The Tech Recruitment World Still Isn't Flat
12 years ago, Thomas Friedman discovered how technology re-shaped the business world into a globalized, equal playing field.* “The world is flat”, he said to his wife upon returning home from a trip to Bangalore when all of those realizations came to fruition.
Those very words were the title of his next book, where he described the major forces, or “flatteners”, that led to the “flattening” of the business world. The internet, outsourcing and supply chaining were just a few of the flatteners that created the most globalized and level playing field the world had ever seen.
But unfortunately for the tech industry that's exploded in Canada in recent years, the tech recruitment industry here hasn’t caught up.
The Tech Recruitment World Is Still Round
In my previous blog post, “Recruitment And Immigration Trends in Canada: Is Your Company Prepared?”, I covered recent trends in Canada - a booming tech industry, a continuing increase in immigration, yet no connection between the two.
Despite the experienced foreign talent and flat world we now live in, Canadian companies and recruiters still rely on the same recruitment practices and don’t consider the foreign tech talent that is available. Only 6% of entrepreneurs rely on immigrant workers to fill their needs for skilled employees**, and headhunting efforts within the industry are likely just as low.
Luckily, the Canadian government has recognized that there is a lack of experienced tech talent in the country and has promised to admit nearly 1 million immigrants over the next 3 years (60% as economic migrants aka skilled workers). Not only that, they are making it easier than ever for Canadian companies to hire and bring foreign tech talent into the country.
The Tech Recruitment Flattener - The Global Talent Stream
The main reason companies and recruiters rarely consider hiring foreign talent is simple - the immigration process takes extra time and money. Especially for newer companies that may not exist 6 months down the road, it’s a business reality that they need talent ASAP and can’t afford any added costs.
But what about a growing company in a competitive market given the opportunity to hire experienced international tech talent in just 4-6 weeks?
That’s what the Global Talent Stream aims to provide. Launched in June of 2017, the two-year pilot program makes it as easy as ever to bring foreign tech talent into Canada.
The major highlights include:
The Global Talent Stream application (replacing the traditional LMIA) has a service standard of 10 days for 80% of applications
“Streamlined, client focused service” from Employment and Social Development Canada - this means ESDC is in contact with you throughout the process, as opposed to a “submit and hope for the best” scenario
If approved, eligibility for 2-week work permit processing
Applications can be submitted online through a web portal
$1,000 government processing fee per employee
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The business world is as competitive as ever, and so is the Canadian tech recruitment industry. By broadening your recruitment efforts and making use of the Global Talent Stream, the world is your oyster in terms of finding top tech talent to give your company the best chance at success.
Because we all know how important good people are to the success of your company.
And if you need help with a GTS application, make sure to connect with us here.
*The World Is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman. 2005.
** Page 13 of https://www.bdc.ca/EN/Documents/analysis_research/bdc-study-future-proof-your-business.pdf?utm_campaign=Future-Proof-Business-Study-2017--download--EN&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua