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.  

 

5 Tips for Smoothly Onboarding New Hires

Finding the perfect candidate for a job is half the battle. Once you’ve discovered and signed them, companies must ensure they are onboarded successfully. Onboarding is the process of integrating new hires into an organization and helping them adapt to the company culture, processes, and their role. It’s a critical process that can influence the employee’s engagement, job satisfaction, and overall success in the company. Here are some tips for smoothly onboarding new hires, according to the experts at our recruitment agency.

 

Start Onboarding Process Early

The onboarding process should start before the employee even has their first day. Ensure that you have sent the new hire all the necessary paperwork and materials, such as the employee handbook, company policies, and job description ahead of time. It’s also essential to communicate with the new hire and establish expectations about their first day, what they need to bring, what they should wear, and any other information they should know. You want your new hire to feel comfortable and confident as they step into their new role.

 

Provide Comprehensive Orientation

Think of the hiring process as dating- both you and the candidates are getting to know one another. Orientation is like bringing your date home to meet the parents. It’s an introduction to your family and an important step. A comprehensive orientation program should cover the company’s history, mission, vision, values, and culture. It should also include an introduction to the company’s products and services and an overview of the department and team’s goals and objectives. This will help new hires understand how their role fits into the company’s bigger picture.

 

Assign Buddy or Mentor

Navigating a new company can be challenging, especially without someone there to specifically guide you. A buddy or mentor can help new hires integrate into the company’s culture and understand how things are done. The mentor can provide guidance on the new hire’s role, offer feedback, answer questions, and provide support throughout the onboarding process. Assigning a guide can also forge relationships between new and existing employees, making the transition smoother and making new hires feel more engrained in the company from the start.

 

Set Clear Goals and Expectations

No one wants to start a new job and immediately feel lost. It’s essential to set clear goals and expectations for new hires so they know what is expected of them. This includes specific objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and deadlines. By setting these expectations, new hires can understand how their role contributes to the company’s success and how they will be evaluated.

 

Provide Ongoing Training and Development

A good hire is one that is focused on the present but also the future. Recruiting is an expensive and time-consuming process, so you want to look for candidates that will be staying around for a while. Training and development are crucial for new hires to succeed in their role and grow within the company. Ensure that new hires receive the necessary training, both for their duties and any new technologies or processes. Also, provide opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as workshops, conferences, and mentoring programs. You want your new hires to not only feel like they are a part of the company but that they also have a future there.

 

Onboarding is a critical process for the success of new hires and the company. If your company is looking for help with recruitment and the hiring process, contact Nova Staffing today! Our team of hiring experts is here to help you find quality candidates and successfully onboard them.

 

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. 

6 Major Recruitment Mistakes Employers Commonly Make

A company is only as good as its employees but finding and hiring the right people for the job isn’t always easy. It’s not that the talent isn’t out there. Often, companies make some common recruitment mistakes. Here are some things to avoid doing, according to the experts at our hiring agency.

Not Defining Your Ideal Candidate

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you won’t know how or if you’ve found it. Before you post a job opening, take the time to determine what you’re looking for in a candidate. Defining skills and experience is important, but also consider what personality traits would make someone successful in the role.

Not Looking Internally

Sometimes the best person for the job is already working for you! Hiring externally is a good way to add fresh blood to the office, but internal hires have the advantage of already knowing the company. Promoting internally is a great way to show others there is career growth within the company, and it rewards loyal, hardworking employees.

Making the Hiring Process Too Complicated

A lot of companies forget that hiring is a two-way street. Your business is looking to attract quality talent, but job seekers are also evaluating your company to see if they want to work there. Making the hiring process too long or complicated is a quick way to show candidates you’re not really serious about finding someone. Good hires are in hot demand, and making them jump through a lot of hoops isn’t likely to appeal to them.

Taking Too Long or Rushing

Finding the right person for a job opening can take time. Rushing the process might fill the opening sooner, but it could result in your hiring the wrong person and having to do the process over again. On the other hand, taking too long is equally as detrimental. You can’t expect quality candidates to sit around waiting forever to hear if they’ve gotten the position. A long hiring process also puts additional strain and stress on the team already in place. Be mindful of your hiring timeline.

Not Thinking About the Job Posting

Many companies make the mistake of thinking of the interview as the first impression, but it’s really the job posting. A good job posting should tell the candidate everything they need to know about the job and company. Be sure to include things such as what your company does, what the job entails, what you’re looking for in a candidate, and how they can apply.

Not Utilizing Help

Recruiting is a skill, and if your company doesn’t have a dedicated department for it, you should consider outsourcing help. The hiring process can be long and time-consuming. Rather than taking time away from other duties, let the hiring experts like Nova Staffing do it for you. Recruitment agencies have the skills and experience needed to find quality candidates within your timeline.

If you need recruitment help, contact Nova Staffing today. Our team of hiring experts has over 200 years of combined industry experience, and we’re ready to fulfill any open job positions you have.

Canada-U.S. Border Saw $35B in Truck Shipments

Trucks move the majority of goods between Canada and the United States, and they transported over $35 billion in freight across the border in October 2022. Trucks moved US$35.1 billion in goods, accounting for more than half of the $65.4 billion transborder freight.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the trucking industry also moved $48.2 billion in freight across the U.S.-Mexico border. Combined with Canada-U.S., this marked a 12.9% increase in North America’s transborder truck freight compared to 2021.

 

The report also highlighted the top three truck ports along the Canada-U.S. border, including Detroit, Michigan ($10.2 billion), Port Huron, Michigan ($5.8 billion), and Buffalo, New York ($5.8 billion). All three of these land ports accessed through Ontario, making them popular crossings for Canada-U.S. day trip truckers. The top three commodities moved by truck across the border included computers and parts ($5.7 billion), vehicles and parts ($4.7 billion), and electrical machinery ($2.4 billion).

 

The remaining shipments across the Canada-U.S. border were moved by pipelines ($10.3 billion), rail ($9.2 billion), air ($3.3 billion), and vessels ($3.2 billion). The value of oil increased by 7.4% between October 2022 and October 2021, contributing to the increased use of pipelines and vessels.

 

Transportation and trucking continue to be important industries in the U.S. and Canada. With rising demand and a need for qualified drivers, there are tons of lucrative career opportunities for those interested. If you’re interested in truck driving positions, contact Nova Driver Services or check out our online job board.

 

Canadian Employment Ends Year on High Note

The Canadian labor market ended 2022 on a high note, adding 104,000 jobs in December. Experts have been anticipating a slowdown in the labor market; however, the latest reports indicate the economy is showing no signs of stopping.  

 

In addition to adding 104,000 jobs, Statistics Canada also reported that the unemployment rate fell to 5% last month. This marks the country’s third decline in unemployment in four months. The report indicated that an increase in full-time work drove the rise in employment. 

 

Economists have been anticipating a downturn in the economy in the fourth quarter of 2022 in response to high-interest rates and a looming recession. However, the job numbers indicate there is no sign of a slipping economy. 

 

“It was an absolutely massive surprise,” Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins, told CBC News. The number was over 20 times more than the 5,000 jobs that economists had forecast, he said. “I have called this release the random number generator in the past for good reason.”

 

The majority of employment gains were in the private sector, though employment in the public sector held steady. Job gains were made across industries, with the construction industry and transportation and warehousing sector seeing the largest job growth. 

 

While the year ended on a high note for employment, wages still lagged behind the inflation rate. Wages were up 5.1%, however, that growth didn’t match Canada’s inflation rate, which was 6.8% in November 2022. Salary and wages are a huge motivation behind job changes, and employees are asking for wage bumps to meet rising costs of living. 

 

If you’re looking to hire quality candidates or are a job seeker looking for a new opportunity, contact Nova Staffing today! Our team of hiring experts has over 200 years of combined industry experience and is ready to help. 

 

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!