Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I address my cover letter to?
A number of individuals are involved in each recruitment process so we request that you address your cover letter to: Human Resources Personnel
What is the hiring process?
After a job vacancy closes, resumes are shortlisted based on knowledge, skills and abilities. When a vacancy falls within the collective bargaining unit, first consideration is given to permanent, qualified employees.
Short listed candidates are contacted by telephone and/or email for job related testing. Individuals who meet or exceed the minimum pass score are invited to return for a panel interview. Candidates are contacted for testing approximately one to three weeks after the competition closing date. Further details regarding the Application Process are available.
How can I find out about the status of the position I applied for?
Resumes are usually short listed within two to three weeks after the close of the competition. Candidates who have been short listed are contacted by telephone and/or email. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, only those candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted.
Does the City accept general (unsolicited) resumes and how long do resumes stay on file?
Yes, we accept general (unsolicited) resumes for entry level positions. General resumes are kept on file for a period of three months. It is important to note that all permanent full time, permanent part time and temporary full time vacancies are filled through an advertised opportunity, not through the general files. On a rare occasion, auxiliary, on-call work stems from general resumes that are submitted for entry level work. Please note: resumes submitted to our general files are not redirected to posted, advertised vacancies. You are required to apply with a separate resume to any advertised vacancies that interest you.
What job opportunities are available at the City?
Current job opportunities are listed under Job Opportunities, and posted on our job board beside the Human Resources counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall.
Can I volunteer to work to gain experience?
Volunteer experiences are not offered for work that is currently being done by staff. However, a wide variety of volunteering opportunities exist. Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities Section
I am a student looking for spring and/or summer work. Does the City hire students during this time?
We do have job opportunities in the spring and/or summer that are ideal for students. These positions are listed on our website and posted on our job board beside the Human Resources counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Recruitment for spring/summer work will be visible on our website as early as February. To ensure you are informed of all advertised opportunities, we suggest you frequently visit the job opportunity section of our website.
Do I have to fill out an application form if I have already sent in a resume?
No. In fact, it is our preference to receive electronic resume submissions. However, if you do not have a resume prepared, you may pick up an application form from the Human Resources department located on the 2nd floor of City Hall.
Do I have to take any tests as part of the recruitment process?
The components of each recruitment process vary. However, as a general rule we conduct skill and knowledge based testing. Candidates who are successful in meeting the minimum pass score of knowledge based exams are invited to a panel interview. Personal electronic devices are not allowed in the testing room.
What can I expect during the interview?
We frequently ask behavioural based questions when conducting our interviews. We also allow candidates to bring pen and paper into the interview as well as any prepared notes to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Does the City of Coquitlam require potential candidates to go through a criminal record search?
As part of our recruitment process, all positions in Parks, Recreation and Culture, and various other positions in a number of departments require a satisfactory criminal record search prior to an offer of employment being made. Civilian positions located at the RCMP detachment require an enhanced search prior to an offer of employment being made. When required, criminal record searches are conducted at no-cost to the candidate and are one of several components of the overall recruitment process.
Do employees of the City get preference over outside applicants in a recruitment competition?
In accordance with our Collective Agreements, permanent employees of the City are given first consideration for unionized vacancies. If there are no qualified internal applicants, we will consider applicants external to the City.
Does the City accept resumes for firefighter positions?
We do not accept resumes for the positions of career or auxiliary firefighters. Resumes that are received will be returned. Formal firefighter application forms are available to be downloaded from the City’s website or picked up from the front counter of Human Resources when an active career or auxiliary firefighter recruitment is in progress.