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Learn about professional development opportunities and best practices as a job seekers.

Aug 14
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what is hrpa and how does it work

What is HRPA and How Does It Work?

By Professional Development

So you want to take your existing HR experience to the next level? And HRPA is the first thing that comes to your head. Great!

You might be asking, where should I start?

In this article, we will guide you step by step to acquiring HRPA.

What is HRPA?

The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) is a crucial resource for HR professionals in Canada. Primarily focused on Ontario, HRPA regulates the HR profession by issuing HR designations representing the national standard for excellence in human resources management.

When you register with HRPA you join a community of HR professionals committed to learning, ethical HR practice, and advancing their career forward. Each member or student registered with HRPA is listed on HRPA’s Public Register.

Why do you need HRPA?

Joining the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) can be beneficial for HR professionals for several reasons:

  1. Professional credibility: HRPA designations signify high expertise and knowledge in the HR field. These designations can enhance your professional credibility and make you more attractive to potential employers.
  2. Networking opportunities: HRPA offers a platform for HR professionals to connect, network, and share experiences with peers. This can help you build valuable relationships within the industry and facilitate learning from others.
  3. Continuous learning: HRPA provides access to various resources, workshops, conferences, and seminars that can help you stay updated with the latest trends, best practices, and legal requirements in human resources management. This supports continuous learning and professional development.
  4. Regulatory compliance: In Ontario, HRPA regulates the HR profession, ensuring its members adhere to a code of ethics and maintain professional standards. Joining HRPA demonstrates your commitment to ethical and responsible HR practices.
  5. Advocacy: HRPA actively represents the interests of its members to government bodies and other stakeholders. By being part of HRPA, you contribute to a collective voice that can influence policy and legislation affecting the HR profession.

How to Register

Ready to register with HRPA?

You can apply through an online application. Click “Apply Now” to create an account and launch the application. To complete the application, you’ll need to choose one of the three registration classes for new members.

HRPA Registration Classes

The three registration classes for new applicants are:

Practitioner, Student, and Allied Professional.

Each has different eligibility requirements:

The three registration classes for new applicants are Practitioner, Student, and Allied Professional. Each has different eligibility requirements:

  • Practitioner is the main registration class for new applicants. You should apply as a Practitioner if you are not eligible for the Student or Allied Professional Classes. You don’t have to be currently working in HR to apply as a Practitioner.
  • Student registration is open to individuals currently enrolled in a full-time HR program who are not working full-time. Supporting documentation, such as a copy of your course registration, an unofficial transcript, or a letter from your educational institution confirming your program and course load, is required to be uploaded as part of the online application process. Recent graduates are not eligible for Student registration.
  • Allied Professional applies to individuals who are members of another self-regulated profession in Ontario. Check the complete list of allied occupations here.

HRPA For Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP)

HRPA offers a discount on initial registration dues to individuals who are new to Canada within the last two years through the Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Program. To apply as an IEP, and to review the eligibility requirements.

When to Register

HRPA’s registration year starts on June 1st to May 31st.

You may join at any point in the registration year, and your registration fees will be prorated to reflect the number of months remaining until the end of the year.

Regardless of when you first join, you will be required to renew your registration by the following May 31st.

The only exception is students – students who register in March, April or May exclusively benefit from 15, 14 or 13 months of registration and will only need to renew the following year.

Registration Fees

Your initial registration fees are calculated based on three things:

  • The number of months remaining in our registration year at the time you join
  • Your registration class
  • Whether you are In the Province or Out of the Province

Check the breakdown of initial registration fees here.

Good Character Questions

Now as you’re ready to apply for HRPA, you fill out your application, and you’ll come across 13 intriguing “Good Character” questions. Don’t worry. These questions are a standard part of the process for regulatory associations like HRPA!

Answering “yes” to one or more questions doesn’t spell doom for your HRPA dreams. In fact, if you say “yes” to any of them, you’ll receive a friendly call from a staff member who’s eager to learn more. The Registrar will carefully review your responses and might give your application a thumbs up or pass it along to the Registration Committee for a final verdict.

Hold onto your hats because you can expect a decision from the Registration Committee in just two to four weeks! They’ll also share the rationale behind their decision, keeping you in the loop every step of the way. Remember, the “Good Character” questions are just a stepping stone to your thrilling HR adventure!

Application Timeline

The processing of new applications typically takes between 5 to 10 business days. You’ll receive a welcome email once it’s processed, so hang tight!

Designations

Registrants of HRPA may pursue one of the three designations that HRPA offers: the CHRP, CHRL, and CHRE. Each designation has a different set of requirements that they must meet to obtain the designation. Learn more about each of the different HRPA designations.

If you’re looking for an HR job, you can always look at our open opportunities with Career Edge.

Article by Saradha Swaminathan

Jan 01
Love3
smart use of LinkedIn

14 Strategies to Boost Your LinkedIn

By Professional Development

Ready to unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn profile? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, optimizing your LinkedIn presence is crucial for standing out in today’s competitive job market. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into 14 strategies designed to boost your profile, expand your network, and attract valuable opportunities on LinkedIn.

Approximately 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent. Will you get their attention? Follow these tips to get noticed.

1- Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

Make sure to complete your profile with a professional photo, headline, summary, and detailed work experience. A complete profile not only enhances your visibility but also demonstrates your commitment to professionalism. Remember to tailor your profile to your target job field for optimal results.

Ensure there are no discrepancies between your resume and LinkedIn’s core elements.

 2- Craft a Compelling Headline

Your headline is more than just a job title – it’s an opportunity to showcase your expertise and value proposition. Use keywords relevant to your industry and consider incorporating a brief statement about your professional philosophy or aspirations. A captivating headline can significantly increase your visibility in search results.

3- Write an Engaging Summary

Your summary serves as your elevator pitch to potential employers. Use this space to highlight your skills, accomplishments, and career goals in a concise yet compelling manner. Share your unique professional story and what sets you apart from the competition. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to refine your summary further.

Research job descriptions you’re interested in and ensure your LinkedIn mirrors the grammar, punctuation, and language style of the descriptions and contains ‘enough’ keywords found in those postings. A recruiter will see your LinkedIn profile, so keep your keyword frequency reasonable and leave out those fluffy, cliché buzzwords.

4- Personalize Your LinkedIn URL

Customize your LinkedIn URL to make it easier for others to find and connect with you. A clean, professional URL not only enhances your profile’s appearance but also makes it more memorable for recruiters and employers reviewing your resume.

5- Highlight Your Achievements

Utilize the “Featured” section to showcase your best work, projects, articles, or presentations. Providing concrete evidence of your skills and expertise can siginificantly improve your credibility and draw the attention of potential employers.

6- Optimize Your Skills Section

Select relevant skills that align with your expertise and strengths. Endorsements from connections can validate your skills and increase your profile’s visibility. However, prioritize quality over quantity to maintain authenticity and relevance.

7- Grow Your Network

Expand your network by connecting with professionals in your industry, alumni, colleagues, and recruiters. Personalize your connection requests to establish rapport and foster meaningful relationships. Leverage LinkedIn’s email synchronization feature and follow up on meetings or conversations with personalized connection requests.

8- Engage with Content

Like, comment, and share relevant posts to demonstrate your industry knowledge and engage with your network. Active engagement not only increases your visibility but also positions you as a valuable contributor within your industry community.

9- Publish Thoughtful Content

Consider writing articles or posts on topics related to your expertise to showcase your thought leadership. Share valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives to resonate with your audience and establish credibility in your field.

10- Join and Participate in Groups

Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or interests and actively engage in discussions. Provide valuable contributions, ask questions, and share resources to expand your network and knowledge. Remember to prioritize quality interactions and avoid overly promotional behavior.

ALSO READ: Develop a Winning Mindset for Your Job Hunt

11- Request Recommendations

Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or clients for authentic recommendations that highlight your skills and accomplishments. Thoughtful recommendations can significantly boost your credibility and differentiate you from other candidates.

12- Stay Active

Regularly update your profile with new experiences, skills, or achievements to demonstrate your ongoing professional growth and engagement. Keeping your profile fresh signals to recruiters and employers that you’re actively invested in your career.

13- Utilize Job Search Features

Explore LinkedIn’s job search features to discover relevant job openings and apply directly through the platform. Set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities in your field and leverage your network for referrals and introductions.

ALSO READ: Maintaining Your Well-being During Unemployment and Job Search

14- Network Effectively

Expand your network strategically and nurture professional relationships through meaningful engagement. Attend networking events, join relevant groups, and initiate conversations to build genuine connections. Remember to observe professional etiquette and maintain a positive online presence at all times.

By implementing these 14 strategies, you can optimize your LinkedIn profile and maximize your chances of success in your job search. Remember to stay authentic, proactive, and engaged with your network.

With the right approach, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for advancing your career goals and unlocking new opportunities.

Jan 01
Love3
soft skills

Soft Skills Most in Demand

By Professional Development
Got every hard skill required for the position? You might be thinking that’s enough, but you’re wrong! Soft skills are as important!

Picture this: you’re in an interview, and the interviewer asks you questions to assess your behaviour, but you’re blank. You’ve never been in this situation before.

That’s how employers determine your soft skills.

Think about which ones you need to develop or improve because managers value soft skills. Often, it’s these personal attributes employers use as the tiebreaker to decide between you and the other qualified candidates.

If you’re unsure where to start or what’s most important, here are some soft skills recruiters and interviewers look for:

Read More

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