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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

Apr 18
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self storage company

What it’s Like Working at a Self Storage Company

By Jobseeker

This post is written by Nikola Asambelevski 

Most people pass by dozens of self storage facilities daily without noticing them. You might need to pay more attention to self-storage facilities because the self-storage industry is booming. Self-storage is a multi-faceted industry that features job opportunities from a wide array of different disciplines. Jobs at a self-storage company include facility managers, sales representatives, maintenance technicians, software developers, marketing specialists, and many more. We will explore the recent trends in the self-storage industry, the career opportunities available in this exciting field, and how you can start your career in self-storage. 

Self-storage industry trends

Did you know that there are approximately 59,500 self-storage facilities across the globe? The United States alone boasts a jaw-dropping 2.3 billion square feet of rentable storage space, which is more than triple the size of Manhattan Island! Can you imagine that?

Meanwhile, our neighbours up north in Canada are catching up with the self-storage wave, with development surging, especially in the bustling Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Vancouver. Ontario’s self-storage industry has been on a roll, experiencing an impressive average annual growth rate of 7.2% over the past five years, according to the Canadian Self-Storage Association.

But what’s fueling this growth, you ask? Well, a couple of factors come into play. First, the ever-increasing population density in urban areas has created a pressing need for storage solutions. As more people flock to cities, the demand for storage space only continues to rise. Second, the explosion of e-commerce has businesses scrambling for storage space to keep up with their growing inventory. So, the self-storage industry is here to stay, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down!

Advancements in the self-storage industry

The self-storage industry in Ontario and across Canada has evolved over the years with the introduction of new technologies and services. For example, some self-storage facilities now offer climate-controlled units, which can help protect sensitive items from damage caused by temperature and humidity changes. Many self-storage facilities also offer online reservations and payments, making it easier for customers to rent and pay for their units. 

As the self-storage industry evolves to incorporate more and more technology into its facilities, new job opportunities are created to handle these changes. Self-storage facilities hire software developers to configure their websites to provide a better customer experience. Technical advisors and engineers are brought in to help self-storage facilities upgrade their systems to create a more secure storage environment for their tenants. The self-storage industry is quickly becoming one of the most popular sectors for employees with a tech background.

What does a day look like working in the self-storage industry?

One of the most surprising things people realize when they start working in the self-storage industry is how busy it can get. All types of people going through life-changing experiences need storage. Death, divorce, and moving are some of the most popular reasons why people come in to visit a self-storage facility and inquire about sizes, prices, climate-controlled units, drive-up storage units, and even vehicle parking. Working in a self-storage facility, you will interact with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Working in a client-facing position at a self-storage company, like a leasing administrator or customer service representative, requires a great deal of patience, empathy, and advanced communication skills. 

Working at a self-storage facility also requires knowing the laws that apply to the storage facility, including renters’ rights and the laws about delinquent units. Some laws protect self-storage customers and give facility operators the right to enforce a lien and hold a public auction of outstanding units. Storage companies will do everything in their power to ensure that storage auctions do not happen at their facilities. However, auctions are a natural part of the self-storage industry. To keep units available, they must happen from time to time. It is never fun when a facility manager has to cut the lock of a unit that has become delinquent. 

The types of jobs available in the self-storage industry 

There is a common misconception that the kinds of career opportunities available in the self-storage industry are limited to general labour jobs- this could not be further from the truth. Self-storage jobs attract candidates from all kinds of different disciplines. Here are some of the most popular job positions in the self-storage industry  

  • Facility Managers- Facility managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the storage facility, which includes managing staff, maintaining the facility, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Facility managers also handle customer inquiries and concerns, set rental rates, and manage the marketing of the facility.
  • Customer Service Representative- Customer service representatives provide excellent customer service, handle customer inquiries and concerns, and process rentals and payments. Customer service representatives must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Maintenance Technician- Maintenance technicians are responsible for maintaining the facility and performing necessary repairs. Maintenance technicians must know plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems and be able to troubleshoot problems and make repairs. As self-storage facilities incorporate more and more advanced technologies into their designs, the role of maintenance technicians has become crucial. 
  • Marketing Specialist- Marketing specialists are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote the storage facility. Marketing specialists must have excellent communication and marketing skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
  • Security Officer- Security officers ensure the storage facility’s and its customers’ safety and security. Security officers must know security procedures and protocols and the ability to handle emergencies.

The self-storage industry offers numerous career opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in customer service, sales, marketing, or maintenance, the self-storage industry has something for everyone. As the industry continues to grow and expand across Canada, there will be more and more job openings in this field. 

Sep 27
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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 environment at the workplace may be worth sacrificing a few dimes.

Nov 05
Love3

Personal Finances – Things I wish I had paid more attention to post-graduation

By Jobseeker
For many years while I was in school, and even after I graduated, I did not pay too much attention to my finances. I did not properly save up to pay off my student loans at the time, and after I got my first job, all I obsessed over was saving enough money to pay it all off.  Looking back now, I definitely could have started getting into the habit of saving money and exploring the different options I had much earlier.  So, here are some things I wish I had paid more attention to, before and post graduation, that could help you. Read More

Aug 06
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Develop a ‘Winning Mindset’ for Your Job Hunt

By Jobseeker
[This week’s blog comes from Chantelle Sukhu, a Career Edge Alumna and Communications Manager, Product & Content at TELUS Digital!]

Searching for a job can be one of the most humbling exercises a professional can experience. Individuals dedicate hours to fixing their resumes, crafting countless cover letters, preparing for interviews and learning to network. This journey is sometimes far from linear as each rejection could result in the process restarting. In this sense, job hunting is a master class in patience and positivity.

Given the current climate, individuals may feel that certain elements of a job hunt are out of their control, especially as a new grad or newcomer. So how do you demonstrate resiliency when the odds are stacked against you? Invest in cultivating a ‘winning mindset’ by practising positivity through affirmations. Read More

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