A recent study conducted by Toronto Metropolitan University found that 65% of “pre-arrival newcomers” utilized social media for job prospects before moving to Canada. This highlights the importance of social media in connecting with opportunities before arriving in Canada.
The study also revealed that those who leveraged social media before arriving in Canada were more likely to find work that matched their credentials and obtain higher-paying employment. The positive impact of social media on pre-arrival newcomers cannot be overlooked.
The study looked at how different social media platforms were used by newcomers in various stages of their journey to Canada. It found that platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and QZone were among the most popular for obtaining valuable information about work prospects before immigrating to Canada.
In addition to getting information about job prospects, the study found that newcomers also used social media to gain insights on job search advice, job interview advice, salary information, occupational licensing requirements, further education or skill training, and English or French language training.
Notably, the study found that there was a positive correlation between the use of social media during the pre-arrival stage and post-arrival labour outcomes. Those who used social media before arriving in Canada were more likely to find work aligned with their skills and experience, as well as obtain higher-paying jobs.
Despite the benefits of pre-arrival social media use, many newcomers experienced challenges. Some respondents lacked confidence in the information shared on social media, while others experienced misinformation, fraud, or a lack of necessary skills and knowledge when using social media to learn about the Canadian labour market.
Overall, the study highlights the widespread use of social media among pre-arrival newcomers and its significant impact on their journey to Canada. It also emphasizes the need for newcomers to navigate social media with caution to avoid potential risks and challenges.
To learn more about the study and its findings, you can view the full results of TMU’s 2023 The Social Media Information Gap survey here.
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