Weird is Normal in Canadian Employment Data

Statistics Canada continues to prove its lack of credibility by reporting another set of bizarre employment numbers for October 2012.  Amidst all the doom and gloom employment reports that pour out of US media, Canadian job creation seems to continue on its consistent but lackluster path to prosperity. In typically Canadian understated fashion, things look pretty good on the north side of the 49^th.

Statistics Canada Employment 1000's

The employment graph shows that Canadian jobs have grown constantly since the low in June of 2008 to our current record high.  While little changed in October 2012, jobs grew over the previous 12 months by 157,000 (+1.4%) in the private sector and 74,000 (+2.1%) in the public sector.  All job growth has been primarily full-time.

In a similar report today from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, America created 171,000 new jobs in October but not enough to budge their persistent unemployment rate off of 7.9%.  The Canadian unemployment rate also remains unchanged at 7.4%.   Canadian net growth of 1,800 jobs in October evoked the same insignificant response as 171,000 new jobs in the US.  It seems that size really does matter. 

The Bizarre

It’s difficult to understand how Statistics Canada can report (with a straight face) that Quebec gained 23,300 part-time jobs during the month of October while Ontario lost 39,800 part-time jobs in the same one month period.  Was there a barista boom in Quebec and a corresponding coffee crash in Ontario? Certainly Quebec students did not all rush out and find part-time jobs in October to start paying for their education. Education in Quebec is practically free!  Notwithstanding the low tuition, they think they shouldn’t have to pay regardless.

It is also difficult to believe the StatsCan monthly report claiming self-employed Canadians decreased in October by 14,900 while employee status workers increased by 16,600.  There aren’t any reasonable explanations for this.  I’m newly self-employed and loving it. I assure you that their estimate is off by at least 1 person if not by 100%.  They reported it, but it probably did not happen.

Do you think it’s true that the Canadian Goods Producing Sectors lost 19,300 jobs while the Services Producing Sector gained 21,000 new jobs? They reported it, but it probably did not happen.

It seems odd (unbelievable) to me that that the bean counters could stand behind a report that points to a huge shift from goods manufacturing jobs to lower level service sector jobs while they also report a counter intuitive shift from part-time to full-time employment?  They reported it but it probably did not happen.

The transportation, logistics and warehousing industry and staffing industry recruiters across the country are struggling to find drivers, warehouse workers, sales representatives, customs brokers, dispatchers and management yet Statistics Canada says the sector lost 7,700 jobs.  They reported it but it probably did not happen.

Statistics Canada can be given some benefit of the doubt.  These numbers are pretty small and small numbers lack statistical significance and therefore lack credibility.  That’s not their fault.  But, if the stock markets and governments are going react, as they typically do, to a jobs report that says we only created 1800 jobs, they should first look a little deeper into the crazy components that make up the overall statistics.   

The reality is that employment opportunities abound.  There are good jobs for good workers.  Employment matters and it’s a great time to be a Canadian.

               Steve Jones

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Are your Linkedin profile and resume SEO friendly?

Resume and Profile Search Engine Optimization
Job boards and social media have totally changed the game for job seekers and recruiters.   Understanding search engine optimization (SEO) can give you the upper hand when developing your on-line profile and resume.

There are over 175 million users on Linkedin. More than 5 million are Canadian.  Hundreds of job candidates may apply for the job that you want and so you need to get out of the clutter.  Here are a few tips that will help you to stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of being found.

Tip #1 - Key Words

Most employers use search engines and indexed database technology to find matching words and phrases contained within a resume or online profile.  It is very important that your resume and Linkedin profile contain the words and phrases that employers will most likely use in their search and filtering process.  Try using several different ways to describe your skills, knowledge, experience and job titles. For example, when using acronyms, you should also use the full words. When writing your job title, try to use descriptive words in your job description that might match similar titles used within other companies. When describing your industry, use a variety of common terms that have similar meanings.

For example, a human resources professional in the placement industry may use all these terms and phrases. (HR, H.R. Human Resources, Staffing, Recruit, Recruitment, Recruiter, Placement, Executive Search, Employment, Temporary Help, Temp Help, etc.)

You never know what terms, phrases, acronyms or words that a recruiter will enter when conducting a search.  If you can not use the words with a meaningful and properly structured sentence then just create a section at the bottom of your profile called "Key Words" and list your words separated by a comma. This is a very acceptable and understood on-line protocol.

Tip #2 - .doc File Format

Employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to store and sort the resumes and the applications they receive. Most ATS are capable of handling Microsoft word .doc or .docx file formats but many have difficulty handling resumes in other formats such as PDF, wpd, html and other standards. These other  formats may have their advantages but not when attaching your resume to an on-line application form. If the words and phrases within your resume cannot be extracted by the ATS then you run the risk that your application will never be seen by a real person. Always submit your resume in the world's most common format.

Tip #3 - People Contact Trumps All

The unspoken problem with on-line systems and social media is that they make it easy to avoid real human interaction. In the end, people hire people.  The entire purpose of on-line applications, digital resumes or social networks is to efficiently figure out who you need to talk to.  Your resume or profile is just a means to an end.  Stay focused on the end goal by figuring out who the HR or hiring manager is and send them a personal note pointing out that you have applied on-line. Include a professional letter that contains information that will motivate them to bypass the computer sorting process and go directly to your application. Try to make contact in person, over the phone or by email. Go for the close or "Call to Action".  Your email or voice message should always propose dates and times for a telephone conversation or meeting.  Always repeat and provide easily accessible contact information. If a decision maker has to go back to open your profile, read your resume or take any extra step to call you then you may have squandered an opportunity to connect in person.

We frequently hear people talk about how lucky or unlucky they are in their job search. Luck has nothing to do with it. "The smarter you work, the luckier you'll get" and  "It's not what you know, its who you know. "

Jobs Creation Crash - July 2012

Canadian Jobs Data July 2012

Statistics Canada reports that the Canadian economy lost 30,000 jobs during the month of July 2012. The unemployment rate rose to 7.3% compared to 7.2% in the month of June.

Slightly worse than the typical hiring patterns, there has been a small decrease in jobs during 3 out of 4 July's since 2008. Job seekers and recruiters can look forward to September and October which tend to be peak hiring months.

Significantly influenced by the American economy, the U.S. Bureau of  Labor Statistics reported last week that July’s nonfarm employment rose by 163,000. While the absolute number of new American jobs seems high compared to Canadian job creation, it is really a lack luster economic performance given the US total population is roughly 10 times that of Canada. Much to the chagrin of Democrats and President Obama, the US unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.3 percent and unemployed in United States (12.8 million) has shown little improvement in 2012. Jobs and the economy are the number one election issue for the upcoming mid-term contest.

In the most recent Statistics Canada Employment & Unemployment report, Canadian average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees are $894.61, up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis.

While, average hours worked per week can contribute to increases in earnings. Non-farm payroll employees worked an average of 32.9 hours per week, unchanged from 12 months earlier.

So far this year, construction, education and retail workers have experienced the greatest wage gains while health care and social assistance workers experienced wage declines. This might be explained by hourly wage changes but also by offsetting increases and reductions in hours worked per week in these employment sectors.


Canadian Jobs in Thousands



Provincial Summary

Quebec Employment fell by 29,000 in July, all in part-time work which is not surprising given that every part-time summer worker appeared to be protesting and partying in the streets of Montreal.  Quebec's unemployment rate for the month was 7.6%.


British Columbia jobs fell by 15,000 in July, reflected by an unemployment rate up 0.4 percentage points to 7.0%.

Manitoba employment declined by 3,300 and the unemployment rate increased by 0.5 percentage points to 5.7%, unchanged from a year ago.

Newfoundland and Labrador was down 3,200 in July, with job levels similar to  July 2011.

Ontario unemployment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 7.9%, as more people entered the workforce. Employment gains in Ontario were a meager 47,000 (+0.7%) on a year over year basis.

Alberta has the lowest unemployment rate (4.6%) despite flat employment growth in June and July.  Albert's employment increased by 2.2% since July 2011, the highest growth rate of all provinces.

Hint:  The best agency recruiters will catch the wave of hiring in September and October because they grind out key performance activities during the month of August.  Don't delay your candidate interviews, resume presentations, recruitment calls, sales calls, sendouts and planning  - just because its summer. 

Steve Jones
Staffing Leadership

Get that Job! - 3 Interview Tips (for everyone)

Confidence, preparation and presentation are all keys to winning the big prize. Here are a few insider tips about what employers really want from an interview.

Tip #1 - Context - Be a Story Teller

Most people asking the questions are very knowledgeable of their company and the job but they are not always experienced with conducting professional interviews. You may be asked questions that only prompt a YES or NO response. Be prepared to help the interviewer by telling stories that support your short answers. It's the context of your stories that will stick in the interviewers mind and give you the advantage over other candidates. Every story should have three parts 1) Context – Tell a story that is relevant to the interviewer’s question and the job that you are applying for; 2) Action – Describe what actions you took; 3) Result – Describe the impact or result of your actions.

Tip #2 - Ask the Right Questions
Employers can tell a lot about you from the questions you ask. For example, if you only ask questions about the company benefit plan then the employer may assume that it's the benefits rather than the job that really interests you. Ask questions about what the employer wants to accomplish or improve. Ask about the boss's priorities, goals and objectives. By asking questions about results then the interviewer will assume you are a results oriented person. Results - That's what they really want!

Tip #3 - Dress (better than) the Part

You will only have one chance to create a first impression. The first minute will subconsciously influence whether the interviewer will ask questions that funnel you into the job or filter you out. Arrive at your interview dressed to immediately influence the interviewer to believe that you are the one. Whatever the dress code is for the job, go to the interview dressed a little better than that.

The Close - An interview is a sales call where you are selling yourself. All great sales people know that you must ask for the order to close the deal. Don't leave without asking your closing questions. "Will you offer this job to me?"; "Is there a date that you would like me to start?"; "What can I do that will help make this decision easy for you?"; "Can we schedule the appointment for the next stage in the process?" If you don't ask - you don't get.
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Steve Jones (CPC) has 29 years of staffing industry experience and delivers CPC courses for the staffing industry Ethics and Business Practices certification module and Staffing Industry Legal Practices certification module.

Connect with Steve Jones on Linkedin: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/stevejonesdg
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