Canadian Employer Expectations: Your First Job In Canada

On the first day of your new job it is important that you stay busy. Personal calls and errands must wait. If you have completed your work offer to help out in other areas. Going the extra mile makes all the difference.

Complete your projects on time and if you require more time or have some questions don’t be afraid to ask! Make sure you clarify the assignments and time lines and your manager’s expectations. It is better to ask then make mistakes or assume. And if you do make a mistake ask for help and move on. Remember not to repeat these mistakes and learn from them. Use a note book or a journal to write down instructions. Don’t complain and bring problems to your manager instead suggest solutions after identifying a problem Keep a progress chart and occasionally (when appropriate) review it with your manager.

During your first few days at work, you will see and work with people who come from varied cultural backgrounds (different because of their age, gender, ethnicity, education, or first language). This means Canada is a very multi cultural place where people come together from all walks of life and culture and work as a team.

Having prior knowledge of the expectations and culture of the Canadian workplace will increase your awareness of different ways of communication in the workplace and as a result you should have fewer problems adjusting to your new work place. Canadians tend to be distinctive and competitive behaviour is often expected in the workplace. Employers usually want their employees to work independently with minimal supervision, to take initiative, and to make decisions on their own based on company policy. Canadian companies are often organized hierarchically, and employees must follow their supervisor's directions. When making decisions, seeking information, or dealing with problems, you will be expected to follow the proper channels of authority within your organization. In your first week, make sure that you understand the company's reporting expectations and where you should go to seek help.

Also note that Canadians tend to value objectivity and will often seek input from all members of the team. You will be expected to voice your own opinions and offer suggestions.

Canada is a place where originality and hard work are well-regarded qualities at work and elsewhere. A combination of level of education, experience, hard work and charisma is the winning ticket for success for most employees. Added to this personal charm, diplomacy and tact and cultural sensitivity are quite crucial for your success in your new job. I have condensed the following to show Canadian employer expectations:

• Punctuality is the key to make a good impression. Even if there is blizzard blowing or traffic is slow due to bad weather the employers still expect you to be on time. It is a good idea to give your self plenty of time and have allowances for such as bad weather or traffic. The employers like you to be dependable.
• They want to see you as a team player and able to get along with others (Teamwork is considered an ideal system of working. A person who comes across as 'know it all' may be seen as not cooperative, arrogant and inflexible. It is important to show confidence as well as humility and good listening skills).
• Organized and able to save time and help others.
• Able to read and understand written information
• Have basic arithmetic, writing, speaking and comprehension skills
• Neat and tidy appearance (professional)
• Not complain and maintain healthy habits (smoking is not good as most of the public areas are non smoking)
• Good Thinking & Problem Solving skills
• Demonstrate Positive Attitudes & Behaviours
• Enjoy sports/ or some form of exercise
• They like you to have self knowledge including your strengths and weaknesses
• Work hard and put in a honest day's work
• Loyalty
• Problem solving (Canadians tend to appreciate approachability and problem-solving abilities over authoritarian styles of management.)
• Creative and use your imagination
• Knowing how to use materials and equipment
• Follow instructions
• Working without close supervision and ability to work under pressure

It is entirely acceptable to ask your supervisor for answers or feedback; however you will be expected to demonstrate your analysis of the situation at hand. Sometimes you will be expected to take initiative and complete a project with minimal supervision; this will vary between workplaces and managers and is worth clarifying early on.

To be successful in a Canadian workplace you need to adapt to your organization's culture. Canada is multicultural country and a growing country, and it is good not assume that people from a different country at your work place think the way that you do. What you may think is normal behaviour may be inappropriate in another culture.

In Canada especially in larger cities on issues of gender for instance are more likely to be tolerate and even support the extension of rights to same-sex couples, or celebrating with them on Pride Day (first weekend in July). Canadians also support for women or men to try non-traditional jobs.

Most offices operate in a relative sophisticated way and it is very uncommon to find someone who would try to inflict religion in the office environment. Please note that most holidays observed in Canada are still directly connected to the Christian religion, however, people of other faiths can also take time off to observe their own holidays with prior notice.

There is a high degree of politeness in the Canadian work place, and no one is made to feel inferior because of the type of work they do or lower pay.

Ethnic minority person can expect the same services from public offices, banks, hospitals and educational institutions as European descendants, and there are ways to report abuse or discrimination, should this happen.

Remember NOT to compare your old work place to Canadian work place. There are cultural differences. You will need to remind yourself why you have decided to come, live and work in Canada and expect changes and accept them as you go along.