How Will Your Facebook Page Measure Up?

Job seekers are now, for the most part, aware that corporate human resource departments undertake traditional background checks and credit checks as part of the assessment of an applicant’s eligibility. Understandably, when considering candidates for hiring or promotion, companies have an obligation to assess employment risks. But a new dimension is surfacing: Social network screening and monitoring is now becoming part of the process.

It is undeniable that companies will search the web to investigate prospective employees, using Google on an ad hoc basis for quick online searches. And another aspect is monitoring of online habits of potential and existing employees. A company is exposed to risk if it’s not conducting due diligence on an employee who is publicly behaving on the Internet in a way that indicates risk for the organization.

Social media networks, including Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr, Youtube, LinkedIn, and individual blogs are the target of such scrutiny. One might well feel that such investigation constitutes an invasion of privacy, whereas others say that accessing anything “published” is fair game. Regardless, people currently seeking employment are well advised to ensure that their online sources reflect as positively as possible on their judgment, remembering that a Facebook page can serve to boost a job seeker’s odds of landing a job. A professional presentation and the right affiliations can’t hurt!

Job seekers who have a criminal record can also benefit from obtaining a pardon, which will seal the record so that it is no longer visible. Contact a Client Specialist at Pardon Services Canada for a complimentary private consultation. All information related to the pardon process is handled discreetly and kept strictly confidential.

Looking For a Job In Canada with a Canadian Criminal Record? What to Know, and How to Get That Dream Job!

Everyone knows, interviewing for a job is stressful. What can be even more stressful is going into an interview with a Canadian Criminal Record. This article addresses what your potential employer can legally ask about your criminal record, what you need to say and ultimately, how to get the job!

            The most important thing is location; different provinces have different restrictions and limitations on employers for what they can ask of prospective clients.

·         Employers in Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories cannot ask about conviction records nor can employers falling under federal jurisdiction. However, if information about a criminal record is legitimately needed for employment purposes the question can be phrased “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which a Pardon has not been granted?”

·         In Quebec, PEI and the Yukon, a criminal record is considered grounds for discrimination, making this question illegal. Again, unless the knowledge of the criminal conviction is relevant to the position (see below).

·         Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia do not offer protection against discrimination based on criminal records, pardoned or otherwise. Once a Pardon is granted any previous criminal record WILL NOT be accessible to any employer.

It is illegal in all jurisdictions nationwide to ask applicants if they have ever been arrested.

Which employers can request a criminal record check?

Canadian Hiring Practices: all employers may ask for a criminal record check if they have established that it is a Bona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR). This is defined as a justifiable reason for discrimination based on a business necessity (being required for the safe and efficient operation of the organization) alternatively, as intrinsically required by the tasks an employee is expected to perform.

What Situations Would Lead to a BFOR

·         Requirement to be bonded

·         Required to work on a secured job-site

·         Employee theft prevention

·         Required to work with/for vulnerable persons

·         Required to travel internationally/cross borders.

What Options Are Available

If you are in the job market or looking for career opportunities and have a criminal record then a Canadian Pardon is the best option available. The Pardon can be attained quickly, confidentially and with financing available. A criminal background check can be done extremely fast and will show you what your potential will see. Then, apply for a Canadian Pardon with an accredited, reputable Pardon Service Company, and get that dream job.