The Application Process
- In late fall, students will be invited to apply for the Work Term in IR/HR to be offered the following summer. Enrollment is limited.
- A meeting will be scheduled with the Scarborough co-op team so students can learn more about the application process. Students share with them their résumés, career goals, and job preferences.
- In February, job postings begin to be emailed to students. Job postings continue through May.
- Students follow instructions given to them to apply for each position. This may involve applying directly online on the company website, or emailing a cover letter and résumé to the co-op coordinator who will forward the application to the recruiter.
The Interview Process
- Employers generally schedule interviews with students through the co-op coordinator who mediates the process.
- Students interview with employers at a location chosen by the employer. The location varies depending on the organization, and is normally at the job site. Some interviews may take place on campus. Students may be called back for multiple interviews.
- Students are expected to attend all interviews granted to them. Students who anticipate missing an interview for just cause should inform the Scarborough co-op office immediately so that alternative arrangements can be made. Students who miss interviews without just cause may be withdrawn from the recruitment cycle.
- Students should dress and act professionally when interviewing for a summer work term position. Business attire is expected.
Offers of Employment
- Offers of employment are generally mediated by the co-op coordinator. This allows students some time to negotiate and consider offers without having to be in contact with employers directly.
- Students generally accept/reject a job offer through the co-op coordinator.
- Students are under no obligation to accept a job offer, but are generally encouraged to do so as there is no guarantee that another offer will be made. In addition, if a student rejects two firm offers without the approval of a co-op coordinator, the student will be required to undertake an independent job search and will not be permitted to apply for further positions posted by the co-op office.
Performance and Evaluation
- Students are evaluated by their employer at least once during the work term. Students are also required to evaluate themselves. Evaluation forms are made available through the Scarborough co-op office.
- After approximately 7 weeks on the job, the Scarborough co-op office will send an email reminder to students and their supervisors about arranging a site visit with the co-op coordinator. The site visit can last from 30 to 45 minutes. The meeting enables the student and the student's supervisor to exchange feedback on the student's performance. It also provides students and supervisors with an opportunity to formally set goals for the second half of the work term. If you do not have a site visit booked by halfway through your work term, you should contact the Scarborough co-op office to arrange one.
- If a student has a problem or concern during the work term, it is his or her responsibility to inform the Scarborough co-op office. Typically, the co-op team will recommend a strategy for the student to resolve the situation. Only in extreme circumstances will a coordinator step in to resolve a conflict.
- Following completion of the work term, students are required to write a brief report about their experience. The report should be submitted to the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources in mid September.
Tips, Advice and Resources
Students are encouraged to prepare well in advance for the application and interview process. This may involve working on résumés and cover letters, and visiting the career centre to attend the various workshops available to students.
Take advantage of the many resources offered by the University of Toronto Career Centre that are available free of charge throughout the school year:
- Résumé and cover letter workshop
- Interview techniques workshop
- Workplace etiquette workshop
- Resume clinics
- Practice interviews
Prior to the first interview, gain as much information about the company as you can. Employers often ask candidates what they know about the company or why they want to work there, so be prepared. Finally, think about your own achievements, experiences, and accomplishments. Be prepared to share personal examples to effectively answer situational/behavioural questions and to support the information in your résumé.
Work Term FAQs
Link to frequently asked questions about the MIRHR work term.
