Essential Factors to Consider When Looking for a Job

Finding the right job is a crucial step toward building a fulfilling and successful career. However, with countless opportunities available in today’s competitive job market, it can be overwhelming to determine which path to take. To navigate this process effectively, here are some essential factors to consider when deciding which job to take. 

 

Alignment with Your Values and Interests

One of the primary considerations when searching for a job is to assess its alignment with your values and interests. Ask yourself: Does the company’s mission resonate with you? Are you passionate about the work you will be doing? Identifying these aspects will help ensure that your job provides a sense of purpose and keeps you motivated in the long run.

 

Work-Life Balance

Having a healthy work-life balance is vital for overall well-being and job satisfaction. Assess the company culture to determine if it promotes work-life balance by offering flexible working hours, remote work options, or paid time off. You can also ask questions during the interview process to gauge this. A supportive work environment that values your personal time and promotes employee well-being will contribute to your long-term happiness and productivity.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Financial considerations are an important aspect of any job search. Evaluate the compensation package being offered, including salary, bonuses, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation allowances. While it’s important to be fairly compensated, remember to consider other factors, such as growth potential and work satisfaction, as they can have a significant impact on your overall job experience.

 

Location and Commute

The location of a job can greatly impact your overall quality of life. Consider the commute time and transportation options available. A long and stressful commute can take a toll on your well-being and work-life balance. Additionally, think about whether the location aligns with your personal preferences and lifestyle choices, such as proximity to family, friends, or recreational activities. Also, consider additional costs that may come from a further commute.

 

Finding the right job involves considering a wide range of factors that go beyond just the salary or job title. Once you’ve considered these crucial factors, you can make a more informed decision on whether the job is right for you. 

 

If you’re looking for new job opportunities, contact us today to talk to one of our hiring experts, or check out our online job board.  

 

Great Benefits of Hiring Seasonal Summer Help

Summer is nearly here, and with it comes the opportunity to hire seasonal, temporary help for your business. Summer is a busy time for many businesses, and hiring temp workers can help your company in many ways. Nova Staffing is one of the top temporary staffing agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, and here are some of the top benefits of hiring seasonal summer help.

 

Meet Seasonal Demands

Many businesses experience seasonal peaks in demand during the summer months, which can put increased pressure on long-term employees. By hiring seasonal summer help, you can quickly scale up your workforce to meet these demands without the commitment of full-time employment.

 

Cost-Effective Solution

Companies are in constant conflict between work output and costs. Hiring temporary help during the summer is a cost-effective solution to help your business scale its workforce for a short period. Temp workers may cost the same hourly costs, but you save by not having to pay for benefits, grant vacation time, or provide long-term job security. This saves your business money in the long run.  

 

New Ideas

New workers, even seasonal ones, can help bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to your business. Some people have the misconception that temporary workers are unskilled, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They may have different experiences and skills that can add value to your team. Seasonal workers also offer an outside perspective that could help your business innovate and improve.

 

Schedule Flexibility

Hiring seasonal summer help provides businesses with flexibility. Full-time employees often look to take time off during the summer. Navigating workers on leave and a busier workload can be challenging, and that’s where seasonal workers come in handy. Since summer workers are temporary, you can adjust your workforce according to your needs and manage your resources effectively to avoid being under or over-staffed during this time.

 

Reduced Workload Stress

Hiring seasonal summer help can help to reduce the workload and additional stress that comes with that for full-time employees. This can improve their job satisfaction and productivity. By delegating some tasks to seasonal summer help, full-time employees can focus on higher-level tasks and projects, both of which will benefit the company in the long run.

 

Potential for Hires

Just because you hire someone as a temporary worker doesn’t mean it can’t become more permanent. Seasonal summer help can be an excellent way to identify potential long-term hires. If you’re impressed with the performance of a seasonal employee, you may want to consider offering them a permanent position. This can help you to build a talented and loyal workforce. The additional benefit is that you’ll already know them and their skills, and they’ll know the company and culture. It’s a win-win!

 

Hiring seasonal summer help can provide your business with many benefits. If you’re looking for top temp workers to help you this summer, contact us today! Nova Staffing is one of the top recruitment agencies, and our team of hiring experts is ready to help you find quality candidates.

 

Hiring Agency Explains 6 Key Things to Include in Job Postings

A well-written job posting is essential to attract qualified candidates and make hiring more efficient. The job market is highly competitive, so having a well-written job posting can make all the difference in finding quality candidates. What makes a job posting great depends on the company, industry, and position; however, all postings should include the same key information. At our hiring agency, here are the key pieces of information we include in every job posting.

 

Job Title and Summary

A clear and concise job title and summary should be included at the beginning of the posting to give candidates an idea of the role and responsibilities. This is where you state what their position will be and a quick outline of the role. You should also include whether this job is remote, full-time in the office, or hybrid.

 

Job Description 

A detailed job description should be included to outline the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. This section should include qualifications, education, experience, and any specific skills required for the role. Where the job summary can be fluffy and fun, in the job description, keep that information clear and concise.

 

Company Information

This section should provide candidates with an overview of the company’s mission, values, and culture. It can also include information about the company’s history, size, and industry. Company culture is a huge factor for job seekers, so this is your chance to make your business stand out.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Employers should provide candidates with information about compensation and benefits, including salary range, health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and any other perks or incentives. Not including a salary range is a huge red flag to job seekers, and many candidates aren’t even willing to apply to jobs that don’t state this information upfront.

 

Application Process 

This section should provide clear instructions on how to apply, including any required documents or application materials. Employers can also include information about the expected timeline for the hiring process. Every company has a slightly different application process, so it’s a good idea to outline how you want it done.

 

Contact Information

Employers should include contact information for the hiring manager or recruiter, so candidates can reach out with any questions or concerns. You should also include your company’s location in this section, especially if you require new hires to come into the office. Commuting distance will be a big factor for many candidates in whether or not this job is a fit for them, and you want to weed this out early.

 

Overall, a well-crafted job posting can make all the difference in attracting qualified candidates and filling positions quickly. By including these key elements in job postings, employers can ensure that they communicate effectively with potential candidates and set the stage for a successful hiring process. If you need help with the hiring process, feel free to contact Nova Staffing today! We’re one of the top recruiting agencies in the GTA, and our team of hiring experts would be glad to help.

 

Common Red Flag Phrases Companies Should Never Use

One thing employers often forget when hiring is that it’s a two-way street. Candidates are evaluating your business just as much as you are screening them. When writing job postings and company descriptions, it’s essential to be aware of red flag phrases that can turn off potential candidates or create false expectations about the company culture. Certain phrases have become so popular with toxic workplaces that when job seekers see them in postings, they’re an immediate turn-off. Here are some red flag phrases that companies should never use.

 

“We’re a family” 

While it may seem like a positive way to describe a close-knit team, using this phrase can create unrealistic expectations and lead to a lack of boundaries between work and personal life. It can also be exclusionary to those who don’t feel like they fit into the “family” dynamic. This is one of the most triggering phrases for candidates, and it will send them running for the hills. 

 

“Fast-paced environment” 

This phrase can be a euphemism for a stressful work environment with long hours and little work-life balance. While some candidates may thrive in a fast-paced environment, it’s important to be honest about the expectations and potential challenges of the role. If you would accurately describe the industry or role as fast-paced, it’s better to qualify that than use this term. 

 

“Self-starter”

While hiring motivated and independent employees is important, this phrase can be a red flag for a company that lacks support or training for new hires. It can also signal that the company values individualism over teamwork. This phrase can also signal to candidates that they’re expected to take on a lot of work without adequate compensation. 

 

“Work hard, play hard” 

This phrase can be a red flag for a company that prioritizes long hours and high pressure over work-life balance. It can also create an expectation that employees must socialize outside of work to be successful in their roles. Some employees prefer to keep their work and personal life separate and may have valid reasons for not wanting to create close relationships with their co-workers.  

 

“Rockstar/ninja/guru” 

Using overly trendy or hyperbolic language to describe job titles or roles can be off-putting to potential candidates and signal that the company values style over substance. These terms were heavily used during the height of start-ups, and unfortunately, many people quickly realized that these were empty terms that hyped-up underappreciated positions. 

 

Companies should strive to be transparent and authentic in their job postings and descriptions. By avoiding red flag phrases and focusing on the specific skills and values required for the role, employers can attract qualified candidates who are a good fit for the company culture and job expectations. If you need help with the hiring process and finding the best candidates for the job, contact Nova Staffing today. 

 

Best and Worst Times of Year to Look for a Job

Are you looking for a new job? Job hunting can seem like a daunting, never-ending process, and while you might not always have control over when you need to find a new job, certain times of year are better than others. Whether you’re looking to transition to a new company or are just starting your career, here are the best and worst times of year to job hunt, according to Nova Staffing’s hiring experts.

Best Times to Look for a Job

There is no universal hiring season since every industry and position is different. However, most hiring experts agree that the beginning of the year is the best time to look for a new position. So, if you’re on the job hunt and have control over timing, try to target January and February. This is the time of year when holidays are over, people are resolved to make changes, and budgets are opened up for new hires.

Worst Times to Look for a Job

This might surprise you, but summer is the worst time to job hunt. Summertime has the least amount of vacancies, and companies are often juggling scheduling, so they don’t have time to focus on the hiring process. Candidates should also avoid looking for jobs just before the holiday season. The end of the year is stressful for most businesses, and with tight budgets and limited time, recruitment just won’t be the focus. 

Best Days to Look for a Job

It’s not just times of the year but also the days of the week that can impact your job search. Studies show that Monday is the best day of the week to apply for a job, though research also shows that Tuesday is when most job postings go up. In terms of times of the day, you’re better off sending in your resume in the early morning or late at night. This increases the chance that your resume is the first one the hiring manager sees that day. 

Worst Days to Look for a Job

The worst day of the week to submit your resume is Saturday. Recruiters likely aren’t working on the weekends, and any jobs submitted on this day will probably get buried under others that come in during the week. You should also avoid applying in the middle of the day for similar reasons. 

Final Thoughts

While some times are better than others for job searching, don’t let timing hold you back. As recruiters say, the best time is always right now. Timing won’t prevent you from getting hired; it may just cause it to take a bit longer, so don’t get discouraged. Keep up the momentum, improve your resume, and prepare for interviews. 

If you’re looking for a new job, feel free to contact one of our hiring experts at Nova Staffing or check out our online job board. 

5 Tips for Employers Celebrating the Holidays in Office

The wintertime is known as the holiday season for a reason. There are several key historical, religious, and federal holidays that are celebrated across a number of countries and cultures. However, this melting pot of holidays can pose a challenge to employers, especially in a growing politically correct society. Here are a few tips from our HR experts at Nova Staffing on how to successfully celebrate the winter holidays in the office.

 

Honor Government Guidelines

The first thing employers should do is ensure they know which holidays are protected under federal and provincial guidelines. In Ontario, there are three upcoming statutory holidays: Christmas Day (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26), and New Year’s Day (Jan 1). This year Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on the weekend, so make sure you’re keeping employees updated on which days they’re getting off to make up for it.

 

Plan a Celebration

The past few years have been hard for everyone, both professionally and personally. After two years of virtual celebrations, many employees are excited to finally celebrate the holidays in person with their colleagues. Plan something fun for your employees to spread the holiday joy and show your appreciation. Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a fun outing, or just a casual party in the office, your employees will be excited to have you acknowledge the holidays and the end of the year.

 

Be Inclusive

With so many holidays coming at the same time, planning separate celebrations for each just isn’t feasible. That’s why it’s so important to be inclusive with your celebrations. Gone are the days of “Christmas” parties. Now employers are embracing “holiday” celebrations that acknowledge all of the secular and religious holidays that fall during this time. It’s still possible to be festive without the Christian Christmas decorations dominating the party! This will ensure that everyone in your company feels comfortable and celebrated.

 

Keep Things Professional

While the holidays are a time to celebrate, ensure that everyone in your company- both employers and employees- are keeping things professional. If you’ve had incidents in the past at holiday celebrations, maybe remind employees of proper conduct ahead of time. This includes not over-drinking, not discussing religion, and keeping ugly holiday sweaters tasteful.  

 

Respect Time Off

Nothing kills an employee’s morale more than employers that don’t respect holiday time off. Encourage employees to enjoy their time off. Avoiding emailing them during their booked time off. If you’re allowing them to work from home, leave early, or take additional time off, make sure you’re setting the example as an employer. Many workers are hesitant to take advantage of this, thinking it will make them look bad. Remember, employers, set the tone!

 

Are you looking for more HR tips? Contact our hiring experts at Nova Staffing today!

6 Important Elements to Include on Your Resume

The most critical piece of a job hunt is a well-written resume. Your resume tells potential employers who you are and what you can do. Hiring managers often don’t have much time to pursue resumes, so having a well-crafted document is the best way to set yourself up for success. According to our hiring experts at Nova Staffing, here are the critical elements every resume needs.

 

Contact Details

You’d be surprised how often our employment agency gets resumes without contact details. Even if you create the most excellent resume in the world, if employers have no way of getting in touch with you, you’ll never get the job. Ensure you include your full name, phone number, email address, and, potentially, your home address. You don’t have to include your full address, but companies typically like to know what city you reside in.

 

Bio

Your resume isn’t just a document listing your skills and experience, but it’s also your first opportunity to introduce yourself to companies. A short bio at the top of your resume, covering your key experience, skills, and personality, is a great way to let potential employers know who you are. Our hiring experts recommend keeping it to a short paragraph at most.

 

Skills

Experience is great, but employers want to know what skills you’ve learned from your past employment and education. A common mistake people make is listing only general skills such as “communication” and “time-management.” While these are great, employers often want to know your hard skills. Ensure you include more specific skills, such as software and programs you know, and any industry-specific skills you’ve mastered.

 

Experience

Your past employment and experience will take up the bulk of your resume. After all, for employers, the best way to judge future performance is to look at the past. Don’t make the mistake of throwing everything on your resume, though. Make sure your curate your resume to include relevant experience to the job you’re applying for.

 

Awards

If you’ve earned industry accolades, be sure to include them in your resume! Some job-seekers avoid including these, so they don’t come across as a braggart, but you should be proud of your accomplishments. Make sure you’re keeping it to relevant honors and awards, though.

 

Hobbies

As an employment agency, we can tell you that skills and experience are only one part of hiring the right candidate. Cultural fits are also a key part of hiring the right person. That’s why we love it when candidates include hobbies and interests on their resumes. It makes you stand out and makes your resume more personal.

 

Are you ready to find your next career opportunity? Contact us to talk with one of our employment experts, or check out our online job board!

What is a Shunt Driver?

The trucking and transportation industry is a vital part of the global supply chain and is a lucrative career for those interested. There is more than one type of commercial truck driver job, and every kind of job has its own requirements. Particular truck driving jobs require special licenses, skills, training, or experience.

 

To help you understand each type of truck driver job, our commercial driver recruitment agency will break them down. Today, let’s look at shunt drivers.

 

What is a shunt driver?

A shunt driver is responsible for the movement of vehicles on a construction site. This could include trailer units or larger goods vehicles. The job could be maneuvering goods around a job site, into storage or loading bays, or to be picked up by other workers. Essentially, a shunt is responsible for moving LGVs and trailers to designated spots around a construction yard so the work can get done as needed. Since construction sites are often heavily populated, have expensive equipment, and have tight deadlines, shunters are highly valuable.

 

How much does a shunt driver earn?

Like most trucking jobs, how much a driver earns depends on skills, experience, and region. In Ontario, shunters earn around $45K. However, newer drivers can expect to earn lower until they build up their experience.

 

Do shunt drivers need a special license?

Depending on the job and employer, a shunt position may require applicable licenses to operate the equipment necessary to move trailers. This could include needing a class D, A, or Z license. Most commercial trucking jobs will require one of these licenses, so investing in training and special licenses will open up doors for multiple commercial truck driver jobs.

 

What does a shunt driver do?

As a shunt, you’ll have two primary duties- preparing trailers for moving and driving or “shunting” the trailers. Preparing the trailers would involve yard checks, attaching the trailers, checking locked trailers, and completing any necessary forms. Moving the trailers involves driving, some administrative work, and communicating with the warehouse and dispatchers.

 

What skills does a shunt driver need?

In addition to having the required driving experience and license, shunts must also know how to communicate and work well with others. A construction site has many moving parts, and shunts will need to work with others to ensure everything is being done correctly. Paying attention to details and staying calm in stressful situations is also highly valued, as job sites can sometimes be busy and tense.

 

How does one get a shunt driver job?

If you’re interested in becoming a shunt driver, you can contact Nova Driver Services today! Our team of hiring experts is ready to help find you the perfect commercial driver position. You can also check out our online job board to see all of our open truck driver roles. 

 

5 Things to do Before Sending Off Your Resume

Are you on the job hunt? Having a solid resume is one of the best things you can do to make yourself appealing to employees and set yourself apart from other applicants. Before you start submitting your CV, here are some things our recruitment agency recommends you do.

 

Check Spelling and Grammar

Even the best of us is prone to spelling and grammar mistakes. A lot of companies will look past one or two mistakes on a resume, but if you’re up against other great candidates, those few minor errors could make or break whether you get the job. Luckily, tons of great free resources can help proofread your resume and cover letter before you send them out.

 

Keep it Tight and Relevant

You might be tempted to put everything you’ve done on your resume, but this won’t have the effect you hope for. Employers only want to know relevant information about you. Those in charge of hiring often don’t have a lot of time, which means they don’t have the time to dig through a long resume to find key info. Keep your resume lean and specific.

 

Make it Job Specific

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is crafting a generic resume. While a general resume is fine for some jobs, it won’t be as great as highlighting your strengths for the specific role you’re applying for. A general resume is a great starting place but make the extra effort to tailor it to each job. This allows you to highlight the specific experience and skills you have that would benefit the role.

 

Share it with Friends and Family

Once you’ve crafted your resume, a good final step before sending it off is to share it with some trusted friends and family. Having them read it will give them a chance to catch any mistakes and point out if you missed something relevant that would set you apart. It’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes go over something before submitting it.

 

Ensure it has all Important Info

You’d be surprised how often people forget to add key info on their resume, such as their contact info. While your education, experience, and skills are the focus of your CV, you also need to ensure hiring personnel can get in contact with you. Make sure you include basic information such as your name and contact info. You may even want to have your LinkedIn profile for easy access.

 

Are you ready to jump into the job search? Contact Nova Staffing today or check out our online job board! Our recruitment experts would love to help you find your next position.