Entering the Labour Market
Employer's Perspective
What is the employer’s perspective on engineering in Nova Scotia?
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Employer's Perspective
It is important you understand what employers are looking for when they hire engineers.
Here are a few employers’ perspectives:
Action: Take part in the Job Search Strategies for IEEs workshop and Work-based Competency Assessment Program. Both of these can help you become more familiar with Canadian workplace culture and have a better understanding of workplace expectations.
Action: Take part in Orientation and Communication Skills for Engineers (OCSE) and other Labour Market Language programs to improve your language skills.
Action: Take part in the Practice Interview Program to help you present yourself in the most positive and professional way.
Action: Take part in the Job Search Strategies for IEEs workshop and Work-based Competency Assessment Program. Both of these can help you become more familiar with Canadian workplace culture and have a better understanding of workplace expectations.
Action: Take part in the Job Search Strategies for IEEs workshop to help you prepare a concise and targeted resume to present to potential employers. Before you arrive in Nova Scotia, get proof that your degree is equivalent to a 4 year Canadian engineering degree.
Action: Register with ISANS and speak with an employment counselor for guidance on how often and when to approach potential employers.
Action: Take part in the Work-based Competency Assessment Program. This program will provide you with constructive feedback and help you write experience records to submit to Engineers Nova Scotia.
Action: Take part in the Practice Interview Program to help you practice the types of questions that may be asked in a job interview.
Here are 3 perspectives from companies who hire engineers:
I use the SMART method to generate work for PINTO and it is the same that IEEs should do to get hired:
- Smile
We are all human beings.
- Mirror
Follow the expressions of the person you are speaking with.
- Attire
You are a professional. Formal attire is not common today, but an ironed shirt / dress and jacket goes a long way. Use deodorant as we all perspire under stress.
- aRticulate
Speak slowly and articulate. You may have an accent that the person needs to get used to. Attend Toastmasters to better your communication skills. All new staff at PINTO need to attend for at least 1 year.
- Timing
They may not be hiring right now, but they will in the future. Have a professional business card that includes your contact phone number and LinkedIn only and your experience (eg. 11 years of international structural experience).
The fundamentals of engineering are the same regardless of country of study or certification. Our technical team at Stantec looks for individuals that can effectively deploy their skills in the industries we work in and add value for our clients. For an engineer new to Canada we expect that these individuals through self-study or mentorship (or support from ISANS) have gone through this self-assessment and identified where the gaps lie in their past experience or ability. Then we want to see candidates that have an action plan to start closing these gaps. For example, if an electrical engineer comes from outside North America they should be aware of the IEEE standards and the differences/comparisons to the Canadian Electrical Code. They should be able to showcase awareness of codes and standards used in Canada and articulate how their past experience aligns with technology and basic principles of engineering and design used in Canada.
At NS Power, we hired IEE applicants into several departments, with each department having a different skill set requirement. Universally, we look for IEE applicants to demonstrate their ability to work on complex assignments, within their skill sets, individually and also as a part of the team. It is crucially important that the IEE applicants demonstrate the ability to ask questions about their assignments, to assure alignment of ideas and the approach throughout the assignment execution. During the three-month placement term, we look for evidence that the IEE candidates are able to learn new concepts and solve problems by working effectively with other teams and management. Rather than to expect masterful knowledge of a particular subject, we look for demonstration of willingness and ability to learn and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
