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Hiring process and tips

Whether you are just starting out or taking your career to the next level, we invite you to join us in making a difference every day at the Grand River Conservation Authority.

This webpage explains our standard hiring process and provides some tips to help you navigate it. 

Note that it is a good idea to print out the job posting when you apply for a position, as it will disappear from our website once the job posting has closed.

Student jobs: Please note applications for our summer student jobs in our conservation areas follow a different process, including the ability to apply online. See the Conservation areas student jobs page for details.

Once you have applied for a job, you will receive an automated confirmation email within 24 hours. Your application will then be reviewed by the hiring supervisor and manager.

  • We will contact only those applicants who are the best match for the advertised position.
  • You will receive an email with interview details, including the date, time and location of the interview.
  • We will let you know at that time if there is a special component to the interview, such as a quiz or a request to bring samples of your work to the interview.

If you require any accommodations, please let us know when confirming your interview. Examples include alternate formats for communication material, technical aids/assistive devices, or interview scheduling that accommodates a religious holiday.

Two or three interviewers will be part of the initial steps. These will include one or two interviewers from the hiring department and one from Human Resources.

To ensure the process is fair and consistent, all candidates are asked the same questions. These will relate directly to the position. There will also be some situational, behavioral and informational questions.

These questions help us ensure the best overall fit for the job and whether the GRCA culture is right for you. Please be aware that interviewers take notes during the interview to help them during the process.

To prepare for your interview, take a look at the position you applied for and be prepared to answer questions based on your skills, qualities, experiences, certifications and professional qualifications. It is a great idea to think of examples from past work experiences that demonstrate a specific skill, ability or quality.

Here are some interview tips that you may find helpful:

  • Be familiar with your resume and how your knowledge, skills and qualities correspond with the job posting.
  • Research our website to find out more about our organization to help you answer and ask relevant questions.
  • The job posting will also help you to predict the questions that we ask.
  • Practice your answers ahead of the interview. Often, practicing out loud is a great idea.
  • Our interviewers look for answers that are clear and concise. It is best not digress too much from the initial question and to be mindful of the time allotted for the interview.
  • Feel free to ask for clarification if you do not understand a question, as this will help you to answer appropriately.
  • Your responses will be used to help us to identify the best candidate for the position.
  • You will have a chance to ask questions at the end of the interview and you may want to prepare these ahead of time.
  • Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly and enthusiastically.
  • During the interview, watch your body language - shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points. Pay attention, be attentive and interested.

After the interview, you may be asked to provide references. We will contact you either way to let you know you of our hiring decision.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email careers@grandriver.ca.

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