In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Gricel Chacón—a psychologist, HR leader, and career coach—discusses her mission to empower professionals, especially Latino immigrants in Canada, to achieve meaningful career growth and long-term success. With a unique blend of psychological insight, corporate HR expertise, and practical coaching, Gricel works at the intersection of organizational strategy and individual well-being. Through her roles as an HR Business Partner at a leading Canadian retailer and creator of The Confident Job Seeker Program, she helps newcomers and professionals alike build confidence, bridge cultural gaps, and navigate the Canadian job market with clarity and resilience.
At the heart of everything she does—whether in HR, psychology, or career coaching—Gricel’s purpose is to empower others. She helps organizations build healthier workplaces and equips individuals with the tools and confidence to create careers that align with their goals, values, and potential.
What personal experiences inspired you to create the Confident Job Seeker Program for Latino immigrants, and how did your own journey shape the program’s unique approach?
The Confident Job Seeker Program was born out of my own journey as a Latina immigrant navigating the Canadian job market. When I arrived in Canada, I quickly realized how challenging it was—not only because of competition, but also cultural differences, lack of connections, and the feeling of not fully belonging. I knew I had the skills and experience, yet I often felt overlooked and undervalued. That struggle taught me that landing a job isn’t just about sending resumes—it’s about clarity, confidence, and learning how to position yourself strategically.
As I advanced my career in Human Resources and interviewed thousands of candidates, I saw the same patterns among Latino professionals: talented, hardworking people with so much to offer, yet held back by self-doubt, generic applications, and uncertainty about how to “play the game” in a new country. I realized I could bridge both worlds—using my HR expertise to show people exactly what employers look for, while also helping them build the mindset and confidence to own their value.
My story shapes the program’s approach because I know what it feels like to send countless applications without results—and what it takes to finally break through and be seen.
Many immigrants feel discouraged by repeated rejections and barriers like language and “Canadian experience” requirements. How does your program help clients overcome these obstacles and rebuild their self-confidence?
I understand how discouraging those barriers can be, because I’ve seen them affect so many talented immigrants. Rejections, language challenges, and the “Canadian experience” requirement often make people question their worth. That’s why one of the core pillars of The Confident Job Seeker is rebuilding confidence while giving clients practical strategies to stand out.
First, I help clients gain clarity on their value. Instead of focusing on what they lack, we highlight the skills, experiences, and cultural perspectives they bring—often reframing their background in ways that resonate with Canadian employers.
Second, we build a strong personal brand. This means creating resumes that pass ATS filters, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and using networking strategies that open doors, even when “Canadian experience” is requested. I also teach clients to translate their international experience into language that employers understand and respect.
Finally, we work on mindset and self-confidence. I coach clients to approach interviews with pride, tell their stories authentically, and negotiate their worth. The shift happens when they stop trying to convince someone to hire them and start recognizing the value they bring.
The result is empowerment: turning discouragement into confidence and resilience.
Traditional job search advice often falls short for newcomers. What are some commonly overlooked misconceptions about job searching in Canada, and how does your strategy differ?
One of the biggest misconceptions newcomers have is believing that success in the Canadian job market comes from sending out as many applications as possible. Many spend hours applying online with little to no response, which quickly leads to frustration. The truth is, most jobs are filled through networking and referrals—something traditional advice rarely emphasizes enough.
Another common misconception is the idea that you must completely “start over” because you don’t have “Canadian experience.” While some employers still use that phrase, what they truly want is proof that you can adapt and succeed in the local workplace culture. That doesn’t mean erasing your past achievements—it means learning how to present them as relevant and transferable.
Traditional advice also tends to focus only on resumes, overlooking the mindset piece. For many immigrants, the biggest barrier isn’t a lack of skills, but a lack of confidence after repeated rejections. Without rebuilding that, even the best resume won’t create results.
My approach is different: it combines clarity, personal branding, and confidence-building. I help clients define the right role, highlight their international experience as an asset, and strengthen their confidence to network and interview effectively. It’s not about fitting in—it’s about standing out with intention.
Can you share a recent client success story that highlights the impact of your program, particularly in helping clients transition from survival jobs to professional careers?
Client Success Story – Dumar’s Journey
Dumar came to Canada from Bogotá, Colombia, with over 10 years of IT consulting and software development experience. Despite his strong background, he found himself stuck in survival jobs—working at McDonald’s and later in a physically demanding technical role—while his professional applications went unanswered. Rejections and the “Canadian experience” barrier left him battling impostor syndrome and doubting his value.
When he joined The Confident Job Seeker program, everything shifted. Through skills analysis, we identified that his diverse IT background was a strong fit for Business Analyst roles. We rebuilt his resume, optimized his LinkedIn, and focused on mindset—reminding him that “changing countries doesn’t erase who you are as a professional.”
Within two months, recruiters began reaching out. Dumar landed two offers at once, including his ideal Business Analyst role, with a salary double his previous income and benefits from day one.
More than financial growth, Dumar regained his confidence, transitioned out of survival jobs, and reclaimed his professional identity. His journey proves that with clarity, strategy, and self-belief, immigrants can thrive in Canada’s job market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWwLXeLAtG0&t=4s
As someone who has navigated these challenges firsthand, what final piece of advice would you share with newcomers hoping to build fulfilling careers in Canada?
My biggest advice to newcomers is this: don’t let rejection define your value. The Canadian job market can feel discouraging at first—with barriers like “Canadian experience” and language differences—but those do not erase the professional you already are.
Instead of trying to fit into every role, get clear on the one you truly want and position yourself with intention. Build a personal brand that highlights your international experience as an asset, not a limitation. Remember, employers value confidence and clarity as much as skills.
Networking is also key. Many jobs in Canada are filled through relationships, not applications. Don’t be afraid to reach out, connect, and share your story.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. Your background, skills, and perspective are valuable here. You don’t have to start over—you just have to learn how to tell your story in a way that resonates. With the right mindset, strategy, and persistence, you can move beyond survival jobs and build the fulfilling career you came here for.
