network of contacts you apply for employment. Qualifications
• make new acquaintances and friends assessments will not automatically lead to
work, but they can help demonstrate your
• earn the money you need to care for yourself qualifications to Alberta employers.
and your family
• improve your professional and Where to find more information
conversational English skills See the official Alberta website, under the Work
in Alberta tab, for information on how to work
in your occupation and find a job.
albertacanada.com/opportunity
1-877-427-6419 (toll-free in Alberta)
780-427-6419 (outside Alberta; long-distance
charges apply)

Oscar—A transitional job can lead to a new direction

Oscar was a business school graduate who managed a large food processing plant
in his home country of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He had tremendous responsibilities but
often felt like he had little or no control over his daily work. When Oscar first came
to Alberta, his first job was as a manager for an apartment building. He intended
to work his way back into administration and only intended to stay at his job until a
better opportunity arose. He was going to take business courses at night and also
improve his English skills.

Oscar ended up taking several English upgrading courses but not the business
classes. Somewhere along the way, he discovered that he liked being a building
manager. Not only was he more independent and less stressed, but he was also
able to solve problems daily and interact with many different people.

Oscar has been the building manager for six years and is much more satisfied than
he was in his former occupation. Because he was open to new possibilities, Oscar
turned a temporary solution into a positive change.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 31
 Volunteer work • gain confidence in your abilities
• get a Canadian work reference
Another way to start getting Canadian work
experience is to volunteer. People from all kinds Many organizations use volunteers to get
of backgrounds give their time and skills to help important work done, including
others. You may feel that you cannot afford the • community organizations and groups
time to volunteer. After all, you do not get paid
to volunteer. You are busy settling in Alberta • cultural organizations
and are already spending a lot of time doing • volunteer centres
other things. Try to think of volunteering as an
• immigrant-serving agencies
investment in yourself as well as others. You can
help other people by giving your time, and you • places of worship
can also help yourself.
• schools and other educational institutions
Volunteering can help you
• hospitals and health authorities
• get valuable Canadian work experience to
Look around your community for opportunities
put on your resumé
to volunteer. You never know where it may lead!
• demonstrate the skills you already have
Where to find more information
• practise your English language skills
The following articles, available at
• learn new skills alis.alberta.ca/tips, describe the many
• meet people and make connections that may benefits that volunteering offers people as a
help you get paid work career-building strategy for gaining experience,
adding new skills, making contacts and
• try career ideas by working in fields that researching career ideas.
interest you
Volunteer: Invest in Your Career
• demonstrate your maturity to future
employers 6 Ways Volunteering Can Boost Your Career

George—Volunteering to build Canadian work experience

George recently arrived in Alberta from the United States after growing up
in Sudan. He needed Canadian work experience but was not sure where
to start. He talked to his counsellor at an immigrant-serving agency, and
she suggested that he volunteer. Given his educational background in
business, his skill with numbers and forms, and the fact that his English
language skills were excellent, the counsellor thought that George would
enjoy volunteering to help people prepare their tax forms. George took
a short training course that helped volunteers learn the rules. Under the
supervision of the program manager, he spent about a month helping
people fill out their income tax returns. He was not paid but met some
new people, had fun and got some work experience to put on his resumé.
George also felt good knowing his volunteer skills helped people.

32 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Making connections by networking
One of the most effective ways to find work in How to network when you
Alberta is networking. Through networking,
you can get support for your job search. More
are new to Alberta
importantly, you can learn about job openings,
There are many ways to network, both formal
especially those that are not posted, advertised
and informal. Ease into it by talking to the people
or made public.
around you. You might chat with the other
parents sitting beside you at your child’s school
event. Or perhaps there is a coffee gathering at
“Look beyond your immediate your place of worship. Your new neighbour may
community and get integrated. You work in an industry or occupation that interests
should get information from people you or may know someone you should talk to.
who know. Just because someone You will never know until you ask.
else in your community could not
get certified or could not get the People whose work involves a lot of contact with
work they wanted does not mean other people can be particularly helpful. Get
you cannot. It is very individual. This to know your community and the people in it.
is a country where there are lots of Teachers, counsellors, religious leaders, health-
resources. Friends and family are just care professionals and community leaders are
one area.” good possibilities. Be sure to talk to anyone you
An immigrant who has been both a know in these fields and tell them about your
counsellor and a policy analyst skills and work search. They may have heard
about a job opening, and you could be the right
person for it. Visit an immigrant-serving agency
as soon as you can to make connections to other
What is networking? people in the community.

Networking is an organized way to make links

from the people you know to the people they
know. It is a process of linking contacts together “My advice to new immigrants
to form a “net” of personal contacts that can trying to get work? Get out and
provide support and information. network with as many different kinds
of people as you can. There are
Networking involves asking people for advice,
so many places you can network:
information and referrals to others. You can
with others who work in the same
network anywhere and any time you are talking occupation as you, with people who
to people. Your circle of friends, acquaintances, are from the same country, with your
counsellors and advice-givers can help you cultural group or with people in your
connect with many others who may be able to neighbourhood. If you have school-
help you find the information you need. age children, get to know the other
parents. You never know who they
know.”

Kathryn, a physician who emigrated

from South Africa

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 33
 Networking tips • Review your list of all the people you know.
Decide which ones to contact first. Have a
• On a sheet of paper, list all of the people you business card made up that briefly describes
know. Do not worry about how well you your qualifications. Include your name,
know them. Write down what you know telephone and fax numbers, and email address.
about each person. Include their contact • Make your information request specific. Tell
information, such as address, telephone people exactly what you need to know and
number and email address. You can even describe the type of people you need to meet.
make a note of how you know them (for Describe the kind of job you are looking for
example, “Gina’s friend”). If you know, also and your qualifications.
write down what they do for a living. This
list can help you identify possible contacts • Ask for referrals. If the people you speak to
for use later on. Keep adding to the list as you do not have the information you need, ask
meet more people. You will soon have a long them to refer you to others who might.
list of people in your network. • Keep at it. If your contacts do not have the
• Networking online allows you to contact information, ask whether they know anyone
people you’d likely never meet through else who does.
traditional networking methods and to • When you talk to people, give them a
maintain contact with people you do business card. They can then contact you if
know. Some of the most effective tools for they hear something that might be helpful
networking online are social media websites. to you. Business cards are a way to show that
• Tell anyone and everyone that you are you are serious about promoting yourself.
looking for career and employment You can create business cards on a computer
information and/or job leads. Ask for at home. For a more professional look, have
their help. Ask your friends, relatives and business cards printed at an office supply
acquaintances to watch for any opportunities store that will print a large number of cards
that might interest you. for a reasonable price.

Mahmud al-Ahmed
Professional Draftsman

Telephone (780) 555-9999

E-mail [email protected]
• Contract, temporary or part-time work
• Excellent rates
• AutoCAD
• Accurate and efficient

34 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Alexandra—The power of networking

Alexandra emigrated from the United States to Alberta because her new husband has
family here. Before she arrived, she had a two-year diploma from a business college
and was well on her way to a successful career in banking. She had already received
her Canadian residency card and Social Insurance Number (SIN), which legally entitled
her to work in Alberta. Alexandra was anxious to start work.

Happily, that’s when an opportunity arose. Her husband’s aunt regularly attended an
exercise class and asked Alexandra if she wanted to come along for fun and to meet
some other women. Alexandra was a bit nervous but agreed. Not only did she enjoy
the socializing and exercise, she also learned that one of the other women worked for
a local bank. Alexandra mentioned that she was looking for work, and the bank worker
said she would give her name to her bank manager. She also gave the manager’s name
to Alexandra to use in her cover letter. A few days later, Alexandra talked to another woman in
the class. She offered to help her write her resumé and cover letter. Alexandra made changes
to these documents and submitted them with her application form to the bank. She got an
interview and was hired about two weeks later.

Through her husband’s aunt, Alexandra created a network for herself by talking to many
different people and making new connections. She was nervous at first but realized that people
are usually happy to help and share their expertise. Now that she has a job, Alexandra plans
on making more connections and building her networking skills. She’s also looking forward to a
time when she can help other people with their networking.

Finding work opportunities

The visible job market includes jobs posted on Where to find more information
the Internet or advertised in local newspapers, There are many places to find information
on job boards and in other publicly accessible about jobs. A great place to start is the Job
places. The challenge in finding work is that Postings section of the Alberta Learning
most jobs are part of the hidden job market; Information Service (ALIS) website at
that is, they are not advertised. In fact, some alis.alberta.ca/jobpostings. You can also check
people say that about 80 per cent of jobs are job posting websites that are run by private
never advertised anywhere. People who use companies, organization websites, government
creative means to find work often find they are websites and employment agencies. Newspapers
more successful than those who stick to just a also have career sections.
few work search methods.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 35
 Promoting yourself to employers
Knowing how to look for work is only one part • names and addresses of former employers,
of getting a job. You also need to use several dates of employment and duties performed
other tools to promote yourself, your skills
• names and addresses of schools and training
and your qualifications to employers. You are
institutions you have attended, dates of
probably familiar with most of these tools, such
attendance and credentials earned
as resumés and cover letters. Maybe you have
used them in a different way. Some may be
completely new to you.
Sample resumé—
Before and after
Resumés On the following pages are two sample resumés.
They do not belong to real people. One is a
A resumé is a typed summary of your resumé as it looked “before,” that is, when a
qualifications and work experience that skilled immigrant (a mechanical engineer in his
quickly draws an employer’s attention to country) first arrived in Canada. The second
your education, skills and experience. It is a sample is how the resumé looked “after” the
marketing tool designed to get you invited to individual learned how to prepare a resumé for
an interview. In Alberta, it should include the an Alberta employer. These “before” and “after”
following information: resumés are examples only. However, they help
demonstrate how international resumés can
• your name and address (including postal be changed to better demonstrate skills and
code), email contact and a telephone number experience to Alberta employers.
where you can be reached during the day
Take a look at the two resumés. Using the
• statements about your skills and resumé checklist on page 42 as a guide, answer
accomplishments the following questions:
• How well does the first resumé meet the
typical requirements of an effective resumé
Translations
in Alberta?
You may have to include copies—or in
some cases originals—of your credentials • How well does the second resumé meet these
with your resumé. If they are not in requirements?
English, have these documents translated • Can you see what is different?
well in advance of applying for any
positions. Translations can take days,
weeks or even months depending on
how busy a translation service is or how
complex your information is.
Immigrant-serving agencies may be able
to assist with document translation. To
find an immigrant-serving agency near
you, call the Alberta Career Information
Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free, or
780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit
albertacanada.com/settle

36 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Resumé #1 BEFORE (used outside Canada)

NAME:
Registered Mechanical Engineer
Registration No.:
Mailing address: Apt. 99, 123 Main Street, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tel. No. 12345657-89 (Home country telephone number)

PERSONAL DATA
Birthplace Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Age 30 years old
Sex Male
Nationality Saudi
Civil status Married
Birthdate April 14, 1985
Spouse’s name Khadija
Religion Muslim
Height 5' 10"
Weight 162 lb

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Level Name of school Date grad. Course
College ABC University April 2008 BSME
Secondary DEF High School 2004

TRAINING ATTENDED
Computer Aided Design 1 Institute
Refinery Oil Movement Course Company

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 37
 Resumé #1 BEFORE (used outside Canada)

RESUMÉ OF WORK EXPERIENCES

Position: Piping Supervisor
Company: Engineering Co. Ltd.
Inclusive Dates Project
February 16, 2012 Central desert development
to May 12, 2015 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Duties & Responsibilities
Supervise the sub-contractor shop pre-fabrication
works of pipe spools/pipe supports.
Position: Piping Supervisor
Company: Industrial Co. Ltd.
Inclusive Dates Project
March 23, 2011 Co-generation power plant
to December 22, 2011 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Duties & Responsibilities
Supervise/implement (shop pre-fabrication
and field installation) piping works.
Position: Field Mechanical Supervisor
Company: EnerWorks Construction & Development Corporation
Inclusive Dates Project
February 16, 2010 Power Plants Project
to January 12, 2011 Amman, Jordan
Duties & Responsibilities
Supervise the fabrication and installation of
piping for fire protection and plumbing. Work
with client regarding pipe routing variations.
Position: Field Supervisor
Company: Construction Corporation
Inclusive Dates Project
November 12, 2008 Area Telephone Development Program (30 sites)
to December 12, 2010 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Duties & Responsibilities
Supervise the installation of water supply
and plumbing systems.

38 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Resumé #2 AFTER (rewritten for Alberta employers)

Name
#123, 11111 - 23 Street Telephone: (780) 000-0000
Fort McMurray, Alberta Email: [email protected]
T9H 4V9

Employment Objective
To obtain a position as a piping drafter

Summary of Achievements and Qualifications

• Alberta mechanical engineering technologist graduate of requalification program for
internationally trained mechanical engineers
• Six years of professional work experience in construction industry (power/petrochemical
plants); work included project field supervision and engineering of large and small projects
• Technologist-in-Training Member of Association of Science and Engineering Technology
Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
• Appropriate knowledge of codes and standards, including ASME BPVC VIII, API 650
and TEMA
• Confident with Microsoft Office 2010 (Word and Excel) and AutoCAD 2015
• Dependable, motivated and organized worker who learns new procedures quickly, meets
schedules and is able to work under extreme time pressure
• Excellent communication skills; patient and tactful when dealing with difficult situations

Relevant Employment History

Piping Supervisor 2012–2015
Engineering Co. Ltd., Central Desert Development, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Worked as a member of the project management team (pipe spools and pipe support section)
• Controlled and oversaw the subcontractor fabrication work to ensure the availability and
correctness of fabricated materials required in the field
• Involved in implementing major piping works equivalent to about 77,000 kg of fabricated pipe
supports and more than 120,000 dia-inch of weld joints

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 39
 Resumé #2 AFTER (rewritten for Alberta employers)

Piping Supervisor 2011

Industrial Co. Ltd., Cogeneration Power Plant, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Designed installation/erection of carbon/stainless steel and alloy piping into the pipe racks/
mechanical equipment

Field Mechanical Supervisor 2010–2011

EnerWorks Construction & Development Corporation,
Power Plants Project, Amman, Jordan
• Led a team of 35 people in completing piping fabrication and installation works for the
simultaneous construction of four separate geothermal power plants, ranging from 15 to 30
MW capacities
• Designed lifting gear used in the safe and successful rigging/mounting of the 70,000 kg EGCT
steam turbine set from the flatbed trailer to its foundation; was commended by the client

Field Supervisor 2008–2010

Construction Corporation, Area
Telephone Development Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Installed all piping works in the simultaneous and fast-paced construction of 30 telephone
buildings in six areas

Education and Continuing Professional Development

Graduate of special integration program for engineers Jan–Oct 2016
Main subjects include Productivity Improvement, Introduction to Design, Machine Design,
Hydraulics, AutoCAD 2014, Technical Vocabulary and Professional Communication

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering 2004–2008

ABC University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

40 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 How do the before and after Information that you do not
resumés compare? have to give employers
The following table shows some of the major The Alberta Human Rights Commission says
differences between the two resumés. There that no employer can require a job applicant
are also other differences, but these are the to provide any information concerning
most important ones. Did you notice these race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sexual
differences? What changes might you make to orientation, physical disability, mental disability,
your own resumé? age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status,
source of income or family status.
In Alberta, you do not have to include this
information in your resumé or job application
form. As well, a potential employer cannot
ask you to give this information during a job
interview. To contact the commission, see the
Resources section.

Resumé #1 (Before) Resumé #2 (After)

• Very difficult to see what the individual actually did or • Qualifications are listed in a new section called Summary
what he wants to do. of Achievements and Qualifications.
• Information is spread throughout the resumé. • It is right at the beginning of the resumé so employers
will see it right away.
• Includes personal information on age, marital status, • Because of Alberta human rights laws, personal
religion, etc. information on age, marital status, religion, height,
• Includes a personal photograph. weight, etc. has been omitted.
• The photograph has also been removed.
• Has no Employment Objective section. • Includes Employment Objective as a simple statement.

• Employment history is listed at the end. • Employment History is listed right after Summary of
• Position descriptions are vague. Achievements and Qualifications.
• Position descriptions are more detailed and include
actual skills using action words such as led, designed
and worked.

• Lists all academic background from kindergarten • Unnecessary educational information about elementary
through university. and high school has been omitted.
• Education located at beginning of resumé. • Only lists the most relevant educational background and
places it toward end of resumé.
• Includes professional development completed in
Canada.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 41
 Your resumé checklist

Use this checklist as you prepare your resumé. Ask yourself whether your resumé meets
these standards. If it does not, keep working on it until it does. Most employers only take
a few seconds to look at a resumé for the first time. You do not have long to make a good
impression!

q Is it written specifically for the position you are applying for based on the research you
have done?
q Does it name the skills you have that are related to the position?
q Is it short and to the point? (Busy employers will not take the time to read through a
lot of information.)
q Have you listed your name, address (including postal code), email address and a
telephone number where you can be reached during the day? (Do not include a
photograph or information such as height, weight, sex or state of health. Also, do not
put the title Resumé at the top, or date or sign your resumé.)
q Is it well organized and readable? Do key points and headings stand out? Is your eye
drawn immediately to the information you want employers to notice first—your most
relevant accomplishments and achievements?
q Have you described how your work benefited your former employers? (e.g. you
improved sales by a certain percentage, you made procedures more efficient, you
developed an innovative program or you completed all your projects on schedule)
q Is the language clear, simple and concise? Does every statement emphasize a skill or
ability? Have you eliminated unnecessary words or sentences?
q Is all of the information relevant and positive? (Never include anything negative.) Does
everything you say about your qualifications relate to the requirements of the type of
work you are applying for?
q Does every item start with a verb? (Avoid the pronoun “I” and inexpressive phrases
such as “I was responsible for…” or “My duties involved…”)
q Is the information accurate? (Do not exaggerate or misrepresent yourself—most
employers check. On the other hand, do not sell yourself short by being too humble.)
q Are you sure there are no spelling, grammar or typing errors? (Use the computer
program’s spell check and ask someone to proofread your draft.)
q Is it printed on good-quality white or off-white standard, business-size bond paper?
Are the margins at least one inch wide?
q Does it look professional and inviting to read? Are items listed in point form? Is there
enough white space on the page?

42 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Cover letters
A resumé in Alberta should always be accompanied by a cover letter. You use a cover letter to attract
employers’ attention and tell them why you are right for a job or organization. A cover letter is a
typed formal business letter that should be no longer than about three or four paragraphs. It talks
about your strengths and what makes you a good candidate for the job. It does not just repeat what is
in your resumé.

Your cover letter checklist

Use this checklist as you prepare your cover letter.

q Clearly identify the job you are applying for and state how you learned about it (for
example, “Carl Jones, your customer service manager, suggested I write to you
about...”). If you are responding to an online job posting or newspaper advertisement,
refer to the source and note the job competition number if there is one.
q Tailor your letter to the requirements of the job. Show your awareness of the
company’s objectives and activities and show how your skills relate to the employer’s
needs. Generic letters and photocopies will not make a good impression.
q Be brief and to the point. Your letter should be no more than one page long. Use
simple and direct language, even if you are applying for a technical or professional
position (applications may be screened by people who do not work in your field).
q Try to make your letter reflect your personality. It is nice to let a little of yourself come
through in your letter. Do not write anything that you would not actually say.
q Anticipate any questions the employer may have and answer them. Describe where or
how well you would fit into the organization. Show how your international training and
experience can benefit the employer.
q Close by saying that you are available for an interview or to discuss other opportunities.
If appropriate, set a date after which you will call the employer to follow up.
q Check your letter very carefully for any spelling, punctuation, grammar or typing errors.

Sample cover letter format In your cover letter, try to anticipate any
concerns the employer may have and respond
Use a standard business letter format, such
to them. If possible, turn the concern into a
as the sample provided, for your cover letter.
positive. For example, “Your customers will
Alberta employers prefer documents that are
benefit from the service I can provide in three
easy to read, so use white or ivory stationery and
languages.”
sign your letter in blue or black ink.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 43
 Sample cover letter

Your Return Address

Community, Province
Postal Code

Date

Employer’s Name
Position Title
Company Name
Street Address or Box Number
Community, Province
Postal Code

Dear Ms. (or Mr.) Employer’s Name: (If you are unable to get a contact name, the
greeting line may be left out.)
Tell the reader which job you are interested in and why. Briefly let the reader know that
you are familiar with the company and its operations.
Point out your key experience (including volunteer or school experience) that qualifies
you for the position. Keep your paragraphs short.
State that a resumé or application form is enclosed and request an interview.
Sincerely,

Your Name
(If you’re sending your resumé in hard copy, leave three lines for your signature before your
name. If you’re sending it electronically, you don’t need to leave space before your name.)
Enclosure

44 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Do you need help writing
your resumé or cover letter? “If you create a portfolio, you
can answer the question ‘Why
There are many places you can get help
should I hire you?’ Immigrants with
preparing a resumé, cover letter or other international qualifications can use
document. Many immigrant-serving agencies, portfolios to market themselves—
Alberta Works Centres and community they’re a great way to showcase
agencies offer assistance with these tasks. They experience. Portfolios can also be
may also have computers and photocopiers that a great tool for working with your
you can use. Other resources, such as websites, professional association. Some of our
publications and workshops, are also available. clients have their portfolios on DVD
or in a book. Some have pictures.
There are online resources also available to This way, they can create a storyline,
assist you with your resume and cover letter. especially when they have no paper
Visit alis.alberta.ca/worksearch or alis.alberta. records. It helps immigrants create
ca/tips for articles and examples. a presence through storytelling. You
have to be able to communicate what
you can do. Organize your portfolio
References documents so it can tell your story.”

A counsellor from an immigrant-

Put together a list of people who are willing serving agency
to provide references for you, along with their
contact information. Contact information
will include names, position titles, telephone
numbers and addresses. Always find out whether
the people on your list are willing to provide a Most Alberta employers will not contact a
positive reference and get their permission to use reference in another country, so try to include
their name. Make sure they can verify the skills the name of a Canadian reference. If you
you have chosen to emphasize. volunteer, your reference could be whoever
is in charge of volunteers. If you work in a
transitional job, your supervisor could be your
reference. If you took a training program, your
instructor could provide a reference. Your
counsellor at an immigrant-serving agency
could also act as a reference.
You may want to attach a copy of a letter of
reference from an employer outside Canada if
it supports the work you are applying for. Be
aware, however, that most Alberta employers give
more weight to a reference they can talk to rather
than a letter. It is not recommended that you use
personal friends or family as your references.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 45
 Portfolios Job interviews
You may also want to put together a portfolio. Job interviews are an important part of getting
Portfolios are a particularly useful way to show employment. If you know what to expect in an
employers in Alberta how your training and interview with an Alberta employer, you can be
work experience relate to their organization. prepared and feel confident.
A portfolio is a portable collection of items
In Alberta, a job interview is a business
that demonstrates your skills. You take your
meeting—a discussion of your skills and how
portfolio with you when you visit potential
they support the employer’s work. Your first
employers or go to an interview. It is a way to
task is to show you have the skills the employer
support your achievements and prove you have
needs to get the job done. Your second task is to
the skills described in your resumé. You decide
find out whether you are interested in working
what describes you best and therefore what goes
with that employer. You should be prepared to
into your portfolio. Some of the things you can
ask questions as well as answer them.
put in a portfolio include
• certificates Preparing for a job interview
• awards As you get ready for a job interview, be strategic
and think like an employer. Employers have
• things you have written or created
to consider the risks of hiring new employees,
• letters of commendation including the following:
• newsletter articles written about you or by you • Do they have the skills to do the work
• performance appraisals accurately and efficiently?

• copies of presentations and publications • Can they provide the kind of customer
service that keeps customers coming back?
• pictures or brochures about projects
completed on your own or with others • How well can they communicate with others?

You can organize your portfolio using a file • What experience can they bring to the job?
folder with pockets or a binder with dividers • How well will the rest of the team be able to
and pages in plastic sleeves. You can also create work with a new person?
it digitally on a computer flash drive or DVD.
• Will they be reliable?
Another option is to keep your portfolio online
so that it can be accessed from anywhere that • How much training will they need?
has an Internet connection. When you go to
an interview, use your portfolio to highlight
your skills and accomplishments. For example,
you might say, “I can answer that question
by showing you the brochure I created for a
program I developed.” Before you go to an
interview, research the employer and customize
your portfolio.

“When I first got here, I carried my

papers in a plastic bag everywhere I
went. Now, I use a briefcase!”

Maria, an emigrant from Guatemala

46 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Your interview checklist

Use the following checklist before you go to an interview. It can help you anticipate
employer needs and minimize the risk in hiring you.

q Review your resumé and the information you have gathered about the employer
and the work. If you have not already researched these things, do! Use the research
techniques and ideas presented in the Doing Your Research section on page 6.
q Prepare a list of references.
q Anticipate potential interview questions and prepare answers. Practise your answers
until you feel confident. You could also get a friend or other person to act out an
interview situation with you. Use your practice time to improve both your verbal and
non-verbal communication skills. Your posture, facial expressions and gestures should
communicate a positive attitude.
q Prepare your questions. What do you know about the job and the organization? You
may want to ask questions about the company’s goals and objectives, the working
conditions or the people you would be working with. Do not ask questions about pay
and benefits until after you have been offered a job.
q Make a good first impression by deciding what you will wear and planning ahead so
you get to the interview 10 to 15 minutes early. Look neat, clean and well groomed.
Dress the way you expect the interviewer to dress. Visit the organization a day or
two earlier to see what other employees are wearing so you know how to dress
appropriately.
q Allow plenty of time for the interview. Your interview may take longer than you expect.
Do not make other plans too close to the time of your interview or pay for limited
parking time.

Who conducts interviews?

When you accept an interview, ask for the “Albertans are very polite. Just
names and positions of the people who will be because an employer is nice to you
interviewing you. Doing so will give you a better during an interview, do not assume
idea of what to expect. In Alberta, interviews are the job is yours. Alberta employers
usually conducted by the following people: treat everyone they interview the same
way. There is no way to know whether
• managers you have the job during the actual
interview. You will have to wait until
• supervisors
everyone has been interviewed, and
• human resources personnel then the employer will contact you.”

• third party interviewers, such as A counsellor at an

representatives of a company that has been immigrant-serving agency
hired to recruit for the position
You will often be interviewed by more than
one person. For example, a panel interview
could include a manager, a human resources
representative and another person from the
same branch of the company. Be prepared to
answer questions from each person.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 47
 Tips for making a How to talk about
good first impression your skills to Alberta
Most interviewers in Alberta form an employers
impression of job applicants in the first minute Earlier, we asked you to complete the skills
or two. Pay attention to how you appear and checklist on page 22. Go back to that exercise
what you do when you first arrive. You want to and look at your results. Look at the skills you
do your best to make a good first impression. checked off and your main skills checklists. Use
Here are some tips for making a good first this information to talk about your skills to
impression with an employer in Alberta. employers. For example, if an employer asks you
You can also use these tips for other kinds of about your strengths, you can list some of the
interviews and meetings: things you wrote down for “the 10 skills you do
best” or “the 10 skills you enjoy doing most” (see
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and let the
page 23). If you are asked about your weaknesses,
receptionist know you have arrived.
you can choose something from “the 10 skills
• Do not chew gum or drink coffee. (It is OK you would like to or need to develop.” By saying
to accept a glass of water if you are offered you want to further develop something, you can
one once you are in the interview room.) turn potential weaknesses into strengths. Look
• Be pleasant, honest and sincere with for opportunities that allow you to minimize any
everyone in the office. Interviewers may ask concerns an employer may have about hiring you.
other staff members for their opinions.
Typical interview questions
• When you first meet the interviewer(s), It’s impossible to know for sure what questions
introduce yourself, shake hands firmly and you will face in an interview. But generally
make eye contact. speaking, you can expect Alberta employers to
• Remain standing until you are offered a chair ask the following sorts of questions:
and then sit up straight. • Tell me about yourself.
• Take a copy of your resumé and cover letter, • What skills would you bring to this job?
the job posting or advertisement (if there was
one), your portfolio and any other relevant • Why do you want this job?
documents with you. • Why did you leave your last job?
• Follow the interviewer’s lead. The interviewer • What five words describe you best?
may spend a few moments just chatting
with you. If so, listen to what he or she has • What kind of working environment do you
to say and try to say something positive. Be prefer?
prepared to move quickly into the main part • What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
of the interview when the employer is ready.
• What did you like about your last job?
• Tell us about a situation you did not handle
well and what you learned from it.
• Why should we hire you?
There are many other questions an employer
can ask you, including questions about your
reaction to certain work situations or your
plans for the future. Whatever questions you are
asked, you will find them easier to answer if you
have identified your skills and learned about the
job and employer.

48 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Know your answers • If you do not understand a question, politely
ask the interviewer to ask the question
Write down and practise your answers to
another way. If you do not know the answer,
possible questions before you go to your
say so.
interview. To make a good impression in a
job interview in Alberta, do more than tell • Let your interest and enthusiasm show.
employers what you can do. Describe situations Take your cues from the interviewers about
in which you have demonstrated what you how formal or informal to be and let your
can do. For example, instead of saying “I personality come through.
have excellent communication skills,” say “I
When asked about weaknesses, you might
successfully planned and executed a strategic
respond as follows:
communications plan to tell over 300 staff
about a new company product.” Example #1: “Weaknesses? My work experience
is all in the textile manufacturing industry. But
Tips for answering questions I can use my leadership and analytical skills
• Identify the connections between your anywhere.”
capabilities and the employer’s needs even if Example #2: “I have a lot to learn about
they seem obvious to you. Canadian ways, but I am disciplined and
• Avoid yes and no answers. Think about what versatile. I also learn quickly. I have a strong
the interviewer is trying to find out and Canadian support group, and I’m taking some
respond to that. training to improve my English skills. People do
not have a problem understanding me.”
• Avoid talking about your family, friends or
any other personal matters. Focus on giving Example #3: “My training and previous
work-related information. experience were not in Canada, and some might
see this as a problem rather than an asset to the
• Use action words to describe what you can organization. But I can bring new perspectives
do. Use words such as achieved, delivered, and different ways of doing things to the job.”
implemented, improved, established,
recommended, promoted, solved, strengthened,
initiated and delegated.
• Use lots of strong, clear words to describe
yourself. Such words could include adaptable,
courteous, creative, logical, disciplined,
knowledgeable, people-oriented or versatile.
These are just some examples. Use the words
that describe you best.
• If the interviewer asks more “open” questions
(e.g. Why are you interested in this position?),
use this as an opportunity to lead the
conversation toward a discussion of your
strongest qualifications as they relate to the job.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 49
 Self-employment:
“The biggest thing is maintaining Is it for you?
your professionalism. Even if you
have been turned down for a job In some occupations in Alberta, most people
a thousand times, treat every are self-employed. For example, many dentists,
interaction as an opportunity and act lawyers, optometrists and physicians set up
like it is your very first job interview.”
professional corporations or joint partnerships
A trainer from an immigrant-serving and operate their practices as businesses. People
agency certified in a trade often go into business for
themselves and offer services related to their
trade. A certified electrician might start an
electrical contracting company, or a carpenter
After the interview might start a home renovation business. In
After the interview, it is a good idea to follow other occupations, relatively few people are
up by thanking the interviewer(s) for their time self-employed. For example, most chemists,
and consideration. You can do so through a foresters, medical laboratory technologists and
brief letter, email or telephone call. Following nurses work for publicly funded institutions or
up can set you apart from other applicants and private companies. Other newcomers to Alberta
may remind the employer about you and your start completely different businesses.
strongest qualifications.
Where to find more information
Where to find more information If you are interested in starting a business in
The job search process does not end with the Alberta, check out the Self-Employment and
first interview. If you want to know about other Small Business section of the ALIS website at
aspects of the job search such as follow-up alis.alberta.ca/self-employment. You can also
interviews, negotiating and accepting job offers, read the publication Self-Employment: Is It for
there are many other resources and tools to Me? This publication outlines the benefits and
help you. These include Alberta Works Centre challenges of self-employment and examines
staff, the Alberta Career Information Hotline, the motivation, skills, traits and background
the ALIS website and Government of Alberta of successful entrepreneurs. You can view
publications. Some immigrant-serving agencies this publication by visiting alis.alberta.ca/
can also assist you with your resumé, cover letter, publications.
interviews and other parts of the job search. Some immigrant-serving agencies offer
You can download or order a copy of workshops or other assistance for immigrants
the following publication by visiting who may want to start a small business. Check
alis.alberta.ca/publications. with the agency in your community for more
information.
Advanced Techniques for Work Search
This workbook helps adults improve their work
search strategies. It includes techniques to help
you sell your skills in today’s competitive job
market, plus marketing tools such as portfolios,
proposals and resumés.

50 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 On the Job in Alberta
Workplace culture includes practical details, such as hours of work and what to wear
to work. It also includes ways that people work together and communicate, as well as
employers’ values and employees’ rights and responsibilities. This section talks about
what to expect when you are on the job in Alberta.

Alberta’s workplace
culture and etiquette
Fitting into your
“At our employment workshops, we
workplace talk about eye contact, handshakes,
gender issues, age issues—all those
Alberta’s workplaces may be very different
protocol things. Some issues are hard
from those in your home country. There may to discuss, for example, speaking
be different behaviours, practices and manners. English too slowly. Employers
People may have different expectations. There want to know how their current
may be different ways of working. Ask your team members will work with new
supervisor or another employee if you are employees who are immigrants. If
uncertain about directions or procedures. immigrants attend the workshops,
Whatever situation you face, you will probably they should do OK…”
have to spend some time adapting to your new
An employment counsellor at an
work environment. immigrant-serving agency

Organizational charts
Some workplaces—especially larger ones—have
an organizational chart. An organizational
Hours of work
chart is a diagram that shows who does what Hours of work vary from workplace to
in the organization. It gives titles of employees workplace. Some organizations and industries
as well as the branch or section they work for have a work schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
or supervise. Organizational charts also show Monday to Friday. People may have weekends
how the parts of an organization fit together. and evenings off. Other organizations, such as
Some organizational charts show everyone hospitals and factories, are open all the time,
in the organization. Others only show those so they need people to work in shifts. Find out
in upper management or executive positions. what the expected hours of work are and how
Organizational charts can help you see where the organization handles extra hours of work in
you fit into the organization. unusual situations.
No matter what the hours are, always show
up on time and work the full hours required.
Alberta employers want workers who are
reliable and do all that is expected of them.
If you are going to be late for any reason, call

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 51
 your direct supervisor and tell him or her why Dressing for work
you will be late and when you will be coming Styles of dress vary from workplace to
to work. Expect to make up the lost time by workplace. When you go to a job interview,
staying late or working during your mealtime or observe how people in the organization
other breaks. are dressed. Some workplaces have dress
requirements. For example, banks and law firms
Meeting new people may require their staff to dress for business—
Albertans usually shake hands, smile and say, suits, shirts, ties, dress pants and dress shoes for
“How are you?” or “Pleased to meet you,” when men, and suits, blouses, skirts or dress pants,
they first meet someone in a business situation. pantyhose and dress shoes for women. If you
In many Alberta workplaces, people call each are working in a skilled trade or outdoors, you
other by their first names even when meeting may wear casual clothing such as denim pants
for the first time. If the person is in a very and open-collared shirts. For safety reasons,
high position in the organization, you may be you may be required to wear steel-toed boots, a
required to address him or her more formally. It hard hat or other protective equipment. Some
usually depends on the individual person. Some workplaces use uniforms and name tags to
organizations may have a formal, businesslike identify staff. No matter what the workplace, it
atmosphere. However, many encourage a is important to be clean and well-groomed.
relaxed and informal work site. If
you are not sure, ask. You can also Strong scents and odours
Do you want to learn more listen to how other people address
about Canadian culture? Some workers may be allergic to or offended by
each other and their supervisors strong scents such as perfume or men’s cologne,
Some immigrant-serving and then decide how you will
agencies offer classes that hairspray or other personal care products. Some
address them. Always be respectful. workplaces have rules that disallow scents of
provide basic information on
Canadian culture, conventions, any kind. Avoid wearing anything with a strong
norms and values. scent to work. Ask about any rules regarding
scents and other odours that may irritate
co-workers. Also, be aware that workplaces in
Alberta prohibit smoking.

Sulma—A case of misunderstanding

Sulma immigrated to Alberta seven years ago. She took some upgrading and has been
working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for a home care agency. She did most of her
work caring for patients in their homes. But while she was in the office, Sulma felt that
people were avoiding her, especially during lunchtime or during staff meetings. She
often found herself sitting alone, cut off from her co-workers. It did not bother her at
first, but over time, she started thinking that maybe her co-workers were avoiding her
because she was from another country or because she had an accent. She began to feel
more and more isolated. One day, however, someone at work took her aside for a talk.
She told Sulma that her strong perfume was bothering the other employees and they
found it hard to be near her because of the scent. Sulma was very surprised to hear this
but was also relieved. She realized that people were not avoiding her because they did not like
her or were prejudiced. They were avoiding her because her perfume made them sneeze! Sulma
stopped wearing the strong perfume to work and soon found herself with plenty of company.

52 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Decision-making and a big part of resolving conflict. So is negotiating.
reporting structures and In these ways, you can move past conflict and
teamwork build positive working relationships.

In larger organizations, reporting and decision-

making structures tend to be more complex. What employers want
Smaller workplaces tend to be less formal.
No matter what business they are in, employers
Generally speaking, managers make the major are usually looking for certain qualities in their
decisions in Alberta organizations. However, employees. Valued employees
Alberta employers appreciate employees who
• are prepared, pay attention and follow
have initiative and come up with new solutions.
directions
You can go to your supervisor to ask questions
and get feedback. In the early days of your • come to work willing to do the job
employment, you may need more supervision • have a positive attitude and show enthusiasm
and direction from your supervisor. But as for their job
you gain more confidence and experience, you
• ask questions if they do not understand
will probably become more comfortable with
working independently and making decisions. • are open to learning new personal and
technical skills, which includes taking
Most Alberta employers value teamwork. Many
responsibility for mistakes
workplaces expect employees to work with
others to achieve goals and complete tasks. • are team players who work well with others
Being on a team does not necessarily mean that to achieve a common goal
you will be working with your co-workers every • take initiative to do something when they see
minute. However, by working on teams, people that it needs to be done, instead of waiting
can solve problems they might not be able to for someone to ask them to do it
solve on their own. Teamwork lets employees
share experience, ideas and expertise and build • dress appropriately for the type of work
positive relationships with one another. You • have good attendance records and show up
may find yourself working on a team to do for all of their scheduled shifts
everyday tasks, or you may work with other
• are on time, whether it is showing up for
employees on short-term projects. Whatever the
work, returning from breaks, going to staff
case, working well with others is a valuable skill.
meetings or completing tasks
Managing conflict • call if they will be late or cannot come to
work—but do not abuse this privilege
An important skill in Alberta workplaces is
managing conflict. It is normal for people who • work safely and healthily
work together to disagree on things. The world • come to work substance-free, by not using
would be very dull indeed if we all thought alcohol or drugs and making sure that any
alike! However, some disagreements can lead medications they may take do not interfere
to ongoing conflict. Employees who are able with their ability to do their job
to resolve problems with the people they work
with will be more successful in the workplace. • are honest and trustworthy

If you are having problems with someone you • are knowledgeable about the organization
work with, it may seem easier just to leave things Employees who have these qualities are often
alone and say nothing. But unresolved conflict more confident in their ability to do their
can lead to even bigger problems and make it job well and have more job security. They are
difficult for people to work together effectively. also more likely to be given opportunities,
Managing conflict involves looking at problems responsibilities or promotions.
and coming to solutions that satisfy all the
parties involved. Talking openly and honestly is

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 53
 Rights and responsibilities Occupational health
of workers in Alberta and safety
Occupational health and safety deals with the
There are laws in Alberta to ensure workplaces dangers and potential hazards that could affect
are healthy, safe and fair. Take some time to your health or safety while you are working. In
learn about Alberta’s workplace laws by visiting Alberta, there are laws to ensure that workplaces
alis.alberta.ca/workplace. You can read the are safe. Under the law, employers must take
publication Your Rights and Responsibilities at the proper steps to ensure that their workplaces
Work. If you are new to the Alberta workplace, are free of these dangers and hazards. As an
this publication can help you find answers employee, you are also expected to help make
to questions about employment standards, your workplace safe.
health and safety, human rights and workers’
compensation procedures. Order a copy at Workers’ Compensation
alis.alberta.ca/publications. Board – Alberta
If you have an accident on the job and are
Employment standards injured, you may be eligible for benefits through
Employment standards are the minimum the Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta.
employment-related requirements for Employers cover these benefits by paying into an
employers and employees in the workplace. insurance fund. You may receive these benefits if
In Alberta, our employment standards are your accident causes you to miss work.
contained in the Employment Standards Code
and the Employment Standards Regulation. Human rights
Through these laws, minimum standards of In Alberta, the Alberta Human Rights Act
employment have been established for protects workers from discrimination on the
• payment of earnings basis of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender,
gender expression, gender identity, age,
• hours of work, rest periods and days of rest
ancestry, place of origin, marital status, family
• overtime and overtime pay status, source of income, physical or mental
disability or sexual orientation. If employers
• vacations and vacation time
discriminate against employees, then employees
• general holidays and general holiday pay can file a complaint with the Alberta Human
Rights Commission within one year after the
• maternity and parental leave
alleged incident. There is also protection for
• termination of employment employees under the Canadian Human Rights
• employment of people under 18 years of age Act. This legislation applies to employees who
work for certain employers, such as the federal
government.

Unions
Some workers in Alberta are members of
unions. Unions allow groups of workers to
collectively negotiate wages, working conditions
and other aspects of employment. Depending
on your workplace, you may become a member
of a union. If so, you will have to pay union fees
or dues.

54 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Amin—A possible case of discrimination
Despite working for the company for nearly two years, Amin, an immigrant from
Morocco, was still classified as a “temporary worker.” This classification meant he was
not entitled to the company benefits and could lose his job with little or no warning.
He noticed that Caucasian workers employed for less time than him were given
permanent or long-term jobs. They also earned a higher wage. Amin contacted the
Alberta Human Rights Commission to see whether he should make a complaint.

Dermot—Learn what employment standards

apply to you
Dermot worked at a restaurant soon after he arrived in Alberta. He was often called
upon to work overtime, but his employer did not pay him for the extra time he worked.
Instead of asking for the money he was owed, Dermot decided to find a job at another
restaurant. Dermot felt that because he was a recent immigrant, he did not have the
power to complain to his employer. Looking back, he knows the restaurant was in the
wrong and he had a right to be paid his overtime. He would handle things differently
now and probably talk to the employer about the pay. If his employer did not co-operate,
Dermot would contact the Government of Alberta’s Employment Standards.

Ways to keep developing Learning from your

yourself at work co-workers
The people you work with every day are an
Once you find a job, it is important to keep
excellent source of information and expertise.
learning. Through lifelong learning, you can
The knowledge they share could be as simple
continue to develop your skills and enhance
as how the office telephones work or how
your ability to get work. Learning can also build
to run the photocopier. Or it could be more
your self-esteem and give you the confidence to
complicated, such as how to use new software
pursue other goals in your life.
or computer equipment. If your co-workers are
Learning to improve your members of the same occupation as you, they
can also help you get some technical expertise.
professional English language
skills Co-workers can also help you to understand the
You can attend classes or take other training culture and practices of the organization and
to improve your language skills, improve Alberta’s workplaces.
pronunciation or learn the technical
terminology of your occupation. You can also
take training to learn informal, conversational
English rather than formal English.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 55
 Training available from your Learning to be healthy and
employer safe on the job
Many employers in Alberta offer training to It is also important to learn how to be safe and
help their employees develop new skills and healthy on the job. Workplace safety does not
knowledge. Training can be in a variety of just apply to people who work with things that
areas, such as computer training, supervisory are obviously risky, such as toxic chemicals
training, training on equipment or training or dangerous machinery. People who work
specific to a position. Some employers help their in offices can also be exposed to unsafe and
employees with English language training. As unhealthy things if they do not take the right
a new employee, you may be required to take steps or follow instructions. Office machinery
some training as soon as you start your job. Talk can be dangerous if you are not careful. As an
to your employer about what kind of training is employee, you share some responsibility for
available for employees. ensuring that you work safely. Talk to your
employers or supervisors about what you can do
Training available from to be a health- and safety-conscious employee.
professional and trade
organizations Where to find more information
Many professional and trade organizations You can get copies of the following publications
offer or arrange learning opportunities for their by visiting alis.alberta.ca/publications.
members. Such opportunities could include Job Smart: Tips for Staying Employed
conferences, seminars, information sessions and
This guide features information about what
training. Check with your professional or trade
employers are looking for in their employees.
organization for more information.
It includes self-assessment exercises, tips on
problem solving and a list of community
resources.
Find a mentor to help you at work Let’s Talk: A Guide to Resolving Workplace Conflicts
A mentor is someone willing to share This publication is intended to help employees
experience, knowledge and wisdom
resolve workplace conflicts. It presents
with you. That person can be any age
information on how to handle situations
and can be your supervisor or co-worker.
internally and where to get outside help.
A mentor takes the time to help you
learn about an occupation or job. He X-treme Safety: A Survival Guide for New and
or she can also help you learn more Young Workers
about Canadian workplace culture
and practices. Some occupations use This handbook is packed with information
mentors to help people who have just about workplace health and safety regulations,
become members of that occupation. rights and responsibilities. There are also
Talk to your co-workers or supervisor personal stories, quizzes and checklists.
and see if you can find a mentor at your
workplace. Not only can you learn more
about your work, you could also build a
strong relationship with a colleague. “I tell my clients to set up sources
of support—their church, school,
cultural group. If you have a strong
foundation of support, you will have
the focus. If you have focus, you will
be able to withstand the challenges.”

An immigrant services worker

56 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Focus on the Future
Settlement is a process. It can take a great deal of time to adjust to major changes in
your personal, family, community and professional life. You may feel like you are starting
all over again. In fact, some Canadian studies say that it can take an average of 10 years
before immigrants who choose to are able to work again in their occupation of training.

Settling into your new life

“Getting immigrants back into their
As you adjust to your new life in Alberta, take occupations is a process that is going
the long view and remember that you will to take time. We have more highly
probably be more successful in managing your educated people coming now than
career if you get the help you need and plan. we ever have. I’m very encouraged.
I was a speaker at a business
Build up supports in all parts of your life. Make
symposium, and I was the fifth
connections that will sustain you. Get to know
speaker. Everyone before me talked
the people in your community. Learn to set about the importance of immigration.
both short-term and long-term goals in your I did not have anything left to say!”
personal and professional life. Celebrate your
progress along the way. Most importantly, be The head of an immigrant-serving
patient with yourself. You have already come agency
a long way to get to Alberta. But in many ways
your journey is just beginning.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 57
 Resources
This guide is one source of information. There are many other places you can get information and help.

Government of Alberta Call

The Government of Alberta provides career, Alberta Career Information Hotline
workplace and labour market information in Hotline staff can answer your questions about
three easy ways: click, call or come in.
• career planning
Click • educational options and funding

Alberta Learning Information Service • occupational descriptions

alis.alberta.ca • labour market information
The Alberta Learning Information Service • work search skills
(ALIS) website is Alberta’s online source
• the workplace
for career, education and jobs information,
including 1-800-661-3753 (toll-free)
• CAREERinsite—online activities to 780-422-4266 (Edmonton)
generate occupational options and develop
an action plan. Come in
• OCCinfo—information on occupations, Alberta Works Centres
educational programs and schools in Alberta Works Centres across the province
Alberta. Learn about Alberta’s outlook for provide qualified staff and information on
employment and advancement, job duties occupations, career options, ways to find work,
and working conditions, educational and education programs and funding. To locate
certification requirements, industries, a centre near you, call the Alberta Career
and wage and salary ranges. Information Hotline or visit
alis.alberta.ca/awc.

Contact Government of Alberta

from your mobile phone.
Certain mobile service providers have a
shortcut for contacting the Government
of Alberta phone directory from your
mobile phone with no long-distance
or airtime charges. Dial *310 (Rogers)
or #310 (Bell or Telus), followed by the
10-digit number for the office you want.

58 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Resources by topic eae.alberta.ca/plar
310-0000 (Call toll-free in Alberta, and then
Assessments of qualifications enter 780-422-9021.)
Assessments may be available from a variety of 780-422-9021 (Edmonton)
sources, including post-secondary institutions,
associations, employers and private organizations. Bridging programs
Bridging programs help immigrants acquire
Alberta Qualification Certificate the additional skills and training they need
Program
to successfully undertake their occupation in
The Alberta Qualification Certificate Alberta. Several community organizations work
Program is a Government of Alberta service with educational institutions in Alberta to offer
for certification in the trades. It provides an bridging programs to immigrants.
opportunity for people to prove that their
skills and experience meet the standards set humanservices.alberta.ca (Search with the
for trade and occupational certification in keyword “bridging” for immigrant bridging
Alberta. Individuals who meet industry- programs.)
established competencies in Alberta-designated
trades or occupations are eligible to challenge Career planning
Qualification Certificate exams. Upon ALIS publications
successfully passing the exams, they receive an
To view, order or download the following
Alberta Qualification Certificate or an Alberta
publications, visit alis.alberta.ca/publications.
Occupational Certificate. For more information,
contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Career Planner: Choosing an Occupation
Training office near you. A Guide for Midlife Career Moves
tradesecrets.alberta.ca Women in Non-Traditional Occupations: Stories
to Inspire
International Qualifications
Assessment Service CAREERinsite
The International Qualifications Assessment CAREERinsite is a free, interactive career-
Service (IQAS) is available from the planning tool that allows you to explore career
Government of Alberta. IQAS assesses academic options based on your skills, abilities and
credentials from other countries and issues interests. Learn about yourself and the type of
assessment certificates that show how those work that’s right for you. Results are saved to
credentials compare to educational standards in your career plan.
Alberta. It is a mail-in service only.
alis.alberta.ca/careerinsite
work.alberta.ca/iqas
310-0000 (Call toll-free in Alberta, and then English as a Second Language
enter 780-427-2655.) assessment and training
Language assessment and referral centres
780-427-2655 (Edmonton)
in Calgary and Edmonton provide English
Prior Learning Assessment and language skills assessments and referrals to
Recognition English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Immigrant Language and Vocational
(PLAR) is used to evaluate skills and knowledge Assessment, Referral Centre
learned outside of a formal learning environment.
immigrantservicescalgary.ca
Alberta Advanced Education is responsible for
advancing PLAR in Alberta. Contact the Alberta 403-265-1120 (Calgary)
Council on Admissions and Transfer for more
information about PLAR programs.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 59
 Language Assessment, Referral Self-Employment and Small Business
and Counselling Resources on ALIS
catholicsocialservices.ab.ca This section of the ALIS website offers current
and relevant resources to make the most of your
780-424-3545 (Edmonton)
business ventures.
You may also be able to receive assessment and
alis.alberta.ca/self-employment
training from ESL organizations, volunteer tutor
adult literacy programs and Community Adult Family supports
Learning Programs. For more information,
contact your nearest immigrant-serving agency Becoming a Parent in Alberta
or the Alberta Career Information Hotline. This publication provides information on
maternity, parental leave and employment
Entrepreneurship insurance benefits.
ALIS publications work.alberta.ca/es (In the left-hand menu,
To view, order or download the following open “Resources” tab.)
publications, visit alis.alberta.ca/publications.
Alberta Adult and Child Health Benefit
Employee or Contractor? Know the Difference
This program helps with health-care needs of
Self-Employment: Is It for Me? families with limited incomes.

Alberta Small Business Resources humanservices.alberta.ca/hb

This website is a directory of business resources 1-877-469-5437 (toll-free)
for new and established entrepreneurs. It covers 780-427-6848 (Edmonton)
important topics such as: starting a business,
operating a business, funding a business and Alberta Child Care Subsidy
regulations for small businesses. This program provides financial assistance for
smallbusiness.alberta.ca child care to families with children 12 years of
age or younger and are not yet attending grade 7.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
humanservices.alberta.ca/childcaresubsidy
This organization offers advice, business
skills development, finance and networking 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free)
opportunities for women in business. 780-644-9992 (Edmonton)
awebusiness.com
Alberta Supports
1-800-713-3558 (toll-free) Alberta Supports provides up-to-date
information and assistance on Government
The Business Link
of Alberta social-based services by helping
This organization offers information and Albertans and clients find programs they
services for Alberta entrepreneurs and small need and assisting clients in their moves from
businesses. program to program as circumstances change.
canadabusiness.ca/Alberta albertasupports.ca
1-800-272-9675 (toll-free) 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free)
780-422-7722 (Edmonton) 780-644-9992 (Edmonton)
403-221-7800 (Calgary)

60 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Child Support Services Job search and resumés
The Child Support Services program is a free To access the following job postings and
service that helps single parents and parents in resources, visit alis.alberta.ca/jobseekers.
blended families with limited incomes negotiate
a child support agreement or obtain a court ALIS publications
order. Child support can bring a greater sense To view, order or download the following
of financial security and help to improve the publications, visit alis.alberta.ca/publications.
quality of life for you and your child(ren).
Advanced Techniques for Work Search
humanservices.alberta.ca/css
Welcome to Alberta: Information for Newcomers
310-0000 (Call toll-free in Alberta and ask for
the Child Support Services office in your area.) Workability: What You Need to Get and Keep a Job

780-415-6400 (Edmonton) Work Search Basics

403-297-6060 (Calgary) Canada-Alberta Job Order Bank

Service (JOBS)
Parent Link Centres This free job information service is for job
These centres offer information and support for seekers and Alberta employers. Job seekers can
parents and caregivers. search a list of jobs in regions available across
parentlinkalberta.ca Canada to find job opportunities and wages.
The Job Match feature allows job seekers to
310-0000 (Call toll-free in Alberta and ask for complete a skills survey that employers can use
the centre in your area.) to fill positions.
jobbank.gc.ca

Parenting and children information Immigrating to Alberta website

Additional information on family See the official Alberta website, under the Work
supports can be found at albertacanada. in Alberta tab, for information on working in
com/parenting your occupation and finding a job.
albertacanada.com/opportunity
1-877-427-6419 (toll-free in Alberta)
780-427-6419 (outside Alberta; long-distance
Immigrant-serving agencies
charges apply)
Immigrant-serving agencies provide
newcomers with information and guidance
about settlement and employment readiness
services. Some of these agencies also offer
employment-related programs and services
for internationally trained and educated
immigrants such as accountants, engineers,
educators, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and
electricians and other tradespeople. To find an
immigrant-serving agency near you, call the
Alberta Career Information Hotline (see page 58).
work.alberta.ca/settlement-services

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 61
 Labour market information Workplace issues
Labour market information will help with ALIS publications
career planning or a job search. Research will
To view, order or download the following
give you a realistic picture of what it might be
publications, visit alis.alberta.ca/publications.
like to work for a company or in an industry.
To learn more, visit alis.alberta.ca/lmi. Let’s Talk: A Guide to Resolving Workplace
Conflicts
Life transitions Workability: What You Need to Get and
ALIS publications Keep a Job
To view, order or download the following Your Rights and Responsibilities at Work
publications, visit alis.alberta.ca/publications.
Alberta Human Rights Commission
Change and Transitions: The Path From A to B
The commission responds to questions about
Welcome to Alberta: Information for Newcomers human rights and deals with complaints of
discrimination.
Social Insurance Numbers
albertahumanrights.ab.ca
Service Canada Centres
310-0000 (Call toll-free in Alberta, and then
Visit a Service Canada Centre to apply for your enter the 10-digit regional office number.)
Social Insurance Number.
780-427-7661 (north of Red Deer)
servicecanada.gc.ca
403-297-6571 (south of Red Deer)
1-800-206-7218 (toll-free)
Employment Standards
Trades and apprenticeship Employment Standards offers information
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry about minimum rights and responsibilities of
Training employers and employees relating to employer
This Government of Alberta program provides records, minimum wage, hours of work and
a guide to trades, apprenticeship and industry overtime, general holidays and pay, vacations
training in Alberta, and information about the and pay, maternity and parental leave and
Alberta Qualification Certificate Program. termination of employment.

tradesecrets.alberta.ca work.alberta.ca/es

310-0000 (Call toll-free in Alberta and ask for 1-877-427-3731 (toll-free)

your local Apprenticeship and Industry Training 780-427-3731 (Edmonton)
office.)
Occupational Health and Safety
For publications and resources about safe
work practices and workplaces, and workplace
hazards, call the Occupational Health and Safety
Contact Centre.
work.alberta.ca/ohs
1-866-415-8690 (toll-free)
780-415-8690 (Edmonton)

62 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Employment Terms Used in Alberta

You may be unfamiliar with some of the terms in this guide and elsewhere. Here are definitions for
some of the more common employment terms used in Alberta.

Apprenticeship—A combination of on-the- Industry—A group of establishments engaged

job training, work experience and technical in similar types of activities and producing
training. People who want to learn a trade in similar goods and services. Examples are the
Alberta must become registered apprentices. construction and health-care industries.
Career—The sum total of your life experiences, Information interview—A scheduled
including education, paid and unpaid work, and meeting used to collect information about an
community, volunteer and family activities. occupation, company or industry.
Career management—Making informed International mutual recognition
choices to manage the events of your career. A agreements—Agreements that set out the
vital part of the career management process is terms and conditions for recognizing and
gathering information on learning and work accepting the qualifications of workers who
opportunities and applying it to yourself and have been certified or registered in other
your situation. jurisdictions.
Certified—Recognized by a professional International qualifications—Qualifications
association or professional regulatory and credentials obtained in a country outside
organization as possessing the appropriate Canada.
combination of credentials, training and/
Job—A set of specific duties performed for a
or experience. Certified is sometimes used
specific employer. Jobs may be paid or unpaid,
interchangeably with registered or licensed.
part time or full time, and of short or long
Credentials—Official testimonials or duration. “Grade 1 teacher at city school” is a
documents showing that a person is qualified job.
to do a particular job. Examples of credentials
Job or work search—Steps you take to find
include professional registration certificates,
work or get a job, such as writing your resumé,
diplomas and degrees.
preparing for an interview and networking.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Journeyperson—Someone who has satisfied
training—English language training for
all the requirements to be certified in a specific
individuals whose first language is not English.
trade, for example, a journeyperson millwright.
ESL training is designed to help participants
In order to be certified as a journeyperson, an
learn English reading, writing, listening and
apprentice must complete on-the-job training,
speaking skills.
work experience and technical training and pass
Immigrant-serving agency—An organization a theory and/or practical exam. This term is
offering general settlement assistance, including used for both men and women.
information, orientation, English as a Second
Labour market—Employers offer jobs or work.
Language (ESL) assessments and training,
Employees offer skills and perform work. Along
interpretation or translation, and employment
with economic conditions and other factors,
and referral services.
they make up the labour market.

© Government of Alberta Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants 63
 Licensed—Recognized by a professional Professional regulatory organization—
association or professional regulatory body A professional association that has been granted
as possessing the appropriate combination authority by the provincial government to
of credentials, training and/or experience. protect the public’s interest. Its members are
Licensed is sometimes used interchangeably certified to work within a regulatory framework
with certified or registered. established by government. Professional
regulatory organizations have the authority to
Mentor—Someone who shares experience,
knowledge and wisdom about his or her • set initial requirements for certification and
occupation or about the workplace in general. the standards of practice
• assess applicants’ qualifications and
Occupation—A group of similar jobs or
credentials
fields of interest that require specific training
or expertise. Occupation is sometimes used • certify, register or license qualified applicants
interchangeably with profession or trade. • discipline members
Teacher and motorcycle mechanic are examples
Registered—Recognized by a professional
of occupations.
association or professional regulatory body
Occupational language training—Language as possessing the appropriate combination
training that is specific to a particular of credentials, training and/or experience.
occupation. It goes beyond basic language Registered is sometimes used interchangeably
training and may include technical terminology. with certified or licensed.
Profession—A group of similar jobs or fields Regulated occupation—A profession or trade
of interest that require specific training or that has legal requirements or restrictions with
expertise. Profession is sometimes used regard to licensing, certification or registration.
interchangeably with occupation. Physician Regulated occupations are controlled by law to
and teacher are examples of professions. protect the public.
Professional association—An organization Trade—Occupation in which standards have
that represents the interests of members who been set to promote quality work, safety
practise an occupation or profession. and excellence of skills among tradespeople.
Tradespeople are trained through an
apprenticeship program.
Transitional job—A job taken to earn money
and gain work experience in Alberta while
looking for other opportunities. It can be short
term or long term depending on your situation.
Work—The task, job or activities performed to
reach a goal. Work can be paid or unpaid, and
short term or long term.

64 Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants © Government of Alberta
 Break the wall. Improve your English.
Learn English at your own pace www.AlbertaCanada.com/BreaktheWall
Working
in Alberta
A guide for internationally
trained and educated immigrants

Have you obtained your education and skills training outside

of Canada? Do you need to make decisions about your work
life in Alberta?

Working in Alberta will help you research your occupation in

Alberta, look at other work alternatives and become familiar
with the Alberta workplace.

It covers
• recognition of international qualifications
• registration and certification
• occupational information
• career management
• work search skills
• the labour market