Recruitment process and tips

We focus on attracting and retaining qualified people to deliver our many services. Positions may become available due to a vacancy which could be a result of a new position approved in the budget, a reallocation of an existing job, or a need for a replacement. Below is a breakdown of our recruitment process and some tips to help you best prepare for applying to the City of Guelph.

Our recruitment process has 8 steps

Job vacancy: How do jobs become available?

  • Replacement: vacancy due to incumbent no longer being in the position
  • New budget approval: new position approved based on need
  • Reallocation: funding for position re-allocated to create another position based on requirements

Job posting: What is listed on a job posting?

  • Information about the City of Guelph and a general description of the job
  • Hours of work / length of assignment
  • Job duties
  • Qualifications
  • Salary / rate of pay
  • How to apply and application deadline

Application process: Instructions on completing online application

Important:
  1. You must always upload your resume and cover letter as ONE document. You cannot upload them separately.
  2. Your resume is stored within ICIMS. If you are applying for a different position and would like to submit a new resume/cover letter please click on the “replace” button when uploading your application.
  3. If you are experiencing technical issues please contacts ICIMS support at 1-800-889-4422 option 1.

New applicants (Creating a profile and applying for a job)

  1. Click “Apply for this position” at the bottom of posting
  2. Will be redirected to ICIMS application system
  3. Click “Apply for this job online”
  4. Upload document (cover letter and resume must be uploaded as ONE document) and submit
  5. Fill in fields on the “create a profile” screen and submit
  6. Please fill out additional information about yourself where applicable and submit
  7. Complete job questionnaire
  8. You should see a message at the top of the next screen that reads “Your application was submitted successfully”
  9. You should also receive two emails: one thanking you for starting your application and one for submitting your application
  10. If you do not receive this confirmation please contact [email protected]

Returning applicants

  1. Click “Apply for this position” at the bottom of posting
  2. On top right of screen click “Log back in!”
  3. You can update your resume and cover letter by selecting “replace”. Resume and cover letter must be uploaded as ONE document
  4. Include any new information that is relevant to the job
  5. Click “update profile”
  6. Complete job questionnaire
  7. You should see a message at the top of the next screen that reads “Your application was submitted successfully”
  8. You should also receive two emails: one thanking you for starting your application and one for submitting your application
  9. If you do not receive this confirmation please contact [email protected]

Screening: How are applications screened?

  • Screening is based on the skills, requirements and qualifications specified on the job posting.
  • If applying for a position through CorporateWorks, the questionnaire is used as a key screening tool to determine whether applicants meet the requirements and skills of the job.
  • Only candidates that are shortlisted in the screening process will be contacted for an interview.

Interview: What can I expect at the interview?

  • The City of Guelph holds interviews in many different locations across our City. It is a good idea to try to visit the location (a test run) before your interview day if you are not familiar with the interview location.
  • There will be a reference form to complete prior to the actual interview. Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the interview, so you will have time to complete this.
  • If accommodation is required, please let us know at the time that the interview is being scheduled, so we can make this a successful experience.
  • It is common practice to have two or three City of Guelph staff present as a part of the interview process. This is called a panel interview. The interviews are very formal in nature, and quite structured in terms of the process.
  • Interview is usually between 45 minutes to an hour, but may be longer or shorter depending on position.
  • Questions are based on experience, knowledge and skills (competencies) required for the position.
  • Second interview is common for intermediate to senior positions

Interview etiquette and suggestions

  • Please listen carefully to the introductions given at the beginning, as these are guidelines as to how the interview will be structured.
  • If you are unclear to what the question is asking, please ask the panelist to repeat the question.
  • When asked behavioural questions, please focus on answering what has been asked and staying on track. If the panel wants more information from you they will let you know.
  • We will be writing down your answers so please try to cover off as much information as you can because we can only assess you on what you tell us during the interview.
  • You will have an opportunity at the end of the interview to ask any questions you may have about the position and/or the recruitment process.

Testing: What types of testing can I expect?

There are a variety of tests that the City of Guelph administers. As part of the recruitment process, it may be requirement to complete one or more of the tests below:

  • Aptitude tests
  • Technical tests
  • Presentations
  • Prior work assessments
  • Computer skills assessments
  • Personality assessments

Referencing: How is referencing done?

  • Reference Consent Form: Candidates will be asked to sign off on an authorization to check references upon arrival for the interview. The form requires a signature acknowledging understanding of the contents and consequences of making a false statement.
  • Candidates are to provide 3 work related references with at least 2 of them being current or previous supervisors, managers or other individuals that they may have reported to. If you have any issues with these requirements, we ask that you inform the HR Assistant or Staffing Specialist.
  • References are only contacted if the candidate was successful in the interview stage.
  • Candidates are informed prior to having their references contacted.

Job offer / notification if not successful: How do I know if I am successful or not?

  • The successful candidate will be notified by phone and the staffing specialist with go through the terms and conditions of the offer.
  • Candidates that are not successful in the process will be notified via email. Note: Only candidates that received an interview will be informed if they were not successful.