work search & employment strategies

Employer Expectations and Soft Skills

Employers in Alberta expect their employees to be part of the company team, communicating, participating and taking responsibility in the workplace. Employers value hard skills such as technical skills and professional competency. Hiring decisions are based on personal educational credentials and work experience, as well as assessments or eligibility from professional associations in Alberta. In addition, employers make their final hiring decision based on what essential skills complete the personal profile of the candidate.

Soft Skills

Soft skills or people skills are all terms used to define a range of general abilities that a person develops through their interests, personal development readings or workshops, life or work experience. Examples of soft skills are: self-awareness, analytical thinking, leadership skills, team-building skills, flexibility, ability to communicate effectively, creativity, problem-solving skills, listening skills, diplomacy, and adaptability to change. Soft skills are essential to succeed in the new economy as employers are looking for more than strictly technical and professional competency.

At Directions for Immigrants, our Industry Networking Sessions provide you with the opportunity to meet with employers and learn what skills, experience and qualifications they are looking for. Calendar.

Career Resources

Work Experience Programs

There are work experience programs for skilled immigrants who want to restart in their career but do not have Canadian work experience in their field. For more information about eligibility and requirements, please visit the websites of the following organizations:

Define Your Skills, Values and Work Style (Self-Assessment Tools)

Use online self-assessment tools or quizzes that will help you understand what skills and values you can bring to the workplace.

Cover Letters, Resumes, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Salaries

There are many websites that provide tips on how to write a good cover letter and explain what style of resume is most appropriate for your needs. Salary information on various occupations is also listed.

Career Planning

See the whole picture of how to think about your career path from defining your skills and values to researching the labour market and education programs that suit your needs. Define your long-term goals and devise a plan of action for yourself.

Job Posting Websites