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Job Searching with Afghan Newcomers at NYCH
Finding employment as a newcomer is challenging. Allison Perez speaks with Roya, Employment Support Worker at NYCH, about what the process is like for newly arrived Afghan nationals.
Job hunting can be a stressful process especially if you are a refugee escaping a crisis from your home country.
I interviewed NYCH’s Employment Support Worker, Roya, about her experience of working with refugees.
As a newcomer herself from Afghanistan, she found it difficult to find adequate employment support when she arrived. Roya now assists newcomers with their job search offering one-on-one coaching, group sessions on how to find work, resume writing, interviewing, upgrading job skills, and understanding the Canadian job market.
Afghan nationals often have strong educational backgrounds, but may not have the English writing skills to present it. Roya explains,
I help them calm down and make a plan. We draft their resume and apply to at least three jobs, customizing the resume and cover letter for each job.
One common issue is that many clients with strong educational and work backgrounds find it difficult to find work in their field in Canada.
It can be difficult and expensive for experienced medical professionals like doctors, dentists, and surgeons to get a medical license in Canada. This results in them asking Roya for help to find a profession related to their field, such as emergency healthcare.
This reminds me of my mother who came to Canada as an immigrant from the Philippines as a lawyer. Her degree was disregarded and studying law again was out of the question due to financial difficulties. She worked very hard in Canada while continuing her education at college and is now a paralegal at a law firm.
Roya also mentions newcomers with backgrounds in finance, accounting, or customer service have had better luck with finding work in their areas of expertise. Finally, I asked, “What would be your best piece of advice for someone who is new to the country?” Roya replied,
Don’t rush with everything – don’t rush to change your career. Work a little bit and improve your skills. Learn customer service, good communication skills, and then look around for what interests you.