Soy sauce showdown 🍣

In partnership with

Hey there,

What if I told you that the very job you thought you needed to leave behind on your immigration journey — the one that “just pays bills” — could actually boost your Canadian story?

Intrigued? Read on.

☕ The Survival Job That Pays More Than You Think

Meet Keely Cronin, co‑founder of WorkSpark, whose mission is to help newcomers and career changers find footing in Canada’s job market. In a conversation with Dozie Anyaegbunam’s The Newcomers, earlier this week, she dropped a truth bomb:

“I don’t care that you serve somebody coffee. But I care as an employer that you… learned how to communicate effectively.”

Translation: your “survival job” (yes, even that one) is not invisible. It’s Canadian experience; the one we’re always going on about, if you frame it right.

Here’s what struck me from that session:

Keely argues that even if you spent months serving coffees, you gained Canadian soft skill currency. You learned how the culture “talks,” how customers think, how systems run locally.
That shift between “what you did before” and “what you can do now” is the valley many newcomers fall into. But it’s also the bridge if you walk it intentionally.
In migration narratives, the focus is often on what you bring, but once you land, public narratives tend to shift to what Canada “gave” you. That framing erases what you do on the ground.
And yes; moving resets your baseline. You are a beginner again in many ways. The trick: own that reset instead of resisting it.

What you can do:

Include your “survival job” on your resume. But frame it as evidence of adaptability, communication, teamwork, and immersion.
In interviews, tell mini‑stories: a time you resolved a conflict, improved a process, or made a customer smile.
Use the language of impact, not “just work.” Show how your role translated into soft skill momentum.

👉 Want a sample rewrite of your own survival job bullet points? Shoot over your current resume, and the New Local team will help you recast them.

👉 Hear the full convo here. You can also book a free career assessment with Keely Cronin

Get a $100K+ Job with a $100K+ Resume

Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds loking at a resume. That short glance decides whether you move forward or get passed over.

With a professionally upgraded resume from Ladders, you will make every second count. Our writers craft resumes designed to attract $100K+ opportunities, highlight your unique strengths, and pass through AI-driven screening systems.

Do not let a $100K+ job slip away because of a weak resume. Present yourself with clarity and confidence.

Upgrade My Resume

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Counsel for Immigrants? Lawyers Are Suing Too

Here’s a legal shake-up you should know about:

The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) is taking the government to court, arguing that immigrants and asylum seekers deserve a guaranteed right to legal counsel in many high‑stakes immigration interactions. Things like border interviews and officer meetings; areas where today, legal support is not guaranteed.

Why this is huge:

Mistakes or miscommunications in those moments can derail your path
Applicants with fewer resources or language confidence are disproportionately hurt
If court rules in favor, policy will need to shift; meaning stronger protections for new arrivals

Find out more about this new development straight from Suits

Express Entry: Skilled Enough or Just Young Enough?

Who’s winning under Canada’s points system? Energetic 25‑year‑olds or seasoned 40‑something professionals? We dig into how age and experience are scored, and how you can level the playing field.

👉 Read the full article

America’s $100,000 H‑1B Fee & Canada’s Opening (Especially for Africans)

The U.S. just slapped a $100K fee on new H‑1B applications. That’s shifting the global talent war. Here’s how Nigerians and Africans eyeing Canada benefit — and what your best moves are.

👉 How’s Trump affecting Canada?

Economic Confidence Up, But Homes Still Out of Reach

More Canadians are feeling a bit better about the economy, but housing affordability remains the Achilles’ heel. For immigrants, that tension is sharper. We unpack the data and what you can do.

👉 Why is housing such a problem?

Talent Retention: Why It’s HR’s Top Mission (and What It Means for You)

Why are Canadian firms zeroing in on retention in 2025? Because recruiting is expensive, and turnover is brutal. As a newcomer, here’s what to look for in an employer.

👉 Make the right choice for your career

Click here to find new openings

🍣 “No extra soy sauce” drama you need to see

In Northern BC, a sushi chef is stirring serious controversy; because he refuses to hand out extra soy sauce. Even if you pay. 😲

He says drowning sushi in sauce kills the flavor. Some say it’s arrogant. Others call it bold.

Want to judge for yourself?

I believe there’s power in framing. When people see a “survival job,” they often see weakness. Instead, you can be one step ahead by seeing it as a possibility.

So, ✅ What to Do Next (So You Don’t Spin Your Wheels)

Add your survival jobs to your resume, but frame them as proof of adaptability, communication, and grit
Max out non-age factors in Express Entry; language, education, work experience
Watch policy updates closely; immigration is never static

You can always reach us at [email protected].

Want to collaborate? See our media kit →

If someone forwarded this email to you, join our mailing list here.

Have a great week, stay safe, and catch you in the next one! ✨

— Dami from New Local

Share it 🫵