UTM hosts information session for Peel Region job seekers
A new initiative by the human resources team at U of T Mississauga is helping Peel Region job seekers find success in the hunt for employment.
UTM’s HR office recently teamed up with U of T’s UTemp recruitment office to offer a hiring information seminar to clients of Employment Ontario, a program offered through Family Services of Peel.
Each year, about 300 people turn to Employment Ontario in their search for work. “Our clients are diverse, and include newcomers to Canada and newcomers to Peel Region, new graduates from colleges, university and high school, as well as those transitioning into a new line of work because of layoffs or economic downturn,” says program job developer Jeffrey Miranda.
For many, the application process can be daunting. “A lot of what job seekers are looking for is information—how to look for a job, where to find opportunities and how to navigate the application process,” Miranda says.
UTM HR director Nader Boutros saw a natural opportunity to collaborate. “Community engagement is a core commitment within UTM HR’s strategic plan, and working with the Family Services of Peel provided an opportunity to connect our expertise with those who need it most,” says Boutros. “This event gave us a chance to highlight opportunities on this campus, as well as the programs and services that make U of T a top employer.”
At a hiring information session at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre, human resources staff from UTM and U of T provided general advice about searching for work and the interviewing process, along with practical tips for navigating the U of T Careers website to view job postings and set up job alerts. Attendees also had a chance to speak with human resources professionals directly.
“This is good information for people who are new to Canada or new to the community, as well as new grads who need a little insight about how to enter the workforce,” says Hana Yusuf, a UTM HR advisor who co-led the session. “We hope this information helps participants do better in an interview or to better understand the recruitment process.”
The session also showcased the diversity of employment opportunities available at U of T. Yusuf says people were surprised to learn the university hires more than professors and teaching assistants.
UTemp recruitment and sourcing coordinator and session co-leader Ida Edo outlined the opportunities available through U of T’s temporary staffing service. “UTemp is a great way to get a feel for the U of T community,” Edo says. “It offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in placements with different departments. It’s also a great way to gain Canadian work experience and build a résumé for future full-time jobs.”
Based on the positive feedback, Boutros says the team is looking into more events with community partners.
“Getting this information out to the Mississauga community helps to increase the quality of our applicants,” Boutros says. “UTM HR is committed to continuing to build meaningful relationships with the community, and this was a great start to an important initiative.”
