University of Alberta

Frequently Asked Questions

Recruitment at the University of Alberta (U of A) is decentralized, which means that each department is responsible for their own recruitment and hiring processes. Below are some frequently asked questions for individuals interested in applying for positions at the U of A.

What opportunities are available at the U of A?

Available employment opportunities are posted on our website at www.careers.ualberta.ca. You are encouraged to check back regularly as new vacancies are uploaded daily. You can also visit https://www.ualberta.ca/human-resource-services/hiring/interim-staffing-solutions to find out more about Interim Staffing Solutions (ISS), the U of A’s temporary staffing pool.

How do I apply for a job?

Each competition has specific application instructions at the bottom of the posting; please be sure to apply the way that the hiring department has specified to ensure that your application is received.

Application Tips

    If you are applying online, double check the formatting of your resume before you submit it; acceptable formats include Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word 97-2003, Microsoft Word 2007 docx and Rich Text Format.

    Ensure that the size of your document is appropriate; the maximum is 20 MB/file and a total of 80 MB for all files uploaded.

    Be sure to save a copy of the competition number and job posting for reference in the event you are called for an interview.

How do I know if my application was received?

If you have applied online, you will receive an email confirmation, along with the copy of the posting. If you did not receive a confirmation email, send an inquiry to hrs.recruitment@ualberta.ca and state the competition number and they will follow up with you.

I applied on competition # xxxx. How long does it take to receive a response for interview?

Generally it takes 10 business days for a response; however, it may take more or less time depending on the number of applicants and other recruitment circumstances. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

There is no contact information on the posting; who should I address my cover letter to?

We recommend addressing your cover letter to the department that is listed at the top of the posting.

I made a mistake on my application; can I replace my previous application with a new one?

Unfortunately, we are not able to delete or replace any applications in our system at this time. It is recommended that you review your application carefully before submitting and if you do make a mistake, you can apply to the competition again and state in your cover letter that it is a revised application.

I want to move to Canada; do you hire foreign workers?

It depends on the type of position as well as what kind of applicant pool the department receives. For information on moving to Canada visit the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship site or the Government of Alberta’s Work in Alberta site.

What kind of benefits does the U of A offer for employees?

The U of A offers comprehensive benefit packages. Visit https://www.ualberta.ca/faculty-and-staff/employee-benefits for more information.

Can I send in an application to be kept on file and considered for future vacancies?

Since we are decentralized, we do not have the capacity to keep applications on file and match them to vacancies when they occur. We encourage you to check our website on a regular basis as new postings are added daily. You will need to apply to each specific competition separately.