Son has returned to Canada

[Cdnwmn 0]

My son is Canadian born, now 19 years old and has just returned to Canada to live and work, from the U.S. He lived in the U.S. for 7 1/2 years and gained citizenship as well.

Bear with me on this. His resume shows "U.S." information only - schooling, organizations he was part of, part time jobs.

My question? I don't know how ####### Canadian employers are when it comes to hiring "foreigners" not knowing that my son is also a Canadian citizen.

I remember moving here and being told that in the state that I reside in when it came to jobs, American citizens came first and lots of age discrimination. No, it didn't come from the employers of course but the everyday American citizen. Unfortunately I also live in a State that is 30 to 40 years behind the times so none of this surprises me.

Any thoughts?

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

In my opinion, this is something that should be stated quite explicitly in each cover letter he sends with his resume. Honestly, many employers put more stock in a good cover letter than the resume itself. He should just make sure it is very clear that he is a Canadian citizen and legally able to work in Canada. That should suffice.

There are some people who believe that this information shouldn't be made available, since it's technically illegal to not be hired on the basis of one's prior residency. But given that that's pretty much unenforceable, the best bet is to mention it up front.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I agree that he can include some sort of statement in his covering letter such as 'A Canadian citizen who has been educated in both Canada and the US, I have recently returned to Canada and am seeking employment as XXXXX. . . ". It explains the American education but also provides the necessary information that he is legally able to work in Canada.

[BriCar 0]

Usually there is a box on the job application asking if you are a legally allowed to work in the country? Which he can be lucky guy!

As far as prejudice Canadians seem to generally tolerate different backgrounds pretty well being the nice people that they are. They will likely focus on his training, experience and abilities and that chemistry should he get an interview.

Of course there's always the chance that favoritism can factor in.

The bigger cities and how bad they need people would work in his favor.

[Dan and Ali 3]

My fiance is a dual citizen and was in the same situation as your son a year ago. When he put together his resume, he made sure to include a paragraph in his cover letter that addressed the issue. For the places that he could not submit a cover letter, he put a section titled "About Me" and addressed the issue there. He had absolutely no problems finding a job, and no one questioned his work experience, not even his Utah driver's license. Good luck to your son!

[Cdnwmn 0]

I should have clarified a bit better. For now he's aiming to work in places like fast foods, pizza places or retail stores...until he figures out what he's going to do in the future in the way of College.

When he has gone to these places and asked for an application to fill out, alot only want a resume. For example he inquired at an A & W at one mall that was hiring and the woman told him just to hand in his resume.

I like that idea about the "About Me" as mentioned by the poster "Dan and Ali" here.

Thanks all!

[Dan and Ali 3]

I think the "About Me" section will work quite well for that type of job The biggest thing they are going to want to see is that he has a social insurance number -- as long as he has one of those I'm sure they'll be happy

Good luck to your son!

[Cdnwmn 0]

I think the "About Me" section will work quite well for that type of job The biggest thing they are going to want to see is that he has a social insurance number -- as long as he has one of those I'm sure they'll be happy

Good luck to your son!

Thanks. He's in Ontario and has his Ontario driver's licence and SIN. I'm glad he gets his health insurance coverage starting mid April as well. Just now has to find that job.

[BriCar 0]

Thanks. He's in Ontario and has his Ontario driver's licence and SIN. I'm glad he gets his health insurance coverage starting mid April as well. Just now has to find that job.

There is and going to be a greater shortage of tradespeople.

Ontario has good apprenticeship programs.

Trades can be a very flexible, transportable and rewarding career.

[Malrothien 6]

Just btw, a Canadian employer cannot, by law, ask what your legal status is in Canada. They are ONLY allowed to ask you if you are eligible to work in Canada.