Identity and accessibility at work

Finding inclusive employers

As you search for work, you can follow these tips to determine if employers provide an inclusive hiring process and workplace environment.

Pay attention to job posting language

Does the posting:

• encourage people with diversity backgrounds to apply?
• mention additional supports and accommodations available for employees and job seekers?

It is illegal for employers in Canada to use discriminatory language in job postings. See other ways to make the most of a job posting.

Research the company's reputation

• visit its website, social media accounts and check the news for stories
• reach out to your own network to learn what they have heard
• set up informational interviews with past and current employees (use LinkedIn)
• use websites like Glassdoor, and Indeed to do research on the organization
• look into existing inclusive hiring programs with specific employers

Ask employers these questions

• what are your company's most important values?
• can you share some examples of how your company demonstrates its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
• how does your leadership team demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion?
• how do you make sure that every employee feels included and valued?
• can you share data on the leadership team's diversity?
• what diversity, inclusion or cultural competence training do you offer to employees and their supervisors?
• what inclusive initiative do you feel most proud of in your company?

See other questions to ask employers during an interview.

Learn about the company's leadership team

• use social media and look at news stories to learn about the company's leadership team and board (these folks are likely to influence the company's decision-making and values)
• take a look at how these people engage with community to learn more about them as leaders and individuals

Look into Canada's top 100 employers

Every year, Canada's Top 100 Employers lists the top 100 Canadian employers that intentionally embrace diversity and promote inclusion and belonging within their organizations. Learn about this year's employers and the practices they put into place.

Share resources with employers

Our team has been involved in creating two key resource hubs that can help employers create safe work process and work places:

• 6 Tools for Diversity: This tool kit helps employers recruit, hire and retain students who come from international pathways.
• Indigenous Work-Integrated Learning Resource Hub: These can be helpful for all students and include:
  • self-identifying on a job application
  • tokenism
  • partnership and representation
  • program accessibility
  • responding to the TRC Calls to Action

Learn from inclusive employers

We put together a panel featuring employers who actively champion inclusive hiring and retention. Hear what they have to say below.

Connect with us

Accessibility & inclusion co-op and career coordinator

Niels Melis-De Lamper (he/him)
250-472-4370
JCC B271g

My focus is to help students of all identities to find meaningful work experience and feel safe and supported. We can chat about your specific experiences and find a comfortable path forward. I look forward to connecting about your unique lived experience.