Applying for co-op jobs (participating in placement)
What jobs should I apply for?
- Apply for jobs relevant to your program of study and your faculty that align with your goals and interests.
- When applying for jobs on the Experiential Learning Platform (Co-op Portal), carefully read the job description, including the location and form of work (hybrid, in person, virtual, etc.)
Accepting job offers
How will I know if I’ve received a job offer?
- You’ll see job offers from employers in the “My Offers” section of the Experiential Learning Platform (Co-op Portal) (found under interviews and offers). If an offer has been made, you’ll see the option to accept or decline.
- Each time you receive a job offer, a member of the co-op team will email you, including the deadline to accept or decline the offer (two business days from the date the offer was presented by email).
How do I accept a job offer?
- To accept a job offer, select "accept" by the deadline in the email you’ve received from the co-op office.
- If you know you want to accept the job offer, you can accept immediately. You don’t need to wait for the deadline.
- If you want to decline an offer, select “decline” for that job. If you know you want to decline an offer, you can decline right away instead of waiting for the deadline.
- If you take no action by the deadline in the email, the offer will no longer be available. Check your emails and the Experiential Learning Platform (Co-op Portal) every day to not miss any opportunities.
What happens once I accept an offer?
- You’ll be matched to the job in the Experiential Learning Platform (Co-op Portal), and will receive an email confirmation. Future interviews already scheduled in the Co-op Portal will be cancelled.
- You must cancel any interviews you may have scheduled outside of the Co-op Portal.
- Once you’re matched on the Co-op Portal, you must honour your commitment to the employer and stop your job search immediately. The match is official and can’t be changed for a different job offer.
- The employer will receive your contact information and will contact you with next steps, including any required onboarding activities. If you don’t hear from the employer within two or three weeks after being matched, email the co-op office.
What should I do if I receive an offer for a job that’s not my first choice, and I’m waiting to hear back from a different employer?
- These situations happen and can be stressful. Keep in mind that the goal of co-op is to gain valuable experience in your field, for a four-month contract (in most cases).
- Choosing to accept or decline an offer can depend on many factors, including the job itself and your professional and academic goals. Remember that the co-op job search process is competitive and there’s no guarantee you’ll receive another offer.
- If you’re willing to risk declining the offer you’ve received and wait for a response from a different employer, you can decline that job offer in the “My Offers” tab in the Co-op Portal.
What if I receive multiple offers?
- If you receive multiple, simultaneous offers, consider which job best matches your learning and professional goals. You can call the co-op office at 613-562-5741 or email the co-op office to discuss your options with a co-op specialist.
Why is there a deadline to accept an offer?
- The deadline to accept or decline an offer allows you to reflect and consider your options, while also advancing the job offer process. It gives more students the opportunity to find jobs.
- Employers expect that their offers will be considered within an appropriate timeframe.
- In recruitment for the broader, full-time job market, when job seekers receive offers, employers often have deadlines to manage their hiring process.
Job offers received outside of the Co-op Portal
What do I do if I receive a job offer outside of the Co-op Portal?
- When you receive an offer outside of the Co-op Portal, submit the “I found my own job” form (on the dashboard of the Co-op Portal) so the co-op office can review the job.
- If you’ve received an offer to return to a previous employer or continue with your current employer, email the co-op office with written confirmation from the employer.
What if I receive an offer outside of the Co-op Portal after I’ve accepted an offer in the Co-op Portal?
- Once matched on the Co-op Portal, you must honour your commitment to the employer.
- Speak with your co-op specialist for advice to help maintain a good relationship with the employer from outside of the Co-op Portal. You might be able to complete a work term with it in the future or stay connected for potential opportunities when you graduate.
- You can call the co-op office at 613-562-5741 or email the co-op office.
Dealing with a high number of co-op interviews
- If at any time you find that the number of scheduled interviews is causing undue stress and making you feel overwhelmed, you can submit a request to pause pending replies for interviews scheduled in the Co-op Portal. Email the co-op office with your full name and student number.
- If you ask the co-op office to pause your pending replies, you can’t be selective and you must attend all interviews scheduled in the Co-op Portal.
Valid reasons for Declining a job offer
- You’ve received a job offer outside the co-op process and have submitted a found own form that has been approved by our office.
- You’ve received a job offer from a previous employer and have submitted an email confirmation to the Co-op Office.
- During the interview, you see that the job description has changed and the job is not the same as in the original posting (If so, please contact the Co-op Office to discuss this).
Commitment to your employer
Once you’re matched on the Co-op Portal, you must honour your commitment to the employer and stop your job search immediately. The match is official and can’t be changed to accommodate a different job offer. If you need to discuss with your co-op specialist, email us as soon as possible or call us at 613-562-5741.
- Ranking a job or putting a number next to a job means you will accept the job offer if an employer selects you. It is your responsibility to make sure your rankings are entered correctly and promptly.