6 Tips to make job shadowing a great learning experience

job shadowing

Job shadowing can be extremely rewarding. This is a great way for you to learn more about how an industry in Canada operates. You can also take this opportunity to learn a great deal about the culture of the Canadian workplace. Here are a few tips on how you can get the most out of any job shadowing experience.

 

1. Keep an eye on when things go well, and when they don’t

When everything runs smoothly you can learn a lot. But some of the skills and tricks that will really benefit you in your career can be best observed when things do not go so well or when a mistake is made. By making a note of how an experienced professional navigates through an emergency can be extremely educational.

 

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2. When job shadowing, pay attention to the chain of command

As a newcomer in Canada, you may not be fully up to speed on how the etiquette works when it comes to addressing a superior or responding to criticism. You can learn a lot about this when you are job shadowing.

 

3. Use what you learn in interviews

Situational questions are very common in job interviews in Canada. Questions like, “What would you do if X happened”  can be difficult to answer if you don’t have a great deal of experience in that field. By paying attention during your time job shadowing you will be able to get a very good idea of exactly how to answer these type of interview questions.

 

4.Understand how things work

Pay attention to who reports to whom, how often, and why. Does this model of command seem to be working well, or is it tangled in bureaucracy — a waste of effort? Is it too firm, too flexible, or malleable enough to be adapted to different situations? Do most employees seem to be enjoying their work? Do people generally feel appreciated by their managers? Is there a general culture of resentment, or one of collegial support?

5. Ask the right questions

Asking good questions is a great way to leave a positive impression. Here are a few examples of what you might ask the person you are shadowing: Knowing what you do now, what would you have changed about your education and training if you could do things over again? Knowing what you do about industry trends, what type of classes or training would you suggest that I take or do?

Job shadowing is a great learning opportunity and should not be taken lightly.