This study explored intercultural communication in entry-level workplace settings through the stories told by 25 newcomers about their experiences working in the tourism, hospitality, food services, and office-related sectors, from three locations across Canada. Using theme and pattern analysis, we identified two broad categories: workplace community and customer communication. Based on the stories, employers/supervisors and co-workers were inclusionary or exclusionary in training and communicating with the participants. Stories including customers were primarily transactional, with communication focused on customer needs. Across all the stories, elements of power and positioning emerged as key features to control and shape the newcomers' entry and experience in the labour market through gendered deskilling and disempowerment in communication. Opportunities for equitable communication were with people who also had an immigrant background. The stories further showcased strategies the participants employed to achieve successful communication by practicing key phrases, learning vocabulary, and advocating for themselves when communicating with a difficult interlocutor. Implications are discussed, highlighting the need for language training for newcomers with a focus on practicing self-advocacy skills and how to navigate communicating with adverse interlocutors.