Motivating Mondays

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we  explore how networking is becoming more transactional. It seems as though both employers and job seekers have a low opinion of how networking is evolving. According to a recent survey by Harris Poll, 70 per cent of Canadian hiring managers and 76 per cent of job seekers say networking today feels more like a business transaction than a genuine personal co...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re  exploring marketing strategies that could make a difference in pitching clients with criminal records to employers. Employees with criminal records have a 13 per cent lower turnover rate than those without one, according to a study from Northwestern University. They’re also no more likely to be fired for misconduct than any other employee. According to...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking a deep dive into how local employers are being impacted by global trade. Trade uncertainty is causing inflation, higher input costs, and reduced profits. In the release of last week's Labour Force Survey, while economists were expecting the country to create 10,000 new jobs, instead we lost 84,000 jobs. This was one of the worst single month...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking a different look at International Women’s Day. While most people take the time to celebrate women in our society, is this not overlooking there serious inequity women face in Canada’s labour market. When in Canada earned 88 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2025, leaving a 12 per cent wage gap — a slight improvement from 82 cents nearly thr...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking deep dive into mentorship; specifically its success rate, challenges, opportunities, and employer attitudes. In 2023, a survey by Harris Poll found 76% of hiring managers believe internal mentorship programs are essential in reducing brain drain. In fact, even those who do not have mentorship programs acknowledge such practices allow employers to...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re examining the challenge of getting past low wage employment. Women, single parents, those with disabilities and those with limited education are much more challenged by low-income. People in female lone-parent families (23%), people without a high school diploma (21%), and people who reported they always had limitations in their daily activities (18%) w...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking a closer look at perceptions of 'ghost jobs', how common are they and what can people do about them. A recent survey found that 70% of job seekers say being ghosted by an employer – receiving no response after applying or interviewing – impacts their mental health and motivation to continue searching, with 33% describing the impact as s...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking a closer look at the growing number of 'contract roles' employers are offering to job seekers rather than traditional employment. The gig economy is not all it's cracked up to be. If someone has been claiming to be an independent contractor and the Canada Revenue Agency determines they are an employee rather than an independent con...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking a closer look at the challenges of the current job market and what job seekers can do to overcome them. Finding full-time work remains the primary objective for job seekers, with 78% willing to accept full-time positions, while 38% are willing to accept part-time work. Almost one-third (28%) are willing to accept contract or freelance positions,...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re taking a closer look at disclosing disability. New research from the Conference Board of Canada provides valuable employer and employee insights that can assist us in not only better preparing our clients or students but also support employers in creating a more inclusive workplace. Employees with disabilities typically disclose only when necessary—such...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re talking about the massive changes that have come and are coming to employment standards across the country. Each province and territory is angling to be the most attractive place to live whether for young people, immigrants or those from other parts of Canada and they are introducing worker-friendly standards to encourage this. According to the Canadian...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re talking about generative AI and job development. Is this a threat to your job and if it is, what can you do about it? Humanity is critical to job development but the most successful professionals will be those who embrace both humanity and the new tools AI is providing. #MotivingMondays, is a weekly YouTube series dedicated to help Canadian job develope...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re talking about the importance of finding time to take a breath, refocus and re-energize going into a time of uncertainty. According to a recent Ipsos poll, 71% of respondents across 30 countries, think things will look up next year but people are split on whether the worldwide economy will be stronger (49%) or not (51%).  #MotivingMondays, is a weekly Yo...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re talking about a strategy for engaging employers that reinforces your expertise and builds your credibility. We're encouraging you to organize an employer-focused event this winter called a 'Recruitment and Retention Strategy Day', providing it sometime between now and mid-March. As people get back to work in January, we're entering a...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re looking at new evidence which suggests job seekers will complete bypass any jobs which fail to post a salary. Employers are losing many candidates simply for failing to disclose wages. And yet, the employers who value this sort of open and honest communication; they can be our best partners in job development. #MotivingMondays, is a weekly YouTube serie...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re talking about the self-defeating challenges of directing your clients to job postings and a new strategy that doesn’t focus on job postings at all. Ideally, candidates should be applying for jobs that haven't yet been posted. We want our clients to be the only person the employer is considering. We want to eliminate competition and allow our client...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we take a closer look at the benefits of pursuing seasonal employment for those wanting long-term jobs. According to recruitment firm Cadient, "the percentage of seasonal holiday employees retained as permanent staff varies widely by company and industry, but some employers convert as many as 35-40% to permanent positions. The overall retention rate in t...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we discuss take a closer look at Budget 2025; specifically the impacts to employers, job seekers and career development organizations. Did you know the federal government plans to use the Labour Market Development Agreements (the funding source which pays for most provinces' employment programs) to provide an additional $570 million over three years to h...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we discuss the feelings of discrimination many disabled job seekers are experiencing and the supports we can provide to address this with both employers and job seekers. Between 2017 and 2022, the percentage of persons aged 25 to 64 with disabilities who believed they had been refused an interview in the past five years because of their disability edged down...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, I had an opportunity to interview Sharon Ferriss, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, with CERIC. We discussed plans for #Cannexus26 and the benefits of attending the conference (virtually or in-person) for job developers and other employer engagement professionals. If should be noted that all members of the Canadian Job Development Network (like y...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re partially looking at some of the challenges youth face in the job market, but our main thought is that this is the generation which will inherit the entire job market – and our we effectively preparing for this eventual outcome. Gen Z respondents are more likely (41%) to "always" consider their long-term career goals when making job change dec...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we’re looking at new research suggesting employers are increasingly connecting wages and wage increases to skills. According to the brand new 2026 Canada Salary Guide, 83% of employers agree with the view that professionals with specialized skills are paid more than peers without them in the same role. True, employers seem very reluctant to hire un-proven can...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we are talking about calls to end the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and whether this can form a job development strategy we can utilize for marketing our clients and students to these employers. Can Canada and sectors like agriculture succeed without these workers. You might be surprised to learn that while temporary students and workers make up more than...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we are talking a new trend called  ‘Open Hiring’ – where employers hire people: First Come / First Hire; no resume; no formal interview; no reference checks. While your local employers would likely be very concerned about this approach, retail giant ‘The Body Shop’ has been doing it since 2021 with great results. #MotivingMondays, is a weekly YouTube series d...

In this episode of #MotivatingMondays, we discuss our plans for 'Leaders in Job Development'; gathering a group of leading career development organizations which champion the goals of job development and inclusive hiring. We're going to promote the benefits of job development supports directly to Canadian media outlets, influences, bloggers, podcasters, employers and employer groups...