There may be something in the water, or it may be a sign of coming strength in the Canadian job market. But two Canadian companies specializing in talent acquisition and recruitment platforms have won some impressive recognition recently for their innovation and leadership.
Based in Waterloo, Ont., Qwalify is an automated hiring platform that includes self-service tools for targeting sourcing, filtering and interviewing to help companies manage the recruitment and hiring process. Its CEO, 25-year old Philippe Noelting, was recently chosen to represent Canada at the prestigious Drucker Forum in Vienna, which aims to answer broader questions about the future of capitalism. Noelting spoke about the impending talent war, the growing challenges for youth entering the workforce and a call to action for the business community to get to grips with talent liquidity.
“After leaving university I was surprised, then confused at how many of my friends were unemployed. When we started to investigate how companies were recruiting and hiring people it became clear that many businesses weren’t able to get beyond traditional, tired hiring practices to understand talent and potential,” said Noelting in a statement. “We started Qwalify to help employers make intelligent hiring decisions with a fresh approach – our technology relieves the headache of traditional hiring practices.”
Also earning recognition recently was TalentEgg, a career posting and resource site focused specifically on new graduates. The company and its founder, Lauren Friese, was honoured with the National Best Business Award at the recent Canadian Youth Business Foundation chairman’s awards in Toronto. The award includes a $20,000 prize to be used for business expansion.
TalentEgg founder Lauren Friese.
“We are extraordinarily pleased to honour Lauren Friese with the title of National Best Business Award Winner,” said John Risley, chairman of the CYBF’s board of directors, in a statement. “Canada is driving and celebrating excellence in youth entrepreneurship, and Lauren and her fellow award winners’ success is a true inspiration to other Canadians, demonstrating the power of young people to become successful business leaders and help fuel our economy.”