Countdown to Canada

Countdown to Canada

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Countdown to Canada episodes

  • How to Create a Canadian Style Resume

    Getting ready to apply for jobs in Canada? The first thing you’ll need is a Canadian-style resume. In this episode, we speak to Prachi Korde, a senior recruiter at RBC, for tips on how newcomers can create a Canadian-style resume that’ll clear ATS and impress hiring managers.

    Here’s what you’ll learn about:

    • What is a Canadian-style resume?

    • Why using a Canadian-style resume is important

    • Types of Canadian resume formats

    • Tips on crafting an ATS-friendly resume

    • Explaining employment gaps on your resume

    • Skills to list on your resume in Canada

    • Do cover letters matter? (Yes!)

    • How to make your resume stand out

    • Things not to include in a Canadian-style resume

    • Links to free resources:

      Newcomer’s Guide to Finding a Job in Canada

      Canadian Resume and Cover Letter Templates

      Networking Guide for Newcomers to Canada

      26 min
    • Immigrating to Canada as a Permanent Resident (PR)

      Plan to move to Canada permanently? In this episode, we speak to Andrea Bailey, an immigration consultant, about the various immigration programs Canada offers and how to pick the right one for your situation.

      Here’s what you’ll learn about:

      • Canada’s immigration targets for 2023 to 2025

      • Express Entry programs: FSW, FSTP, CEC

      • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

      • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

      • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

      • Family Sponsorship

      • Start-Up Visa program

      • Other PR programs for moving to Canada

      • How to choose the ideal Canadian immigration program

      • Links to free resources:

        Immigrating to Canada guide

        Cost of Living in Canada Calculator

        Tips to improve your CRS score for Express Entry

        Contact Yalla Canada

        22 min
      • Preparing for Your First 100 Days in Canada

        As a newcomer, your first few months in Canada is when you lay the groundwork for your future life here. From getting your finances set up to fast-tracking your job search, and finding a place to live to adapting to Canadian culture, your first 100 days in Canada will be crucial for nearly all aspects of your life. In this episode, we talk about the things that you as a newcomer should do to ensure that your transition to life in Canada is smooth and stress-free.

        Here’s what you’ll learn:

        • Budgeting for your first six months in Canada

        • Opening a newcomer bank account

        • Things to do in your first week: SIN, credit card, phone plans

        • Applying for provincial healthcare coverage

        • Renting permanent accommodation

        • Finding a job in Canada

        • Enrolling your kids in school in Canada

        • Adapting to cultural differences and the weather

        • Links to free resources:

          Cost of Living in Canada Calculator

          Speak to an RBC Newcomer Advisor to open a bank account

          Newcomer’s Guide to Accommodation in Canada

          Preparing Your Move to Canada Guide

          23 min
        • Banking for Newcomers to Canada

          As a newcomer, the financial decisions you make during your initial months and years in Canada can impact your long-term financial success - whether it’s choosing the right banking and investment products or learning how to use credit appropriately.

          In this episode, Clem speaks to Wanzi Silva from the Newcomer and Cultural Segment at Royal Bank to Canada (RBC) on how banking works in Canada, financial products for newcomers and tips on building your credit history from scratch in Canada.


          Here’s what you’ll learn:

          • Types of financial institutions in Canada

          • Tips to choose the right bank as a newcomer

          • Chequing vs. savings accounts

          • How to open a Canadian bank account before you arrive

          • Why your credit history is your financial reputation

          • Tips to build your credit score in Canada

          • Investment products to grow your savings 


          • Links to free resources:

            Speak to an RBC Newcomer Advisor to open a bank account


            Financial Guide for Newcomer to Canada

            36 min
          • Networking for your Career in Canada

            Did you know 65% to 80% of available jobs in Canada aren’t publicly advertised? As a newcomer, networking is the only way to tap into this hidden job market. In this episode, we share tips to build your professional network in Canada and leverage it for your job search.

            Here’s what you’ll learn:

            • What is Canada’s hidden job market
            • Why networking is important for your career
            • How professional networking works in Canada
            • Ways to build your network: LinkedIn, coffee chats, networking events and more
            • Tips to leverage your network to get a job in Canada
            • Dos and don’ts of networking
            • Links to free resources:

              Newcomers’ Guide to Networking in Canada

              Guide on Finding your Career in Canada

              Customizable Canadian style resume templates

              26 min
            • Renting your First Home in Canada

              If you’re moving to Canada soon, it’s time to start looking for a place to stay. In this episode, we cover useful tips on renting a home as a newcomer in Canada. From finding temporary housing to understanding the types of homes available and tips on navigating newcomer challenges to rent long-term accommodation, we talk about everything you need to get that lease signed and ensure a smooth move in process!

              Here’s what you’ll learn:

              • How to find temporary accommodation for your first few weeks
              • Renting a permanent, long-term home in Canada
              • Types of homes in Canada and how to decide which one is right for you
              • How to find a home to rent: realtor v/s self-search
              • Tips to rent without a Canadian credit history or job letter
              • Questions to ask the landlord or realtor before signing a lease
              • Tips on moving into your new home
              • How to buy a home in Canada
              • Links to free resources:

                Speak to an RBC Newcomer Advisor to Open a Bank Account

                Cost of Living in Canada Calculator

                The Newcomer’s Guide to Finding Accommodation in Canada

                26 min
              • Studying in Canada as an International Student

                Planning to study in Canada? In this episode, we share valuable tips on coming to Canada as an international student, from applying for your study permit and budgeting for your education, to finding student housing and working part-time, and everything in between.

                Here’s what you’ll learn:

                • What makes Canada a great place to study
                • Cost of studying in Canada (Hint: Don’t forget to add your living expenses!)
                • How to apply for a Canadian study permit
                • 5 mistakes that can get your study permit rejected
                • Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC) and why you need one
                • On-campus vs. off-campus accommodation
                • Working part-time as an international student
                • Staying in Canada after graduation: PGWP and PR (and eventually, citizenship!)
                • Links to free resources:

                  Cost of Studying in Canada Calculator

                  Speak to an RBC Advisor to Open a GIC

                  Tips on Writing a Statement of Purpose for your Study Permit

                  The Newcomer’s Guide to Networking in Canada

                  Your Guide on Immigrating to Canada

                  19 min
                • Finding a Job In Canada as a Newcomer

                  Looking for tips on finding a job in Canada as a newcomer? This episode covers all the job search essentials, from getting the right work permit and building a Canadian resume, to networking your way into the hidden job market.

                  Here’s what you’ll learn:

                  • Who is allowed to work in Canada
                  • Types of work permits for Canada
                  • How to find jobs in Canada (Hint: 65% to 80% of jobs aren’t publicly posted!)
                  • Tapping into Canada’s hidden job market through networking
                  • Building your network through LinkedIn and coffee chats
                  • Creating a Canadian-style resume
                  • Tips to ace your interviews in Canada
                  • How easy is it to get a job in Canada? (Hint: It might take a little time and effort.)
                  • Links to free resources:

                    Free customizable Canadian Resume and Cover Letter Templates

                    The Newcomer’s Guide to Finding Your Career in Canada

                    The Newcomer’s Guide to Networking in Canada

                    24 min

                  About Countdown to Canada

                  From the publisher's feed

                  Countdown to Canada is a podcast FOR newcomers hosted BY newcomers. We give you the information, resources, and tips you need to build a successful life in Canada. Whether you’re exploring your…