Communication skills are important for two primary reasons. Firstly, if you apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada you must have strong language skills. You need to show that you can communicate in either of Canada’s official languages: English or French. And you have to provide proof of your language results from an organization that the Canadian government approves. For example, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a common tool to show your language skills.
Secondly, jobs are changing rapidly in Canada. Globalization and technological changes require employees at all levels to communicate effectively.
Regardless of your title, profession, or industry, strong communication skills help organizations to achieve success. So these are skills that employers seek when recruiting.
In 2018, the Labour Market Information Council, in partnership with LinkedIn, looked at 400,000 job postings in 10 major cities across Canada. Among the job titles were:
- Customer Service Specialist
- Project Manager
- Retail Salesperson
- Salesperson
- Software Developer.
The goal was to identify the top skills that Canadian employers seek. The research showed that employers seek these top three skills:
- Business Management
- Leadership
- Communication.
Communication Skills Defined
While language and communication skills are essential for most jobs, what exactly does that mean? And, how do you show that you have proficient language skills?
To succeed in the workplace, it’s essential to communicate with managers, co-workers, clients, suppliers, and customers. Strong communication skills include:
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
- Listening
In the workplace, you require:
Writing Skills
Strong writing skills are vital for many jobs. Writing skills include your ability to write clearly and concisely. This can include:
- Writing effective emails
- Writing compelling presentations and reports
- Reviewing and proofreading your writing.
Reading Skills
Reading skills include your ability to read and understand in a variety of forms. In the workplace, this includes reading:
- Forms, memos, policies
- Graphs, charts, diagrams
- Complex information such as journals and articles.
The level and type of reading requirements will vary based on the type of work that you do.
Listening Skills
Listening skills include verbal and non-verbal responses that show the speaker that you are engaged in what they are saying. Active listening allows you to hear, understand, and respond to the speaker in a meaningful way.
This is an important skill that will help you to build relationships and trust with managers, co-workers, and others that you work with.
Active listening includes:
- Paraphrasing what you heard the speaker say in your own words
- Asking open-ended questions that allow the speaker to provide more information.
- Limiting closed-ended questions (questions that require a yes or no answer)
- Giving verbal and non-verbal feedback that shows interest in the speaker.
Non-verbal feedback such as nodding your head shows that you understand what the speaker is saying without interrupting them. It’s a helpful cue that you give to the speaker. Other non-verbal cues include:
- Smiling
- Maintaining eye contact
- Removing distractions such as your cell phone, papers on your desk, and closing your laptop.
Active listening allows you to focus on the speaker, listen, and understand another point of view. All skills that will help you to succeed in the workplace.
Speaking Skills
Strong speaking skills allow you to influence others such as managers, co-workers, and customers. Whether you manage a team or are a team member, speaking skills allow you to convey ideas effectively and persuade others.
Speaking skills are helpful for most positions, and they are especially important for any customer-facing role.
How to Improve Your Communication Skills
Mastering your language and communication skills will help you when you apply to work in Canada. Employers will see your strong communication skills as a strength and help you to stand out among other applicants.
Many settlement services also provide free language instruction. Settlement agencies exist across Canada and can help you with many services such as job-specific language training to help you excel in the workplace.
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When you’re comfortable with your communication skills, you will be more confident in job interviews. As well, strong communication skills will help you to excel in the workplace.
Government Language Skills Programs
The Canadian government funds many language programs. These programs are available through settlement services, or you can improve your language through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
The LINC program provides free instruction to improve basic language skills such as speaking and writing in English or French. To find a LINC program, click on the links below for the province where you plan to settle:
Benefits of Taking Language Classes
Language classes that the government of Canada funds are:
- Taught by qualified and experienced teachers
- Available in a classroom with other students or online
- Available to take full-time, part-time, and during the day, evening, or weekends.
You can take language classes at various locations such as community organizations, schools, and colleges. Another great benefit is that you can meet other newcomers and boost your confidence when you take your language skills to the next level!
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a popular English language test. It is commonly used by schools and organizations to assess and measure language skills. IELTS test is also one of the language tests that Canada will accept for people who want to immigrate to Canada.
Some professions in Canada including, engineering, law, medicine, and teaching require a minimum IELTS score. For example, to work as a teacher in Ontario, you require a minimum IELTS score of:
- 6.5 for reading and listening
- 7 for writing and speaking.
Organizations like British Council IELTS can help you improve your communication skills with webinars, practice materials, tests, and free online courses.
It’s important to research your profession in Canada to find out if you must meet an IELTS requirement. This will help you to prepare to work in Canada before you arrive.
Communication skills are important because they will ensure your success in the workplace. You can develop your communication skills at home, school, work, and in your community. And many people can help you to build these skills such as your family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers.
For more information, tools, resources, and free webinars visit our finding a job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
