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Canadian Career and Culture: Job Guide for Getting Your Credentials Recognized

4 Phrases to Swap to Avoid Shutting Down Conversation

June 18, 2025

In this week’s issue

  • Job Guide for Getting Your Credentials Recognized

  • 4 Phrases to Swap to Avoid Shutting Down Conversation

  • A Look at Dollarama Through Newcomer Eyes

  • Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

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Career Corner

Job Guide for Getting Your Credentials Recognized

One of the most important steps to finding employment in Canada is getting your credentials recognized.

Immigration.ca just created a fully comprehensive guide. Here are a few of the tips they covered.

Find out if your job is regulated
About 20% of jobs in Canada are regulated, meaning you’ll need a licence or certification to work legally. These requirements also vary by province.

If you’re not sure, start by checking the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system and exploring provincial requirements through Job Bank Canada or the relevant regulatory authority.

Make sure you understand credential assessments
If you’re applying for immigration through Express Entry, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your education level.

An ECA is often the first step even for regulated occupations, but it does not replace professional licensing.

Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months. Be sure to plan ahead and submit all required documents as early as possible.

Prepare key documents, preferably before you arrive in Canada
Start gathering important documents early, such as:

  • Degrees or diplomas

  • Transcripts

  • Course descriptions

  • Proof of work experience

  • Professional licences or registrations

  • Reference letters

Look into bridging programs and language tests
Bridging programs help internationally trained professionals meet licensing requirements or fill knowledge gaps. You may also need to prove your English or French skills with a test like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.

Learn the Lingo

4 Phrases to Swap Before They Shut Down Conversation

In many Canadian workplaces, how you say something matters just as much as what you say. Phrases that may seem clear and efficient in one culture can come across as abrupt or even confrontational in another.

Dr. Miro Bada recently made a list of phrases that can unintentionally halt conversation. Here is a breakdown of 4 of our highlights from his post.

❌ "You don’t understand"
✅ "Maybe I can explain better…"

This phrase often surfaces when someone misunderstands a concept or makes an incorrect assumption. You may feel frustrated or want to clarify quickly.

❌ "I already told you"
✅ "Let me explain this another way…"

If someone’s still confused, it’s more helpful to rephrase than to point out you’ve said it before. Focus on clarity, not blame.

❌ "You should have…"
✅ "Next time, let’s try…"

Often said after a mistake or when expectations weren’t met. While the intention might be to offer guidance, “You should have…” puts blame on the listener and may cause defensiveness.

❌ "Yeah, but…"
✅ "I hear you, and…"

Often comes up in discussions or meetings, especially when offering a different perspective. “Yeah, but…” tends to signal disagreement and can override or invalidate what someone just said.

SECURE YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE IN CANADA

Planning to move to Canada but unsure where to start?
The Canadian immigration system can be complex but with Immigration.ca, you can trust our expertise to guide you through every step of the process. Book a consultation with Immigration.ca, Canada’s longest-standing online immigration platform, founded by Colin R. Singer. As a licensed immigration lawyer with over 35 years of experience, Colin offers expert guidance on Express Entry, PNPs, family sponsorships, Start-Up visa, business visas and more. Our platform provides comprehensive resources and personalized strategies for individuals and families seeking permanent residency. Consultations are conducted privately via Google Meet, or WhatsApp. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward your Canadian journey!

Canadian Culture

A Look at Dollarama Through Newcomer Eyes

In "I went to Dollarama for the first time as a newcomer — Here's what I noticed right away," Narcity writer Tomás Keating shares his first impressions of a store many Canadians take for granted.

Coming from Ireland, he expected a basic discount shop. Here are some things that surprised him:

  • It’s a one-stop shop — Snacks, cleaning supplies, arts and crafts, even kitchenware, all in one place.

  • Prices are shockingly low — Perfect for setting up your home or grabbing last-minute essentials on a budget.

  • You’ll see it everywhere — With locations all over major cities, it’s a convenient option when you need something fast.

  • The in-house candy is top-tier — Especially the Sweet Shoppe brand, which Keating ranks above Haribo!

Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings