Written by Tania Aronov, CNN Mexico City, Mexico
UPDATED 5:41 p.m. EDT, APRIL 23
New vacancies at Canada’s Scotiabank have as many as 50 applicants per position, and those applying say job interviews are filling up quickly.
In 2018, the bank started a new hiring process, which it’s calling “Seasonal Hiring for Resumes,” where potential hires are emailed potential job openings to apply for on their day off. Applicants are informed before the company’s March deadline, but are not given a specific time to turn in their applications. Instead, they are informed that if they are selected, they will schedule in-person interviews to take place the following week.
According to a statement provided to CNN by Scotiabank, applicants have found the process refreshing.
“We wanted to make it easier for people who work at our branch offices to participate,” says Byron Oitsetti, vice president of corporate communications at Scotiabank. “It reduces the stigma for applicants who have work interruptions and a flexible work life.
“It’s more friendly for the candidate, more friendly for us as a company, and it’s more democratic for everyone to engage,” he adds.
Universities across Canada typically see between 350 to 400 applicants per applicant, so potential hires are excited.
“I have so many friends who work at Scotiabank,” says Mariyana Alminati, a graduate of the University of Alberta in Edmonton. “It was never a question in my mind of whether I would apply for any openings. They are looking for the best, the most motivated, the most hardworking individuals.”
Even so, she still managed to take a few extra days off from work to attend a recent interview.
“I think it’s a great way to grow your career and get access to opportunities like executive jobs or regional roles,” she adds.
She received no information about dates or location during her interview.
Even though she found the experience to be time-consuming, she believes that the experience was well worth it.
“In the past three weeks, my numbers have been going up,” she says. “The organization is doing the hiring process just as it should. It’s not like they’re taking shortcuts or this is for people who have either experience or college degree. It’s just what you need to do to succeed in any organization.”
Renata Genovesi, a Spanish immigrant currently working for a law firm, is also pleased with the application process.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for people who have a flexible schedule,” she says. “I was very impressed with the amount of information they gave me before the dates were set. It was really informative.
“And they actually set time and place,” she adds. “The quality of the candidate is very important too.”