Navigating the job market landscape
Joy Ojehanon, a Nigerian immigrant who relocated to Canada seven years ago, embodies the struggles many face in Toronto's job market. Despite her education in child and youth care and multiple degrees, Ojehanon finds herself grappling with "heartbreaking" job search experiences and accumulating debt from further studies intended to boost her employability. Similarly, Zeesy Powers, a recent health science master's graduate, recounted her seven - month, 400 - application marathon which only resulted in a part-time, contract-based position.
Krista Silegren, who moved from Finland with a double master’s degree, also shares the common narrative of being frequently overlooked despite her qualifications, indicating a broader issue of mismatch between job requirements and candidate experiences. Leylan Collis’s experience highlights another facet of the job market's harsh realities, where even basic jobs like shelving books become unattainable despite minimal physical demands.
The struggle of underemployment
The phenomenon of underemployment is another significant issue, as illustrated by Alicia Lee’s situation. After years of raising children, Lee found herself working only three hours a week, far from her financial and career goals. This form of "involuntary part - time" work is rising, with Statistics Canada reporting an 18.2 percent rate in May, up significantly from the previous year.
Competitive landscape and employer expectations
The job market's competitiveness is further exacerbated by employers’ high expectations. Michael French, a national director at Robert Half, observed that job postings often attract hundreds of applications, leading to an intensely competitive environment where many are left disappointed. This situation is compounded by businesses becoming "exceptionally particular" about candidate qualifications, sometimes to the point where very specific roles receive no applications at all.
Career differentiation and advice from experts
In response to these challenges, career coach Allison Lockett advises job seekers to differentiate themselves. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring applications and using personal stories to stand out in a crowded market. Lockett also points out the balancing act required in the job search process, recommending that candidates create adaptable application materials that can be easily customized for different opportunities, thus managing their time and energy more efficiently.
Toronto's job market remains a challenging landscape for many, characterized by high competition and stringent employer expectations. Despite the hardships, expert advice and strategic job search tactics can provide hopeful avenues for those struggling to find suitable employment. As the city continues to navigate economic fluctuations, the resilience and adaptability of its workforce will be crucial in overcoming these employment hurdles.
Source: CTV News Toronto