on track: employment tips and advice for newcomers

Here are step-by-step tips on how to get a job. It is normal that it is difficult to find a job; it sometimes takes awhile! If you need help with any of the steps please contact one of the free Employment Services listed on the opposite side of this sheet. You can practice your interview skills with an employment counsellor.

1. Plan your job search, because your new job is to look for a job. You should: schedule your daily activity and plan to succeed create a routine that you can keep

2. Make a list of your “hard” and “soft” skills: Many employers value soft skills as much as the hard skills you bring to a workplace.

3. The importance of volunteer work When you volunteer you do a service willingly and without being paid. Volunteer work can help you gain new skills and meet new people.

4. Find a job by: searching ads and internet listings

using job alert going to employment agencies and recruiters listening to information from others (word-of-mouth) contacting companies directly getting referrals or networking with friends and family

5. Keep track of your job search activities by listing: date

job title job description contact information follow-up timelines activities

6. Research the employer before you apply by doing an internet search. Find out if you are a good fit for them, and if they are a good fit for you.

On Track The Process of Getting a Job

Employment Tips and Advice for Newcomers1

Soft skills include: getting along with others being able to fit into a workplace knowing when a co-worker or your boss is upset having good communication skills using common sense taking responsibility having a sense of humour

Hard skills include: having technical skills that you have probably

learned in a school setting or on the job such as computer programs

having the ability to operate certain equipment being able to type or keyboard speaking a foreign language having the ability to do math

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February 2013

7. Develop a new resume and always keep it up to date. Your resume should: focus on the needs of the potential employer for the position you want

be 1 to 2 pages in length be easy to read – font that is 12 point, white space, only important information etc.

8. Develop a cover letter that: is 1 page in length, clear, to the point and convincing

is written to the position you are applying for follows the application process listed in the posting

9. Schedule the interview by: planning your route

confirming how you will get there – transportation arriving 15 minutes early being professional in your hygiene (clean body and clothes), attitude, dress and behavior being positive, polite, engaging using story-telling to give your message asking questions respecting the employer’s time getting follow-up steps and timelines for filling the position

10. Send a thank you letter within 48 hours of the interview: to thank them for their time and consideration

to clarify a key point from the interview

11. Negotiate the job offer. You should: research what others are paid based on the job, location of the company, your years of experience

wait for the employer to name the wage consider the benefits offered when deciding if you want to take the offer be open to negotiate (talk or discuss the job offer)

12. Sign the contract and accept the position. Before you sign the contract have a career professional review your contract

ask questions if there is something you don’t understand

Need more help? Call to make an appointment.Hamilton Employment Services

Career Development Centre 905-546-2424 ext. 5208 (Downtown Hamilton)

Employment Hamilton905-522-4902 (Downtown Hamilton)

Goodwill Career Centre905-526-8488 (Hamilton Mountain)

Goodwill Career Centre (Services for persons with disabilities)905-526-8482 (Hamilton Downtown)

Job Search Workshop (JSW) for NewcomersImmigrant Women’s Centre905-529-5209 (Downtown Hamilton)

Mohawk College – two sites905-575-2177 - Fennell Campus (Hamilton Mountain)905-575-2177 – STARRT Campus (Stoney Creek)

Collège Boréal - Options Emploi (services for francophones)905-777-1562 (Downtown Hamilton)

PATH Employment Services (services for persons with disabilities)905-528-3336 (Downtown Hamilton)

vpi Inc.905-387-2220 (Hamilton Mountain)

Wesley Urban Ministries289-396-5864 (Downtown Hamilton)

YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/ Brantford – two sites905-540-9679 (Downtown Hamilton)905-690-9927 (Waterdown)

The Process of Getting a Job1

1b

If you haven’t worked in Canada you can improve your chances for employment by developing a professional and personal network.

Networking is connecting with various groups and people that will help during your job search. Participating in social media is a way to make contacts and get the word out that you are looking for work.

Volunteer work is an effective way to make contacts, and gain skills that can be added to your resume.

NetworkingA network can include people who have similar interests, jobs, or are doing the type of job that you would like. You can hear about job openings through the different networks you are in. Employers will sometimes ask their current employees or people in their network to recommend people for a job.

Networking may be through formal groups for job seekers or through other contacts you make by joining a club taking a class being involved in social activities being involved with cultural groups

When networking develop a 30 second introduction of yourself – a speech that you can give to the new people that you meet (an “info-mercial”) highlight your employment background, your accomplishments on the job, why you care about your work and why you should be hired listen to others to learn about jobs that may not be advertised online or in the paper

Three ways to use networking to help you find a job1. Contact associations related to your occupation or industry

- some of these associations have a membership level that you can join right away.

2. Call everyone you know and tell them you’re looking for work.

3. Ask each person if they can suggest someone else you could talk to.

On Track Building Your Work Experience in Canada


The Employers Voice

“There are associations that people can join. It’s important to be aware of social media, especially Linkedin.”

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February 2013

Building Your Work Experience in Canada2For more information on networking visit the websites listed below Professional Networks for Immigrants – This is a list of professional networks run by and for internationally-trained professionals. http://www.networksforimmigrants.ca

Tips on how to access the hidden job market – Most job openings aren’t advertised. This website gives tips on how to reach the hidden job market. http://www.jobsetc.gc.ca/pieces.jsp?category_id=298&lang=e

VolunteeringVolunteering means that you do a service willingly and without being paid. Choose an organization that will teach you a new skill, and help you to meet new people.

Volunteering helps you: practice your English or French language skills

meet new contacts and make new friends – some could be future job references

gain work experience in Canada

learn new skills that can be added to your resume

give you more information to share with employers at an job interview

To find a suitable volunteer position contact:

Volunteer Hamilton267 King St EHamiltonPhone: 905-523-4444www.volunteerhamilton.on.ca

Contact the Employment Services Providers for information on other networking and volunteer opportunities.

Mentorship

Mentorship is when people take their professional knowledge and experience and share it with others. Peo-ple learn from each other and also apply what they learn. There are mentoring programs available through some of the Hamilton Employment Services listed. Please contact for more details if you are interested.

Social MediaParticipating in social media can help to broaden your network and may help you to get a job. Free social media sites that are useful for job seekers are LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Be careful what information, including photos and videos, you share online since many employers use social media to look up information about people who are applying for work at their company. If you google your name you will see some of the information that employers will be able to see.

2b

Building Your Work Experience in Canada2LinkedIn

Employers and job recruiters often use LinkedIn and other social networks to post job openings. LinkedIn is a good way to stay in touch with your personal network. Visit www.linkedin.com to create your own profile or ask an Employ-ment Service Provider to help you.

When using LinkedIndo a specific search for a company you are interested in working for and find people who are connected to other people you knowdo a search for people who are connected to other people you knowask your personal contact to connect you indicate you are looking for work in your profile and status participate in some of the many groups on LinkedIn to broaden your network

Twitter

By signing up to Twitter you can reach potential employers and find out about local jobs. Each time you “tweet” you will have 140 characters to use to create a brief “ad” to explain the type of employment you are looking for. People post updates on Twitter that are displayed on their profile page and delivered to other people who have signed up to receive them. Tips on using Twitter for your job searchVisit www.twitter.com to sign up.When using Twitterput your “info-merical” in your biouse a professional pictures have a custom background that gives you more detail about your qualifications

The Employers Voice

“Offering to do an internship for the company is another way to get noticed. I have a current employee who came into our workplace that way. She was in school and did a cold call to our company and volunteered to work on a project. She worked as an intern for 3-4 weeks, and then was on a month to month contract. And she has been hired full time now as an HR generalist.”

2c

have a link to your online resumefollow industry experts in your industryget targeted job tweets sent to your Twitter feed or mobile phone

Facebook

Facebook.com is mostly used for personal reasons rather than for professional but it can be useful if you are looking for work. You can:state in your status line that you are looking for work and ask your “friends” for leads on jobslook at the “marketplace” where local jobs are listedjoin groups and networks with others in your industry - tell them you are job seeking

Building Your Work Experience in Canada2Need more help? Call to make an appointment.Hamilton Employment Services












2d

Do you want the secret to a successful job search in Canada? Well, we don’t have all the answers. But one important tip from local employers is that you need to send the type of resume that they want to receive. Sounds like common sense… but what does it mean?

Canadian style resumes can differ from the resume that is common in your country of origin. When you applied for work in your country you might have presented a curriculum vitae (CV). In Canada, sending a resume is more accepted.

When applying for a job it’s important to follow the process laid out in the job posting. If an employer wants a cover letter send one.

What is a Canadian style resume? Canadian resumes: are short – at the most 2 pages long (1 page is okay if you don’t have a lot of work experience or just finished school)

don’t include your photo, age, marital status, gender (male or female), Social Insurance Number (SIN)

don’t include information about religious or political groups you belong to

The difference between a CV and a resume. A resume is a 1 to 2 page summary of your experience, skills, and education.

A CV is at least 2 pages long and provides more details such as a summary of your:

education

teaching and research experience

publications, presentations and awards

Resume writing tips.It is important: that all information on your resume be truthful – you may not get hired or could be fired

to have all current or up-to-date information on your resume

to know what is on your resume if someone has helped you write it

On Track Resume and Cover Letter Tips


The Employers Voice

“For the people we hire it’s all about relevant experience, and it doesn’t always have to be Canadian experience.”

3a

February 2013

Customize your resume for each job you apply to. When writing your resume: make sure you have the correct job title – the job title you had in your country might mean something different in Canada

ask a career counselor at one of the free Employment Services to review your resume and advise you on the correct job title (see list of Employment Services at the end of the sheet)

ask a career counselor if you need your professional credentials assessed for the job you are applying for

pay attention to the details in the job posting and use your resume to explain how you fill the needs of that specific job

revise the information on your resume – you may only need to change a few sentences to focus on your skills to match the job you are applying for

list the most relevant skills for the job at the top of the skills section in your resume

Add your volunteer work. Volunteering means that you do a service willingly and without being paid. If you have volunteer experience, list it on your resume.

Resume and Cover Letter Tips 3

The Employers Voice

“Your cover letter should high-light relevant education and experience for the position. Research the company and find out anything you can in advance.”

3b

Use keywords. Employers don’t have time to read every word on each resume. It’s a good idea to use keywords that describe your skills and qualifications. You will find keywords:

in the job posting

on the company’s website

Important: Read your resume over… and over again. Make sure the company names, job titles and dates are accurate. You should: have a career counselor review your resume for correct grammar and spelling

print out your resume to see how it looks

Cover letter.If an employer requests that a cover letter be sent along with a resume, make sure you send one. An employer might throw out your resume, or delete it from their inbox if there isn’t a cover letter.The employer might not ask for a cover letter. They may want the information in an email that goes along with resume. Don’t mass email your cover letter and resume to many people.When writing a cover letter: use the employer’s name or the human resource person’s name if stated on the job ad

write directly to that person

research the company to learn more about their products and services

keep it short

tell the employer how to contact you

read your cover letter (or email) over for spelling and grammar

Resume and Cover Letter Tips 3

The Employers Voice

“I like it when an applicant lists one sentence that describes what the type of company is that they previously worked for. Just listing the name of the company doesn’t provide enough information.”

3c

Resume and Cover Letter Tips 3Need more help? Call to make an appointment.Hamilton Employment Services












Submitting a resume electronically.It is common for employers to ask people to send their resumes by email. Some employers ask you to complete an online application. Be sure to follow the directions given.

If you are having difficulties with online applications contact one of the free Hamilton Employment Services listed to the right.

NOTES:

3d

Voice mail on your phone for messagesYour phone message may be the first impression an employer gets. You should: have a message on your phone so you won’t miss any potential work or social opportunities make sure the message is clear and is in your voice imagine that the person phoning is a future employer and leave a suitable message tell your family that a future employer might be calling so that they will answer the phone in a courteous way

Your email address Make sure that you have an appropriate and working email address for your job search. Be careful about the address you choose to use. An address such as: [email protected] is better than [email protected]

What to wear to an interviewIt is wise to dress up “one level” from what the job requires. Find out what type of clothing is worn in a workplace by: asking the person requesting the interviewvisiting the workplace before your interview

On Track Do’s and Don’ts of Interviews


You have an interview? Congratulations! The tips below will help you make the most of this opportunity. For more information on how to do well in an interview please contact one of the Employment Services listed on the back page.

Keep in mind that you will want to stress both your “soft” and “hard” skills in the interview. : Soft skills are those such as having good communication skills, using common sense and taking responsibility for your actions. Hard skills include technical skills and being able to operate certain equipment.

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February 2013

First impressions count How you present yourself in the first few moments of meeting someone is important. The person interviewing you will notice: your greetingyour clothesthe expression on your faceyour scent – body odourthe space you leave between them and you

You should:arrive 10 minutes early for the interviewgreet the person with a strong but not overpowering handshakebe scent free – no perfume, no colognes, take a shower or bathkeep space between you and the interviewer – if you are too close the person may take a step backwait until you are asked to take a seat and sit where shownsmile

Do’s and Don’ts of Interviews4

The Employers Voice

“Research the company that you are applying to. A lot of time I’ll ask people if they know what we do, and if they have checked out our website.It’s good to know something about the company. Make sure you are clear on what you have to offer.”

4b

Do’s and Don’ts of Interviews4Turn off your cell phoneMake sure to turn off your cell phone before going into an interview.

Body language Body language plays an important part of creat-ing the right first impression during an interview. People will form an opinion of you by observing your body language, and you want the impres-sion to be a positive one!Here are some body language and voice tips:Before the interview, breathe deeply to help you relax. When it is time for the interview: enter the room with confidence – don’t hesitate face those that are interviewing you – look at them lean slightly forward to show you are interested maintain good posture keep the tone of your voice relaxed, avoid saying “um”

Making eye contactWhen being interviewed it is respectful to look the person who is interviewing you in the eye. Keep it relaxed, don’t stare.

Answering interview questionsThe interview is a chance to promote yourself and your skills. During the interview: relax and imagine the interview as a conversation between you and the other person answer all the questions to the best of your ability take your time to answer the question and keep your answers focused on the question that was asked take ownership of your success and achievements prepare 2 questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview

4c













Do’s and Don’ts of Interviews4Promoting yourselfIt’s important to promote yourself during an interview. Tell your future employer why you are the best person for the job and why you deserve it.

Your referencesWhen an employer checks your references they will most often be asking about your soft skills. When using references use your new contacts in Canada – those you met through volunteering or networking ask permission before using the person as a reference coach your reference – give them background about the job and how your skills fit in that job make sure your references’ contact information is up-to-date

After the interview It is a good idea to follow-up with the person who interviewed you. You can: send a short thank you note by email or regular mail mention something you forgot during the interview ask for feedback if you don’t get the job – ask them if there are areas you need to improve

4d

Why is workplace communication important?

It’s important to be able to communicate with your boss and co-workers in one of the official languages ofCanada (French or English), depending which language is used there.Strong French or English skills (both written and spoken) willhelp you to understand health and safety instructions you’llneed to have on the job.A person can have a high level of French or English languageskills, and still need help with understanding how tocommunicate in a Canadian workplace.People’s accents can make it hard to be understood. It’s okay toask for someone to repeat what they just said.

Tips on good “face-to-face” workplacecommunication skills include:

giving your full attention to the person speaking to you

waiting until the other person is done speaking before you speak

asking questions if you don’t understand instructions that you are given

responding to questions honestly and giving all the information

sharing information when it is asked of you

repeating back what you just heard to make sure there are no misunderstandings

respecting other people’s beliefs and views – this doesn’t mean you have to agree with them

practicing your language skills as often as possible at home with your family and friends

5

The Employers Voice

“If you don’t understand somethinglet your employer know. Get youremployer to write instructions down. Be open and honest aboutwhat you do, and don’t understand.”

5a

February 2013

On Track Workplace Communication

Employment Tips and Advice for Newcomers

Workplace Communication 5Conversation classes

Taking English conversation classes will help you to be able to communicate well in the workplace and un-derstand business ‘jargon’. ‘Jargon’ means special words and phrases that are used by a certain profession.

Although most employers in Hamilton speak English, it may help you get certain jobs if you take Frenchconversation classes.

English Conversation Circles take place at various Hamilton Public Libraries. Be sure you look for classes that offer help with language specific to your job. For details visit this link: http://mydreamlife.ca/language_skills

Computer classes

You may need to improve your computer skills to be employed. Most jobs require computer literacy. Having improved computer skills will increase your chance to find work and keep it.

The Employers Voice

“Greeting customers and clients well is important regardless of where you are working. Learning how to greet will set you apart. Smiling is important and so ismaking people feel good.”

5b

Workplace Communication 5Specialized ProgramsDepending on your level it’s a good idea to have your French or English levels assessed before starting to look for work. After testing you’ll be advised to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, or Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes.

LINC/ESLYMCA Assessment & Referral Centre 25 Main St. West, Suite 105, Hamilton 905-526-8452 | www.mydreamlife.ca

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)Language training program for InternationallyTrained Professionals related to workplace communication and cultural practices. Mohawk College 905-575-1212 ext. 3358

in English at Collège Boréal 905-544-9824

Enhanced Workplace Communications (EWC)Course in English communication skills for the workplace including pronunciation and business writing. Mohawk College 905-575-1212 ext. 3358

Occupationally Specific Language Training (OSLT) Programs Learn how to better communicate on the job and to understand the socio-cultural dimen-sions of specific occupations. Mohawk College 905-575-1212 ext. 3805

Bridging Programs Bridging programs for certain professions are available in Hamilton at different times, depending on funding. They can help you to: gain language skills

experience taking exams

gain practical Canadian work experience

The Employers Voice

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Mostemployers like an open door policy, and are happy to hear what is on your mind.”

5c

Bridging Program for Medical Laboratory TechnologyDiplomaContinuing Education Health Sciences, Mohawk College905-540-4247 ext. 26258 or ext. 26736

Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN)CertificateContinuing Education Health Sciences, Mohawk College905-540-4247 ext. 26737 or ext. 26258

CARE for Nurses – Centre for Internationally EducatedNurses100 James St. South, Hamilton905-521-1777 | www.care4nurses.org

YWCAThe YWCA offers a mentoring program and programs inemployment sectors of: Environmental

Information & Communications Technology

75 MacNab St. South, Hamilton905-522-9922 ext. 150 or 905-522-9922 ext. 141 www.ywcahamilton.org

Job Search Workshop (JSW) for NewcomersJSW offers pre-employment training to newcomers and assists them in gaining knowledge and skills to better understand strategies, business perspectives and next steps relating to the job search process.

Immigrant Women’s Centre 905-529-5209 (Downtown Hamilton)905-387-1100 (Hamilton Mountain)905-573-7663 (Hamilton East)

Occupation-SpecificLanguage Training

Skills for marketing and sales, andhealthcare (in English)

“Programme Destination Profession”– the road to success...

An English training program for immigrants who are Francophone professionals trained abroad and who wish to work in their field of expertise – engineering, financial services, computer sciences, accounting, health and more.

“Voie Rapide” programCollège Boréal offers a 10-step plan towardemployment (program is in French).

These programs are offered at:Collège Boréal120 King St. W., Plaza Level905-544-9824 ext. 7308www.collegeboreal.ca

Workplace Communication 5

5d

In Canada our workplaces are diverse. You will find people who:are from different ethnic groupsare male, female or trans-genderedare of different ages - from teenagers to people in their 70’sare of different sexual orientation - heterosexual, homosexual, bi-sexualare from different religious backgroundslive with physical, mental or learning disabilities have varying educational backgrounds

The Occupational Health and Safety Act:regulates how employers and employees get along protects workers against violence and harassment in the workplacegoverns how co-workers treat each other

Employees and employers are also covered under the Canadian Human Rights Act http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/H-6/

Respect for the diversity of the people who work at the company is a common goal in a healthy workplace. Below are some tips for getting along in the Canadian workplace.

Workplace ExpectationsBe punctual - if a meeting is scheduled for 2:00 pm make sure you arrive a bit earlier than 2:00 pm.

Do your work with diligence but remember that work/life balance is important.

Work/life balance means taking time to care for yourself and your family, while still making a living.

Team work Team work is encouraged in Canadian workplaces. A team can be made of many different people, with different roles in the company.Whatever a person’s level is in a company (from receptionist, to janitor, to human resources manager, to vice-president) everyone on a team should be treated with respect.

On Track Workplace Culture in Canada


The Employers Voice

“If you see people behaving in a way that isn’t according to the rules, follow the rules not the people.Make sure that you understand the rules, and read your employee handbook, if your workplace has one.”

6a

February 2013

Getting along with your co-workers It’s wise to keep good relationships with all your co-workers. You should:be positive and avoid people who aren’t positivetell your co-worker if something they say makes you feel uncomfortabletell your co-worker if they treat with you disrespecttell a supervisor if a co-worker continues to make you feel uncomfortable or treats you with disrespect even after you have asked them to stop

Avoid too much personal information It’s a good idea to be friendly with your co-workers, but respect people’s boundaries. You can do this by:not asking questions about their personal lifetelling a co-worker if they share too much information with you

Workplace Culture in Canada6

The Employers Voice

“In some cultures an appointment can be made for a specific time (for instance for 2 pm.) but the understanding is that a person can show up anytime during the afternoon. If you are dealing with someone from the same culture and both of you understand that, it’s okay. But if not, a meeting at 2 pm means the meeting needs to take place exactly at that time.”

6b

The Employment Standards Act, 2000 (Ontario) If you want to work in Ontario it is important to know your rights as an employee your employer’s rights and obligations

An employer can’t ignore your rights and their obligations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

Below are some of your rights as an employee under the Em-ployment Standards Act, 2000. For more detailed informa-tion read the Guide to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 at http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide .

The Employment Standards Act gives you information on the minimum standards. You should also carefully read any employment contract that you have with your employer and make sure that you understand it.

Hours of workThe maximum number of hours most employees can be required to work in a day is 8 hours, depending on your occupation. There must be a written agreement if you are to work more than 8 hours each day.

The maximum number of hours most employees can be required to work in a week is 48 hours .

Eating periodsFor every 5 hours of continuous work you are entitled to a 30-minute eating period (meal break) free from work.Meal breaks are unpaid unless your contract states you are paid.

WagesEmployers must establish a regular pay period and a regular payday for employees. An employer may pay wages, including vacation pay, by cash cheque direct deposit into the employee’s bank account

On Track Know and Protect Your Rights


The Employment Standards Act, 2000, and other Workplace Related Laws

The Employers Voice

“Employees need to know that there are various laws that have to be followed. It is a good idea for them to look at the Employ-ment Standards Act. There are some employers that take advantage of new Canadians.”

7a

February 2013

VacationEmployees are allowed 2 weeks of vacation time after each 12-month vacation entitlement year.A vacation entitlement year is a 12-month period beginning on the date of hire.

Vacation PayVacation pay: is at least 4% of the “gross” wages (excluding any vacation pay) earned in the 12-month vacation entitlement year is paid to those who complete the full vacation entitlement year can be paid as you earn wages is paid even if you work only 1 hour

OvertimeFor most employees, whether you work full-time, part-time, are a student, temporary help agency assignment employee, or casual worker, overtime begins after you have worked 44 hours in a work week. After 44 hours of work, you must receive overtime pay. Over-time pay is 1½ times the employee’s regular rate of pay.

Know and Protect Your Rights7For more information contact the Employment Standards Information Centre

Greater Toronto Area: 416-326-7160Canada-wide: 1-800-531-5551TTY: 1-866-567-8893

Need other languages?The Employment Standards Informa-tion Centre (1-800-531-5551) provides service in 23 languages – from Arabic to Vietnamese. http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/multi/index.php#es

7b

Know and Protect Your Rights7Minimum wageMinimum wage is set by the government and may change. The minimum wage rate for: the general worker is $10.25 per hour as of August 2012 the student minimum is $9.60 per hour as of August 2012 – this rate applies to students under 18 who work: 28 hours a week or less when school is in session during a school break or summer holidays

Pregnancy and parental leavePregnant employees have the right to take pregnancy leave of up to 17 weeks of unpaid time off work. In some cases the leave may be longer. Employers don’t pay wages to someone who is on pregnancy leave but you can apply for maternity benefits through Service Canada.

Public holidaysOntario has 9 public holidays.New Year’s Day (January 1), Family Day (February 18), Good Friday (March 29), Victoria Day (May 20), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (September 2), Thanksgiving Day (October 14), Christmas Day (De-cember 25), Boxing Day (December 26).Most employees who qualify can take these days off work and be paid public holiday pay.

Temporary help agenciesThese agencies employ people to work on a temporary basis for their clients. Work assignments may be short-term, long-term or open-ended.If you work for a temporary agency you: are called an “assignment employee” have the same rights as other employees under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 should never pay a fee-for-service to a temporary agency – for example if they help you write a resume

Other Workplace-Related LawsThe Employment Standards Act, 2000 contains some of the rules affecting work in Ontario. Other provincial and federal laws govern workplace health and safety, human rights, and labour relations.

7c

Know and Protect Your Rights7These laws include:The Occupational Health and Safety Act www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o01_e.htm

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_97w16_e.htm

The Labour Relations Act, 1995www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_95l01_e.htm

The Pay Equity Actwww.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p07_e.htm

The Human Rights Codewww.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h19_e.htm

Bill 168 amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA): Preventing Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment (June 2010)The change to this bill: defines workplace violence and harassment and describe employer duties gives more protection for workers from workplace violence and harassment applies to all workpalces covered by the OHSA

Employers must: prepare policies with respect to workplace violence and workplace harassment develop and maintain programs to implement their policies provide information and instruction to workers on the contents of their policies and programs

For more information on Bill 168 visit:www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/pubs/fs_workplaceviolence.php/

For more information about other Ontario laws: call ServiceOntario at 416-326-1234 in Toronto; toll free in the rest of Ontario at 1-800-267-8097 or visit e-Laws at: www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/navigation?file=home&lang=en













7d

on track: employment tips and advice for newcomers

Documents

new job

job offer

job alert

new skills

date job title job description

interview skills

job search activities

newcomers1soft skills