In Quebec’s labour market, finding a job that matches your professional profile can be a major challenge, especially if you are newly arrived or in the process of integrating. However, there are effective strategies to access real opportunities, and one of the most successful is participating in Express Recruitment / Speed Jobbing events organized by our team.
These express meetings allow our clients to connect directly with recruitment agencies such as TOTEM, a firm recognized for its human approach and its broad collaboration with companies in various sectors, including construction, industry, administration, accounting, human resources, insurance, information technology, and legal services.
During an event held last June, we had the privilege of interviewing Margaux David, Executive Director at TOTEM, who shared a series of practical tips and key observations about what companies are really looking for in candidates. In this article, we present the key points from our conversation with Ms. David to help you better prepare your profile for your next speed jobbing event.
Recruitment Agency: A Bridge Between Talent and Opportunity
TOTEM has more than 38 consultants across specialized divisions. The agency’s goal is to respond quickly to its clients’ needs while following rigorous selection criteria. This means they look for candidates who are well prepared, flexible, and have a clear understanding of their immigration and professional situation.
The agency is not limited to permanent positions. It also offers temporary assignments, which can be an excellent opportunity for those looking to take their first steps in Quebec’s labour market.
“We have clients looking for people for two- or three-month assignments, in positions that are more accessible to new immigrants,” explains Margaux.
Flexibility and Openness: Key Factors for Getting Started
Flexibility is one of the qualities most valued by recruiters. Margaux makes this clear:
“If a candidate has a very specific idea of the type of company or position they want, it becomes more complicated. You need to stay open, listen, and use your first Quebec experience as a way to eventually move closer to your original training.”
This openness does not mean accepting just any position without thinking carefully. It means being ready to explore paths that may lead to opportunities more aligned with your medium- and long-term career goals.
Understanding Your Immigration Status
It is essential for candidates to clearly understand their immigration status and be able to explain it to an employer. This helps build trust and demonstrates long-term commitment. Mentioning your status, such as permanent residence or an open work permit, on your resume can increase your chances of being considered for a position.
Strategic Interview Preparation
Beyond the resume, the interview is a key moment to stand out. Margaux recommends doing proper research on the company before showing up:
“It is not enough to know what the company sells. You need to understand whether it is international, how long it has existed, and what its organizational culture is. Today, with tools like ChatGPT, you can prepare a complete summary in just a few minutes.”
It is also important to avoid extremes: do not underestimate yourself, but do not oversell yourself either.
“There are candidates who say, ‘I can do everything,’ and that creates mistrust. It is better to clearly explain what you know how to do, especially in technical sectors where recruiters outside recruitment agencies are not always trained in the field.”
Adaptability and Mobility: Decisive Factors
The ability to travel easily to the workplace is often overlooked, but it is an essential criterion. It is recommended to honestly assess your geographic availability before accepting a position.
Having diploma equivalencies can also significantly strengthen a candidate’s credibility.
“Even just having an equivalency shows that the candidate understands how the system works here and is committed to their integration.”
Motivation and Attitude: Intangible Assets
Margaux emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in the position and the company.
“Many candidates do not ask questions or show interest. That makes it difficult, because today employers are willing to give a chance to motivated, interested, and dynamic people.”
Accepting temporary assignments, even for one week, can be an entry point into a company.
“Only 30% of positions are posted. The remaining 70% are filled internally. If you get in, people get to know you, and that can open many doors.”
Tips to Stand Out During Speed Jobbing
- Be flexible and open to different types of positions and sectors.
- Research the company before the interview: its history, culture, and projects.
- Be honest about your skills and avoid saying, “I can do everything.”
- Study the job description and match your skills with the requirements.
- If you have diploma equivalencies, present them. They strengthen your credibility.
- Assess your geographic availability: can you easily get to the workplace?
- Show sincere interest by asking questions about the position and the company.
- Accept temporary assignments. They can open long-term doors.
Interested in participating in our next Speed Jobbing events?
At Objectif Emploi, we support you at every stage of the process, from resume preparation to the interview, including analysis of your immigration and professional profile. Contact us today. We are here to help you find the job you are looking for and deserve.
