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Aug 12
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canadian experience illegal

How Canadian Experience Is Illegal Yet Most of Canadian Employers Still Ask For It

By Recruitment

If you’re requiring “Canadian experience” in your hiring process, you’re shooting yourself in the foot!

Let me ask you something: would you knowingly expose your company to potential lawsuits, thousands of dollars in damages, WHILE missing out on top talent, all while damaging your reputation?

Of course not.

I know what you’re thinking: “But we need to make sure candidates can do the job!”…I get it, as business leaders, we want to hire people who can hit the ground running.

But here’s a reality check: requiring Canadian experience is not just ineffective – it’s illegal discrimination that’s costing businesses across Canada dearly.

Canadian Experience is Not Just “Preferred” – It’s Illegal

The Ontario Human Rights Commission hasn’t left any room for interpretation on this issue. Their official position states that requiring “Canadian experience” is prima facie discrimination – meaning it’s discriminatory on its face.

This isn’t some minor policy guideline you can choose to ignore.

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, you cannot discriminate based on:

  • Place of origin
  • Ethnic origin
  • Ancestry
  • Race
  • Citizenship status

When you require Canadian experience, you’re essentially discriminating against people based on where they come from – a direct violation of human rights legislation.

The Real Cost of Non-Compliance

Let’s talk numbers, because I know that’s what gets attention in the boardroom:

Direct Financial Costs

  • Legal fees: $10,000-$50,000+ for defending human rights complaints
  • Settlement costs: Successful complainants receive thousands in compensation
  • Lost productivity: Time spent on legal proceedings instead of business operations
  • Compliance training: Emergency training costs when violations are discovered

Hidden Business Costs

  • Talent shortage: Excluding 40%+ of qualified candidates in major markets
  • Innovation loss: Missing diverse perspectives that drive competitive advantage
  • Reputation damage: Public human rights complaints harm employer branding
  • Recruitment costs: Higher spending to find candidates from a smaller pool

The Bitonti Case: A $45,000 Wake-Up Call

In the landmark British Columbia case Bitonti v. British Columbia (Ministry of Health), discriminatory licensing practices that favored Canadian experience resulted in significant legal consequences. The tribunal found that policies requiring Canadian experience were discriminatory and caused substantial harm to qualified international professionals.

This case set a precedent that continues to influence human rights decisions across Canada. Companies found guilty of similar discrimination face not just financial penalties, but court orders requiring them to change their hiring practices entirely.

Why “Canadian Experience” Is Important to You?

What do you think you need when you expect a Canadian experience? Let’s break down the real reasons behind Canadian experience requirements and show you better, legal alternatives:

“We Need Someone Who Speaks Good English”

What you’re doing wrong: Assuming Canadian experience equals language skills

Why it’s problematic: Discriminates against multilingual professionals with excellent English

Legal alternative: Test language skills directly through structured interviews, written assessments, presentation requirements, and phone/video screenings.

“They Need to Understand Our Industry”

What you’re doing wrong: Assuming industry knowledge only comes from Canadian experience

Why it’s problematic: Ignores transferable knowledge and research capabilities.

Legal alternative: Test industry knowledge through scenario-based interview questions, technical assessments, case study discussions, and portfolio reviews.

“We Want Someone Who Fits Our Culture”

What you’re doing wrong: Using “cultural fit” as code for Canadian experience

Why it’s problematic: Often masks unconscious bias about different backgrounds.

Legal alternative: Define specific cultural competencies like collaboration skills, communication style preferences, problem-solving approaches, and professional values alignment.

“They Need Soft Skills”

What you’re doing wrong: Believing soft skills are geographically specific

Why it’s problematic: Many soft skills are universal and transferable

Legal alternative: Test actual soft skills through behavioral interview questions, team-based assessments, reference checks, trial periods, or projects.

ALSO READ: 10 Questions Interviewers Should Ask A Candidate In Interviews

The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring

Beyond legal compliance, there are compelling business reasons to eliminate Canadian experience requirements:

Access to Superior Talent

  • Larger candidate pool: Access to internationally trained professionals who often exceed local qualifications
  • Competitive advantage: Many international candidates have advanced degrees and specialized training
  • Language skills: Multilingual employees can serve diverse customer bases and international markets
  • Global perspective: Experience in different markets provides valuable business insights

Innovation and Growth

  • Diverse thinking: Different cultural backgrounds bring fresh approaches to old problems
  • Market insights: International experience helps companies expand globally
  • Creative solutions: Diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones in problem-solving
  • Adaptability: Professionals who’ve succeeded in multiple countries are highly adaptable

Financial Performance

Companies with diverse workforces consistently outperform less diverse competitors:

  • 35% more likely to outperform industry averages (McKinsey & Company)
  • Higher employee satisfaction and retention rates
  • Better customer service for diverse client bases
  • Reduced recruitment costs through word-of-mouth referrals

How to Hire Legally and Effectively

Here’s your step-by-step guide to compliant, effective hiring:

Step 1: Audit Your Current Practices

Review job postings for:

  • Direct mentions of “Canadian experience required”
  • Subtle preferences like “Canadian experience preferred”
  • Coded language that implies Canadian experience necessity
  • Requirements that could be interpreted as discriminatory

Examine your interview process:

  • Are interviewers asking about Canadian work history?
  • Do evaluation forms place a heavy emphasis on Canadian experience?
  • Are international qualifications being fairly assessed?
  • Is unconscious bias affecting decisions?

Step 2: Rewrite Job Requirements

Instead of: “Must have 5 years Canadian experience” Write: “Must have 5 years relevant experience in [specific industry/role]”

Instead of: “Canadian designation required,” Write: “Professional designation required (or equivalent international certification)”

Instead of: “Must understand Canadian market” Write: “Must demonstrate knowledge of [specific market factors, regulations, or industry standards]”

Step 3: Restructure Your Interview Process

Skills-Based Questions:

  • “Tell me about a time you had to adapt to new regulations in your field.”
  • “How would you handle [specific scenario relevant to the role]?”
  • “What experience do you have with [specific tools/processes/standards]?”

Cultural Competency Assessment:

  • “Describe how you’ve worked effectively in diverse team environments.”
  • “How do you handle conflicting priorities or feedback from multiple stakeholders?”
  • “Tell me about a time you had to learn new workplace processes quickly.”

Knowledge Testing:

  • Create practical assessments that test actual job-relevant skills
  • Use case studies that reflect real workplace challenges
  • Implement trial projects or presentations
  • Conduct technical evaluations where appropriate

Step 4: Train Your Hiring Team

Legal Requirements Training:

  • Human rights obligations under provincial and federal law
  • What questions are prohibited during interviews
  • How to assess qualifications fairly regardless of origin
  • Documentation requirements for hiring decisions

Unconscious Bias Training:

  • Recognition of common biases in hiring
  • Techniques for objective candidate evaluation
  • Cultural competency in professional settings
  • Value of diverse perspectives in business

Step 5: Implement Accountability Measures

Documentation Requirements:

  • Record specific reasons for hiring decisions
  • Document how international qualifications were evaluated
  • Maintain consistent scoring systems across candidates
  • Keep records of accommodation efforts when needed

Regular Audits:

  • Review hiring statistics for patterns of discrimination
  • Analyze rejection reasons for international candidates
  • Monitor complaint patterns or feedback
  • Assess diversity outcomes in hiring

Special Considerations for Regulated Professions

If you work in healthcare, engineering, law, or other regulated fields, you face additional complexity. However, even regulated professions cannot blanket-require Canadian experience without justification.

What’s Legal:

  • Requiring specific certifications or licensing
  • Testing knowledge of Canadian regulations and standards
  • Requiring supervised practice periods where genuinely necessary for public safety
  • Bridging programs that help international professionals meet Canadian standards

What’s Not Legal:

  • Automatically assuming international training is inferior
  • Requiring Canadian experience when competency can be demonstrated in other ways
  • Creating unnecessarily long or expensive qualification processes
  • Refusing to recognize equivalent international credentials

Creating Inclusive Alternatives

Bridging and Mentorship Programs

Best Practices:

  • Paid positions that provide Canadian workplace exposure
  • Structured learning about local industry practices
  • Mentorship with experienced Canadian professionals
  • Clear pathways to full employment

Legal Pitfalls to Avoid:

  • Automatically streaming international candidates into bridging programs
  • Using unpaid internships as barriers to employment
  • Requiring longer bridging periods than necessary
  • Treating bridging as inferior to direct hiring

Skills Assessment Centers

Create evaluation processes that test actual job competencies:

  • Simulation exercises that mirror real work tasks
  • Portfolio reviews of previous work
  • Collaborative projects that assess teamwork abilities
  • Presentation opportunities that test communication skills

Partnerships with Professional Organizations

Work with industry associations and immigrant-serving organizations to:

  • Understand international qualification standards
  • Access pre-screened candidate pools
  • Develop industry-specific assessment tools
  • Create networking opportunities for international professionals

Implementation Timeline: Your 90-Day Compliance Plan

Days 1-30: Assessment and Planning

  • Audit current job postings and hiring practices
  • Identify discriminatory language and requirements
  • Train HR team on legal obligations
  • Develop new job posting templates

Days 31-60: Process Development

  • Create skills-based interview guides
  • Develop practical assessment tools
  • Establish documentation procedures
  • Design bias-reduction protocols

Days 61-90: Launch and Monitor

  • Implement new hiring practices
  • Monitor early results and feedback
  • Adjust processes based on outcomes
  • Begin tracking diversity metrics

Red Flags: When You’re Still Discriminating

Watch for these subtle forms of Canadian experience discrimination:

In Job Postings:

  • “Canadian experience preferred”
  • “Local experience is an asset”
  • “Must be familiar with Canadian workplace culture”
  • Requirements for Canadian professional references only

In Interviews:

  • “How will you adapt to working in Canada?”
  • “Do you understand how things work here?”
  • “Are you familiar with Canadian business practices?”
  • Giving disproportionate weight to Canadian work history

In Evaluation:

  • Automatically scoring Canadian experience higher
  • Dismissing international qualifications without proper assessment
  • Requiring Canadian references when others are available
  • Making assumptions about cultural fit based on origin

The Competitive Advantage of Compliance

Companies that get ahead of this issue don’t just avoid legal problems – they gain significant competitive advantages:

Talent Magnet Effect

  • Become known as an inclusive employer that values diverse experience
  • Attract top international talent that competitors miss
  • Build a reputation that helps with recruitment and retention
  • Access hidden talent pools that others ignore

Innovation Catalyst

  • Diverse teams solve problems more creatively
  • International experience brings valuable market insights
  • Different perspectives challenge status quo thinking
  • Global networks expand business opportunities

Future-Proofing

  • Build a workforce that reflects Canada’s diverse population
  • Develop cultural competencies for global business
  • Stay ahead of evolving legal requirements
  • Position the company as a progressive industry leader

Resources for Implementation

Legal Guidance

  • Ontario Human Rights Commission: Policy guides and compliance resources
  • Employment lawyers: Specialized legal advice for complex situations
  • HR consultants: Professional help with policy development
  • Industry associations: Sector-specific guidance and best practices

Training Resources

  • Human rights training providers: Unconscious bias and legal compliance training
  • Diversity and inclusion consultants: Comprehensive workplace culture assessment
  • Professional development organizations: Skills-based interviewing training
  • Online resources: OHRC website, government guidance documents

Assessment Tools

  • Psychometric testing companies: Validated skills and personality assessments
  • Interview guide templates: Structured, bias-free interview formats
  • Portfolio assessment frameworks: Standardized evaluation criteria
  • Reference check protocols: Consistent candidate evaluation methods

The Bottom Line: Change Now or Pay Later

The writing is on the wall: Canadian experience requirements are illegal discrimination, and enforcement is increasing. Every day you delay compliance, you’re exposing your business to legal risk and missing out on exceptional talent.

But this isn’t just about avoiding problems – it’s about gaining a competitive advantage. Companies that embrace inclusive hiring practices consistently outperform those that don’t. They attract better talent, innovate more effectively, and build stronger relationships with Canada’s increasingly diverse population.

The choice is yours: you can continue with discriminatory practices and hope you don’t get caught, or you can get ahead of the curve and build a hiring process that’s both legally compliant and strategically superior.

The most successful companies won’t be those that find ways around anti-discrimination laws – they’ll be the ones that recognize diverse experience as the competitive advantage it truly is. The question isn’t whether you can afford to change your hiring practices. The question is whether you can afford not to.

Make the wise business decision. Your legal team, your shareholders, and your future success depend on it.

Mar 26
Love0

How to Crush Unconscious Bias in Your Hiring Process

By Recruitment

Let’s get real for a moment. Unconscious bias isn’t just some HR buzzword – it’s a silent killer of talent and potential in your organization. If you’re a hiring manager or business leader who wants to build a knockout team, it’s time to face the uncomfortable truth: your brain might be sabotaging your recruitment efforts without you even knowing it.

Read more: 7 Hiring Mistakes Employers Make That Attract The Wrong Candidates

The Harsh Reality of Unconscious Bias

Imagine losing out on top-tier talent simply because your brain is playing tricks on you. Sound far-fetched? It’s happening right now in companies just like yours.

Research shows that unconscious bias can reduce your talent pool by up to 60% and dramatically impact your company’s innovation and performance.

What Exactly Is Unconscious Bias?

Think of unconscious bias as the sneaky little voice in your head that makes snap judgments before you can hit the brakes. It’s those split-second assumptions you make about candidates based on nothing more than a name, a photo, or a seemingly random detail. And trust me, it’s costing you big time.

The Staggering Hidden Costs

We’re talking about more than just missed opportunities. Unconscious bias can:

  • Narrow your talent pool dramatically
  • Destroying diversity and innovation potential
  • Create a workplace culture trapped in outdated thinking
  • Expose your company to potential legal and reputation risks
  • Reduce employee engagement and productivity
  • Limit your competitive edge in a global marketplace

Unpacking the Unconscious Bias Minefield

Common Types of Bias Wrecking Your Hiring Process

  • Affinity Bias: Basically, you’re unknowingly hiring mini-mes who look, sound, or think just like you. It’s like creating an echo chamber of mediocrity.
  • Gender Bias: Still judging candidates based on outdated gender stereotypes? Time to wake up. Women are overlooked for leadership roles 60% more often due to unconscious bias.
  • Racial Bias: If you’re making assumptions based on a candidate’s name or background, you’re leaving top-tier talent on the table. Studies show resumes with “ethnic-sounding” names receive 50% fewer callbacks.
  • Age Bias: News flash: Great talent doesn’t have an expiration date. Some of the most innovative minds in tech are over 40, and some are just getting started at 50.
  • Confirmation Bias: This is where you cherry-pick information that confirms your pre-existing beliefs, completely ignoring contradictory evidence.

Real-World Impact: More Than Just Numbers

Let’s break down why unconscious bias is a strategic business issue, not just a moral one:

  • Innovation Killer: Diverse teams are 45% more likely to improve market share and 70% more likely to capture a new market.
  • Performance Booster: Companies with inclusive cultures are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their market.
  • Talent Attraction: 76% of job seekers consider workplace diversity an important factor when evaluating job offers.

Concrete Strategies to Demolish Unconscious Bias

1. Blind Recruitment: Your New Secret Weapon

  • Remove names, ages, and demographic info from resumes
  • Use technology that anonymizes candidate information
  • Focus purely on skills, experience, and potential
  • Create standardized scoring mechanisms

2. Revolutionize Your Interview Process

  • Develop a structured interview framework
  • Create a consistent set of questions for all candidates
  • Use multiple interviewers with diverse backgrounds
  • Implement a scoring system that minimizes subjective interpretation

3. Build Diversity into Your Hiring DNA

  • Set clear diversity hiring goals
  • Create diverse hiring panels
  • Develop mentorship programs for underrepresented groups
  • Regularly audit your hiring and promotion processes

4. Leverage Data Like a Pro

  • Track hiring metrics religiously
  • Monitor promotion rates across different demographics
  • Use data analytics to identify potential bias points
  • Create transparency in your hiring and promotion processes

Advanced Bias Mitigation Techniques

  1. Unconscious Bias Training: But not the boring, check-the-box kind. Implement interactive, scenario-based training that challenges people’s automatic thinking.
  2. Technology as an Ally: Use AI-powered recruitment tools that can help identify and minimize human bias.
  3. Continuous Learning: Create a culture of ongoing education and self-reflection about diversity and inclusion.

Also read: 8 Common Myths About Hiring Newcomers to Canada

Your Actionable Roadmap

  • Conduct a comprehensive unconscious bias audit
  • Develop a targeted bias reduction strategy
  • Implement blind recruitment techniques
  • Create accountability mechanisms
  • Regularly review and adjust your approach

Unconscious bias isn’t a problem for “other companies.” It’s happening in your organization right now. The question is: What are you going to do about it?

The most successful companies don’t just manage unconscious bias—they make diversity and inclusion a core strategic advantage. Beating unconscious bias takes real commitment. Are you ready to step up? Contact us today.

Oct 02
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AI-driven recruitment

8 Pitfalls of AI-Driven Recruitment and How to Overcome Them

By Recruitment

When AI became widely available to the public, it had many conflicting reactions from employers and employees. However, one thing we all agree on is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed many industries, including recruitment. It’s efficient, scalable, and capable of sorting through countless resumes in minutes. However, for job seekers, especially those from marginalized communities, the rise of AI-driven recruitment brings concerns that go beyond efficiency. From emotional distress caused by ghosting to the risk of unconscious bias, AI’s impact on recruitment is fraught with challenges that often go unnoticed.

This article explores the hidden dangers of AI in recruitment and why human-centered approaches are more critical than ever.

What Are Some of the Impacts of AI-Driven Recruitment?

While the benefits of AI recruitment are countless, saving time and working efficiently can be the top appeal for many people in the recruitment industry. However, some side effects can hinder your business and organization’s full potential.

1- AI Recruitment Tools Lack of Human Connection

One of the most glaring issues with AI-driven recruitment is its inability to establish genuine human connections. Hiring is a deeply personal process that involves understanding more than just qualifications and experience. It’s about reading between the lines—body language, communication style, and emotional intelligence, all of which are completely overlooked by AI.

For example, an AI-powered algorithm might reject a highly qualified candidate based on subtle data points that have nothing to do with their actual potential. This lack of human touch can make employers miss out on top talent.

According to a Resume Builder survey, 4 out of 10 companies would allow AI to communicate with candidates, and 1 out of 7 would let the technology make the final hiring decision.

2- AI Tools Overly Rely on Data

AI systems are designed to make decisions based on the data provided. But what if the data is incomplete or inaccurate? Over-reliance on AI narrows the talent pool, with only candidates who meet strict algorithmic criteria making it through the filters.

Imagine losing out on a candidate who might not have a perfect match on paper but could bring unparalleled creativity, problem-solving skills, or leadership. AI simply isn’t equipped to recognize the intangibles that make a person truly qualified for a role.

3- AI Recruitment Tools are Biased

While AI is often marketed as a tool that can eliminate human bias in hiring, ironically, it can sometimes reinforce or even magnify biases.

AI systems are trained on historical data. If an algorithm is fed biased data, it will continue to make biased decisions. This is a particularly concerning issue in recruitment, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical.

In one corporate fail example, Amazon decided to abandon an AI recruitment tool because it discriminated against female candidates based on historical data that favored male-dominated resumes.

AI doesn’t have the cultural sensitivity or awareness to make nuanced hiring decisions. It may, for example, reject high-quality candidates for having a non-Western name or attending a lesser-known university, which often affects people from marginalized backgrounds. Without human oversight, these biases can go unchecked, further entrenching inequality in the hiring process.

4- AI Tools Security Concerns

AI tools come with security risks, from ChatGPT data breaches to tools that collect, store, or process candidate data that fall under compliance regulations. Non-compliance can significantly damage an employer’s reputation, impacting candidate trust.

Organizations must also implement robust cybersecurity measures, as reliance on AI for sensitive information increases the risk of data breaches and misuse. While AI can enhance efficiency, its integration into recruitment must be approached cautiously to mitigate these security concerns.

5- AI-Driven Hiring Negatively Impact Job Seekers

While AI can enhance the candidate experience by providing swift responses and making the hiring process more efficient, it can also take a toll on their mental health and the company’s reputation if something goes wrong.

Ghosting Candidates: One of the main challenges in AI-driven recruitment is “ghosting,” where candidates receive no communication from employers after completing multiple stages of the hiring process. This lack of communication leads to frustration, anxiety, and feelings of low self-worth among job seekers. Without feedback, candidates are unable to improve their future applications.

Impersonal Hiring Process: AI can strip the recruitment process of empathy. Job seekers today crave a connection—they want to feel seen and valued during the hiring process. When an automated system is their first (and often only) interaction, it leads to dissatisfaction, resentment, and negative perceptions of the company.

Dehumanizing Job Seekers: AI-driven recruitment tools use algorithms to sift through resumes for specific keywords, but this approach can make job seekers feel reduced to numbers. This can be especially harmful for non-traditional candidates. Feeling dehumanized can also impact employer branding, as candidates may lose trust in the company over time.

6- AI Recruitment Can Hurt Employer Branding

Your brand isn’t just the products or services you offer but also the experience candidates have when engaging with your hiring process. Ghosting and bias caused by AI don’t just harm candidates—they can also damage the employer’s reputation. Candidates who feel ghosted or dehumanized by an impersonal process will likely share their experiences online, which can harm the company’s brand. In today’s competitive job market, a negative reputation can make it difficult to attract top talent.

7- AI Tools Pose Legal and Ethical Risks

Many employers are eager to implement AI tools, but few understand the legal ramifications of using biased algorithms. AI systems, left unchecked, can easily violate these laws. Failing to address biases in recruitment processes could expose organizations to legal challenges.

The tutoring company iTutor Group used AI-powered recruiting software that automatically rejected female applicants ages 55 and older and male applicants ages 60 and older, leading to more than 200 qualified applicants being automatically rejected by the software. It ended up costing them $365,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

8- AI-Driven Hiring Requires Adaptation and Training Budget

Many employers think AI might be a good way to save money in the short term; as technology evolves, employers may need to continuously train HR staff to use AI tools effectively and manage their implications. This can create ongoing costs and resource allocation challenges.

How To Overcome AI Recruitment Shortcomings?

To mitigate these risks and build trust with candidates, companies must adopt a more transparent and human-centered approach to AI in recruitment. This includes:

1- Human Centric Hiring Practices

While AI can handle many aspects of recruitment, it’s important to keep human judgment as part of the process. This hybrid model uses AI to support recruiters rather than replace them, preserving the personal touch that candidates value. When employees feel valued from the very beginning, it can lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.

At Career Edge, we commit to genuine, people-centered recruitment. We believe that hiring should be about relationships, not just data points. Unlike AI-driven systems, we take the time to get to know both candidates and employers, ensuring that each match is a true fit. This focus on human connection leads to better hires, increased retention, and a more positive experience for all involved.

2- Genuine Relationships Result in Perfect Matches

This people-first approach ensures that employers get more than just qualified hires—they get individuals who fit seamlessly into the company culture, are passionate about their work, and have the potential for long-term success.

At Career Edge, we believe in a simple yet powerful idea: people hire people. Everything we do is built on fostering genuine relationships between employers and candidates. We don’t use algorithms or automated systems to assess someone’s worth. Instead, we take the time to understand each candidate’s unique strengths, skills, and potential.

3- Communication and Transparency

Candidates should be given clear information about how AI is used in the recruitment process and, where possible, feedback on why they were not selected. This openness can help demystify the AI process and build trust.

One of the key ways we stand out is by maintaining open communication with candidates throughout the hiring process. We provide feedback at every stage, ensuring that candidates know where they stand and what they can do to improve. This approach not only builds trust but also improves the candidate’s experience and leaves them feeling valued—even if they aren’t selected for the role.

4- Regular Audits of AI Systems

Regularly reviewing and updating AI algorithms is mandatory to prevent bias and maintain fairness in the hiring process. This proactive approach helps identify and address any biases unintentionally built into the system. Companies should ensure that the data used to train AI systems is diverse and representative. This helps prevent the AI from developing biased decision-making patterns and ensures a fairer recruitment process.

Diversity is more than a checkbox for us. Unlike AI systems that may unintentionally perpetuate bias, we actively seek out diverse talent from underrepresented groups. We understand that diversity drives innovation, creativity, and better business outcomes, which is why our recruitment process is built on inclusivity, not exclusion.

Don’t Let AI Take the Lead—The Future of Recruitment Needs Human Connections…

While AI may offer convenience, it lacks the human touch that is so crucial in recruitment. The risks of biased algorithms, a loss of genuine connection, and impersonal hiring processes should make any employer think twice before over-relying on technology.

Partnering with an organization like ours ensures that your recruitment strategy is based on real relationships, empathy, and diversity—everything AI can’t replicate. Don’t let technology decide the future of your workforce; let us help you find people who are not only qualified but who will thrive in your company. Are you ready? Contact us today!

FAQs

Q: What are the drawbacks of AI recruitment?
AI driven recruitment tools can introduce biases, overlook qualified candidates due to rigid algorithms, and eliminate the human touch essential in assessing soft skills and cultural fit. There are also concerns about data privacy and compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Q: What are the problems with the AI hiring process?
AI hiring processes can lead to ghosting candidates, overlook diversity, and favor candidates who optimize their resumes for AI, leaving out potentially great hires. Additionally, they lack the personal interaction crucial for understanding a candidate’s potential beyond their qualifications.

Q: How do you beat AI in recruitment?
To increase your chances, optimize your resume with relevant keywords, keep formatting simple, and be mindful of what AI systems prioritize, such as clearly defined job titles and qualifications. However, showcasing your soft skills and experiences in interviews remains key.

Q: What are the ethical issues with AI in recruitment?
AI in recruitment raises concerns over potential bias, lack of transparency in how decisions are made, and data privacy risks. Ethical issues also arise from its potential to favor certain demographics and exclude candidates with unconventional career paths.

Q: What security risks are involved with AI-driven recruitment?
AI systems that handle personal data can be vulnerable to breaches, raising concerns about data privacy and regulatory compliance. Employers need to ensure robust cybersecurity measures to protect candidate information.

Q: Can AI replace human recruiters completely?
While AI can streamline many recruitment tasks, it lacks the ability to assess soft skills, empathy, and cultural fit. The human element remains essential in making well-rounded hiring decisions.

Q: How can AI improve recruitment?
AI can speed up resume screening, reduce human bias in initial stages, and automate repetitive tasks, allowing recruiters to focus more on relationship-building and final selection processes.

Jan 02
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newcomers to canada

8 Common Myths About Hiring Newcomers to Canada

By Recruitment

Immigration to Canada is not new. It has been an integral part of human history. Canada has welcomed immigrants since the first European colonizers of the 16th century.

Today, the government of Canada welcomes around 500,000 new immigrants annually to fill in the skill gap in the job market or improve the growth of the labour force. 

People move in pursuit of a better life, fleeing adversity or responding to global shifts. However, misconceptions often surround newcomers to Canada. Let’s talk about some of those prevalent myths.

Myth 1: Immigrants Take Jobs Away from Canadian Citizens

A common myth suggests immigrants deprive Canadians of job opportunities. But let’s take a closer look at their substantial contributions to economic growth.

Here are a few facts to challenging this myth:

  • The Canadian market shortage drives immigrant skills after thorough research that the government conducted. Canada strategically attracts skilled individuals to maintain economic prosperity.
  • Statistics Canada’s 2022 Labour Force Survey revealed an 8.2% unemployment rate of recent immigrants who have been in Canada for 5 years or less as compared to 5.0% for non-immigrants.
  • Since the mid-2010s, immigrants have contributed 63% of the increase in Ontario’s labour force, much larger than the 39 % from the late 2000s to early 2010s.

The persistent myth that immigrants take jobs away from Canadian citizens is rooted in a misunderstanding of the economic dynamics. For example, temporary foreign workers fill critical gaps in Canadian industries, preventing agricultural sectors from suffering. Sometimes, and for several reasons, newcomers end up with different jobs because they can’t get a job in their field.

During COVID-19, precautionary border closures led to a slowdown in immigration, and we saw a dip in the economy, but experts like Andrew Agopsowicz, a senior economist at the Royal Bank of Canada, emphasized that the resurgence of immigration is vital for our economic recovery.

Think about it: the government wouldn’t even invite newcomers if Canadian citizens had the skills and could fill the jobs. The real issue lies in flawed immigration laws enabling worker exploitation, not immigrants taking jobs.

Myth 2: Immigrants Are a Burden on the Canadian Economy

High-skilled immigrants contribute to a virtuous cycle in the Canadian economy, fostering expansion, boosting productivity, and creating employment opportunities. Their arrival and contribution to the economy (and taxes) enhance the job market and benefit employers, leading to a thriving future in Canada. 

Here are a few stats to support this:

Rather than viewing immigrants as a burden, we should appreciate and celebrate their positive impact on our country’s growth and prosperity.

Myth 3: Newcomers Don’t Speak English or French

Language proficiency is a common concern, but it’s essential to dispel the myth. English is an international language. It’s not unique to North America. Many newcomers will learn English early in their education and use English as a first or second language.

But to counter this myth, here are a few facts:

  • Statistics Canada reveals widespread language abilities and newcomers’ commitment to integrating into Canadian society through language learning. Over 90% of recent immigrants can converse in English or French.
  • Most newcomers must take challenging English tests to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) status as a way for the government to emphasize commitment to solid language skills among those coming to live in Canada.

Myth 4: Immigrants Need a Special Work Permit or Visa

Contrary to a common myth, most immigrants in Canada are not required to have a special work permit or visa to work. 

Here is a few basic info you might need to know if you want to hire newcomers to Canada:

  • Immigrants with Permanent Resident (PR) status don’t need additional work permits; a Social Insurance Number suffices.
  • Refugee claimants receive work permits to contribute to the Canadian workforce.
  • Many work permit scenarios, such as those under trade agreements, are LMIA-exempt.
  • We at Career Edge only work with newcomers in Canada who have open work permits.

For more information about work permits, you can visit the Government of Canada website.

Myth 5: Immigrants to Canada Do Not Want to Work

Many immigrants come to Canada to create a better life and future for themselves and their children. For most, achieving a better life includes securing a suitable and fulfilling job.

  • According to Stat Canada, new immigrants are three times more likely than Canadian-born workers to be found in low-skilled jobs.
  • Between 1993 and 2001, immigrants in Canada for 10 years or less had a higher over-qualification rate. This is not because these jobs are suitable or fulfilling but because immigrants strongly desire to work and contribute to their new homes.

Immigrants are used to hustling; coming to Canada is not an easy feat, and it takes a lot of effort and resources for them to do that. The fact that they are in Canada shows a huge initiative and risk-taking; many are passionate and ready to roll once given a chance.

Myth 6: Internationally Trained Professionals Are Not as Qualified as Canadian Professionals

A persistent myth questions the qualifications of internationally trained professionals compared to their Canadian counterparts. 

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for dispelling myths and fostering an inclusive environment for internationally trained professionals in Canada.

Myth 7: Newcomers Must Have Canadian Experience to Secure Jobs

By expecting Canadian experience, some employers would want to see adaptability to the workplace culture, market trends, market dynamics, legislation, technologies, or occupational language. However, having Canadian experience (or lack thereof) doesn’t guarantee the candidate is suitable for a job or a “cultural fit.” 

The lack of Canadian work experience is a common obstacle for newcomers seeking meaningful employment. Some unconscious biases may be real barriers, sometimes masked as the lack of Canadian work experience.

Newcomer candidates can be invaluable if your company wants to represent the market. They can often offer up insights and contacts in their communities and save their employers time and money. That’s why employers need to break the cycle.

Here are a few solutions to the chicken-and-egg situation:

  • Giving the candidates a chance to represent themselves, many of the highest quality candidates don’t even get the chance for an interview just due to the lack of Canadian experience. 
  • LinkedIn can be utilized to verify candidates’ former employers and references, offering transparency and validating professionalism.
  • Adapting to workplace culture can be learned, and fostering an inclusive environment where individuals thrive and feel accepted is a practice all top employers adopt to contribute to a level playing field for skilled migrants.

Myth 8: Immigration Brings Crime to Canada

While some hold onto the myth that immigrants bring crime to Canada, factual evidence suggests otherwise. Immigrants contribute to the country’s safety and well-being, challenging unfounded assumptions about their impact on crime rates. 

While many newcomers seek refuge in Canada, aiming for a secure and stable life for themselves and their families, immigrants in Canada pose minimal risk to the country’s security and sovereignty. 

Here are a few facts:

As Canada embraces a diverse immigrant population, it’s crucial to dispel myths and appreciate newcomers’ positive contributions to the workplace, cultural, and economic fabric. Let’s foster a more informed and inclusive perspective on immigration.

Dec 05
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logos for Uber, Starbucks, RBC, and LinkedIn clockwise

Recruitment’s Moments of the 2010-2019 Decade

By Recruitment

When the 2008 recession hit North America with more than three million job losses, recruitment – and hiring – paused. As the economy entered the next decade in the early recovery stage, North America will finish this decade with approximately 19 million positions added in the U.S. and two million in Canada. With more than 21 million jobs gained, the current decade experienced many influential recruitment moments. These are recruitment’s defining moments – one from each year (with some honourable mentions!) – of the 2010-2019 decade: Read More

Jan 04
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2018 recruitment trends

Recruitment Trends for 2018

By Recruitment
“Hiring people is by far the most important thing companies do. When organizations hire the ‘wrong’ people, no amount of HR or management can fix the problem,” wrote Josh Bersin, founder and Principal at Bersin by Deloitte, in the HR Technology Disruptions for 2018 report.

In a candidate-driven era, as power continues to shift from employers and hiring personnel to employees and job seekers, the transformation in control will alter many intricacies in the complex world of recruitment. Read More

Sep 21
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What Makes an Internship a Success? 4 Things Employers Should Know

By Recruitment

Internships seem to be a perennial “hot topic,” resurfacing every fall in conjunction with “back-to-school” time. Prompted by growing youth unemployment in Canada and increasing controversy about unpaid internships around the globe, the topic was featured on a recent episode of CBC Radio’s “The Sunday Edition” with Michael Enright.

Click here to listen to the program

Click here to go directly to the “4 Keys to a Successful Internship”

Read More

Sep 24
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Finding the Fit: 3 tips on attracting the right person for the job

By Recruitment

From the July, 2010 Issue of CareerBulletin

In a competitive job market where candidates tout more credentials and technical skills than ever, fit is increasingly becoming the differentiator.

What is organizational fit? It means that above and beyond being “qualified” for the job, the employee’s goals, values and preferences are aligned with those of the organization. It means there is working chemistry between the employee and his or her team, and that coming to work every day is a pleasure and not a drag.

Here are a few things employers can do to ensure they are attracting, hiring and retaining the right people for their organizational culture.

Read More

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