The saying goes: “Never judge a book by its cover.” But in the hiring and interviewing process, first impressions, body language, and general non-verbal cues can have an incredibly powerful impact – much more so than we may realize. In my research for an article that was just published in Workopolis about decoding a job candidate’s body language, I interviewed several experts and I found...
Continue ReadingThe following article was originally posted on Thursday, June 21, 2012 on Workopolis.
In the world of HR, we often feel like “fit” chasers... Continue ReadingThe beginning of 2012 marked a thought-provoking time for discussions on the future of our Canadian economy and society. In January the Human Resources Professionals Association Annual Conference, themed “2012 and Beyond… Inventing the Future,” examined demographic, social and technological...
Continue ReadingThe question:
I am a recent graduate in the area of social services. I have a degree in social work and have some recent work experience in areas of individual counselling and employment-related counselling. Ideally I would love to find an entry-level career counselling position, however I have found this to be difficult. I was wondering if it would be... Continue Reading
I saw an article published in the Globe and Mail this month that generated a firestorm of polarizing comments — 1,351 (to date) to be specific. It was shared on Facebook over 1,000 times, and inspired 500...
Continue ReadingThe scenario:
I am finding myself stuck in my job search. Every employer seems to want many years of work experience and, as a recent graduate, I just don't have this. It is extremely frustrating how narrow-minded many people seem to be about this. How are you supposed to get experience if no one gives you a chance? It doesn't seem to matter if you volunteer... Continue Reading
There’s been a lot of talk lately of employers asking candidates for passwords to access private social media profiles. Much of the buzz originated in the US, which got us thinking – what legal implications could there be in Canada for such an ask? So we approached three leading employment lawyers in Toronto and asked...
Continue ReadingThe question:
I am an internationally trained human resources professional with over 10 years experience in Asia, with an electronics engineering education as well. I spent four years at an entry-level technical labour position after I immigrated to Canada in 2005. I went back to school in Canada and graduated with postgraduate certificate in human resources... Continue Reading
The question
I am a CA (chartered accountant) and my friend is a CMA (certified management accountant). We are both senior accountants in our late 20s. We like our professions but it has been a dream of ours to work in corporate law; we figure it will be lucrative and our accounting/finance background will come in handy to Bay Street... Continue Reading
The following article was originally posted on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 on Workopolis.
Consider this scenario: an employee is on a...
Continue ReadingThe question
I have recently been granted the permanent resident status further to securing immigration under the skilled worker category in Canada...
This year while visiting Toronto for 20 days, I was able to meet three recruiters (very respected names in the financial services recruitment sector) and received a good response. They... Continue Reading
Consider this: when hiring someone with an annual salary of $30,000, it can cost up to half of that, $15,000, to actually bring them on board. Moreover, the cost of losing an employee can cost up to three times their salary. So of course,...
Continue ReadingThe question:
The question I have had my own graphic design business since I was 18 and also worked in advertising for four years. Even though I am praised for my talents, and have moved up the ranks significantly in a short amount of time, I feel extremely bored and unfulfilled. For years my work has been easy, unfulfilling and boring. I just watch the time go... Continue Reading
The following article was originally posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 on Workopolis.
Has this ever happened to you? You... Continue ReadingIn the HR and recruitment world, our business begins and ends with people. By nature, we know people cannot be truly objective. So this begs the question: can the hiring process ever be truly unbiased?
I contribute to the Globe and Mail careers section and was recently asked by a reader,
The question:
What personal questions are employers legally allowed to ask a candidate during a job interview or on a job application? Recently, during a job interview at a hospital, the unit manager asked me if I was single. I answered honestly, but after wondered if that was even legally allowed. Later, while filing out the job application form for the... Continue Reading
The question:
I’m an international Canadian teacher and have been teaching history while living overseas with my family for the past five years. I’ve decided that I don’t want to teach any more. I’m passionate about law and business on the international stage and I’m driven to change my career path. I’m looking for a practical education to enter into a... Continue Reading
As people managers, we want our employees to be as focused, creative and productive as possible. In fact, today’s workforce often equates productivity to our multitasking prowess. I must admit, I pride myself on being a multitasker, and I expect my team to take on many tasks too.
So when I was reading a Harvard Business Review blog post the other day, “
Have you ever interviewed a candidate who talked a great talk, but didn’t end up cutting it in the actual job? Enthusiastic job seekers may be tempted to stretch the truth a little on past performances in hopes of leaving the best impression, so HR or a hiring manager’s greatest challenge is deciphering a candidate’s real ability and fit.
With limited face time during...
Continue ReadingThe workforce today has a unique dynamic—there are actually four distinct generations working together in most workplaces.
These groups are popularly referred to as the Mature generation (over the age of 65, also called silent, traditionalists or veterans), the Baby Boomers (aged 45-64), Generation X (aged 30-44), and...
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