Talent Acquisition Process Feedback Survey
The Canada Council for the Arts conducted a survey on its talent acquisition process.
Research goal
This survey aimed to understand applicant’s satisfaction with the Canada Council’s current talent acquisition process and explore ways to enhance the process.
Methods
Surveys were sent to all who had applied to a position at the Canada Council between September 1st and December 31st, 2024, with a 36% response rate.
Outcomes
Key findings from the survey include:
- Approximately 80% of respondents agreed that the experience, education, and skill requirements in the job posting were clear, reasonable, and relevant.
- 79% of respondents agreed that the application portal was easy to use.
- 81% of respondents agreed that the application questions in the portal were clear.
- Respondents generally agreed that the written assessment was relevant to the job qualifications (67%) and that the instructions for completing the assessments were clear (70%).
- Respondents would have appreciated more communications on the status of their application and feedback on their submission. They also asked for more communications about anticipated recruitment timelines and clarity on the contact information for questions.
- There is some room for improving accessibility. Respondents asked for more accessible language tests for those with low vision and for more time to complete written assessments and review interview questions.
The Council’s Action Plan
The Canada Council plans to take the following actions to improve the talent acquisition process based on the findings of this research.
Communications
- Embed greater communications throughout the process and more specifically notifications for unsuccessful applications.
- Map and communicate the talent acquisition process, what to expect at each step as well as high level timelines.
- Ensure job qualifications are communicated in an accessible manner and using plain language.
Application Portal
- Ease the navigation in the application portal by:
- Removing the competencies and skills section;
- Making it easier to withdraw an application; and,
- Providing clear instructions on how to save and return to an application in progress.
Assessment
- Ensure clarity and consistency of assessment criteria for the position to be filled, and more specifically for written assignments.
Accessibility
- Provide clearer communications in terms of accommodations being available throughout the talent acquisition process.
- Conduct a review of best practices in terms of time allocated to prepare for interviews and to complete written assessments (especially for job applicants who have requested an accommodation).
- Identify options for accessible language tests for job applicants with a visual impairment.
Questions?
Please contact the Research, Measurement and Data Analytics Section at research@canadacouncil.ca.
Document
Summary -Talent Acquisition Process Feedback Survey (PDF 144.8 KB)