Securing a job before going abroad

Question

I am working as a chef de partie in a restaurant near Doncaster and have been there for 18 months. I am very interested in working in Canada for a minimum of six months. My father is Canadian so I am elegible for a Canadian passport and am in the process of getting one. I would like to have a job to go to when I arrive, but this is proving more difficult than I imagined. I would like to work in hotels or restaurants with guide awards or high-class leisure resorts with good food.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?>

What the expert says

Lesley Reynolds, managing director, Portfolio International

Providing you can get a Canadian passport, you won't need a work permit. Without a passport you would need an offer of a job before you can get a permit.

You can also contact companies based in Canada directly. Focus on a particular area of Canada and look at the Web sites of top chains such as HiltonÁ‚ and see if they have any information on recruitment.

Six Continents Hotels, Delta HotelsÁ‚ and Canadian Pacific Hotels are just a few companies that have lists of vacancies in Canada on their Web sites.

You can also send a covering letter and CV by e-mail if you donÁ¢Â€Â™t see any positions advertised that you like. Find out the name of the executive chef and contact him directly. Nothing is more flattering than them receiving a personalised letter saying somebody wants to work in their kitchen.Á‚