Newcomer to Canada? 5 tips to help you feel comfortable in Canadian workplace
- allureconsulting
- Sep 11, 2016
- 2 min read
Oh Canada! Multiculturalism is beautiful but it can be a little bit of a challenge for those who just arrived in this cocktail of customs and values. Here are 5 tips to help you manage the beginnings:
1.Interview:
Your first impression counts. Pay attention to the details: your résumé, your clothes, your smile, your handshake. I would also add: your profile picture on social media. Many companies now look-up for your image on the internet before meeting you. It would be a shame to lose a job opportunity because of a wild picture of you sweating in a night club.
Note that it is expected that you send a short thank you note by mail or email after the interview.
2.At work:
Arrive on time. We might never point out directly your redundant lateness as Canadians are way too polite and do not want to embarrass you but it would be used against you as an “additional good reason to dismiss” you if you ever get fired for low performance.
3.Pot-lucks:
We love the friendly atmosphere it brings. Do participate, bring a dish from your country, either cooked by you or bought somewhere, and try others dishes too. This is why we love Canada: discovering exotic dishes without travelling.
4.With co-workers:
The usual courtesy such as “Good morning”, “please” and “thank you” is de rigueur of course. A little chit chat in the kitchen is also appreciated. Avoid conversations about religions and politics as it is not appropriate. You cannot go wrong with the weather, but if you find it too plain, I had found the formulas “Any plan for the week-end?” and “How was your week-end?” very convenient.
5.Table manners:
It might sound obvious but I encountered colleagues who did not know that burping and eating with their mouth opened, making noises that are totally disgraceful was not an appealing behavior. Make sure that the smell of your food does not discomfort anyone and clean after yourself when using the common appliances.
Overall, be kind and courteous, always. And if you face a difficulty due to differencies, do not be upset about it and just adapt yourself. Workplace is a great environment where everyone brings his value and where you definitely bring yours too
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