When it comes to looking for a job, my approach is best described as ...

  I have one or more clear job search targets/job titles for which I have majority of the skills and qualifications required
  I am looking in one general area but have not yet narrowed my search down to specific job titles.
  I am not sure what area to focus my search on; I feel that I have skills that span different fields.
  I can do whatever the employer needs me to do if only someone would give me a chance to prove it.

When it comes to my resumes, the following best describes my approach...

  I have had help from professionals in the field and developed a targeted resume(s) to my job search target(s). I know how to further target the resume to specific job postings and companies. I also know that competition for jobs is tough so I always make sure that I check for errors and send an impeccable resume.
  I have a general resume that works for most jobs I am applying to so there is not much need to change it for different job postings. I have heard many conflicting messages about what I should do with my resume and I am not sure whose advice to follow. Since I do not change my resume much for each job posting, there is no need to keep checking it for errors.
  My resume shows everything I have done in my career in a chronological order; I am sure that the employer can find relevant skills in my resume if they look closely enough. I have been told that my resume should be more targetted but I do not want to shortchange myself by omitting something that could be relevant. I feel that experience and skills are more relevant to getting a job than the look of the resume so I do not bother much with formatting and checking for errors.
  I have not changed my resume much since I arrived to Canada. My strategy is quantity, not quality. I use the same resume to apply to lots of jobs. I do not bother to change my resume every time. If I just keep sending my resume out, someone will eventually hire me.

When it comes to cover letters, the following best describes my approach...

  I understand the purpose and the importance of cover letters and I am skilled in writing targeted cover letters that stand out from the pile. I get my cover letters checked for errors and grammar before sending them out.
  I see the cover letter as a formality so I have prepared a standard formal cover letter that summarizes my resume, shows respect to the employer, and politely asks for a job. I send it out with all of my applications.
  It takes too long to write new cover letter for every application so I just write a few words in the body of the e-mail to let the employer know what job I am applying for and attach my resume.
  I do not understand the purpose of sending a cover letter. I have been told that employers do not read them so I do not bother with writing one or sending it.

When it comes to building my professional network and making sure that people in my field know me and remember me in a positive way, I take the following approach...

  I have researched professionals in my field on-line and through LinkedIn and I have reached out to them to introduce myself and request meetings. As a result I have had at least two to three information interviews in my field. I look for positive ways to keep in touch with people I have met to make sure they remember me as an engaged professional and not just as a job seeker.
  I have had one or two information interviews that were arranged for me by M2P or staff from other agencies. The bottom line is that these people were not hiring so nothing happened as a result. I am not comfortable contacting strangers and asking for information interviews; someone I know should refer me.
  I am not comfortable in information interviews; I feel like I have to hide the fact that I am looking for a job. I do not think this is an effective way to look for a job.
  I have sent e-mails to everyone I know letting them know I am looking for a job. Hopefully someone will get back to me with a referral.

When it comes to understanding my professional field in Canada and specifically in Ontario, the following best describes my approach...

  I know of at least 30 to 40 key companies in my field and I have researched them to get a good sense of their place in the professional landscape; I can describe the services they provide and their major customers. I know most job seekers are drawn to large corporations but over 80% of employment is generated by smaller and medium size businesses so I am not neglecting small and medium sized companies in my search.
  I know a few big names of companies in my field and these are the ones I am targeting in my job search. I have applied to jobs on their website several times but have not been lucky yet. The key thing is to have a connection; if someone recommended me to a job at one of these companies, I am sure I would be successful.
  I feel really lost when it comes to understanding the professional landscape in Canada. I do not know 'who is who' and what role they play in the Canadian market. It is really hard to find this information out. You have to be an insider to understand how things work on the Canadian market.
  I have not had time to do any company or professional field research but I am sure I will learn everything I need to know quickly once I get a job. I am happy to start at the bottom and work my way up as I learn more about Canadian way of doing business.

When it comes to learning about Canadian way of working and doing business, the following best describes me...

  Since I arrived to Canada, I have been observing Canadian culture in different environments without judging it. It is quite different from my own culture but in both cases, openness, politeness, and positive attitude are highly valued and put people at ease. Luckily, these qualities come naturally to me so I have been able to make lots of acquaintances and have pleasant conversations where I continue to learn about cultural, legal, and professional nuances related to my profession. I feel that most of the Canadians with whom I have interacted genuinely feel happy to speak with me and are not just being polite.
  I am open to feedback and eager to learn about the cultural, legal, and professional nuances related to my profession but I have not been able to find anyone who is willing to tell me things openly. Canadians are very polite and this can sometimes be a barrier in communication.
  Canadians are definitely too polite. I often feel that there are things that they are not telling me and when I challenge them on their implicit values and beliefs, they only withdraw more. Canadians should learn from other cultures about being more direct and expressive.
  I do not think that there is much to learn in this regard. My job is highly technical so culture does not play a big part. Two plus two is always four no matter where in the world you are.

When it comes to participating in different employment programs, including M2P, the following best describes my attitude...

  I am glad that there is so much help out there although I sometimes get conflicting advice. I make sure that I don't over-commit to participating in too many programs and that I keep in touch with program staff, complete assignments, attend workshops and come to appointments on time. I don't want to leave a bad impression on others by not following through.
  I am participating in a few different programs and it can be difficult to coordinate different schedules but these programs are all free so it does not matter if I miss classes or appointments.
  I have heard the same thing over and over again from different programs and sometimes their information is conflicting. I am tired of changing my resume and attending meetings. What I do does not make much difference. They can call me when they have a job for me.

When it comes to my experience with settlement process in Canada, the following best describes me and my family...

  I was prepared for the settlement process to be challenging. We went through some hard times but we tried to remember the positive reasons for coming to Canada. I would say my family is pretty settled and we are working on improving different aspects of our lives.
  I was not prepared for the difficulties of the settlement process. My family and I are still struggling financially and in other ways. The stress is taking a toll on us but we are getting help and are feeling hopeful about better times ahead.
  I am still in shock about Canadian lifestyle. I used to really enjoy my life in my former country; I had friends, interesting work, and lots of time to enjoy life. I have lost all of that by coming to Canada and sometimes I doubt my decision to bring my family here.

When you think of a mentoring relationship, the following best describes your expectations from your mentor...

  My mentor should take an interest in my professional experience, skills, and job search efforts. I hope he/she would be able to assess how employers may look at me and let me know how I should present myself. My mentor should give me feedback and offer suggestions of things I can do to help me reach my goals.
  My mentor should tell me what training or certification will lead to a job in my field.
  My mentor should recommend me to his/her professional contacts who might want to hire me.
  I hope that my mentor can help me get a job at their company.