- Work Ready: CLB Resources for Counselling, Hiring, and Working with Internationally Trained Individuals
- Using culturally-competent interview language
- Awareness of body language at interviews
Communication can be verbal (spoken) or non-verbal (body language such as gestures and facial expressions)
Communication styles and customs often vary from one culture to the next
The type of media, technology and other tools used to convey information should be appropriate and effective for the target audience in each situation. Consideration of appropriate methods of conveying messages to specific groups in a diverse community is beneficial
Hiring and management staff often cite communication difficulties as a major barrier, if not the greatest barrier, to employing internationally educated/trained individuals; however, many of the challenges related to language barriers in the workplace can be addressed using the tools and resources found below.
Employers, especially those of diverse groups, should prepare their staff for success. This occurs through training, mentoring, and behaviour modelling. Providing training to staff in cultural competence reflects organizational commitment to establish culturally competent work environments and services. Understanding cultures and subcultures that make up teams and organizations provide a greater likelihood that cross-cultural integration will succeed. Communication is at the centre of the integration process. If companies fail to see the importance of effective communication, workplace happiness, staff retention, and productivity may suffer.
Identifying Needs and Opportunities for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises