Feb 13, 2018

What does Canada want from experienced professionals

Next month will be our second year anniversary of arriving in Canada.
My expectations on career was not high as we were told so many times that to land back in your profession is like a needle in a haystack.

After settling down, arranging the kids school and so many little things that kept us very busy in the first 2 months of arrival hubby & I were both back in our field. I did the math and my Canadian annual salary is equivalent to my Malaysian salary. This can be viewed in 2 perspectives. I was hired as an HR Assistant earning a salary of a Learning & Organizational Development Manager. Pays well for lesser responsibilities or my compensation didn't literally change moving here.  Which made me think if I am able to specialize again in either Learning & Development or Recruitment I would at least be happier and be better compensated. Frankly I am not a fan of other parts of HR other than these two. While I can do the job,  I naturally excel and get excited with L&D as well as Employee Engagement Programs.

Two years later I am still stuck in this job with very limited opportunities to grow or even showcase my skills. I think the hard part for this is not seeing a clear path ahead. I know what a dangling carrot looks like compared to my other bosses really walking the talk of growing my career. For some weird reason too I can't seem to get hired in other companies. I was either too overqualified for some (when I go for entry level positions) or for the same level jobs I was not the most competitive candidate out there. Such a dilemma so I am taking matters in my hands and explore my options. The only thing I haven't done is take up a course to "beef" up my resume. Apparently I've been told numerous times that it's how the 'games' are played. Whereas my experience is as solid as a brick. It is so frustrating because no matter what format of resume and no matter how specific and individualized my cover letters and resume are I am not lucky enough. So here's to the beginning of my quest to fulfill what I hope is what these Canadian employers want from HR Professionals like me. A Canadian education or Certification.

I hope one day they realize though that it holds back their progress. Only those with time and money can actually pursue additional degree or certifications. Doesn't mean they are less talented. In Asia even if we are not decorated with fancy certifications and multiple degrees I have seen more very dedicated employees who work hard and innovate.