What is holding you back from leveraging international talent?
Click below to address some common concerns relating to:
Myth:
I do not have the time or the financial resources to recruit international talent, particularly as a small business owner.
Reality:
Much media attention is focused on delays in processing and other hurdles that employers can sometimes face when recruiting from abroad. The truth is that international talent is ready and available to work right here in London Region. Consider contacting organizations like WIL Employment Connections, an organization that specializes in providing employment services for newcomers, or registering with SkillsInternational.ca to recruit international talent through the click of a mouse. For additional supports available to small and medium sized businesses in London Region, visit www.Londonworks.ca.
Myth:
Immigrants do not have the language skills necessary to succeed in our company.
Reality:
SkillsInternational.ca is an innovative database of international talent ready to work for your company. The candidates that are featured in the database are pre-screened for language skills before their resume may even be posted.
Sometimes an accent may be perceived as a language barrier when in fact the candidate may have the skills essential to effectively communicate in your company.
There is also an often overlooked benefit to having a multi-lingual workforce. The ability to communicate in more than language can help your business with its relationships in global markets and ethno-cultural markets domestically.
For those newcomers that are in need of language upgrading, many organizations in London Region are now offering enhanced or occupation-specific language training. The Thames Valley District School Board can even partner with your company in offering language training at the worksite.
Myth:
My company cannot evaluate foreign credentials.
Reality:
Credential evaluation services reassure you of the authenticity of the credentials and translate the credentials/grades to their Canadian equivalents. The three main credential evaluation services in Ontario include World Education Services ("WES"), Comparative Education Services ("CES") and International Credential Assessment Service ("ICAS"). Many internationally trained candidates have their credentials evaluated before seeking a position with your company. Some employers are now using the career section of their websites to refer interested candidates to services such as WES before they seek a position with their institution. If you need help facilitating document evaluation for candidates, new recruits or existing employees, the Access Centre for Regulated Employment, is here to help.
Myth:
Individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds will create disharmony in the workplace and be unable to adapt to the Canadian business environment.
Reality:
Newcomers’ life experiences often foster a spirit of flexibility and receptivity to change. Immigrants bring a range of new perspectives and innovative approaches that can improve your workplace culture and strengthen existing business practices. Internationally trained individuals are eager to learn more about and fit into your company's corporate culture. You will find that many candidates have taken community-based training on common practices and expectations in the Canadian business environment. As an employer, there are many steps that you can also take to develop an inclusive workplace. Supporting London Region's Mentorship for Newcomer Success Program is a great first step towards boosting your organizational readiness.
Myth:
International student graduates are ineligible to work.
Reality:
International students may now obtain open post-graduation work permits without restrictions on the type of employment or a pending job offer for up to 3 years. The experience your company provides these graduates today will open up paths to permanent residency for these individuals - helping your company and our region retain this talented workforce. Contact the University of Western Ontario or Fanshawe College for more information. For an Employer Leader tip on hiring international students, click here (pdf).