How to apply

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Important

All job applications for opportunities at the Rideau Canal must be submitted through GC Jobs

Create your account

  1. Create your profile at GC Jobs.
  2. Set up alerts. (When a job match comes up, you will get an email.)
  3. Log in to your account and apply.

When you apply through the site:

  • You can find information about skills to include in your cover letter.
  • You don’t need to keep copies of your resume. They are saved in the system and can be updated as needed.
  • You can check the status of your application at any time.

Tips for applicants

General

  • Check the “Who can apply” section to be sure you can apply.
  • When applying online there are often a number of streams of positions. We ask that you only check the ones you feel you would be interested in or for which you are qualified.  Unless you are a photographer currently completing an Engineering degree that has experience in interpretation and landscaping, don’t apply for all three. If you are, check all the boxes, we can’t wait to interview you.
  • If there is a questionnaire on the poster, provide answers to the questions in your cover letter.
  • The way you write is often evaluated. Make sure you use proper spelling and grammar.
  • Resumes are only used to validate the education and experience you describe in your cover letter.
  • Normally we give specific location information for the position. Google it and be honest to yourself about if you want to commute to that area.  Being sincere and honest about your ability will not limit you for future vacancies in different locations.
  • Check the email account used in your application, and check it often. Sometimes you will only be given a day or two to reply. 

Cover letters:

  • It is a good idea to have someone read over your cover letter and resume before you send it.
  • Make your cover letter specific to the job. There are probably 50 or 100 other people who want the job. Standing out from the crowd doesn't take much time, and can make a huge difference. 
  • The best way to set up your cover letter is to copy the education and experience criteria and use them as headings in your cover letter.
  • Write about every experience listed on the poster.
  • Explain how your skills match what the heading is asking for. Use real examples and provide details.
  • Specify how long ago you did the work and the number or years that you did it.
  • If the poster uses the words “significant” or “recent,” make sure you read how long they are asking for and how far back you can provide examples from.
  • If you leave out anything they are looking for (i.e. education or experience), you may not be called for an interview.
  • Give your resume and cover letters appropriate titles. "Human Resources Resume Parks" is good. "Resume - okay copy for boring jobs" isn't as good. 
  • Don't use the wrong company name. We're not hiring for McDonald's, so you shouldn't address your resume to McDonald's. Copy and paste is great, except when it causes simple errors like this.
  • Make sure you're using an email address that is appropriate for work. Don't use one that is better suited for a dating or gaming profile. 
  • If you get an email asking for information, read it and respond to all the questions. All the questions, not just one of them. With detail, if necessary. We discarded applications that didn't reply to the questions we'd asked.
  • Reply and email on your own behalf. We received a lot of requests from parents. Some of the requests were superbly written, and I'd happily hire the parents. If you're applying, make sure it's your name on the email.
  • When submitting any documents (resume or staffing) the preferred document type is a PDF.  Pictures of documents, one drive documents etc., do not transmit easily and unclear documents may cause a delay in hiring or removal of your application.
  • Title your email. Write some text to describe what you are responding to or interested in. Don't send a blank email with a resume attached. We discarded applications sent without the basics and we are often running multiple processes and do not want to misplace your information.

Interviews:

  • Show up on time if invited for an interview. How you interview gives us an idea of how you'll work.
  • Bring all the documents we asked you to bring. Arriving prepared, and following instructions, tells us that you’ll do the same at work.
  • Dress appropriately. What is appropriate attire for an interview? It depends on the job, but "business casual" is generally sufficient.
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