Connecting with Employers: Insights from a Job Fair
- Marcia Freese
- Oct 8
- 5 min read
As the owner of Crossing Oceans Immigration Services, I'm always looking for opportunities to better understand the Canadian employment landscape and connect with the businesses that make our communities thrive. Recently, I attended a job fair in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with a specific mission: to meet with employers, learn about their hiring practices, and discover whether job fairs remain a valuable recruitment tool in today's market.
Why Attend a Job Fair as an Immigration Consultant?
My goal wasn't to recruit candidates, it was to gain firsthand insight into employer perspectives. I wanted to understand:
How frequently do employers attend job fairs?
Do they find these events worthwhile for their recruitment needs?
What types of positions are they looking to fill?
How open are they to hiring newcomers to Canada?
What role does immigration support play in their hiring strategies?
The answers I discovered were both encouraging and enlightening.
Entry-Level Opportunities Abound
One of the most significant findings from the job fair was that job fairs work exceptionally well for industries seeking entry-level talent. Employers in sectors like hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and customer service were actively recruiting candidates who could start quickly and grow within their organizations.
For newcomers to Canada, many of whom are looking for that crucial first Canadian work experience, this is excellent news. Job fairs provide a direct connection to employers who are ready to hire, often with minimal barriers to entry.
The Specialized Skills Gap
However, not all employers found the job fair format equally beneficial. Some companies expressed frustration at not finding the specialized skills needed in their industry at job fairs.
Employers in technical fields, specialized trades, healthcare, and other niche sectors often left disappointed. They came seeking candidates with:
Specific technical certifications or credentials
Years of specialized experience
Industry-specific knowledge
Advanced qualifications
These employers found that job fairs, while excellent for volume hiring and entry-level positions, don't always attract the specialized talent pool they need. This highlights an important reality: different recruitment strategies work for different hiring needs.
For specialized roles, employers may need to:
Partner with immigration consultants who can source international talent with specific credentials
Utilize industry-specific recruitment channels
Consider foreign recruitment programs like the LMIA process for high-wage positions
Invest in upskilling and credential recognition for promising candidates
Employers Are Embracing Newcomers
Despite the specialized skills challenge, what truly stood out was the openness of employers to hiring newcomers. Many of the companies I spoke with actively seek out international talent and recognize the value that diverse perspectives and experiences bring to their teams.
Some impressive statistics emerged from my conversations:
Several large companies reported having over 70 employees currently working on work permits
Employers expressed appreciation for the work ethic, skills, and dedication that newcomers bring to their organizations
Many businesses have established processes specifically designed to support international workers
This level of engagement with foreign workers demonstrates a mature understanding of Canada's immigration system and a genuine commitment to building diverse workforces.
The PR Support Question
One of the more nuanced findings involved employer support for permanent residency (PR) applications. The landscape here is mixed:
Some companies actively support PR pathways, recognizing that helping employees achieve permanent residency:
Increases retention and loyalty
Reduces long-term recruitment costs
Builds a stable, experienced workforce
Other companies, however, are not in a position to provide PR support. This doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of willingness—often, it's a matter of:
Company size and administrative capacity
Understanding of immigration processes
Resource constraints
Business model considerations
For immigration consultants and newcomers alike, this means it's essential to have open conversations about PR support early in the employment relationship.
Are Job Fairs Worthwhile for Employers?
The employers I spoke with had varying levels of experience with job fairs, but a common theme emerged: for the right positions and industries, job fairs remain highly effective.
Employers appreciate job fairs because they:
Allow face-to-face interactions with candidates
Enable quick screening and initial assessments
Provide opportunities to meet multiple candidates in a short timeframe
Help build employer brand awareness in the community
However, frequency of attendance varies. Some employers are job fair regulars, attending multiple events throughout the year. Others attend selectively, focusing on events that align with specific hiring needs or seasonal recruitment cycles.
The key takeaway? Job fairs excel at filling entry-level and general positions but may not be the best venue for specialized, technical, or senior-level recruitment.
What This Means for Newcomers
If you're a newcomer to Canada looking for work, job fairs should be on your radar. Here's why:
Direct access to employers who are actively hiring and open to newcomers
Entry-level opportunities that can provide crucial Canadian work experience
Face-to-face networking that allows you to showcase your personality and enthusiasm
Immediate feedback and sometimes even on-the-spot interviews
Come prepared with:
Multiple copies of your resume
A clear understanding of your work permit status
Questions about the company's experience with international workers
Professional attire and a positive attitude
If you have specialized skills, don't rely solely on job fairs. Combine them with:
Targeted applications to companies in your field
Networking within your professional community
Working with immigration consultants who understand your industry
Pursuing credential recognition where applicable
What This Means for Employers
If you're an employer considering foreign recruitment or looking to diversify your workforce, understanding which recruitment channels work for your needs is essential.
For entry-level and general positions: Job fairs can be an excellent, cost-effective recruitment tool.
For specialized positions: Consider:
Partnering with immigration professionals who can source international talent with specific credentials
Understanding LMIA requirements for high-wage, specialized positions
Exploring programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program for targeted recruitment
Developing clear policies around work permit support and PR pathways
Building relationships with credential recognition bodies to help international professionals transition into Canadian roles
Moving Forward
The Dartmouth job fair reinforced what I've long believed: Nova Scotia's business community is welcoming, pragmatic, and increasingly sophisticated in its approach to international talent. The openness I witnessed gives me great confidence in the opportunities available for the newcomers we serve at Crossing Oceans Immigration Services.
At the same time, the specialized skills gap highlights an opportunity for immigration consultants like us to bridge the divide - connecting employers who need specific expertise with qualified international professionals who can fill those roles.
Whether you're an employer looking to expand your talent pool or a newcomer seeking your first Canadian opportunity, the connections made at events like these can be transformative.
Ready to explore your immigration options or need help navigating the Canadian job market? Book a consultation with Crossing Oceans Immigration Services today and let's discuss how we can help you achieve your Canadian dreams.
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