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Career Edge Blog

Dec 12
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5 Ways to Improve your Hybrid Company Culture

By Employer

The recent shift to remote work has fundamentally changed how many companies operate. While working from home has its benefits, it can also create challenges when it comes to maintaining a positive and productive hybrid company culture. Here are some ways to maintain a positive hybrid work culture.

Read more: What is Company Culture and How to Implement it

1- Prioritize clear and consistent communication

To improve culture in a hybrid work environment, is to prioritize clear and consistent communication. This means making sure that all employees, whether they are working in the office or from home, are kept up-to-date on important information and have access to the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, company-wide updates, and open lines of communication.

2- Encourage collaboration and teamwork

Another key aspect of maintaining a strong company culture in a hybrid environment is fostering a sense of belonging and connection among employees. This can be achieved through regular team-building activities and opportunities for collaboration, both online and in-person.

Provide opportunities for employees to work together on projects and initiatives, even if they are not in the same physical location. This can be done through virtual team-building activities, online collaboration tools, and regular group meetings.

3- Support employee well-being

Hybrid work can be challenging and isolating. It can impact employees’ mental and physical health. Offer support to employees through employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and regular check-ins with managers and colleagues.

In addition, it’s essential to provide employees with the support they need to thrive in a hybrid work environment. This may include offering training on remote work tools and technologies, as well as creating policies and guidelines that help employees manage their work-life balance.

4- Recognize and reward employee contributions

Just because employees are not physically present in the office doesn’t mean their contributions should go unnoticed. Provide regular recognition and rewards for a job well done, such as through employee recognition programs or bonus opportunities.

5- Create a virtual community

Encourage employees to connect and engage with each other outside of work tasks through virtual social events, online forums, and other digital platforms. This can help foster a sense of belonging and connection among remote workers.

Ultimately, maintaining a strong and positive company culture in a hybrid environment requires a commitment from leadership and all employees to prioritize communication, connection, and support. By taking these steps, companies can create a collaborative and productive work environment that drives business success.

Dec 07
Love1

Why Career Edge is so important to me? By Laurin Lambert

By Success Story

Read Laurin’s story as she goes from a fresh grad to a Career Edge employee!

 

Laurin Lambert

Talent Specialist

Growing up, I was always told that my goal should be going to school and getting a job that could support me in life. The plan was grade school, post-secondary, and work – this was ingrained in me. It was a good plan, a great plan even, but when the time came for me to start working after graduating, I was stuck. My plan didn’t prepare as to how to get a job in my field. I had professors, mentors, and people within my network tell me 101 ways to get hired, but none of it seemed to be working for me. I applied to countless HR jobs that I was remotely qualified for on every job board I knew of. I reached out to professionals whose careers I had admired. I personalized every resume, cover letter, and email, making sure that I represented the best version of myself. Yet, I never heard from anyone – not for a rejection letter, not for an interview. Like many recent graduates, getting hired in your own field seemed impossible.

That was until I found out about Career Edge. I heard about Career Edge through a friend. It was a passing conversation where I had briefly thought I would check the website when I got a chance when I did some research on Career Edge and learnt about how Career Edge has launched thousands of careers for recent graduates, skilled newcomers to Canada, and people with disability. Career Edge sounded wonderful – a little too wonderful, and I immediately became skeptical, thinking this program seemed too good to be true. As a recent graduate who was desperately searching for a job, I registered on the Career Edge website. Within a couple of weeks of registering, I got in touch with a Talent Specialist and was set up with an interview. The process was unlike any other job application that I had experienced. The Talent Specialist team was kind and accommodating with any needs that I had, and most importantly, Career Edge made me feel like a person and not just a resume. Soon after, I got hired in my field, and with Career Edge, no less as a Talent Specialist.

Starting my career had been a difficult and isolating journey, but Career Edge changed that for me. Career Edge has provided me with a meaningful job where I have room to learn and grow and express my thoughts and have my voice heard. What makes Career Edge unique is that it embraces everyone from every walk of life. Everyone on the Career Edge team and all the registrants and interns have a different story that is different from one another, which is understood widely throughout the organization. This understanding allows Career Edge to help everyone individually, and I say this as someone who was a Career Edge registrant.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that Career Edge has given me because Career Edge is not just an organization but a community where people like you and I can be given a voice and a fair opportunity to achieve our goals.

Over the coming months, hear stories right from our very own staff about why Career Edge and the work that they do is so important to them.

Oct 14
Love1

Why Career Edge is so important to me? By Fauziyyah Randera

By Success Story

Read Fauziyyah’s story and how Career Edge helped her in following her dream.

Fauziyyah Randera

Payroll & Accounting Intern

I was born in India and moved to South Africa when I was about ten years old. I completed high school in South Africa. I was in 10th grade when I got engaged and got married in 12th grade. At 19, I was the only married female in my class. In June 2018, I moved to Canada.

I always dreamed of becoming an accountant and wanted to continue my studies. However, this is not common for women in my culture and background… although my husband didn’t mind. He supported me and made sure my dream came true. I attended Centennial College for Business Administration Accounting Program for 3 years and completed the Advanced Diploma. It took me 4 years to finish my degree because I got pregnant with a boy while in college during COVID pandemic.

I have worked in the restaurant since I moved to Canada, but after finishing my maternity leave and completing my studies, I was determined to follow my passion and work in accounting.

I submitted about 100 (if not 1000) of job applications with no response. I was looking for a remote job opportunity where I can take care of my child. I did not want to miss my son’s first word and wanted to keep him safe, but it was not a piece of cake to find such an opportunity.

Finally, Career Edge came into my life. I met them at a career event at Centennial College. It was the first and only event I attended. Only the Word “Career Edge” caught my attention. I started accepting and applying for internship opportunities. Shortly after, I received a call from a talent expert saying that I had been selected to interview for a payroll and accounting internship at Career Edge. I was nervous at first because it was my first professional interview.

I was interviewed by a talent expert and an IT expert. I have to say that the impression I got was amazing. I had a second interview with an accountant and a payroll specialist and it went excellent. I got accepted for the opportunity which I always dreamed of.

When I joined the team, I didn’t feel like a new member of the organization. I was sincerely warmly welcomed. I am happy to say that if anyone in the world wants to see a great team, the Career Edge team is the perfect example of the most successful, hardworking, and friendliest team. It’s everyone’s dream team.

Whenever someone asks me what Career Edge does, I always say, it changes lives. As a woman, working from home with a child, I can attest to that.

I thank all the team members for supporting me and being patient with me throughout my learning process. I am grateful to Career Edge for changing my life through this incredible opportunity. If it was not for you, I would have been a housewife with no career goals, putting my studies down the drain. I appreciate the positive environment and the attitude of the team, which gives me a sense of belonging. My goal now is to be an alumnus at Career Edge. I am proud to say that I am part of Career Edge and help change the lives of others.

Over the coming months, hear stories right from our very own staff about why Career Edge and the work that they do is so important to them.

Sep 29
Love1

Why Career Edge is so important to me? By Marwa ElMorsy

By Success Story

Read Marwa’s story as a newcomer struggling to find a job, and how Career Edge helped her land her first job in Canada!

 

Marwa ElMorsy

Marketing Specialist


I came to Canada with my husband in 2019 with many hopes and dreams – like many newcomers. Before arriving, we heard so many stories about how difficult things are for newcomers. We were prepared to start from scratch and were determined to make it work as our new home. 

We initially landed in New Brunswick, one small province in Atlantic Canada, where the government realized how important it is to bring immigrants in because of the aging population. While New Brunswick was so rich in nature – it had us breathe a sigh of fresh air after coming from the hustle and bustle of Cairo – it didn’t exactly welcome us as newcomers.

In my trials to pursue a career, I was treated like I didn’t exist. I faced many rejections and even explicit discrimination. I started to notice the pattern and see the lack of diversity in the workforce of people of colour (and especially veiled women like myself).

When I talked to locals, no one believed I had ambition or passion for what I do; they were even shocked that “I could speak English that well.” It wasn’t just for the lack of “Canadian Experience.” It was also about the colour of my skin and the way I dress. Many people decided I wasn’t an equal just by looking at me. That assumption hurt!

I started to get furious, so I pointed my passion toward volunteering, networking, and even joining political caucuses to speak up about immigrants’ problems and ways to solve them. At one point, I wished I had the power to change something instead of just talking about it.

But then, a couple of years later, my husband and I decided to end this, restart our lives all over again and move to Ontario in the hopes of finding a better life for ourselves.

I started my job search journey again, but this time I remembered a friend mentioning Career Edge and how they helped her start her career with RBC. And even though I was frustrated, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to apply for jobs on Career Edge’s job board.

I promptly got a call from one of the Talent team members (hello there Saradha) telling me that she thinks I’m a good fit for one of the jobs. Long story short, the employer didn’t end up hiring me. I was disappointed, but it wasn’t something I didn’t see before, so I moved on.

But then, when I least expected it, I got a few messages from Career Edge again. They said they were looking to hire a marketing person internally this time. I was so excited, but I didn’t want to get disappointed one more time.

This time I hit the jackpot. Someone took me seriously for the first time in 3 years since I moved to Canada. They respected my experience and believed I could add value (eyes on you, Jeff and Jumana).

After I got the job, it started to sit in. Nothing would have worked better for me. Haven’t gone through that experience, I wouldn’t have been so passionate about helping others who face the same challenges.

Today, I’m so grateful for where I am, where I have to see and interact with people like me – I get to do something I’m genuinely passionate about (I could be a bit annoying sometimes). I get to help people of colour and newcomers to Canada and witness their lives change for the better.

I’m truly thankful every day for being where I am today as Career Edge grows to be part of who I am as a person.

Over the coming months, hear stories right from our very own staff about why Career Edge and the work that they do is so important to them.

Sep 27
Love1

7 Essential Salary Negotiation Tips to Get What you Want

By Job search tips, Jobseeker

This is a guest post by Tania Doshko 

In today’s fast-paced world, changing jobs is no longer perceived as a taboo and is more of a way to challenge yourself and get to a better place professionally and financially.

Negotiating salary may be intimidating, but it is definitely easier than you think. One can achieve great results by using the following salary negotiation tips to get what one deserves. Furthermore, salary negotiation is an essential step of the hiring process, equally important both for the employee and the employer.

This article will outline top tips that will come in handy if you’d like to negotiate the salary and get what you want.

Salary Negotiation Tip#1: Do Your Research

Before bringing up this topic, you definitely want to research the matters like salary DOE and the average salary for a particular position, qualifications, and location, whether it is a new job offer or a salary increase request. Studying the market will help you better understand what you are worth and what you can ask for from your employer.

It is also beneficial to research internal policies if you are interested in a pay rise. Knowing how much other people make, what role you have in the company or the given project, what value you bring, and what the pay range for your position is, you can better negotiate your points. However, don’t be afraid to walk away if the company considers you to be replaceable and doesn’t want to increase your pay.

Salary Negotiation Tip#2: Be ready to discuss more than money

It is not about the money. Sometimes due to the company’s structure or policies, employers can not offer you a higher salary. However, there are other benefits the company may give you.

For example, many crypto jobs offer their employees sports cards, flexible working hours, and remote work. Some sales jobs can provide a higher bonus or percent. Some other perks may include business trips if you are up for travelling, constant training, and educational opportunities. Other companies offer free meals and lots of activities for team building.

You may also ask for some additional vacation days per year.  Sometimes, the ability to work flexible hours from home, a sports card, and an extra day off may prove more beneficial than a few extra bucks. All these aspects should be considered when negotiating a compensation package.

Salary Negotiation Tip#3: Show what you have to offer

Your offer should always be backed up with the story behind it—clearly, state why you want that 20% salary raise or a certain monthly amount. It may be unclear to the employer if you don’t justify your demand.

Instead, carefully think through what you can offer for the benefit you are asking for.

  • First of all, your experience and qualifications are a great reason why you’re asking for a raise.
  • Secondly, your educational background, certificates, and extra education you have undergone in recent years.
  • Thirdly, what’s the market salary for your talent, you should at least strive to be matched with the market, if not more.
  • Fourthly, specific technical skills may add more attractiveness to your offer.

Salary Negotiation Tip#4: Prepare your point and rehearse your speech

When getting ready for the salary negotiation for a new job offer or a pay increase at your current job, prepare the answers to questions such as ‘why you feel worth this monetary compensation’ or ‘what will the company gain in return’.

It is a good idea to prepare information about your achievements and gains in the past years. It would be nice if you could turn it into figures. For example, how much your productivity increased, or your work influenced the ongoing projects, sales, or any rates applicable to your work.

Don’t be shy; rehearse your arguments and points alone and with your trusted friends. This way, you will be more confident and also you can anticipate questions that may come from the employer’s side which will be easier for you to convince them of your wants.

Negotiation Tip#5: Get the employer to do the most talking

If it is a new job offer, let the employer talk and tell you as much information as possible. Wait for them to outline the job description, and name the salary and benefits the company offers to their employees.

Don’t feel bound to break the silence. Let it stay for a while, as it may benefit you. The research made by MIT’s Sloan School of Management states that if participants hold silence for some time when negotiating, it helps them arrive at mutually beneficial results.

Consider the perspective the company is offering. Think through your career trajectory and ensure you pursue something that will eventually take you where you want to be.

Salary Negotiation Tip#6: Take your time to think it over

After the negotiations:

  1. Give yourself time to think about all the pros and cons.
  2. Let the offer sink in and see what it can bring you in perspective.
  3. Reach out to people to help you decide

You are in charge of the conversation. If you have to give an immediate answer, think about it for a couple of minutes. If the situation allows, take a day or two to be able to consider other options and make your final decision.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and talk about the salary structure at their company. It’s also beneficial to speak to somebody from your prospective company and discuss current policies and future raises opportunities. The most important thing is, don’t negotiate against yourself. Don’t discuss your salary history. It is usually irrelevant to the current or future job offer negotiation.

Salary Negotiation Tip#7: Be ready to walk away

Don’t negotiate just to negotiate. Stand your ground about something that is totally important. Fighting for something that is not really worth it may make employers feel uncomfortable. It can also limit your possibilities in future negotiations.

On the other hand, remember that if it’s not on the table today maybe it will be there later. However, be patient because it may change after some time, and the company will be willing to grant you what you want when they can.

If the company refuses something you really want, be ready to walk away. This readiness provides a great source of power. Employers feel that and, thus, negotiations go on in a different direction. In other words, have alternatives. Otherwise, employers feel that you are desperate to get the job. The worst thing that can happen is they will refuse you. That’s not the end of the world. If you know what you want, you can get that.

Conclusion

Negotiating salary is a vital step in the hiring process. It is not about money alone, but the above benefits and opportunities the company can offer in exchange for the employee’s skills, and qualifications. It’s an exchange. That’s why it is crucial to prepare for this talk and be ready to prove your worth.

However, don’t forget it’s not all about money. Sometimes, benefits, friendly colleagues, and a healthy workplace environment may be worth sacrificing a few dimes.

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