Matini Sunni immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in November 2019. His job search had been unsuccessful until he participated in the Job Search Workshop and the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership at the Pickering Welcome Centre.

Before coming to Canada, Matini studied accounting in Nigeria and worked in various industries including banking, consulting and consumer goods manufacturing. He is now working in retail as a Finance Analyst.

Matini participated in the Job Search Workshop and was able to get a position before completing the program — he credits the skills and techniques that he learned through JSW.

Matini was also paired with a Mentor through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership. He describes it as a wonderful experience wherein he learned a lot about the Canadian work environment and how he can contribute to the Canadian workforce.

Matini states that it can be discouraging when you are not receiving responses or feedback from employers. He found that the accounts that he heard from other immigrants during JSW were encouraging. He indicated that the job search techniques he learned gave him the strength to keep going and that his biggest mistake was to create a one-size-fits-all resume and cover letter.

He learned to target his resume to specific jobs, maximize his LinkedIn profile and explore the hidden job market.

He wants to encourage other immigrants to take small steps and not to be discouraged. Matini states that it is not impossible to get work in your field — you just need right mindset and to take advantage of available programs.

Watch the video of Matini talk about his experience at the Pickering Welcome Centre.

Read Employment E-News – December 2020 – We Can Help You Work

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