Co-op Job Search Term
You’ve updated your resume. You’ve written your cover letter. You’ve recognized your strengths and learned how to communicate them. Now, it’s time to apply for jobs and interview for your co-op work term employment. In your job search term, you will apply for jobs on HireAC and conduct your self-directed job search. The Co-op Department is here to help you throughout your job search to ensure you are successful in securing co-op employment.
Key Tasks:
- Refresh your knowledge – Review your materials from your Co-op Preparation semester and complete optional readings. You will continue to have access to the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities in Brightspace.
- Job search for co-op opportunities – Check for new jobs on HireAC daily. A good target is to apply for 20% of jobs offered on HireAC. Only apply to jobs that you would be interested in interviewing for and working during your work term.
- Attend co-op workshops – You are encouraged to take advantage of workshops to help you secure co-op employment. You can book your spot on HireAC under “Events and Workshops”.
- Interview for multiple positions – You will be contacted with interview requests, updates, and job offers through your AlgonquinLive student email. You are encouraged to check your email several times every day. Ensure that you communicate with your Co-op Student Advisor regularly and address any concerns that you may have.
Need a quiet space on campus for a virtual co-op interview?
We encourage you to plan ahead if you are on-campus and need a quiet, distraction-free setting for your virtual interview.
The AC Library and Student Learning Centre have several Student Meeting Rooms available for booking.
Please visit their website to book a room.
The Algonquin Student’s Association also has Study and Meeting Rooms available to book. Bookings for rooms in the A building must be done in person at the Algonquin Fitness Zone (A125). Bookings for rooms in the E building must be done in person at the Students’ Association Office (E114).
Process and Student Responsibilities:
Co-op Job Search
The Co-op Department is committed to assisting in finding you an appropriate work term, however, it is each student’s responsibility to secure work term employment through a traditional job application and interview process.
Co-op Job Postings
The Co-op Department will post available employment opportunities on HireAC. These job postings will be made available after you have completed the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities. Some tips for success include:
- Review and assess all co-op job postings related to your program of study.
- If the co-op job is posted to HireAC, it means employers want to hear from you. Don’t be shy, if you don’t have 100% of the qualifications – your employer will teach you along the way.
- Login to HireAC every day and apply for jobs. Once the application deadline passes the opportunity will no longer be available.
Self-directed Job Search
You are encouraged to conduct a self-directed job search and approach employers that you would like to work for directly, who may not have posted on HireAC. Take advantage of our co-op workshops to learn how to approach industry professionals and showcase your skills.
Co-op Job Interviews
Co-op interviews are scheduled at the request of the employer. Many interviews will be scheduled through HireAC, however, some employers may contact you directly. Interviews may be held virtually or in-person on campus. Some employers prefer to host interviews at their location or over the phone. If you are being interviewed at the employer’s location please make sure you bring an official Photo ID card as many employers require you to sign in and provide identification to access the facility.
After an employer has completed interviews, they will rank their top candidates in HireAC. The Co-op Department will then extend the job offer to the student(s) through HireAC. If you do not respond to the job offer within 24 hours the offer will be extended to the next student in the ranking order. To maintain relationships the College has developed over the years, you are only permitted to decline one offer per job search term. If you have completed an interview and no longer feel the opportunity is suitable, please email your Co-op Student Advisor within 24 hours of your interview to outline your reason and discuss your request.
Once you have accepted a co-op position, your job search is over, and you are not permitted to apply to other postings, interview, or accept another offer.
Security Screening
Many advertised positions require that a candidate obtain security screening to be hired. When applicable, a job offer is conditional upon meeting any security screening requirements for the position.
If security screening has not been obtained by the start date of the scheduled work term, affected students may be withdrawn from co-op and will need to discuss their next steps with their Faculty Co-op Coordinator and Co-op Student Advisor.
Co-op Job Approval
If you secure your own co-op work term employment, you must complete the Confirmation of Co-op Work Term student form for approval before accepting co-op job offer from the employer. All self-developed jobs will be evaluated by the Co-op Department to ensure they meet co-op requirements and are suitable workplaces and learning experiences. Co-op work terms cannot begin until the role has been verified and approved by the Co-op Department.
Unsuccessful Job Search
Optional Co-op Programs
If you are in an optional co-op program and do not find a co-op opportunity before the beginning of the co-op work term, you will be encouraged to return your next academic level of your program, or will be eligible graduate if the work term is at the end of your program. Students must successfully secure a co-op position in order to continue in the co-op program and participate in future co-op work terms.
Mandatory Co-op Programs
If you are in a mandatory co-op program, you will be required to speak with your Academic Co-op Coordinator to establish a new co-op work/study pattern. Students in mandatory co-op programs must complete all scheduled co-op work terms in order to graduate from the program.