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BCjobs Blog

HR Advice

July 27th, 2011

The Job Interview – Questions to Ask and Avoid

The Job Interview - Questions to Ask and Avoid

When conducting employment interviews, having a well developed job description and knowing in advance what questions you can and cannot ask will enable you to gather the information you need to make a well-informed hiring decision while protecting the human rights of individuals.
The purpose of a job interview is to meet job candidates as well as validate and perhaps seek additional information to what is provided within their resume in order to determine whether or not they are qualified and would be a fit for the position and the organization.

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June 30th, 2011

Succession Planning – Preparing for the Future

Succession Planning - Preparing for the Future

If the employees who currently hold key or critical positions within your organization were to leave tomorrow, would there be any qualified and/or experienced employees prepared to assume their role?
As the demographics of the workplace continue to shift with employees of the baby boomer generation quickly heading towards retirement, many organizations are struggling to answer this question. Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing internal employees with the potential to fill key or critical organizational positions.

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June 22nd, 2011

Cloud Computing: What does it mean for your tech team?

Cloud Computing: What does it mean for your tech team?

Last week Apple officially launched its much anticipated iCloud service at the Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco. CEO Steve Jobs made reference to a $1 billion iDataCenter, suggesting that Apple has big plans for the future of Cloud Computing.

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June 1st, 2011

When (Talking) Less, is More

When (Talking) Less, is More

When it comes to interviewing potential candidates, less talking by the interviewer is definitely more. The purpose of conducting job interviews is to learn more about each candidate’s experience and qualifications as they relate to the position for which they have applied. It is also an opportunity to validate the information that they have submitted in their resume. Two common mistakes that I often witness employers make when conducting job interviews are talking too much and asking leading questions, often unintentionally and without even realizing they are doing it.

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May 26th, 2011

Who’s Computer is it Anyway?

Who's Computer is it Anyway?

In today’s workplace, many employers provide their staff with electronic devices with which to perform duties. From cellular telephones to laptop computers, these are now tools of the trade for many occupations.
Most employers would, I believe, assert that the technology they provide to their employees is the company’s property and is to be used strictly for work-related purposes. The reality of their employee’s use of the employer’s technology may be entirely different.

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May 18th, 2011

Workplace Investigations regarding Harassment & Bullying

Workplace Investigations regarding Harassment & Bullying

With more and more folks becoming aware of human rights and anti-bullying legislation coming into effect (Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan have passed provincial legislation against bullying and BC now has an advocacy group – http://bullyfreebc.ca) there has been an increase in complaints being brought forward concerning bullying, not only to employers but also to human rights council.

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April 12th, 2011

Too Much, Too Soon or Too Little, Too Late

Too Much, Too Soon or Too Little, Too Late

Few things seem to stir the pot in B.C. as much as discussion about raising the minimum wage rate. Now, it’s much more than a discussion as B.C.’s new premier has instituted a graduated raise in the minimum wage from $8.00 per hour to $10.25.
I’ve read reviews of this long-awaited increase which variously describe it as “too much, too soon” and “too little, too late”. That shows just how polarized parts of the business community and the labour movement are on this topic.

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March 23rd, 2011

Is Conflict in the Workplace a Bad Thing?

Is Conflict in the Workplace a Bad Thing?

When we think of workplace conflict, most of us probably cringe. No one likes to deal with conflict. But…conflict can actually be good. From conflict comes growth. The trick is to discover how to manage conflict so that it stays healthy and doesn’t go down the path of destruction. If we allow conflict to get out of hand, we can unknowingly create a toxic workplace and that is certainly something we want to avoid.

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March 16th, 2011

Free Webinars offered during March

Free Webinars offered during March

For something a little different this week we’ve put together a list of free Webinars being offered during March:

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March 2nd, 2011

Promotional Orientations

Promotional Orientations

Something that is often overlooked when we promote our employees into supervisory or management roles, is to provide them with adequate training to do the job; an orientation and onboarding process.

Because these employees have been with the company for a while (typically) we don’t think about the orientation and on-boarding they will need. Even though they may be familiar with the culture of the organization and understand the way things work for the most part, they may not understand the different expectations we will now have of them. Up to this point in time, the employee will have demonstrated technical strengths; however, they may not have the people management skills needed.

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