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In this episode, I'm speaking with Gabriela Casineanu, author of Job Fairs: How to Get the Most of Your Participation, and founder of Introverts Academy.
A big part of why I wanted to chat with Gabriela is because I believe that when you move, you temporarily become an introvert. She did disagree with my theory. She thinks immigrants or newcomers become quiet or withdrawn because when you face a lot of rejection while job hunting, you become shy or afraid to speak up.
There's more. And she breaks it down in great detail. But you have to listen to the episode.
In this conversation, Gabriela and I chat about detaching your identity from your profession. We also explore:
* Why immigration is an opportunity to ask yourself what you really want to do
* Her one-word advice for immigrants struggling to integrate
* How to focus on what you can control in the job search process
* The importance of bringing your “human side” to the job search, not just your diploma or degree
Dozie’s Notes
A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:
* A lot of us move physically but don’t move mentally. In that case, you really haven’t immigrated. Integration starts when you become curious and adopt a beginners mind. That’s how you start learning the rules of your new home.
* Proactive connection beats passive application. Sending resumes are great but they can only get you so far. Reach out, book informational interviews, volunteer at conferences. These tactics help you build visibility, trust, and launches you into the hidden job market where there's less competition.
* "Reframing" is the ultimate immigrant hack. Learn to reframe your challenges. By changing a negative statement (I hate networking) into a curious question (Who can I ask for information?), you alter your energy state, your actions, and the outcomes.
Official Links
✅ Connect with Gabriela Casineanu on LinkedIn
✅ Learn more about Introverts Academy
✅ Get the Job Fairs: How to Get the Most of Your Participation book for FREE to learn more about reframing
One Ask
If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.
Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.