Hello Reader,As of January 2026, Ontario employers must notify all interviewed candidates about their hiring status within 45 days – whether you’ve made a decision or not. Miss the deadline, and you could face complaints with the Ministry of Labour. The Human Side of Hiring When I ran recruitment agency Boost Agents, we implemented a regular candidate check-in every few days during active searches. Not because we had to, but because we understood that how we treated candidates reflected our...
18 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader,I'd like to share a story from years ago that really drove home why meeting cancellations matter more than we think. It was a weekday morning and I had to wake up my 12-month-old daughter at 5:30 AM for an important 7 AM meeting. I nursed her earlier than usual (which threw off her entire day), scrambled to get her ready for an early daycare drop-off, and rushed through traffic. When I arrived at the office at 6:55 AM, there was a text sent just 20 minutes prior: "Hey, something...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader,Your marketing team of 20 just became a team of 6. AI handles the rest. Everything's running smoothly until your one remaining human sends a tone-deaf email to your biggest client. They fire you. Not because your AI wasn't good enough, but because your human wasn't. I've been wrestling with this scenario as I observe the AI transformation happening across industries. AI agents are already replacing entire job functions, from legal research to medical documentation. Entry-level...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader,As many of you know, last fall I attended a Business Etiquette Train the Trainer program with The Emily Post Institute, and one topic sparked quite the debate: the seemingly innocent question, "Where are you from?" My Love Affair with This Question I'll admit it - this has always been one of my favourite questions to ask. Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, then living in Scotland and traveling extensively through Europe before settling in Canada, I've developed a genuine passion...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader,Trust takes years to build and seconds to destroy. In our virtual-first world, one of the fastest trust-killers isn't always what you'd expect - it can be as simple as a surprise participant who shows up unannounced in your "casual catch-up" call. This seemingly small oversight can instantly erode trust and damage valuable professional relationships. A Common Scenario That Illustrates the Problem Let me paint a picture for you of this workplace scenario: A consultant accepts...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader,I wanted to share some exciting updates, starting with something that continues to inspire my work every day. Being part of the Emily Post Institute's community of Licensed Business Etiquette trainers has been rewarding, and I take pride in being part of this global network of dedicated professionals who share a commitment to excellence, ongoing learning, and adapting timeless principles to meet modern workplace needs. It's this dedication that makes announcements like today's so...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader,I want to share something I learned about recently. A Chief Digital Officer at a global consulting firm recently interviewed a technically brilliant senior consultant over dinner. Despite her impressive qualifications and his urgent need to fill the job, he rejected her afterward. The reason was never shared with her - HR simply stated she wasn't a 'cultural fit.' The real reason? Throughout dinner, she placed her phone up on the table, constantly checked notifications,...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader,I recently found myself at a packed networking event, surrounded by professionals in crisp suits and polished shoes. As I scanned the room, my attention was immediately drawn to someone who stood out dramatically - not because he was the best dressed, but because of his presence. In athletic shorts, a fitted t-shirt, and running shoes, this gentleman commanded the centre of the room with confident body language and a warm smile that drew people toward him. Far from looking...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader,As a former recruitment agency owner who has placed thousands of professionals throughout my career, I've witnessed the full spectrum of interview etiquette. As one recruiter friend recently said, "We could write a book on the subject!" - and many have. But sometimes personal experiences teach us the most powerful lessons. I'll never forget an early job interview that shaped my entire understanding of workplace culture and candidate experience. When I Was a Young Student... Back...
2 months ago • 4 min read