Is My Business Ready?
Before hiring a newcomer, it’s important to evaluate whether your organization is prepared to support an immigrant employee. Planning is necessary, and knowing the right questions to ask is key.
What are their qualifications?
Assessing and recognizing credentials is one of the biggest challenges in hiring someone from a different country. Job titles, education, and accreditations are not always consistent, therefore it is important to determine international standards or equivalencies, and determine if additional training will be necessary upon hire. There are many professional associations that can help assess these qualifications. Refer to the Credentials Recognition section to learn more about these resources and other tips on evaluating internationally trained candidates.
Will language barriers threaten performance?
It is important to know what level of English or French will be necessary for success in the role at an early stage in the hiring process. These requirements should be reflected in the job description and reiterated during the interview process. Refer to the Language section to learn about language resources that are available to help bridge the gap. It is important to remember that just because someone may have an accent; it doesn’t mean they can’t speak English as effectively as a Canadian-born candidate.
Do you have a cross-cultural workplace?
Understanding and respecting one another’s culture is critical for effective working relationships in any organization – particularly when it comes to communication. Cross-cultural training in your workplace can help ensure a smooth transition for an individual coming from a different culture, and will promote cultural awareness and diversity in your team.
Do you have the right leadership model?
It is important to examine different ways of managing your team as you transition from a homogenous to a diverse workplace. Your style of management has an effect on how you employee’s experience. Being cognizant of how your management style considers different cultural backgrounds is necessary to get the most from your team and foster a positive and effective working environment.
Are your HR policies up-to-date?
Make sure that all of your policies and practices are appropriate for successfully integrating an immigrant employee. Establishing effective employee orientation and mentoring processes will be valuable to a smooth transition. Ensure the business ethics described in your code of conduct foster a respectful workplace that values diversity and safety, while having zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. It is important to review and reinforce these values for the well being of your staff. Resources like Occupational Health and Safety can be valuable tools in helping you define guidelines and policies.
Is your interview style appropriate?
Determine whether your interviewing practices will be effective when communicating with a candidate from a different culture, and how language barriers will be addressed. Interview tips may be found at the Government of Canada's website.
Do you have support?
Having the complete backing of your management team is extremely important when hiring a newcomer, as they will greatly affect how the new employee is perceived and welcomed into the organization.
What are their qualifications?
Assessing and recognizing credentials is one of the biggest challenges in hiring someone from a different country. Job titles, education, and accreditations are not always consistent, therefore it is important to determine international standards or equivalencies, and determine if additional training will be necessary upon hire. There are many professional associations that can help assess these qualifications. Refer to the Credentials Recognition section to learn more about these resources and other tips on evaluating internationally trained candidates.
Will language barriers threaten performance?
It is important to know what level of English or French will be necessary for success in the role at an early stage in the hiring process. These requirements should be reflected in the job description and reiterated during the interview process. Refer to the Language section to learn about language resources that are available to help bridge the gap. It is important to remember that just because someone may have an accent; it doesn’t mean they can’t speak English as effectively as a Canadian-born candidate.
Do you have a cross-cultural workplace?
Understanding and respecting one another’s culture is critical for effective working relationships in any organization – particularly when it comes to communication. Cross-cultural training in your workplace can help ensure a smooth transition for an individual coming from a different culture, and will promote cultural awareness and diversity in your team.
Do you have the right leadership model?
It is important to examine different ways of managing your team as you transition from a homogenous to a diverse workplace. Your style of management has an effect on how you employee’s experience. Being cognizant of how your management style considers different cultural backgrounds is necessary to get the most from your team and foster a positive and effective working environment.
Are your HR policies up-to-date?
Make sure that all of your policies and practices are appropriate for successfully integrating an immigrant employee. Establishing effective employee orientation and mentoring processes will be valuable to a smooth transition. Ensure the business ethics described in your code of conduct foster a respectful workplace that values diversity and safety, while having zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. It is important to review and reinforce these values for the well being of your staff. Resources like Occupational Health and Safety can be valuable tools in helping you define guidelines and policies.
Is your interview style appropriate?
Determine whether your interviewing practices will be effective when communicating with a candidate from a different culture, and how language barriers will be addressed. Interview tips may be found at the Government of Canada's website.
Do you have support?
Having the complete backing of your management team is extremely important when hiring a newcomer, as they will greatly affect how the new employee is perceived and welcomed into the organization.
