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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

Jul 17
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Quiz – What is Your Leadership Style? For Leaders and Team Members

By Employer, Succeed in your Job

Leading a team isn’t always easy; some team members are naturally “easier” to work with than others. But there is a reason behind this. This could be due to the disconnect between your leadership style and your team members’ personalities and preferred styles.

While leadership can be a fluid concept, many leaders adapt their leadership styles to suit their teams. This is especially true the more experience they get, as they learn to be lenient with what their team needs.

To become a successful leader, you must understand your current leadership style to recognize and improve your skills. Learning about different leadership styles can be the key to unlocking your team’s potential.

What is Your Leadership Style?

Understanding your leadership style can determine your compatibility with your team members and leaders, whether you’re a leader or a team member. Instead of wasting time trying to understand each other, take the following quizzes to help you and your team members know your style and find ways to work together.

Leadership Style Quiz for Leaders

Understanding your leadership style can aid in effective communication and successful collaboration with your team.

Take this quiz to determine your leadership style. 

Leadership Style Quiz for Team Members

Knowing your preferred leadership style helps you communicate effectively and work well with your team’s leaders.

Take this quiz to determine your preferred leadership style.

So what are the different Leadership Styles?

This guide explores various leadership styles, helps you identify your preferred style, and offers quizzes for both leaders and team members. Let’s dive in!

Authoritative Leadership

An authoritative leader has a clear vision and confidently communicates it to their team. They inspire and motivate team members to reach their full potential.

An Authoritative leader is likely to:

  • Have a clear vision for their team and effectively communicate it.
  • Set high standards and expectations for the team’s performance.
  • Recognize and celebrate the achievements and successes of team members.
  • Regularly analyze team performance and identify areas for improvement.

You would work best with team members who perform best when they have clear expectations and appreciate a leader who regularly evaluates the team’s performance.

Examples of Authoritative leaders

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A remarkable leader who successfully rallied a nation toward a common vision with his strong leadership.

Democratic Leadership

Democratic leaders value collaboration and teamwork, often seeking input from team members before making decisions. This fosters a sense of ownership and promotes a positive work environment.

A Democratic leader is likely to:

  • Value and incorporate input from team members in decision-making processes.
  • Actively seek feedback from team members to improve leadership skills.
  • Welcome open communication and create a safe environment for ideas and concerns.
  • Encourage calculated risks and support innovative ideas from team members.

You would work best with a team that appreciates being involved in decision-making processes and enjoy working in a collaborative environment.

Examples of Democratic Leadership

Indra Nooyi. The ex-CEO of PepsiCo who had a collaborative approach. She listened and encouraged her team to share their thoughts and concerns.

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders focus on driving change and innovation. They challenge their team members to think creatively and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A Transformational leader is likely to:

  • Challenge and encourage team members to think creatively and embrace change.
  • Delegate responsibilities and provide necessary resources to empower team members.
  • Address conflicts within the team proactively and constructively.
  • Foster a sense of shared purpose and align individual goals with organizational objectives.

You would work best with team members who are likely to thrive when the leader challenges them to be creative and fosters a sense of shared purpose.

Examples of Transformational Leadership

Jeff Bezos. Amazon’s success is due to Bezos’ innovative leadership style, which motivates employees to explore new products and opportunities.

Laissez-faire Leadership

Laissez-faire leaders give their team members high autonomy, trusting them to make decisions and solve problems independently. This style works best with experienced and self-motivated teams.

A Laissez-faire leader is likely to:

  • Trust and empower team members to make independent decisions.
  • Build strong relationships based on trust and loyalty with team members.
  • Mentor and coach team members to support their professional growth.
  • Embrace new ideas and encourage innovation within the team.

You would work best with team members who prefer working independently and making their own decisions without constant supervision.

Examples of Laissez-faire Leadership

Warren Buffet. The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is also known for his hands-off approach to managing his company’s subsidiaries.

Servant Leadership

Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their team members, focusing on their growth and development. They foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Example: Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, who emphasized employee well-being and development throughout his tenure.

A Servant leader is likely to:

  • Prioritize the well-being and professional growth of team members.
  • Adaptable and adjust leadership style to meet the team’s needs and situation.
  • Lead by example, demonstrating the values and behaviours expected from the team.
  • Remain calm under pressure, guiding the team through challenges.

You would work best with team members who appreciate an empathetic leader who listens and encourage the well-being of the team.

Examples of Servant Leadership

Mahatma Gandhi. He led and empowered the Indian people without seeking power or status. His focus was serving their needs.

Matching Leadership Styles with Team Members

So now that you know your style and your team’s preferred leadership style, what do you do with this information?

Understanding your unique leadership style and the preferences of your team members can significantly impact team success. Here is what you can do next…

Assess Team Preferences

Once team members have identified their preferred leadership styles, openly discussing these preferences within the team is essential. This can lead to more effective collaboration and better overall team dynamics.

Adapt Leadership Approaches

No one-size-fits-all approach to leadership exists. Effective leaders must be able to adapt their style to suit the needs and preferences of their team members. Leaders can create an inclusive and supportive work environment by understanding and valuing different preferences.

Ongoing Development

Regularly reassessing leadership styles and team preferences can help leaders and team members grow and evolve. As individuals and teams develop, their preferences and needs may change, so it’s essential to maintain open communication and adapt accordingly.

By exploring various leadership styles and engaging in open conversations about preferences, you can create an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential. Remember, leadership development is an ongoing process – be open to learning, adapting, and growing as a leader and team member.

Jul 05
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Interview Questions

8 Interview Questions to Help You Recognize the Best Candidates

By Employer

Asking interview questions can be one of the most challenging things to do. A job interview is a critical opportunity for employers to get to know potential candidates and determine their suitability for a position. In one of their articles, McKinsey says recruitment is a two-way process. It also allows potential candidates to learn more about the firm. While candidates need to do research and prepare for interview questions, it is also the duty of hiring managers to ask the right questions.

Why ask practical interview questions?

Asking cookie-cutter questions is fine, but asking the right questions will provide you with what you need to know about a potential candidate and give you an insight into their skills, background, and personality. Practical interview questions can help assess a candidate’s alignment with the company’s values and work environment, especially now that some companies still work remotely.

Here are eight interview questions you will want to include as a part of your hiring process.

1. What specific projects or initiatives have you worked on that are relevant to the position?

This question will help you understand a candidate’s experience is vital to assess their suitability for a role.

Look for specific examples highlighting their achievements and demonstrating how their experience meets the position’s requirements.

Here are some alternative example questions you can also ask candidates: “Can you tell me about something you’re proud of” or “Can you tell me more about something you accomplished in your previous job that made an impact.”

2. Can you describe any notable challenges you have faced in your career?

This question allows employers to evaluate candidates’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Employers can gauge the candidate’s thought process, creativity, and approach to overcoming obstacles by discussing a specific task or challenge related to the role.

Look for candidates who showcase strategic thinking, adaptability, and a clear understanding of how their skills can contribute to overcoming the challenge.

Alternative questions: “Did you collaborate with others or seek input from colleagues during the process? If so, how”? or “What strategies or problem-solving techniques did you employ to overcome the challenge”? 

3. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

By inquiring about strengths and weaknesses, hiring managers understand a candidate’s level of self-awareness. Candidates who clearly understand their strengths demonstrate the ability to reflect on their abilities, recognize their areas of expertise, and articulate them effectively.

This indicates a candidate’s potential to leverage their strengths and work on their weaknesses to contribute positively to the organization.

Alternative questions: “What is something you do better than others?” or “What is the one skill you want to improve? How would you like to go about developing/improving it”?

4. How do you keep updated with the current trends?

Being aware of industry trends showcases a proactive and forward-thinking mindset. Staying updated with current trends allows candidates to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable insights to the organization. It enhances their ability to adapt to changing environments and contributes to the company’s growth.

Look for candidates eager to learn the new trends because it ensures they are equipped with a curious mind to follow the latest tech to perform effectively in their roles, keeping the organization competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Alternative questions: “How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your industry”? Or “Are there any specific sources or publications you regularly follow to stay updated”?

5. Are you more productive working independently or in a collaborative team setting?

Asking candidates about their preferred work style will help you assess their compatibility with the organization’s work environment and team dynamics and whether they align with the company’s culture, values, and expectations.

Evaluate whether the candidate thrives in collaborative or independent settings, prefers structured or flexible approaches, and values autonomy or guidance. The goal is to assess the candidate and match them with the team, the organization, and the work environment to foster a productive and harmonious workplace for all.

Alternative questions: “Can you tell me of a time when you worked as a part of a team and what role did you play” Or “Tell me about a time when a job or company felt like a good fit for your personality and why”?.

6. What are your career goals, and how do you see this role helping you achieve them?

Instead of asking the candidate about their five-year plan, a career goal helps assess their commitment, drive, and potential for long-term engagement.

Understanding a candidate’s career goals allows employers to assess their alignment with the organization’s vision and growth opportunities. It also allows employers to tailor development plans and provide growth opportunities. They can create a supportive environment that fosters the candidate’s professional growth while meeting the organization’s objectives.

Alternative questions: “Are there any industries, roles, or responsibilities you are interested in pursuing in the future”? Or “How do you envision this organization contributing to your long-term career growth and development”?

7. How do you maintain your enthusiasm and motivation during challenging tasks?

This will help you determine whether the candidate is passionate, driven, and committed to their work. Candidates who demonstrate self-motivation and a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles can be valuable assets to any organization.

Look for candidates who are self-motivated, inspirational, and have strategies for maintaining productivity and commitment to personal and professional growth.

Alternative questions: “How do you handle setbacks or periods of low motivation in your work”? Or “How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations”?

 8. Why do you believe you would be a good fit?

By asking this question, employers can assess a candidate’s knowledge about the company, their values, and their alignment with its values and goals. It allows employers to identify candidates genuinely interested in the company’s work, products, or services. It shows that the candidate has researched before the interview to get to know the company better.

Look for candidates with enough self-awareness, the ability to connect their skills and experiences to the company’s needs, and their potential to contribute to the firm.

Alternative questions: “What specific aspects of our company’s products, services, or industry excite you the most”? Or “What initially attracted you to our company and made you apply for this position”?

In conclusion, asking the right questions in a job interview is crucial for employers to make informed hiring decisions. Employers create a fair and objective evaluation process by asking these questions and promoting diversity and inclusion. It also helps to identify candidates with the necessary qualities to succeed in the role and contribute to the company’s success. Thoughtful and strategic questioning during job interviews enables employers to make well-informed decisions and build a talented and engaged workforce that drives the organization forward.

Jun 06
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Speed Up Your Hiring Process

7 Tips To Speed Up Your Hiring Process

By Employer

The hiring process is a critical aspect of any organization. Finding and securing the right talent efficiently can significantly impact a company’s success. However, the traditional hiring process can be time-consuming and costly, often resulting in recruitment mistakes and missed opportunities.

With the pandemic hitting, everything has changed for job seekers. In this highly competitive market, you may wind up either having to settle for a less qualified candidate or resign yourself to a long, slow job search if you’re not prepared for fast recruitment.

In this article, we will explore five proven strategies to speed up your hiring process without compromising the quality of your hires. By implementing these techniques, you can streamline your recruitment efforts, save valuable time and resources, and attract top talent more effectively.

Tip 1: Optimize Job Descriptions for Quick Hires

To speed up your hiring process, start by optimizing your job descriptions. You can do so in the following ways:

  • Ensure that your job postings are clear, concise, and compelling by using targeted keywords that resonate with potential candidates and accurately reflect the required skills and qualifications for the position.
  • Highlight the key responsibilities and outcomes expected from the role. Avoid lengthy descriptions that may discourage candidates from applying. Instead, focus on providing a concise overview of the position and its significance within the organization.
  • Additionally, consider incorporating an attractive company culture and employee benefits to entice top talent. By optimizing your job descriptions, you can attract qualified candidates who are genuinely interested in the role, ultimately saving time and effort in the screening process.

Tip 2: Streamline Application Process to Expedite Your Hiring Process

By following the steps below, you can simplify and streamline the application process and expedite your hiring process.

  • Evaluate your current application system to identify any unnecessary steps or requirements that may deter candidates from applying.
  • Reduce the number of fields and documents required during the initial application stage, focusing only on essential information. Implement an applicant tracking system (ATS) that allows candidates to upload resumes and cover letters seamlessly.
  • Moreover, consider leveraging technology to enable candidates to apply using their LinkedIn profiles or other social media platforms by simplifying the process further. By removing barriers and streamlining the application process, you can attract a higher volume of qualified candidates and accelerate the screening process.

Tip 3: Utilize Technology and Automation to Fasten the Application Process

Technology and automation play a pivotal role in speeding up the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) can automate various recruitment tasks, such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and candidate communication.

Here are a few tools on how ATS software can simplify your hiring process.

  • ATS software effectively manages applicant data. This allows recruiters to filter and review resumes efficiently.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can automate candidate sourcing and pre-screening processes.
  • AI-powered tools to quickly scan and analyze resumes, highlighting the most relevant candidates based on predefined criteria.
  • Video interviewing platforms can also save time and resources by allowing remote or pre-recorded interviews.
  • Automating candidate communication through email templates and updates on their application status can be helpful.

By harnessing the power of technology and automation, you can significantly reduce manual effort, streamline workflows, and expedite the hiring process.

Tip 4: Implement Skills Assessments to Speed Up Your Hiring Process

Assessing candidates’ skills early in the process helps identify the most qualified individuals and eliminates those who do not meet the necessary criteria. Skills assessments are invaluable tools for speeding up the hiring process while ensuring the quality of hires.

Find out how you can implement skills assessments:

  • Implement online skills assessments tailored to the specific job requirements. These assessments can include technical tasks, coding challenges, or simulated work scenarios.
  • Evaluate candidates’ skills to streamline the screening process and identify top performers quickly.
  • Consider integrating automated assessment platforms that leverage AI and machine learning algorithms to provide data-driven insights on candidates’ abilities.

This data-driven approach allows for more informed hiring decisions, ultimately expediting the process.

Tip 5: Prioritize Candidate Communication and Feedback.

Timely and transparent communication with candidates is crucial to maintaining their interest and expediting the hiring process. Here are some ways in which you can prioritize candidate communication:

  • Establish clear communication channels and respond promptly to inquiries and applications.
  • Implement automated email responses to acknowledge receipt of applications and provide regular updates on the status of the hiring process.
  • Personalize communication whenever possible to create a positive candidate experience.
  • Also, make sure to communicate the timeline and stages of the hiring process upfront, so candidates know what to expect.

Effective candidate engagement and communication not only speed up the process but also enhance your brand and reputation.

Tip 6: Tapping into Your Network and Employee Referrals

Your existing network and employee referrals can be a goldmine for finding top talent quickly. Encourage your employees to refer qualified candidates, offering incentives or recognition for successful referrals.

Another way is to establish partnerships with industry associations, attend networking events, and leverage professional platforms to expand your network. You can build relationships by partnering with organizations like Career Edge and get started by simply reaching out to us.

By tapping into your network and encouraging employee referrals, you can access a wider pool of qualified candidates and accelerate the hiring process.

Tip 7: Cultivate a Strong Employer Brand

A strong employer brand not only attracts top talent but also expedites the hiring process. Invest in building a positive reputation by showcasing your company culture, values, and employee experiences.

You can do that by leveraging social media platforms, employee testimonials, and engaging content to establish your brand identity.

By building an attractive employer brand, you can attract candidates who are aligned with your values, reducing the time spent on sourcing and attracting talent.

If you make improvements to your process, have your hiring managers “apply” and walk through the new steps along with you. If all of you find certain steps confusing or lengthy, chances are your candidates do, too. Identify where you can cut out cumbersome procedures, streamline work, and improve communication. It might go against everything you’ve been told before, but creating a faster recruitment process might be the secret to hiring the best candidates.

By adopting some of these strategies and continuously refining your hiring process, you can significantly reduce time-to-hire, make confident hiring decisions, and secure top talent to drive your organization’s success.

May 03
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recruitment mistakes

8 Common Recruitment Mistakes Employers Make and How to Avoid Them

By Employer

Recruitment is such a tedious job. You’re on a constant hunt for the best and brightest talents. Whether you’re a recruiter or an employer looking to improve your recruitment process, it’s essential to recognize the most common mistakes you could be making to streamline the process, save time and resources, and eventually secure the best talent.

In this article, we’ll provide the most common recruitment mistakes employers make, how they can hurt your business and ways to improve the process for better results.

Recruitment Mistake#1: Inadequate Job Descriptions

When it comes to finding the ideal candidate for your company, it’s essential to have an accurate job description. Unclear or broad job descriptions can attract unqualified applicants.

To ensure clarity, it’s essential to give complete and accurate information about the position and the company culture. A job description should be more than just a list of duties. It should also include the purpose of the role, important responsibilities, and necessary skills.

Here is how to create a compelling job ad that would attract the right candidate:

  • Clearly outline job responsibilities, required skills, and expectations.
  • Remove any requirements that are not a must.
  • Highlight your company’s values and culture to attract suitable candidates.
  • Write the job description in inclusive language.

Recruitment Mistake#2: Looking for the Perfect Candidate

“I’ll know the right candidate when I see them” that’s a phrase we often hear from employers, but this mentality can bring more harm than good.

Sometimes, we get this idea of the ideal employee and hope for them to magically appear. However, this approach can be detrimental as it may cause us to overlook competent callipers and result in understaffing, which impacts our team’s productivity and morale.

Recruiters call perfect candidates “purple squirrels” because they’re so rare!

Instead of holding out for someone who checks every box, it’s better to establish realistic standards – remember that some “normal candidates” can turn your business to gold when given the opportunity. Here is what you can do when you catch yourself having unrealistic expectations.

  • Revisit your list of requirements and pick out only the key must-haves. The new hire can always pick up or even learn those job-specific skills once they’re on board.
  • Consider the importance of ‘fit’ compared to experience and skills. Sometimes, hiring someone with the right personality and work style that aligns with the company can lead to a better and more loyal hire.

Recruitment Mistake#3: Unconcious Bias

As humans, we all have our biases. But in recruitment, it can be a problem that can hinder finding the best candidate for the job. Employers often rely on personal likability or gut feelings instead of focusing on skills and qualifications. This can lead to overlooking exceptional candidates who don’t fit the typical mold.

Also, keep in mind that job interviews can be intimidating, and it’s important to remember that candidates are human and might feel nervous during the process.

To reduce the impact of unconscious bias and ensure a more diverse and qualified workforce, consider the following solutions:

  • Develop a structured hiring process with a standardized phone screening, comprehensive interviews, and reference checking.
  • Clearly define the criteria for success in the role and focus on these requirements.
  • Offer diversity and inclusion training for hiring managers and HR personnel.
  • Involve colleagues from diverse backgrounds in the selection process and encourage constructive feedback.

Also read: 6 Benefits of Diversity Hiring That You May Not Know About

Recruitment Mistake#4: Overemphasis on Qualifications and Experience

Whether you’re dismissing an underqualified or rejecting someone because they are overqualified, the source of this issue is the same. Focusing too much on a candidate’s qualifications and experience might make you miss out on other essential factors like adaptability, critical thinking, and cultural fit. Remember, qualifications don’t guarantee a perfect fit!

Stressing over experience too much can deter top talent and even impact your company’s reputation. But here are some tips to help you determine the perfect fit without focusing on the experience as a factor.

  • Look beyond qualifications and consider other factors like soft skills and cultural alignment.
  • Determine if any skills can be learned on the job or if prior experience is essential. For example, hiring someone who has the technical skills but has yet to work in the same industry before.
  • Implement comprehensive onboarding programs to train new hires and bridge skill gaps.
  • Consider the benefits of hiring overqualified candidates. For example, they will be able to grow your company faster. You will have a loyal person who can move up the leadership track quicker than a junior person.
  • Discuss long-term career plans with candidates to ensure alignment.
  • Be respectful and provide feedback to the unsuccessful candidates.

Recruitment Mistake#5: Looking for “Cultural Fit”

So many leaders and HR professionals have this misconception that a cultural fit is a team member who looks the same or people coming from the same generation or the same background, etc., which can be problematic.

Focusing on cultural fit during the hiring process can fester unconscious bias, promote groupthink, and lead to workplace toxicity and even hostility.

Although misused, the term “cultural fit” is defined as a skill to match an employee’s ability to fit with the core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that make up an organization.

To choose a cultural fit without being biased, consider these tips:

  • Develop a clear profile of your ideal candidate, including skills, attributes, and fit cultural characteristics that align with your business’s short and long-term goals and vision.
  • Use this profile to guide your screening and interview process.
  • Ask questions in the interview that would determine if the person is truly a cultural fit, such as:
  1. Describe the environment in which you work best. (this will show you if your work setup is fit for them)
  2. Describe your ideal boss or supervisor. (this will show you their perfect leadership style)
  3. Why do you want to work for us? (this will show you if they are motivated by the same goals)
  4. Which of our company values resonates most with you? (this will show you whether their values align with your team and business)

Recruitment Mistake#6: Confusing Equality for Equity

“I only hire individuals based on their skills and background. Hiring diversity quota is not my style.” Employers often say something along those lines when the topic of hiring diversity groups comes up. But this can be so problematic!

Diversity groups face many barriers when it comes to entering and progressing in the workplace; giving equal opportunity to everyone is simply not fair. For example, a person with a disability needs an accommodation to perform and excel at their job, but many employers would rather go with someone else who won’t cost them extra money – can you see the problem?

Likewise, in this day and age, and with all the knowledge we have today, many Canadian employers still resist interviewing racial groups, especially visible minorities, who are mostly newcomers in Canada.

Newcomers to Canada have the highest unemployment rate, which is 10.8% (compared to the 5.28% unemployment rate in 2022 for their counterparts). With this behaviour, highly skilled immigrants end up with jobs that are likely to be underemployed or get trapped in low-paid, informal jobs that fail to develop and fully utilize their skills and capacities. (which is essentially why the government of Canada recruited them to the country).

It’s essential to recognize that each individual has different circumstances. That’s why equity is crucial – it ensures that everyone has the support and resources they need to reach an equal outcome.

equity vs equality career edge

Equity recruitment allows for a bigger pool of callipers which can grow in your organization and lead to more diverse leadership. Equity help supports a more inclusive and positive culture, increasing employee retention and engagement.

How to practice equity in recruitment:

  • Embrace diversity in age, race, knowledge, gender, and background while considering the specific skills, strengths, and qualifications required for the role and the entire team.
  • Put some effort into making conscious choices to give more opportunities to those facing additional barriers to joining the workforce in Canada – it will change a lot of lives, and it’ll say a lot about your business and also you as a person!
  • Partner with organizations that help underrepresented groups.

Recruitment Mistake#7: Insisting on Interviewing a Number of Candidates

Requiring to see and interview a specific number of candidates before making a decision can cause delays and may deter strong candidates. While it’s perfectly normal to consider your options, having too many options can be overwhelming and unnecessary. When you do this, you put a good candidate on hold while waiting for more applicants and risk losing your best callipers.

You need to be empathetic towards candidates and their job search process. Top talent is a hot commodity and won’t wait for long. Employers often lose top candidates to competitors due to indecisiveness and lack of communication, resulting in missed opportunities.

Here is what you should do instead to ensure you don’t waste time or talent:

  • Focus on quality over quantity when evaluating candidates
  • Be flexible with your hiring criteria and timelines
  • Set expectations and communicate the hiring process if you expect delays but want to hold their interest.

Recruitment Mistake#8: Not Sourcing the Best Candidates

Whether you are using improper job boards, social media channels, or overpaying for a recruitment agency, not using the right tool will end up attracting the wrong candidates.

Deciding where to find candidates is a crucial choice. If you’re looking for new grads who are early in their career, you’d likely find them by using social media. While experienced candidates are more likely to be accessible via traditional job boards or headhunting. Either way, you must utilize the right sourcing tool to save time and resources.

Instead of wasting a lot of resources using all the sourcing tools, focusing on the right ones will improve your candidates’ quality and reduce the work required to hire them.

How to make sure you find the best candidates:

  • Research the best platforms for your industry and target audience.
  • Use a mix of job boards, social media, and professional networks to reach the right candidates.
  • Partner with organizations to help hire people you don’t usually have access to. For example, most recruitment agencies headhunt the same people over and over again, but using different approaches can ensure you actually see different callipers.

Are you looking to attract the top candidates to add to your team?

At Career Edge, we match you with highly skilled candidates with many years of experience in different business areas, such as IT, finance, HR, and more. Ultimately, meeting your needs through a different solution that drives optimal results to match and retains top talent.

We offer a low-risk, personalized approach to helping you build a high-performing team that will help grow your team and business. Contact us today to get started!

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