The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is helping Canadian employers in smaller towns and regions address persistent labour shortages by connecting them with skilled international talent. But what exactly are employers looking for when reviewing RCIP candidates?
At Change of Phase Consulting Group, we work closely with RCIP employers across Canada, helping them navigate recruitment, onboarding, and integration of newcomers. To offer genuine insight, we sat down with a hiring manager from an RCIP-participating business to discuss what makes a candidate stand out—and what job seekers should know when applying for a position.
Meet the Employer: Emily Chen, HR Manager at North Valley Manufacturing
Location: Northern BC
Industry: Manufacturing & Skilled Trades
RCIP Partner Since: 2023
“We joined the RCIP because we were struggling to find reliable, skilled talent in our area. It’s been a game-changer for our workforce and for the community.”
— Emily Chen
🔍 Q1: What makes a strong RCIP candidate?
Emily:
The best candidates show us three key things:
- Job-readiness – Do they meet the qualifications and understand the day-to-day responsibilities?
- Commitment to community – We want to see that they’re not just coming for a job, but genuinely want to build a life in our town.
- Adaptability – Small-town life differs significantly from that of big cities. Candidates who are flexible, open-minded, and curious tend to thrive here.
📑 Q2: What documents or preparation do you expect from candidates?
Emily:
We expect a clear, customized resume, a well-written cover letter, and ideally a brief explanation of why they’re interested in our community. We also appreciate candidates who are upfront about their language abilities, work status, and whether they’re applying with family.
We’re not just hiring an employee—we’re welcoming a potential new neighbour. So communication and transparency go a long way.
🤝 Q3: What mistakes do candidates often make?
Emily:
Some candidates use the same generic email or resume for every job. That’s a red flag. Others either ignore job requirements or fail to research the community before applying. We’ve even had interviews where people didn’t know what industry we worked in.
Taking time to research our business, our town, and why you’d be a good fit shows us you’re serious.
🌱 Q4: What happens after you decide to hire someone through RCIP?
Emily:
Once we’ve selected a candidate, we work with the community’s RCIP coordinator to move forward with the recommendation process. It’s not just about the job—it’s also about supporting that person’s integration. This includes assisting with housing, local services, and making introductions around town.
We stay in touch throughout the immigration process and try to make the transition as smooth as possible.
🏘️ Q5: Why do employers like you participate in RCIP?
Emily:
We believe in growing our community—and RCIP allows us to do that by welcoming people who want to contribute, settle down, and become part of something bigger.
It’s not just about filling jobs. It’s about building stronger, more diverse rural communities that thrive long term.
🔑 Takeaways for RCIP Applicants
If you’re preparing to apply for jobs in an RCIP-designated community, here’s what employers like Emily recommend:
- Do your homework. Learn about the town, the employer, and the job.
- Be clear and professional. Customize your resume and cover letter.
- Show your long-term interest. Employers want to know you’re serious about living in the community—not just passing through.
- Ask questions. Interviews are two-way conversations. Show you care about fit, too.
🌐 How We Help at Change of Phase
At Change of Phase Consulting Group, we support both employers and newcomers as they navigate the RCIP process. From interview prep to employer onboarding and retention planning, we help make RCIP a success for everyone involved.
Need help preparing for your RCIP job search or community recommendation?
Contact us today — let’s take the next step together.
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