Despite on-going recession, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 has further increase the general minimum wage in Ontario to C$9.50 per hour last March 2009.  It was the sixth increase amendment since 2004 and an increase to C$10.25 per hour is due March 2010.  The Regulation also increases the minimum wage for students, service workers, home workers and the likes.  The recent changes can relatively boost diversified staffing particularly for aboriginals, women and minorities among others. 

 

To describe this standard, let’s start with:

 

Minimum wages or the lowest rate an employer can pay his employee.  Employees mostly those in the manufacturing sector are eligible for minimum wage, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal employees like students or those paid at an hourly rate, commission and either flat rate or salaried.

 

There are job-specific exemptions and rules are certain in some industries and job categories. Here are some of the examples of general minimum wage rate that employers can use as guide.

 

-          Those students who are under 18 years of age and working not more than 28 hours per week during school year or working during holidays are entitled to C$8.90 per hour

-          Service employees especially those serving liquor to direct customers or guest in legal premises are entitled to C$8.25 hourly rate

-          Hunting and fishing guides are entitled to C$47.50 per day if working less than five consecutive hours in a day; shall be given C$95.00 per day for working five or more accumulated hours in a day

-          Home workers can get up to 110% of the general minimum wage; these are employees who do paid works in their homes for an employer

-          If the minimum wage rate changes during the pay period, the pay period shall be treated as if it was two separate periods and the employees should be given the minimum wage that applies in each period.

 

For some companies they can also opt staffing through contractual approach to reduced employment cost.  Others may quickly find contract workers or consultants that don’t normally sits at the office reducing other administrative and utility cost.  Recession is here and it can greatly affect staffing budget, however, a consolidated and practical approach to diversified employment relies positively on careful evaluation and execution of the most cost-effective decisions. 

 

Recession should not stop you from diversifying your work force, visit www.DiversityCareers.ca for more information and get the right mix of diverse agents and hopefuls to drive your company amidst economic turmoil.

As the economy plummets in recession, employers are facing bigger ordeals on how to address staffing issues and cut costs while avoiding hot seat on the courtrooms.  While many employers are thinking of putting their employees on lay-off, they may be facing legal issues alongside and this the unhealthiest issues of staffing.

 

To lay-off or not to lay-off

 

Whichever option is chosen, they are bound to certain laws and agreements.  Companies who would choose to lay-off their employees are bound to law concerning payment until such employee finds a new job; furthermore, a notice of contract termination should be tendered and must be accepted by the receiving party with a valid reason.  That company may also faced court ruling and explain their actions, which in part shall means additional cost on litigation.

 

For most companies they choose not to lay-off particularly those who employ diverse workers avoiding conflicts and cultural issues to among minorities, aboriginals and persons with disability.  Lay-off could target those employees and may sue the company for such act.  The government however offers ways to reduce friction between company and their people through Work Share Program.

 

Work-Sharing Program provide employees affected with reduced work week schedule the benefits of having Employment Insurance for the days not worked.  While lay-offs needs enough time to implement and issues on extended notice, Work-Sharing Program has no usual waiting period.  The Federal Government announced in 2009 that it will increase the maximum number of weeks covered to 54 from the previous 38 weeks, this however has yet to receive Royal Assent. 

 

To qualify for the program the business have been operating for two years and demonstrates the need to reduce its employees working hours “temporarily�, unavoidable and not seasonal and that the employer must have a recovery plan with a reasonable expectation within 6 ½ months. 

 

Employees who qualify for the Work-Share Program must work extra days if necessary and the amount shall be deducted from the EI benefits.  While there is no waiting period, the first cheque would likely be available within 28 days and if the employee is laid off or terminated during the work-share period or after, regular EI benefits are still unaffected.

 

Here are the lists of requirements for Employers during the Work-Share Period

-          Provide employees with ROE

-          Assist employees with preparation of bi-weekly report cards

-          Prepare utilization reports for every 2 week period including hours worked by employees and how their time was spent

-          Make work share information available to employee

-          Maintain all benefits through work share period, though some may be reduced due to work schedules

-          Advise Commission of lay-offs or terminations

-          Lay-offs must be pre-approved by the Coordinator and the workers remaining on the work share program must also agree to remain in the program

-          Optional hiring is necessary to replace existing employees, however this action must be approved by the Commission

-          Pay statutory holidays (EI will not cover this)

-          Report progress on recovery plan

-          Report overtime hours worked by employees

-          Advise Service Canada of any changes on work schedules and or agreements

Thinking of getting old these days, truly the government supports and envision a country were “all is fair in work and in age�.  Maybe you’re among those matured worker whose only hope is the government to support such crusade of diversity in the workplace.  Let’s thank the government for doing so.  Praise them. Praise all the companies that embrace diversity and job boards like www.DiversityCareers.ca for taking the initiative.

 

As the brink of global recession hits the country, Canada had losses more than 60,000 jobs in the past months.  The ailing employment rate is alarming since the last recession of the 80’s, however, it also provides us with windows of opportunity.  As of today, many may have been experiencing employment turndown or rejection particularly the matured workers whose main reproaches is to get a decent health care security out of their jobs.  The young ones are overpowering them and may soon be sidelined due to recession. 

 

For sure, there will always be a job on the table, but not for everyone.  This is where maturity comes in, the functional experience that no one can steal from you.  Below are list of things you can do that hopefully could provide spring on your leg and stretch out your arms while honing your ingenuity.  

 

Gifted with a perfect selling voice – steady demands for BPO services makes them an “apple of your eyes� if you are a man with creative selling skills.  BPO centers supports diversity in the workplace so much for matured workers other than any other industries since their strengths rely on manpower skills rather than age.  “Can you spill out the deal, make it happen, you’re in.�

 

Think that workplace exists only your four-cornered office walls?  Think again.  Are you an expert on any field?  Your experience would say so. If you are, try some stretching and you’ll find yourself in the middle of your future clients swaying for information that only you can spell.  Things get outdated sometime but the way we approach and execute things are the same – lean on your experience and expertise, they can depend on that.  Office is not the only place on earth you can share your wisdom and knowledge; a downtown cafeteria might be the only thing you need. 

 

Been there, been there, and been there.  As you grow old, your options can go thinner, but that is what makes you unique.  Your perspective changes, you’re fonder of outside calling, of the things you’d wish you had when you’re young and a work monster.  Now is the time…  When was the last time you’d ever go sailing or painting the town red?  Wouldn’t you wish you can visit that sea haven you digged in from the internet.  If you’re man of the world kind of guy and been there, seen that and explore…then you’ll be in a most rewarding job of your life.  Carry those backpacks and set your shutter for some outdoor snipping activities and blog your way to some of the busiest social sites ‘till you find your first fan traveler.

 

Want to be connected to companies that offer diverse opportunities whether indoor or outdoor check out www.DiversityCareers.ca and start clicking those rewarding jobs.

Wear your portfolio…Sounds, unfamiliar.  Does it ring something in your mind? Here’s what it means.  Whether you are applying as skilled worker, executive or manager it defines how you carry yourself from the paper to the flesh.   

 

Let’s get started.

 

The very first on your list is your resume.  While there are hundreds of ways to produce one, only few are the best. Begin making your resume by asking yourself…

 

�What do I want to learn about this resume if I were the employer?�

 

On a daily basis, millions of jobseekers are sending application with a ninety-percent ratio of attaching identical sets of resume.  Being the right one for the interview or the job should be your goal.  For the most part of it, make sure your resume speaks as if you are present before the employer.   Enumerate factual information, events and dates that you attended particularly with your education or employment history – not all employers may check your background but it is sure best to be honest.    Describe your capabilities briefly and directly – resume should not contain too much flavors, just the right ingredients.

 

Next in line – the application letter.  Application letters are essential in stating your desire to get the job.  It should contain a brief insight of your experiences, your knowledge of the job and technical capabilities and values towards work.  Your application letter should set the tone that you are very much interested in joining their company and that you have the qualities they need for the job. As much as possible learn more about the job so you can align yourself well before making your application letter. It will surely take you places.

 

Showing up.  Whether it is your first time or had made several interviews before, remember that you’re facing a company that embraces diversity in the workplace and experience should always be different.  How you prepare for the interview says a lot about your attitude towards work.  Before going to the interview make sure you have all the necessary documents to support your application.  A copy of your resume should be at hand – employers look out for them for comparison, know exactly what are there.

 

Dressing up for the show.  For most part of your application, dressing up sometimes makes you uncomfortable.  Just like any other thing, the cover could signal a positive or a negative vibes depending on how you carry yourself.  You should picked clothes that signify your strength especially if you’re applying for an executive position, for some position smart casual can mixed you up to any kind of situation. You must also consider the environment where you should meet your interviewer, an ocular visit before the day would help your chances of getting it.

 

 

You’re the man.  You may be the least in the organizational chart or on top of it. Protect yourself in every encounter my showing who you are, be yourself when faced with your future employer. Even a floor polisher can shake the hands of the mighty, don’t be afraid, and don’t hesitate that your interviewer may not like you; after all, they are humans too.  Be it known to them that you came for the job and not just for the interview.

 

To find employers that can matches your strength and value your capabilities rather than your weaknesses, open your browser to, www.DiversityCareers.ca and start seizing your dream.

Is your company’s workforce bleeding with talents? Amidst the current global economic woes, government and private companies are making efforts to retain as much poll of talent as possible.  Getting the right mix of talent within your workforce is a tedious effort.  Human Resource departments are seeking ways to diversify their workforce in order to stay competitive and strong without compromising quality of service within the organization.

 

While traditional hiring is still available nowadays, this approach not only became obsolete over time, and is more prone to errors and even slows down the process.  Still having the traditional approach serves its purpose particularly during interviews.

 

Here comes online job placement.

Many already have known the power of online job placement and a lot companies around the world had adopted the process.  Online sourcing ease out the task of finding the right poll of applicants with technologies like filtering according to industry, ethnicity, profession, number of work experience and searching within the nearest proximity – one of the many features of Diversity Careers. 

 

Online job posting especially for companies provides adequate exposure and is more economical considering the value of what you get for every penny that company’s shelved out.  It also allows companies to save on storage (in this case, printed resumes and application forms from unconsidered applicants), application forms, and most importantly – the time in screening all applicants.

 

Companies, particularly those clients of Diversity Careers, have an option to post their logo as featured employer along with the job posting service of the site.  For an added bonus, “Did you know that companies who actually put their profile through online job placement are actually selling itself to every jobseekers of the site?â€�  — so if you want to get the right mix of talent and the opportunity to sell your products or service click your way to www.DiversityCareers.ca and experience their service now.

After finding the job that suits you at www.DiversityCareers.ca, you are now ready for the next step – the interview phase.  How many people finding the job they really wanted and yet failed to get the job after the interview?  While there are thousands of jobs available for you, being an applicant does not mean you limit yourself on what the paper says.  More individuals often find themselves asking, “Why I did not get the job, I have all the qualifications they need?�

For most people and jobseekers, putting all relevant information about you on the paper does not guarantee you of landing the job you want.  Many have underestimated the value of how they presented themselves during an interview.

Landing a job is like selling yourself – it is actually.  All resumes we submitted during the application are actually proposal that future employers are betting on.  If you can get the attention of the company during the application process, it means you did a good job at selling yourself on paper.  However, anyone should remember that, just like selling, there are also good numbers of competitors eyeing to close the deal.

If you really want to get that job you wanted, you must possess a winning attitude; an internal personification of who you are once you are hired.  Successful individuals who actually get the job done are those who demonstrated their abilities and capabilities even before the door opens.  It means jobseekers must go beyond traditional selling – traditional application practice.  In order for a jobseeker to land a job, one must go the extra mile, extra effort to show that you are more than meets the eye.

A share of personal experience: Whenever you’re given a shot for an interview, try to normally research about the company you are applying with, learning about their products or services and the organization.  The internet is a huge collection of information; you should find one especially at www.DiversityCareers.ca, where companies usually post their profile.  Before going to the interview, prepare yourself on what questions will probably came up, rehearse with yourself and for the most part of it, try to make a presentation of what you have done in the past and what  can you do for them in the future.  Companies who embrace diversity in the workplace are actually looking at something that defines you – an attitude that excels among the group and can positively influence the organization.

The winning attitude is not a habit. It should contain you. It must live inside you.

As the government encourages workplace equity and diversity, almost every Canadian company is embracing the bandwagon, there are however few that really excelled and maximizes the benefit of having a diverse workforce.

Diversity in the workplace is a no new approach in creating a heterogeneous working environment; there are few companies that have already exercise this method by employing individuals with above average skills; these are the companies that believes in individuals strength and unique abilities.  How important is diversity and how companies can leverage from it especially those in the service industry?

A typical service company may benefit from various government incentives, tax holidays and lobbying privileges upon embracing diversity.  More so, that it can provide equal opportunities among employed individuals of continuous career development resulting to loyalty and dedication. Embracing a diverse workforce also provide service companies with unparalleled assets that comes from patronage among different ethnicity, culture, origins, languages and beliefs.  It also helps companies understand their customers and even expand market niche.  A company may also leverage in having a diverse poll of talents and expertise in order to stay competitive and advance in the global market.  Diversity makes businesses become more proactive in dealing with challenges and future development as different set of legs works together as one.

For a company to experience the benefit of developing a diverse workforce, they may start searching at leading job sites like DiversityCareers.ca (www.DiversityCareers.ca) – a company committed in providing a bridge between Canada’s highly skill aboriginals, hard-working immigrants and minorities, seasoned professionals and successful companies that embraces diversity.

Have you ever been in a situation wherein you failed to get the job because you lack typing skills, or you speak poor English?  Maybe some of you do, and still some of us, for we are not all Mr. Jack of all trade.  No matter what kind of situation you are in right now, whether you are working; jobless; or currently hunting, it is better to equip yourself well enough for the rainy days.  While many companies are embracing diversity in the workplace, it is important to understand how individuals can diversify themselves.

Training is a Key.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities came up with a program suitable for everybody who wants to improve their careers or find a second earning workload. Other program includes training that focused on your abilities and enhancing them so you can go back to your work in almost no time.

If you are an immigrant, the ministry offers Guide for Foreign-Trained Tradespeople in certifying work experiences. A language-training service is also available and you can find a professional counselor to help you mapped out your career path.

What makes you successful?

Even though the government is pushing initiatives to create diversity in the workplace, the level of success remains entirely on your dedication and willingness.  While training and other government assistance is available, it is your best effort that matters in the end.

If you really want to get the job you like and needs to be fill in, individuals must not satisfy themselves in learning a single career orientation. While competition and economic situations slows down employment, a working person should continue innovating and developing himself to stay longer in the job and even get a higher paycheck.  For some individuals learning a few more things from their usual daily work routine can give them advantage in the future; an edge in application process or promotion.

Having the right attitude is what makes someone successful in his career. Opportunity is always there; the only difference is the people who wants it most and persevere to achieve his dreams.  Whether you are a new immigrant, belong to the minority group or even jobless seeking his dream job start building your career at www.DiversityCareers.ca and find that career that matches your attitude, determination and wit.

In this challenging global economy, we heard and seen many company layoffs, company restructuring and hiring freeze. Recruiters today face challenges that didn’t exist a few years ago. Global recession, baby boomer retiring are some issues that confront recruiters so coming up with a new strategy to source candidates to meet their organizations needs is crucial.

Here are some tips Recruiters can use to continue to attract and hire top talent:

1) Employer Branding – Recruiters nowadays promote their company culture, strengths and benefits available to employees. Sourcing for best online recruitment remains a priority hence, feature/highlight your job postings or company video applications is a low cost feature that gives you the competitive edge from other employers. Imagine your organization virtually branding to jobseekers through career video leveraging your company and letting them know why they should join your team. Highlight and feature your job postings when reaching out to candidates. Diversity Careers offers these features and is easily accessible, this will increase the awareness and attract attention of available applicants waiting to be reviewed interviewed and get hired.

2) Use other Recruiting tools to find top talent – You can find active and passive jobseekers in LinkedIn, facebook and other social networking sites as well as niche job boards. The scope of this type of search is far greater than print advertising, it is also low cost and the number of resumes you can receive is significantly higher.

If that requisition has been sitting on your desk unfilled for weeks, the department waiting anxiously to finally hear from the HR department, then look into traditional recruitment and become your own internal agency and do some headhunting for hard to fill positions.

If you are from a consulting firm, this is the time to shine. This is when relationships are built, from tough times to good times. With many jobseekers now available with less available opportunities, your expertise in weeding out the best from the best is most crucial. Staying very well networked is your bread and butter even if you can’t place that many, take advantage of your ability to coach. This way, you’re adding a consultative approach to your recruitment. You will gain the trust and confidence from the candidates and who knows they might be your next client!

3) Referral networks – Return to your grass roots and start networking again both external and internal. Come up with innovative referral bonuses to compensate the employee for the successful hire of the referral. People always know people. When a jobseeker is looking for work they always network with friends asking for leads. Also, don’t forget to make an announcement with a little blurb of the new hire to encourage more employees to send referrals.

4) Promote your company benefits and perks - Add a personal touch in your recruitment. Jobseekers are nowadays are more competitive and in order to attract and retain top talent employers need to emphasize their benefits program or perks such as flexible work hours, work-life-balance, referral bonus, educational reimbursement, training programs and many more. This is more along the lines of long term work force planning. Corporate image is very important to jobseekers and the need to emphasize on benefits of working with you long term is far greater than just hiring a body. Nurturing them is a long term benefit to the company in return.

5) Diversity Hiring - Consider new immigrants. With the right training, coaching and development, they will surely become valued assets to the company. Many New Canadians and Immigrants have the various skill sets, its’ how you utilize and mold them to your company culture. Look into DiversityCareers.ca where you will find rich pools of qualified diverse candidates.

Remember that these things are temporary and in these economic times are when we are most effective in coming up with innovative ways of recruiting and bringing it to the next level.

Summer is over and students are back to school, what next?  It’s that time to concentrate to your job hunting hence - job fair events and information sessions are lined-up as early as September to December.  How do you make the most out of job fair events? A job fair is a place where people meet their potential employers.  It is a place where people find out about career opportunities and understand their requirements.  One of the most important things you should keep in mind to get the most out of the job fair is in the preparation.  Dress up as if you are going to an interview as recruiters are usually professionally dressed in these occasions, after all job fairs are meant to be a quick on-the-spot-job-interview.  Like what they say, first impressions last, so dress up for success as recruiters tend to remember people who stands out among the crowd of other job seekers – one’s that made a good impression.   They might not have the right opportunity for you at that moment in time but they will remember you for future opportunities or pass you on to someone they know who is looking for the same skill-set with a great personality.  Below are suggestions on how to prepare for a Job Fair: Things to bring:

• Several copies of resumes – bring several copies of your resume, the last thing you don’t want to happen is when you a spot that right employers and you’re down to your last resume or you had just given your last one, you go out and run to get more copies.  One of the things you can do, if that ever happen is to ask for their business card and send your resume via email.
• Pens - although, there may be plenty of giveaways, it’s always good to have one that writes the best and save the giveaways as the spare.
• Note Pad - to take down notes of the quick exchange of information you just had and other important things to remember
• Bottled water, Kleenex, Breath Freshener and look smart. 

Proper questions to ask:

• Once you have given them your resume, ask how do you follow up?  - listen to what they have to say as employers have different processes and procedures.  Resumes are usually distributed to other recruiters that are not present in the job fair and would also take time to reach the individual especially if they were at a different location.
• Ask if you can also send them a copy of your resume via email as hard copies of resumes tend to get lost in the pile.  Electronic copies of resumes are much easier to share to fellow recruiters and can be kept in their database - you might want to create a cover letter as well to remind recruiters that you met at the job fair and use this opportunity to customize your resume to gear towards the company.
• Ask how soon should you expect a call and if you don’t hear from them, who should you call/email.
• Ask what the next process after the initial meeting at the job fair.

Recruiters and Employers alike attend job fairs because they have opportunities and it’s up to you how to get them.  In a job fair, Recruiters scans through the crowd of job seekers for that perfect candidate for their career opportunities therefore, it is wise to find out what their expectations are – this is what you call prospecting target employers.  Make sure you aware of the companies that are participating in the job fair.  Go to their website and research about them, this is also a great opportunity to go a step ahead from the others.  Go to the careers section and see if there is anything that interests you and make a note to visit the booth on the actual job fair and express your interest in applying for that position.  Often times, they will advise you also apply directly through the posting as it goes directly to the person responsible for recruiting for the position. Once you have reviewed your prospects and understand their prerequisites. Be prepared to tell a brief synopsis of your background, expertise and experience that is geared towards the qualifications they are looking to fill the position. Once you’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the company and the position in person, ask for their business card to follow up regarding your conversation and give thanks to meeting them at the Job Fair.  This shows how ethical, diligent and interested you are in working for them.  

Good luck and have fun at the job fair!