Frequently Asked Questions - Human Resources

All applicants must submit a covering letter, resume, and employment application form (if required). Please click here to determine if an employment application form is required.

Where can I find the employment application form?

The employment application form can be found by clicking here.

Why can't I open the employment application form?

The Employment Application Form is now a fillable PDF. You must open the PDF and download/save to your computer prior to filling out the form. You will not be able to save the information on the form using the web browser view. Please ensure you open the file saved on your computer to fill out the form. Should you still have problems opening the form, you may email humanresources@trentu.ca to request a copy be emailed to you directly.

How do I know if I need to submit an employment application form?

Please click here to determine if you are required to submit an employment application form.

I currently work at Trent as a student employee / contract employee. Why am I not considered internal?

When applying to a regular/recurring OPSEU position, internal applicants are defined as employees currently holding a regular/recurring OPSEU position.

I am an external candidate, can I still apply to an OPSEU regular/recurring position?

In the case of regular/recurring OPSEU positions, the University will consider internal
OPSEU applicants first, in accordance with the OPSEU Collective Agreement, however external applicants are encouraged to apply to any current posting.

What format should I use when sending in my application?

Please send only a covering letter, resume, and employment application form (if required) in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

How do I submit my application?

Those interested in applying are asked to submit a cover letter, resume and application form (if applicable), by email to jobs@trentu.ca (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) by the posted deadline. Please note your full name and the job title in the subject line of your email (i.e. First and Last Name – Job Title). Applications from external candidates will be considered only when accompanied by a completed Application Form.

When are non-academic positions posted?

Non-academic positions may be posted at any time during regular office hours (Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). Job postings are posted on our website anywhere from a minimum of five working days to "until filled". Please visit our website often to view new postings.

Can I apply for a job, even though the closing date has passed?

Late applications will not be considered.

Will you accept a general resume?

General resumes will not be accepted. Applications must pertain to a posted position in order to be considered; due to volume constraints, we do not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply to student positions on campus?

Please visit the Career Centre for information on student employment.

How do I apply to teaching/academic positions?

Please visit the Dean's Office for information on teaching/academic positions.

Can I send my resume to the hiring manager/department directly?

Applications are reviewed by a hiring committee. In order to be considered for a position, you must apply via the method specified on the job posting by the posted deadline only.

Who should I address my cover letter to?

Applications are reviewed by a hiring committee, and therefore do not need to be addressed to a specific person.

How do I know my application has been received?

If you have submitted your application by e-mail (jobs@trentu.ca), you will receive a confirmation e-mail that your application was received. Please note: if you send more than one email in a day, your confirmation email may be delayed. Confirmations are not provided for hand delivered, faxed or mailed resumes.

I applied to a position through email, why didn't I get an automatic response back?

If you send more than one email in a day, your confirmation email may be delayed. Please also ensure you sent your application to the correct email: jobs@trentu.ca. Confirmations are not provided for hand delivered, faxed or mailed resumes.

What qualification requirements are required to work at Trent?

The education, experience, and skill set requirements vary depending on the position. Please refer to the posting for the specific qualification requirements we are looking for.

Why can't I view the posting when I click on the link?

All postings are in .pdf format and will open in a new browser window. Please ensure you have Adobe Reader installed, and your browser will allow pop-up windows.

How do I know when a job has been filled?

The timeline for filling positions varies with each position. We typically fill positions within three to six weeks after a position closes, however some positions may take longer. If the hiring committee is interested in your application, you will be contacted.

Can you give me an overview of the hiring process for non-academic positions?

The following are generalized and brief steps of the hiring process. Some positions may differ from these steps and the timelines for hiring vary with each position:

Job postings are posted on our website anywhere from five working days to "until filled."
When the job posting closes, the hiring committee reviews applications.
Candidates selected for an interview/testing are contacted.
The hiring committee conducts interviews/testing with the selected candidates.
References are checked.
A hiring recommendation is forwarded to Human Resources for approval.
A verbal offer of employment is extended to the successful candidate.
After candidate accepts the verbal offer, Human Resources will prepare a formal letter of offer.
The unsuccessful candidates interviewed are notified of the committee's decision.

When will you be contacting people for interviews?

The timing of the steps involved varies for each competition, as it is dependent on the availability of the hiring committee. We appreciate your interest in working at Trent University, however we are only able to contact those applicants we wish to interview.

How long will you consider my application?

We do not keep unsolicited applications. If you apply for a posted position, your application will be considered for that position for as long as the position is vacant. If you see a position re-posted in the future, you must apply again. You must submit a separate application for each position you are applying to.

Can I call or email the Human Resources Department to see if a position has been filled, and/or check on the status of my application?

We appreciate your interest in working at Trent University, however the Human Resources Department does not provide any information about the status of a job competition to ensure the process is fair for applicants. If the hiring committee is interested in your application, you will be contacted.

I didn't get called for an interview but feel I have what the position is looking for. Can I get feedback on my application?

Only candidates we wish to interview are contacted. Due to volume constraints, we are unable to provide feedback.

I've already sent my resume to Trent; will you use it or refer to it for future competitions?

Due to the volume we receive, we are not able to review prior resume submissions for any future competitions. You must submit an up-to-date covering letter, resume, and employment application (if required) for each individual posting you are interested in. Please ensure you submit your application by the method specified on the job posting by the closing deadline.

Can I make an appointment to meet with a representative of Trent's Human Resources Department to discuss my skills and qualifications for possible future employment?

Due to the volume of recruiting that occurs in the Human Resources Department we are unable to meet individuals for one-on-one consultations. Should more information be required from you, we will contact you directly.