Applying through company websites

Some co-op employers, such as RIM, ask students to complete online application forms and submit résumés through the company’s website. Please consider the following points when submitting your co-op application directly to a company’s website.

Application Forms

Give yourself lots of time, and make sure you have all the information you need. It may take 30 to 45 minutes to complete the online application, and sometimes you are required to complete it at one sitting.
Answer all the online screening questions.
Ensure you use correct grammar when answering questions.

Cover Letters

Create a simple cover letter than can be copied and pasted into the online application if requested.
Indicate in which co-op work term you are available.
When possible, tailor the cover letter to the position, and remember to change the job title and company name for each letter.
Make sure you check the spelling and grammar in letters and in any accompanying e-mail correspondence.

Résumés

When submitting an online résumé, you may not have much control over the way it looks. Always take a print copy of your résumé to interviews.

Résumé Content:

Put the most important information first. Some search engines only check the the top half of the first page.
Be sure to mention the key skills and qualifications listed in the job description. The database may be searched for those résumés that contain the required key words, such as "organization," "teamwork," "Excel " or "project management."

Résumé Format:

Avoid symbols, graphics and tables.
Email your résumé to yourself to see how it appears online.
Have someone review your résumé for spelling and grammar.

Record of Marks

Co-op students are required to use the grades that appear on Navigator.
You may need to copy the grades and paste them into the same document as your resume and cover letter. Check that the columns line up properly before posting the document online.
Follow this link for more information about your record of marks.