According to a survey conducted during the second wave of the pandemic, more than half of Quebecers were considering quitting their current job. Before looking elsewhere, test your knowledge about being a well-informed candidate. True or false: do I get a passing grade?
We’re in 2021, it’s a yes for emoticons in CV’s and emails.
FALSE
Here, as in many other situations, moderation is always in good taste. Accountemps put the question to more than 2,400 American managers. The verdict: Integrating Bitmojis and using brightly coloured fonts or backgrounds are the most damaging practices to candidates, according to 35% and 25% of respondents respectively. Keep it professional by writing an impeccable cover letter (avoiding over-familiar salutations). Make use of networking, such as giving a link to an online portfolio or to your personal website.
An employer can legally charge fees to anyone wanting to apply for a job.
TRUE
In fall 2020, the case of a candidate for the post of Office Agent at a Laurentide School Service Centre made headlines. She was charged $35 in cash “for correction” of her French exam, reports the Journal de Montréal Even if this practice is not considered illegal under the Labour Standards Act, it says a lot about the values (or finances!) of the employer and could potentially be considered discriminatory. You’d be justified in wondering whether you really want to work in an enterprise like that.
Remote work requires that your new employer asks for photos of our home workstation.
TRUE
An employer has a legal obligation to ensure that your home office is safe. The ‘Guide d’encadrement du télétravail [Remote working guide] of the ‘Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés’ specifies that, with the employee’s consent, an employer can for example, “ask for photos of the work station, make a virtual visit of the space, send someone to install the required equipment, or if necessary, make an in-person inspection where circumstances require it”. That being said, this check should be done in a way that respects the employee’s right to privacy.
It’s not worth it! In pandemic times, vacancies are rare.
FALSE
Sure, full-time jobs are still down slightly in Canada, compared to February 2020 just before the health crisis hit. Still, several areas – health for sure, but also IT and construction, among others – are facing significant labour shortages. According to Éric Caire, minister responsible for Government Digital Transformation, we’re talking about some 4,000 positions a year in the information technology and communication sector (ICT), and that’s just in Quebec.