Page 3 - CBW Handbook March 2019

The Career Bridge Workshop (CBW) is an intensive three (3) week workshop that focuses on Canadian job search strategies and
workplace integration. You will learn about the labour market, how to find information on your occupation, how to develop a career
plan and the expectations of a Canadian workplace.

The program focuses on:
• Self Assessment
• Research of professional requirements and setting goals
• Job Lead Development and Internet Job Search
• Resume/Cover Letter Preparation
• Marketing yourself through social-media
• Interview Preparation
• Canadian Business Ethics
• Networking / Self-Promotion Strategies
• Job Maintenance and Cross Cultural Workplace Competencies

Members meet daily under the supervision of a facilitator for a three week period or until they find a job. The CBW uses behavioral
counseling with directed positive feedback to members on each sequenced activity.

Congratulations, on your decision to enroll in the CBW to develop your skills in finding the job that fits your knowledge, skills
and background for your chosen profession. It is a step in the right direction to seek assistance and support in finding a job
suitable to your needs.

The planning and preparation that it took to come to Canada, shows that you have the determination, organizational skills and strength
to build your career here. Some of the ways to find, apply, and interview for a job may be different from where you immigrated from,
but you will learn about these methods in the next few weeks through the CBW. The workshop consists of the following modules:

1. Introduction to Job Search Tools, Self Assessment, Reviewing Job Requirements (essential skills and NOC—National
Occupational Classification), Transferable Skills, Soft Skills, Types and Components of Resumes and Building Your Resume
Master File
2. Target Jobs, Labour Market Information, Regulated and non-regulated occupations, Certification/Associations,
Networking, Hidden Job Market, Informational Interviews, and Cold Calls.
3. Occupational Requirements (regulated versus non-regulated jobs), Alternative Careers, Creating a Plan, and SMART Goals.
4. Self - Marketing as Part of Your Job Search Strategy - Developing a professional profile on LinkedIn. Understanding why
your social media footprint is an important consideration. The importance of using keywords in your online profile.
Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Understanding How To Write Cover Letters and Tailoring Your Resume to
Target Key words in the Job Advertisement.
5. Preparing for the Job Interview, Follow-up, Thank-you Letters and References.
6. The Job Offer, Salary Negotiations, Volunteering and Understanding the Canadian Workplace Culture.

The CBW modules’ format includes instruction on the content of the material combined with practical exercises and hands-on activities.
The facilitator invites guest speakers from various industries, human resources professionals, staffing agencies and professional
associations. This gives you the chance to ask questions, and learn about your profession in Canada.

The workshops incorporate videos, mock interviews, clients’ presentations, and field trips to public libraries and career resource centers.
In each section, a resource listing containing useful, informative websites are included.