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Inclusive Job Descriptions
Writing Inclusive Job Descriptions
A clear, concise job posting highlighting top skills and requirements will help employers find the best candidate.
World Education Services suggests the following best practices for employers:
- Avoid using technical terminology, jargon, acronyms, and long, complex words or sentences.
- Use culturally neutral qualifications. For example, ask about the ability to execute a project on time, rather than requesting a specific project management credential.
- Communicate the essential skills required clearly, while emphasizing that non-essential skills, though not required, are assets.
- Post the salary range to fill roles more efficiently.
- Include potential career trajectory information to highlight professional growth.
New immigrants face many barriers and obstacles to finding jobs in Canada. “Canadian work experience” is a common phrase used in many job postings. In most cases, adding this requirement is a violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and may be considered systemic or institutional discrimination.
Essential vs. Non-Essential Duties
It’s important for job descriptions to be appropriately worded. Including non-essential requirements could inadvertently screen out suitable candidates.
When considering immigrant candidates, remain open to any additional skills and experiences that they may offer. Experience with international markets, additional languages, and connections to growing segments of the local market are all value-added qualities.
World Education Services created a worksheet to help employers define essential versus non-essential job duties. Developed by the Human Resource Management Association (now Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon), this tool can help create a more precise job description and rank each candidate’s skills and experience based on their résumé. This will allow employers to screen résumés objectively — without bias — and identify the best candidates to interview.
Assessing Language Requirements
Effective communication in the workplace is critical to successful business operations. Recognizing and supporting cultural and language differences will help retain new immigrant employees. Many immigrants come to Canada with strong English or French language skills; however, further language training, or minor workplace accommodations, may be required to improve oral and/or written communication.
Need to assess language requirements for prospective hires? The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB) can help assess the language proficiency of immigrants using national standards for both official languages. Consider using CCLB levels in job descriptions to ensure that the right candidates apply for the job.
Language proficiency and communication skills are often a concern when evaluating immigrant candidates. Newcomers can participate in the following language training programs offered in Simcoe County:
Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT)
OSLT is a work-orientated language training (180 hours) designed to help newcomers to Canada improve their workplace communication skills.
OSLT can help develop the language and communication skills necessary to:
- Understand the workplace culture in an occupation or sector
- Interact clearly and effectively with clients, co-workers and supervisors
- Communicate effectively via email and telephone
Program Eligibility
This program is designed for individuals with:
- A permanent resident or protected person status
- An English language level is between Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels 6 and 8
- A training or experience in a specific occupation
OSLT is funded by the Government of Canada (IRCC)
For more information about OSLT at Georgian College contact: oslt@georgiancollege.ca or call 705-722-5168.
English (or French) as a Second Language (ESL/FSL)
ESL or FSL lessons are led by trained instructors in a classroom setting. Students will improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as learn about Canadian culture. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels. The programs are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks and are provincially funded. Classes are free for permanent residents, refugees, live-in-caregivers, and Canadian citizens. Fees for visitors to Canada will apply.
Program Eligibility
This program is designed for individuals with:
- A permanent resident or protected person status
- Any English language Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
ESL/FSL are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education
The Simcoe County District School Board offers ESL classes in Simcoe County.
Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC)
ESL or FSL lessons are led by trained instructors in a classroom setting. Students will improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as learn about Canadian culture. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels. The programs are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks and are provincially funded. Classes are free for permanent residents, refugees, live-in-caregivers, and Canadian citizens. Fees for visitors to Canada will apply
The programs teach language skills to individuals whose first language is not English or French. Training is offered in a classroom setting and delivered by trained professionals. Students will improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, as well as learn about Canadian culture. Child minding may be offered to eligible participants in some locations. There may also be opportunities to take the courses online.
Bradford Immigrant and Community Services (BICS), Collège Boréal and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offer LINC programs in Simcoe County.
Program Eligibility
This program is designed for individuals with:
- A permanent resident or protected person status. A person in Canada whose application for Permanent Resident status is being processed in Canada and who has been informed by a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment
- Any English language Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
LINC is funded by the Government of Canada (IRCC)
Collège Boréal offers French language classes for adults who are interested in learning or improving their French.
Local Libraries Conversation Circles
Conversation Circles provide an opportunity for improving conversational English/French. Newcomers can build social connections and practice their English/French in an informal, comfortable setting. They are often facilitated by a trained professional.
Visit your local library website to find out more.
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Reaching Immigrant Talent
Advertising
Achieving a more diverse workforce begins with creating a more diverse candidate pool. Consider posting your job ad with the following:
- Immigrant/community media sources and publications. Reach out to Simcoe County ethno-cultural and faith-based groups using the directory.
- Associations for internationally trained professionals. Explore the The Professional Immigrant Networks (PIN) directory[DM1] from TRIEC.
- Language-training program websites and social media groups. Look at the “Assessing Language Requirements” webpage for more resources.
- Local settlement services. Reach out using the “New to Canada, New to Simcoe County” brochure.
- Local employment agencies. Find an Employment Ontario agency near you.
- Regional job posting websites. Post on Workinsimcoecounty.ca
Developing relationships with these organizations is a great way to attract immigrant talent, as many of them offer job-readiness programs for immigrants.
Critical Consideration
Many organizations that have effectively onboarded immigrant candidates encourage these employees to make referrals to apply for job openings. This is a great strategy that communicates your commitment to hiring immigrant talent.
Job Fairs
In person or online, many employers find job fairs one of the most successful ways to recruit newcomers who are seeking employment. These events provide opportunities to connect directly with local agencies and share job openings. Large companies may consider hosting their own event. Be sure to advertise the event on your company’s social media and through the mechanisms listed above.
Make sure to check upcoming job fairs on the Simcoe County Economic Development event webpage.
International Recruitment
Recruiting overseas may be an option for employers unable to fill vacancies from domestic candidates. The Government of Canada and embassies have resources to facilitate Canadian employers’ global recruitment efforts. When organizations seek help from a recruitment agency, they need to ensure they work with licensed professionals who can navigate paperwork and procedures. Immigration consultancy is regulated in Canada.
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| The Employer’s Roadmap to Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers | A handbook of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that showcases the rationales and best practices for international recruitment. | www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/employer-roadmap-hiring-retaining-internationally-trained-workers.html |
For more information, please contact the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership at sclip@simcoe.ca .