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Hi!
And welcome to today’s edition of From the Editor.
Thank you so much for the love and feedback on the 60 Canadian Immigrant Women You Don’t Know, But Should piece. That article took quite some work to put together and publish. So, Maryam and I are so glad it resonated.
Share it with one Canadian immigrant woman you know today.
In today’s newsletter: Part two of our small talk guide with John Edward McGraw is almost ready, so I thought to share a refresher; why small talk matters more than you think in Canada.
Also: We’ve got an event with Luki Danukarjanto tomorrow. Are you coming?
By: Dozie Anyaegbunam
See past issues here.
Small talk can be hard, but it’s the first step towards building relationships in Canada
When John and I were were scoping the outline for the immigrant’s guide to Canadian small talk, we naturally lapsed into small talk about plans and the weather. We didn’t even realize it until later. It was just so natural.
It’s said that people will often judge friendliness and fit based on how comfortable you seem with casual conversation. So, a good way to think of small talk is the first step towards building your network.
Get it right, and people invite you to lunch, to after-work activities, or other social activities. Opportunities to build your network and integrate into your new community.
In Canada, there is a separation for the most part between personal life and professional life. We don’t often get into a lot of very deep conversations. It can happen, but it’s quite rare. So instead, managers and colleagues use small talk to build trust and teamwork.
Which is why knowing what to say and what not to say in small talk can influence your being hired, promotion opportunities, being mentored. These casual conversations can help boost your understanding about how things work in Canada. You’ll get a sense of the office norms, a sense of the unwritten rules, and upcoming opportunities.
Plus, if you decide to apply for any of these opportunities, being seen as a good fit socially is equally or even more important than the skill sets or experience you have listed on your resume.
And it can start with some very simple talk, even just questions like “How was your weekend?”
Here’s part one in all it’s glory
Starting conversations & making graceful exits:
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We’ve got an AMA with Luki Danukarjanto tomorrow
Have you signed up? Some of the questions Luki will be answering include:
Everyone tells me to network, but it feels like I'm supposed to walk up to strangers at events and somehow make them want to help me find a job in 90 seconds. What am I missing? Is Canadian networking actually as transactional as it feels, or am I doing it wrong?
What do the first 90 days need to look like for someone who's still learning how Canadian workplaces actually operate?
For international students who may not yet have Canadian experience, which soft skills matter most in networking conversations, and how can we demonstrate them without feeling performative?
Know any Canadian immigrant who might find this useful, send them the link to register.
Good finds
Why Survival Jobs Are Keeping Immigrants Stuck. This conversation between Mher Mardoyan and Kristina McPherson on the As Told By Canadian Immigrants is a great listen. Snag your favorite cuppa, snuggle into your favorite seat in the house and listen to the full thing.
The Newcomers resources & guides
Start Here is a directory to help you find your way around the publication.
Canadian Tax 101 for New Immigrants. If you want a refresher on the basics of Canadian tax before booking a call with your tax advisor, you might enjoy these videos.
The Canadian 3-Month Settlement Guide For Newcomers Sans Kids. Got a friend or family member or acquaintance who just moved to Canada? Send them this piece. The only caveat is it works best for those without kids. Sorry.
Want to work with us? Check out The Newcomers Media Kit.
Want more immigrant interviews? Listen to The Newcomers Podcast.
Looking to find out what Canadian immigration program you’re eligible for? Check out our Who’s Eligible For series.
Do you know anyone who would find this information useful? Please forward it.
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