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Category: Campus Life

  • Is Taking a Gap Year Before Post-Secondary Okay?

    Is Taking a Gap Year Before Post-Secondary Okay?

    Many students wonder if taking a gap year is okay. The answer to that is yes! It is perfectly okay to take a gap year before Post-Secondary. You have been studying for many years, and it is healthy to take this break that you deserve. Taking a gap year before Post-Secondary has many benefits. It can help you get to know yourself and the world around you. The following are five different reasons explaining to you why and how taking a gap year before entering Post-Secondary is a great choice!

    A Hidden Passion Could Arise

    During your gap year, you will have the time to think about your passions-maybe discover new ones. During your years in Secondary school, you probably did not have much time to deeply reflect and discover new interests due to all the schoolwork you had to complete and stay up to date with. Now, with this gap year, you have more time and more opportunities to try out new things and learn more about your interests and your passions.

    Become More Independent

    While you were growing up, you had to rely upon and look up to several different adults in your life. These adults could have been your parents, guardians, or even your teachers. They may have created certain routines, schedules, and rules for you to follow. Now that you are finished with Secondary school, you are transitioning into adulthood. Learning to become more independent is very important. It will help you lead your own life. By taking a gap year, you will be given the opportunity to practice being independent and set your daily tasks and schedules. These are skills that you will take with you and benefit from for the rest of your life.

    Travel the World…Maybe?

    During this year off from school, you will probably have lots of time off. An amazing way to spend this free time is by travelling and exploring the world. Getting to know different cultures can make you reflect and help you learn more about yourself. Through all the different cultures and traditions you may experience, they may also help you decide which career is best for you. Most people do not have time to travel since they begin their careers right after graduating. If you are interested in exploring different countries, it is best to do so before you begin Post-Secondary. The world is a different place now after COVID-19, and it may be harder to travel- it is up to you to decide if it is worth it or not. Safety and your health matter most.

    Avoid Burnout

    It is very easy and common to experience burnout after studying and working hard at school for many years. Burnout is when you have done something for an extended period, and it results in you losing interest and avoiding doing that thing. Students that do not take some time off before beginning post-secondary are likely to experience burnout. It is best to take a gap year before entering Post-Secondary to begin refreshed, well-rested and eager to learn!

    Learn Skills and Build Up Your Resume

    During your gap year, you will most likely have the time and the opportunity to be able to learn new skills and find new opportunities that can help your resume look great. You could learn a new language, take some courses, volunteer, and find jobs that suit your interests. These things can help you find good jobs during your gap year, as well as when you graduate from your post-secondary education. Employers not only look at your level of education but also your skills and the amount of job experience you have.

    Now that you know five of the many reasons why taking a gap year before Post-Secondary is beneficial, it will probably help you decide whether or not taking a gap year is for you. Remember that you know what is best for yourself. If you think you should take a gap year, then you should, and it is perfectly okay to do so!

    Resources

    https://www.globalcitizenyear.org/content/why-take-a-gap-year/

    https://www.goabroad.com/articles/gap-year/gap-year-benefits

    https://www.valuecolleges.com/guides/gap-year/

    https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/why-should-take-gap-year-after-high-school

  • Setting up good habits for the school year

    Setting up good habits for the school year

    By Maryam Sheikh

    And just like that, it’s October! Summer seems like it flew by, like it always does. Settling back into a routine for the fall can be both exciting and daunting. In reflecting on my first couple of weeks back, here’s some advice on setting up good habits for the school year.

    I have realized over the years that motivation, unfortunately, is not the only tool you can rely on to propel yourself to success. Life throws many obstacles your way – oftentimes, you may find yourself unmotivated to complete your work, take care of yourself, and find time for hobbies and friends. This is where a little bit of self-discipline will go a long way.

    Rest and preparation are key. In order to perform at your best, it’s crucial to prioritize getting enough, good-quality sleep. This looks like scheduling your day so that you slowly unwind and prepare to rest. For example, you can incorporate some tasks that require low effort, such as reading, journaling, or meditating in the last hour before bed. This is also a good time to get rid of distractions such as your cell phone or laptop. This can help calm your mind down, mentally prepare for tomorrow, and focus on some alone time before the next day. Investing in your sleep will ensure that you are attentive and present throughout the day.

    Rest shouldn’t turn to stress once your alarm goes off. If you find yourself rushing or stressing out in the morning, this is also a great time to create a to-do list for the next day, set out your clothes, and pack a lunch. This will ensure that you can start your next day calmly, taking time to eat well before heading out.

    Preparation also applies to other tasks, such as schoolwork, chores, or other responsibilities. By intentionally dedicating time to these duties in advance, you can chunk your work into sections. During this time, focus exclusively on getting those tasks completed; this will help curb procrastination, reduce stress, and ensure that you can still prioritize your hobbies and social life without falling behind. Remember to set aside time daily to develop your passions and hobbies. I, for example, use my commute to unwind by listening to a podcast or reading a book. This habit can help anchor you during the day, especially when life gets busy.

    Start small, then build up. If you try to build too many new habits at once, you might feel overwhelmed and drop them all. Instead, focus on incorporating one or two habits at a time. See how you can adjust your schedule to accommodate them and reflect on the results. If you are unable to practice a habit for a day, don’t get discouraged! Pick up the next day and continue building a healthy routine for yourself.

    Self-discipline can seem intimidating, but in the right way, it can become a tool to help you become a better version of yourself and set yourself up for success mentally, physically, and emotionally. This school year, make a commitment to taking care of yourself through creating and sticking to healthy habits. To a great year ahead!

  • The Importance of SOGI Education in Schools (French version available)

    The Importance of SOGI Education in Schools (French version available)

    In 2016, The ARC Foundation launched the SOGI 1 2 3 program in British Columbia. The SOGI 1 2 3 program seeks to unite educators, LGBTQ+ advocates, and students by providing resources that embrace diversity and cultivate inclusive environments.

    The acronym “SOGI” stands for “sexual orientation and gender identity.”

    The concept of SOGI is relevant to everyone, as everyone has both a sexual orientation and gender identity. This means that SOGI concepts and teachings still apply to people who do not identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

    As former B.C. Minister of Education Rob Fleming stated in 2019, SOGI education not only “helps save lives,” but also fends off discrimination within school communities. This further enforces that SOGI education is a team effort that is making positive changes in students’ lives.

    My School Experiences

    When I was in high school, there were a few presentations that explained LGBTQ+ terminology and how to support the community.

    I remember watching short films such as “Peking Turkey,” a film about a Chinese-Canadian man bringing his French-Canadian boyfriend home for the holidays, and “I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone,” a Brazilian film about a budding friendship (and something more) between a new student at school and a student who is blind.

    The frequency and reception of these presentations were much more positive than when I was in elementary school. In Grade 6, I was sick on the (only) day where there was a presentation on the LGBTQ+ community.

    When I asked what I had missed, it seemed like the information wasn’t that important. In fact, all I heard from my classmates were insults towards the presenter. I wish that discussion about the presentation was taken more seriously.

    The present-day 23-year-old version of myself still wonders how much 11-year-old me, the one struggling to understand her romantic feelings toward another girl, would have been impacted by a presentation like that.

    Support from Teachers

    According to a 2011 Egale study, 64% of LGBTQ+ high school students in Canada felt unsafe at school.

    I was part of that statistic. Sometimes I was closed off about my sexuality, and other times I was very open with close friends. However, for most of my time in high school, I did not feel safe.

    Support within schools doesn’t only come from presentations provided by organizations and/or advocates. Teachers, and the classroom environments that they create, can also offer support that students may not have elsewhere.

    I joined my school’s GSA in Grade 12. It was called the “Gay-Straight Alliance,” but another meaning for GSA can also be “Gender-Sexuality Alliance.”

    I loved being part of the GSA. It was so freeing to be around people that I didn’t need to hide my identity from. It was one place where I knew that I wouldn’t be judged.

    The teacher who sponsored the club was also my creative writing teacher that year. His classroom, which doubled as the GSA club room, was a safe space. This meant that I didn’t need to worry about any consequences of including LGBTQ+ characters in my creative writing assignments.

    As an anxious 17-year-old at the time, having that support meant everything. The opportunity to include characters like me in school assignments was just the icing on the cake. I will always be grateful for that experience.

    Teachers and SOGI Advocates Together

    According to a 2021 Egale Canada study, 62% of LGBTQ+ high school students in Canada felt unsafe at school. In a decade, the number of LGBTQ+ students who felt unsafe in Canadian schools fell by 2%.

    Even with a small decrease, this shows that progress is trending in the right direction.

    The key to success of SOGI education is not just the resources provided by programs such as SOGI 1 2 3, but also the efforts of teachers. Regardless of the types of problems faced by students, teachers can provide them a safe place that they may not have elsewhere.

    SOGI 1 2 3 continues to work with school boards, LGBTQ+ groups and advocates, and parents to cultivate safe environments for children. As of 2022, this program has been implemented in all 60 of B.C.’s school districts and in six divisions in Alberta.

     

    Sources: 

    “I Don’t Want to Go Back Alone.” YouTube, uploaded by Steven Shaw, 21 June 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiJbu7h2iEk. Accessed 21 Oct. 2022.

    Ministry of Education and Child Care. “More students supported by SOGI-inclusive education.” BC Gov News, Government of British Columbia, 17 May 2019, https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019EDUC0040-000975. Accessed 21 Oct. 2022.

    “PEKING TURKEY – Award Winning Short Film.” YouTube, uploaded by Michael Mew, 16 Dec. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g663Z4qE8D0. Accessed 21 Oct. 2022.

    Peter, Tracey, et. al. Still in every class in every school: Final report on the second climate survey on homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Canadian Schools. Key Takeaways. Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, 2021, https://egale.ca/awareness/still-in-every-class/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2022.

    SOGI 1 2 3 / Alberta. The Arc Foundation, https://ab.sogieducation.org. Accessed 21 Oct. 2022.

    Taylor, Catherine, et. al. Every class in every school: The first national climate survey on homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Canadian schools. Final report. Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, May 2011, https://egale.ca/awareness/every-class/. Accessed 21 Oct. 2022.

  • May 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    May 2025 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $12,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline:  May 27, 2025

    Voice for Animals High School Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $500
    Awards Available: 21
    Award Deadline:  May 31, 2025

    Luke Santi Memorial Award
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline:  May 31, 2025

    MADD Canada Youth Bursary Fund
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline:  May 31, 2025

    Pet Food Association of Canada Martha ‘Marty’ Wilder Honorary Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 1, 2025

    Electro-Federation Scholarships for Women
    Scholarship Value: $3,500
    Awards Available: 19
    Award Deadline:  June 7, 2025

    Opterus Valerie Ann Arts Award
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline:  June 13, 2025

    Villa Charities Undergraduate Student Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,500
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline:  June 30, 2025

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 30, 2025

    Charles Labatiuk Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: June 30, 2025

    Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 15, 2025

    Durham College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: August 29, 2025

    Castagra Roofing Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,500
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: August 29, 2025

    Great Clips Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: September 1, 2025

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Dress Code Red: My Big Interview Is Coming Up! How to Know How to Dress for an Interview or First Impression (French version available)

    Dress Code Red: My Big Interview Is Coming Up! How to Know How to Dress for an Interview or First Impression (French version available)

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    It can be stressful to figure out what to wear to a job interview, especially if you’ve never attended one before. Dressing professionally can help you leave a good first impression and feel more confident as you enter the workforce. You want to show hiring managers that you’re responsible, mature, and ready to adapt to their work environment. Overly casual outfits and distracting accessories can overshadow your accomplishments; you could be remembered as “the candidate with the ripped jeans” rather than for your skills and qualifications.

    As you prepare for your interview, use this article as a guide. Remember, the most important thing is to be confident and comfortable in whatever you wear!

    1. Research the Dress Code

    Different workplaces have different expectations. For example, the cashier at your local grocery store probably dresses more casually than a branch manager at the bank. Before your interview, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the organization’s dress code and prepare to match their preferred style. You may be able to find this information on their website, or you can ask the hiring manager for more information. You can also search for the organization on social media and try to assess the level of formality they expect from employees based on their images and posts.

    As a general rule, business casual attire includes slacks, knee-length skirts, tailored jackets, cardigans, and dress shoes. If you wear make-up, consider a natural look for the interview – for example, use a neutral colour palette that day. Avoid jeans, shorts, sundresses, and athletic wear.

    1. Consider the Little Things

    It’s important to pay attention to the details. Your outfit should be neat and professional from head to toe, as you want to look respectable and prepared. Ask yourself the following questions:

    • Are my clothes clean, ironed, and free of rips or stains?
    • Are my shoes polished and free of marks?
    • Have I groomed my hair and nails?
    • Is my jewelry professional? Have I removed my facial piercings?
    • Are my tattoos covered?

    You want the employer to focus on you – your ideas, abilities, and talents. Try to avoid potential distractions such as flashy jewelry, bold designs, and bright colours.

    1. Respect the Setting

    Even a casual workplace, such as a coffee shop, summer camp, or community centre, will expect you to look professional and put-together for the interview. You might be able to get away with a nice pair of jeans if they’re clean, neutral, and free of rips and tears. But you should still avoid streetwear like hoodies, sandals, athletic shorts, track pants, cropped shirts, or tank tops. When in doubt, assume that business casual is the norm. You should also dress more conservatively for a job interview. Your stomach, shoulders, and back should be covered. Ensure that your clothes fit properly.

    4. Be Comfortable and Confident

    While it’s important to dress professionally, it’s equally essential that you feel good in whatever you’re wearing. Prepare your outfit ahead of time and make sure you feel comfortable walking, sitting, and standing in it. Ensure that you can wear your shoes for long periods of time without feeling pain. If you’re unsure about an element of your outfit, ask a friend or family member for their advice. At the end of the day, employers want to know that you can do the work and be successful. Stay calm and don’t be afraid to smile!

     

    Sources

    Parent, J. (2022). How to Dress for a Job Interview: 3 Tips for Teens. Your Teen for Parents. https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/what-to-wear-to-an-interview-for-teens

  • Career Profile: Archivist

    Career Profile: Archivist

    Historical documents such as paper records, artifacts, music, photographs, and video serve to collect the history of a city, country, or culture.  These documents are stored in archives belonging to the public, private, and national organizations, which help to keep these documents safe and accessible.  If you are interested in studying and preserving parts of history, then working as an archivist might be a great career path.

    Archivists work with both physical collections housed in a physical location – such as paper documents, videos or photographs – and electronic collections maintained in computers and databases.  Some collections are publicly accessible, such as those housed in museums, educational institutions, and other public sector organizations.  Others are privately owned by businesses or organizations and may not be accessible except by internal personnel or by special request.

    Archivists are responsible for the management, processing, storage, and dissemination of information regarding items and documents contained in an archive. The daily activities that archivists do include managing the operation and processes of the archive, such as finding materials, creating and managing cataloguing systems, maintaining computerized databases, and scheduling the review and disposal of materials.  Archivists are also responsible for assessing and appraising new archival materials, developing collections, and authenticating documents and multimedia objects.

    A large part of an archivist’s job is the conservation and preservation of archived materials to ensure they remain in good condition.  They also do a great amount of research into the origins of archived materials, learning about their significance, and developing ways to share this information and make it findable and accessible.

    Many archivists work with the public in museums and historical sites, and so must have highly developed interpersonal skills, as well as strong communication skills.  They can assist people with searching and finding materials in the archive, setting up viewing processes or equipment, and understanding or sharing the history and importance of materials.  They will also be responsible for setting up informational displays.

    While much of an archivist’s work will be indoors, working seated at a desk or computer, depending on the type of archive, there may also be moderate physical requirements for lifting, carrying, standing, and walking.

    Becoming an archivist requires, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in archival studies from a college or university.  Depending on the job and type of archival work, a master’s degree in archival studies, library and information sciences, or history is also required.  The average yearly salary for archivists working in Canada is around $32,000, with earnings reaching upwards of $72,000 with a decade or more of experience and specialization.

    Historical documents help preserve the rich past of cultures and human civilization. Archivists play a critical role in this. It is an ideal career path if you are interested in history, documentation, and educating others.

     

    Source

    Job Bank. “Archivist in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/16130/ca

    Knoth, Jaime. “What Does and Archivist Do?” LiveAbout. https://www.liveabout.com/what-does-an-archivist-do-525664

    PayScale. “Archivist Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Archivist/Salary

  • Meal Prepping Tips For Busy Professionals

    Meal Prepping Tips For Busy Professionals

    People’s professions can often keep them very busy. Due to how busy they are, other important tasks that relate to their well-being, like preparing meals, aren’t always prioritized. The lack of prioritization may then lead to other means, including eating takeout more often than they’d like or making subpar home-cooked food, both of which make for unsatisfying dining experiences. If this sounds like what you’ve been thinking about lately and you’re a busy professional who wants to have better meals via improved prepping strategies, here are some tips:

    Look Up Quick And Easy Recipes

    There are a lot of quick and simple recipes that taste very good as well. Great places to find some include websites such as allrecipes.com, or you could look up cookbooks by reputable chefs. Are there any specific dishes that you’ve been craving? Would you like to see if there are easy-to-make versions of them? Overall, you’ll likely find many options if you do this research.

    Consider Purchasing and Cutting Up Versatile Vegetables

    Certain vegetables are used in many different dishes. For instance, people put mushrooms in salads, omelets, burgers, pasta, on pizza and more. They’re also delicious when sautéed or eaten raw on their own. If you cut up these vegetables all at one time, then you’ll have them immediately ready to use for the next few days. A good idea would be spending either a Saturday, Sunday, or any day you have time to do this.

    Cutting might seem like a monotonous activity, so you can make it more enjoyable by listening to your favourite music, audiobook, podcast, etc. while doing so. You can also think of this as a relaxing break from work.

    Freeze Food To Eat Throughout The Week

    While it’s (of course) ideal to always have fresh, nutritious meals, sometimes this can’t happen, especially for busy professionals. Thus, another idea would be, relatively similar to what’s stated above regarding vegetables, making about a week’s worth of meals one day, but then further dividing them into their appropriate portions, freezing the food, then taking these portions out to defrost throughout the week or whenever you see fit. The freezing strategy is especially convenient for dinners. As a result, there are no worries about what to eat when you get home/finish work. Casseroles are good to make for this option.

    It’s additionally advised to ensure that the food is stored properly, should you plan on freezing it (if you don’t know how to already), as proper storage would prevent premature freezer burn. For example, would solely using a re-closable bag suffice? Or do you need other supplies to cover it, such as plastic wrap or aluminum foil?

    All in all, balancing various responsibilities when you’re a busy professional can definitely be difficult. Nonetheless, carving out the time to prioritize other areas of your life, even when regarding seemingly menial tasks like meal preparation, is beneficial. For many, having good home-cooked meals contributes to more quality moments in everyday life. The pieces of advice above, including finding easy recipes, buying and cutting versatile vegetables, and freezing, are meant to make prepping experiences more efficient as well as take the stress out of deciding what to eat. If you consider meal preparation a priority and want to try better ways to go about it, following these tips is a step in the right direction.

  • Your post-secondary goals may change, and that is okay. (French version available)

    Your post-secondary goals may change, and that is okay. (French version available)

    I wanted to be an accountant. I figured I’d complete my mandatory year of prerequisite arts at the University of Alberta, transfer to the Faculty of Business, and major in accounting. I’m now a writer. So what happened?

    During my first semester, I found myself enthralled with my writing-focused English courses instead of the Business calculus, statistics, and economics prerequisites. I spent hours perfecting my essays, and my professors encouraged me to pursue the arts. I always enjoyed writing; however, I never considered it as something that I could monetize. I went on to work at my University’s writing center, instruct introductory English courses, and get a job writing marketing content for local businesses.

    As a disclaimer, there is nothing wrong with sticking to your original plan; dedication is a wonderful trait to possess. If you’re sure of what you want and how to get it, then you should be proud. However, if while studying you stumble upon something better suited to your aptitude and passions, shouldn’t you reaccess your original goal and make sure you will still feel fulfilled when you, after the hard work, reach it?

    I frequently encounter people who, while in University, were exposed to a career path that they regret not following. Among them are engineers who wanted to be teachers, scientists who wanted to go into marketing, pharmacists who wanted to be nurses, and the list goes on.

    Their reasons for not pursuing these alternate goals are varied, but they often focus on “even though I would have rather done y, I already put so much effort into x” – this is called the sunk cost fallacy and sometimes makes us act silly.

    I fell victim just last week: I was watching a series on Netflix, and halfway through, I determined that I didn’t like it. Instead of choosing something else, I told myself, “I’ve already watched half of this, so I might as well finish.” I knew that I had already wasted hours of my life on this series, yet I used that poor investment as a reason to continue watching. I’m sure if you reflect on some of your decisions, you can catch yourself doing this, too!

    Sticking to your goals is paramount to success, but make sure your goals are evolving with you. If you find yourself bored or depressed from dedicating your time to studying something you no longer enjoy, you may benefit from reconsidering your options. Of course, following your heart may not always be viable, and there are reasons to stick with an imperfect situation, such as financial limitations. However, if you see a viable, more fulfilling, alternate plan, remember that the time, money, and other resources you invested into your original goal are in themselves not a logical reason to continue something you no longer want. It’d be a shame to work hard at studying a discipline you are no longer passionate about just to get a job dealing with more of the same!

  • Are you saying what you think you’re saying? The messages you may be giving off with body language.

    Are you saying what you think you’re saying? The messages you may be giving off with body language.

    You may think of yourself as a confident and friendly person, and anyone who really knows you might say the same. However, if you’re slouching, avoiding eye contact, and looking down, someone who is meeting you for the first time may perceive you in a completely different way. This is the power of body language. By now, you may be thinking, so what? Is body language really that important? The answer: absolutely! Most of what human communication is nonverbal. This means people who are meeting you for the first time, such as potential employers, may get an impression of you before you even have a chance to speak. The question is, is your body language giving off the impression you want? Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects of body language and talk about whether it may be time to adjust what your body is saying about you.

    Negative Body Language: Some signs you may not be putting your best foot forward.

    1. Avoiding eye contact.

    Making direct eye contact may feel a little scary, but it’s extremely important. A lack of eye contact gives off the impression of nervousness, a lack of confidence, and even dishonesty. Eye contact is especially important during an interview with potential employers, as confidence and honesty are some of the main points employers look for!

    1. Slouching.

    Poor posture results in poor body language! Slouching tells people you may be lacking in confidence, or are uninterested/bored in what’s going on. Although slouching is something many of us do without realizing it, it’s important to make a conscious effort to sit up straight, especially when trying to give off a good impression.

    1. Crossed arms.

    You may not be aware, but crossing your arms creates an invisible barrier between you and the person you’re speaking with. This sends the message that you are closed off or unwelcoming. Avoid this kind of negative body talk by keeping your hands to one side or on the other hand. This will indicate friendliness and openness.

    1.  Checking your phone or watch.

    While you may just be checking the time, you may be giving off the impression that you’re bored, anxious, or too busy thinking about what’s going on next to really focus on the person you’re speaking with. Break this habit by refraining from checking your watch during interviews, and make sure your cell phone is turned off and put away.

    For more signs of negative body language, check out this link.

    Positive Body Language: Ways you can give off the right impression for success.

    1. Give a firm (non-crushing) handshake.

    Handshakes are one of the most important forms of communication during a first impression. It sets the tone for the rest of the conversation and reveals confidence. Just be sure not to crush or pull someone’s hand, as this may reveal bullying or an attempt at intimidation.

    1. Slow down your speech.

    Interviews can be nerve-wracking, and your speech may speed up without you even knowing. Take a big, deep breath and slowly let it all out. Focus on slowing down your speech. It will calm you down and give off a stronger sense of confidence.

    1.  Give affirming movements.

    Nodding your head or smiling are affirming actions that show you’re engaged in the conversation, and you understand what is being said. Just be sure not to nod too frequently, as this may reveal a lack of confidence.

    1. Lean.

    This one may be unfamiliar to most people, but leaning in slightly when someone talks reveals active listening skills and shows engagement and interest in the conversation. On the flip side, leaning away gives off the opposite impression. Leaning away from the speaker reveals hostility or a lack of interest.

    For more positive body language tips, check out this link!

    The right body language may be hard at first, but just remember to be alert and aware of your actions. With practice, you’ll be revealing the incredible person you are the moment you walk in the room!

    Sources Used:

    https://blog.udemy.com

    http://study.com

  • How Appearance May Affect Job Interview Results

    How Appearance May Affect Job Interview Results

    You received an offer for an interview, and now you wait in anticipation. What do you wear? What do you say? How do you display that you are the right candidate for the job?

    Ideally, you would love to be hired purely on your qualifications. Unfortunately, sometimes the moment that you step in front of the interviewer, the decision has already been made — for a reason that has nothing to do with your skills.

    As much as it may be hard to admit, appearance plays a factor in the hiring process, leaving applicants with limited options to showcase their skills.

    What is Appearance Discrimination?

    Everyone has biases, regardless of whether they are aware of them or not. It is a natural way human brains categorize items. While it is impossible to be completely free of biases in decisions, being more aware of those influences can be helpful.

    Appearance discrimination is the different treatment of people based on how they look. “Appearance” is a broad term that encompasses multiple categories of the way people look. Attributes like height, weight, hair colour, hair style, clothes, and makeup combine to make a person’s image.

    Even with a list of qualifications, people assume ideas about others from an initial meeting. Appearance plays a factor in those first impressions. The reality may differ from a person’s first perception, but no doubt, first impressions are powerful.

    Does Appearance Discrimination Exist?

    In a 2017 study conducted by the Saint Louis University School of Law, results showed that workers and applicants were often evaluated based on how much their appearance matched the presumed ideal for masculine or feminine individuals. Their images had more weight to their perceived worth as an employee than the words etched on their resumes.

    Additionally, according to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, height and weight specifications are aspects that are evaluated in areas that are traditionally male-dominated. However, these qualifications are based on the qualities of men who belong to the majority group in Ontario.

    This leaves people, such as women or people of colour, incapable of reaching such qualifications. For example, people of Asian descent are, on average, smaller in stature than the majority group of Ontario’s population.

    Appearance Discrimination and Law

    Both B.C. and Ontario’s Human Rights Codes do not label it illegal for employers to make conclusions based on appearance. However, in some cases, doing so may infringe on a person’s rights.

    Actions such as requiring applicants to attach a photo to their resume expose employers and applicants to potential legal trouble. For example, if a Sikh applicant was denied a job because he wore a turban, an employer can be liable. That action is not acceptable.

    In contrast, it is acceptable to require the disclosure of applicants’ personal information if it is relevant to the job. However, such circumstances are very minimal. As such, specifications like one’s weight and height are not considered bona fide, or legitimate, qualities to demand.

    Reducing Appearance Discrimination

    Admitting that this bias exists is the most important step to reducing appearance discrimination. Without acknowledgement of the bias, steps to solve it cannot be taken.

    In the hiring process, employers have the most power to reduce appearance discrimination. While applicants themselves have limited options to reduce this bias, they can start with submitting resumes without photos. Photos are scarcely a legitimate requirement for jobs, making them unapplicable to most job listings.

    Employers’ hiring tools may also help reduce appearance discrimination through technology: LinkedIn has a “hide names and photos” feature, and there are many other platforms that will make resumes anonymous. Employers should evaluate every applicant with the same list of requirements to keep the process fair. In addition, employers would benefit from diversifying their hiring teams to ensure lessened levels of discrimination.

     

    Sources:

    “9. The Duty to Accommodate.” Ontario Human Rights Commission, https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-preventing-discrimination-based-creed/9-duty-accommodate.

    Blair, Jonathan. “Equality in Hiring – When Are Interview Questions Discriminatory?” BC Human Rights Clinic, 24 Oct. 2018, https://bchrc.net/equality-in-hiring-when-are-interview-questions-discriminatory/.

    Hilgers, Laura. “5 Ways to Reduce Bias When Screening Candidates — and Find More Talent.” Talent Solutions Blog, LinkedIn, 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/ways-to-reduce-bias-when-screening-candidates.

    Indeed Editorial Team. “FAQ: Should I Include a Photo on My Resume? (With Tips).” Indeed Career Guide, 31 Aug. 2021, https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/photo-on-resume.

    Jones, Jeff. “APPEARANCE DISCRIMINATION: IS IT ILLEGAL?” UCBJ – Upper Cumberland Business Journal, https://www.ucbjournal.com/appearance-discrimination-is-it-illegal/.

    Pavlou, Christina. “Unconscious Bias in Recruitment: How Can You Remove It?” Recruiting Resources: How to Recruit and Hire Better – Workable, https://resources.workable.com/stories-and-insights/unconscious-bias-in-recruitment.