Frequently Asked Questions
Section A: Eligibility
- What eligibility criteria must applicants meet when applying for summer jobs in the Ontario Public Service?
- Do I need a Social Insurance Number to be hired?
- I am not currently enrolled in school. Am I still eligible for the Summer Employment Opportunities?
- How old do I have to be to get a summer job in the Ontario Public Service?
Section B: What summer employment opportunities are available this year?
- How many summer student positions are available?
- What kind of positions are available and in which locations?
- Are bilingual (French/English) positions available?
- How much will Summer Employment Opportunities pay?
- What is the duration of these positions?
- Why are the posting periods targeting different audiences? Can I apply to all posting periods?
- I am a High School student and don’t have any work experience. Should I still apply?
- What are the hours of work?
- Are there specific opportunities for Aboriginal youth?
- Where can I get more information about summer jobs in Ontario?
Section C: Job Ads
- When are job ads posted? When will I be able to start working?
- Where are job ads posted?
- Will I be considered for more than 1 position? How many positions can I apply to?
- How can I search for a particular focus area/job ad? How are job ads grouped?
- What is the Job Alert feature and how does it apply to me?
- If I apply to the same job ad multiple times, will all my applications be considered?
- I would like to get a summer job in a specific ministry. Can I send my resume directly to that ministry?
- Who do I contact if I have questions about a specific job ad?
Section D: Application Process
- How do I apply to a job ad?
- How do I apply the rating scale to answer pre-screening questions on the application form?
- Do I have to submit a cover letter and resume in addition to completing the online application?
- How do I select more than one response for the "Field of Study," "Computer Software" and “Ministry Preference” questions?
- Why are there multiple age related questions on the online application form?
- I live in a rural location and do not have access to internet to complete an online submission. What are my options?
Section E: What happens after I submit an application?
- Do I receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application?
- Will I receive a copy of my completed application responses when I submit an online application?
- Can I update my responses on the application that I have submitted?
- Can I follow-up for information on the application I have submitted? When will I hear about the status of my application?
- When will I be contacted for an interview? When will I be able to start working?
- What if I am invited to multiple job interviews for the same or different positions?
- What do I need to know prior to attending an interview?
- Why was I not invited to an interview?
- I have multiple job offers – what do I do?
- Will I receive email notifications from the program during the recruitment process?
- My contact information needs to be updated, who do I contact?
- I'm studying up north, but would like a job in Toronto this summer. Can I be interviewed outside of Toronto?
- What happens if I missed the posting deadline?
Section F: What is the Rehire process?
- If I was rehired in 2012, can I still be rehired for the same position in 2013?
- I have been contacted for a rehire opportunity. Do I still need to submit an online application for that position?
- How will I know if I will be rehired next summer?
- My Manager offered me a rehire position for next summer – do I have to accept?
- I have a rehire job offer. Can I still apply to other jobs?
Section G: Relocation and Training
- Do I have to make my own housing arrangements?
- Will I be compensated for relocating?
- What sort of training will I receive?
Section H: General Contact
- Who do I contact if I have questions?
Section A: Eligibility
- 1) What eligibility criteria must applicants meet when applying for summer jobs in the Ontario Public Service?
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria to be considered. Students are required to indicate their student status and age range in the online application form:
- • Student Status: All summer jobs require a "student" status. A student is defined as someone enrolled in a secondary, or post-secondary institution (currently or for the fall semester) or is within six months of graduation, e.g. if a student graduated in Dec. 2012, they could apply for a summer student position in the Ontario Public Service up until June 2013.
• Age: All summer jobs require a minimum age of 15 years old on the first day of employment. Due to program requirements some jobs require students to be 15 to 24 years old (or 15-29 for a person with a disability). Age restriction details will be provided on the job ad.
• Residency: Student must be a resident of Ontario (e.g. be residing in Ontario on the first day of employment).
• Ability to work in Canada: Student must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- 2) Do I need a Social Insurance Number to be hired?
Yes. Students that do not have a Social Insurance Number should apply for one at their local Service Canada Centre.
Click here to access the Service Canada Centre.
3) I am not currently enrolled in school. Am I still eligible for the Summer Employment Opportunities?
Students must be enrolled (currently or for the fall semester) or have graduated from an accredited secondary (high school) or post-secondary (university or college) institution in the last six months. For example, if a student graduated in December 2012, could apply for an OPS summer student position up until June 2013.
4) How old do I have to be to get a summer job in the Ontario Public Service?
The minimum age to work as a summer student in the Ontario Public Service is 15; however some positions have specific age requirements due to the nature of the work (or as a requirement of the program). Students are encouraged to apply for all job ads that are of interest to them unless there is a specific age requirement clearly stated on the job ad that they do not qualify for.
Section B: What summer employment opportunities are available this year?
- 1) How many summer student positions are available?
Several thousand students are hired annually in a variety of summer positions across the Ontario Public Service, its related agencies and community groups. These positions range from 7 – 16 weeks, with positions starting as early as May through to July.
2) What kind of positions are available and in which locations?
There are a variety of jobs available, including but not limited to: general office work in the areas of Research, Office Administration, Customer Service, Business and Finance, Project and Communications, Human Resources, Policy and Program, and Information Technology.
More specialized jobs in the areas of: Tourism, Geology, Agriculture Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Ontario Parks.
Job Ads in 2012 included many locations in Ontario. The exact location and job combination that will be available for 2013 will not be known until early February when the first set of job ads are advertised. However, a list of some of the job types is available for review.
See the ‘Key Resources’ section for a job type list.
3) Are bilingual (French/English) positions available?
Yes, some positions are bilingual. This information is provided on the job ad. Bilingual ads will appear in French on the French Ontario Public Service Careers website. Students that have French language skills (oral and/or written) are encouraged to include this information in their online application.
Click here to visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website
4) How much will Summer Employment Opportunities pay?
The wage for the summer student positions is either $ 10.25 or $11.10 per hour. The pay rate is aligned with the complexity of work, skills/knowledge and the level of supervision required for the job. Some job ads may display a pay range; managers will confirm the exact pay rate during the interview stage. These pay rates are determined by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Collective Agreement and cannot be modified.
5) What is the duration of the positions?
Jobs can range between 7-16 weeks depending on the position and posting period. Position start dates may differ, with positions starting as early as May or as late as July. Managers will inform students directly of the specific start dates and work term durations during the interview stage.
Posting period 1: positions range from 10-16 weeks
Posting period 2: positions range from 7-16 weeks
Posting period 3: positions range from 7-9 weeks
See question 6 below for additional details.
6) Why are the posting periods targeting different audiences? Can I apply to all posting periods?
Career development opportunities require students to work for a longer duration. These positions target post-secondary students and range between 10-16 weeks. They will be advertised during the 1st and 2nd posting periods.
High school student positions are shorter in length and range between 7-9 weeks, which aligns with high school summer break. These positions will be advertised during both the 2nd and 3rd posting periods.
Posting period 1: Post-Secondary students
Posting period 2: Post-Secondary and High School students
Posting period 3: High school students
Students should apply only to the relevant posting period(s) based on their level of education.
See the ‘Key Dates’ section for more details.
7) I am a High School student and don’t have any work experience. Should I still apply?
Yes. Some summer student positions are targeted for students with limited or no work experience. These positions are designed to develop students’ skills and enable them to gain work experience. Positions will be posted in the 3rd posting period (March 29th – April 12th).
8) What are the hours of work?
Summer student jobs are full time positions. Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, for a total of 36.25 hours a week. Some positions also offer shift work, evening work and weekend work – review the Job Ad for these details.
9) Are there specific opportunities for Aboriginal youth?
The Ontario Public Service values a diverse workforce and is always looking for bright, talented people from a diverse array of backgrounds.
The Aboriginal Youth Work Exchange Program is managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Government Services. It provides summer employment for Aboriginal youth aged 15 to 24 (15-29 years of age for a person with a disability).
Click here to visit the Aboriginal Youth Work Exchange Program website.
Also, the First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program is a two-year program providing Aboriginal youth aged 16-18 (some exceptions may be negotiated through First Nations communities) from First Nations communities in Northern Ontario the opportunity to work on forestry projects, receive workplace training and take personal development workshops.
Click here to visit the First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program website.
10) Where can I get more information about summer jobs in Ontario?
The Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities has information on Youth and Student employment opportunities in Ontario.
Visit the youth and student employment opportunities in Ontario for more information or call Employment Ontario at 1-800-387-5656.
To find information on other student programs, please see the “What are the Ontario Public Service - Summer Employment Opportunities” section.
Section C: Job Ads
- 1) When are job ads posted? When will I be able to start working?
In 2013, the Ontario Public Service summer student positions will be posted across 3 distinct, 15 day posting periods. Position start dates may differ with positions starting as early as May or as late as July. Managers will inform students directly of the specific start date during the interview stage.
Posting Period 1: February 15th – March 1st, 2013
Target Audience: Post-Secondary students
Posting Period 2: March 8th - March 22nd, 2013
Target Audience: Post-Secondary and High School students
Some positions posted during this period will include Provincial Park positions and Travel Information Centre positions.
Posting Period 3: March 29th – April 12th, 2013
Target Audience: High School students
2) Where are job ads posted?
Job ads will be posted during 3 distinct, 15 day posting periods in 2013 on the Ontario Public Service Careers website. The ads will be accessible through the “Search” feature on the main page of the site. Applicants can search for positions starting with “Student Summer Employment Opportunities” under the “Job Category” section. This category will only appear in the list when there are active summer student job ads.
Click here to visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website
3) Will I be considered for more than 1 position? How many positions can I apply to?
Yes, students can apply to as many job ads within a specific posting period as they are interested in and feel are relevant to their skills and education level. Please note that job ads consist of a single job type within a specific region and may represent multiple positions, ministries and cities (e.g. 10 positions available for an Office Assistant job type in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Government Services in the Northern region). Applicants are asked to indicate which location city or ministry they are interested in on the application form.
Students will be able to view the job ad and most of the pre-screening questions before selecting “Apply Online”. If interested in a particular job ad select “Apply Online” to complete the mandatory questions to submit an application. The responses to these questions are used to:
- Obtain contact information for interview follow-up;
- Determine eligibility for the positions e.g. student status, age range, Ontario residency etc.
- Determine the candidate preference for location and ministry when multiple positions are included on the same ad;
- Determine the level of skills, knowledge and/or experience for some aspects of the positions;
4) How can I search for a particular focus area/job ad? How are job ads grouped?
Job ads are accessible using the “Search” function on the main page of the Ontario Public Service Careers website. Applicants can search for positions starting with “Student Summer Employment Opportunities” under the “Job Category” section. You can further filter your search by selecting a particular city or region. This category will only appear in the list when there are active summer student job ads.
Please note job ads consist of a single job type within a specific region and may represent multiple positions, ministries and cities (e.g. 10 positions available for an Office Assistant job type in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Government Services in the Northern region). You will be able to indicate on the application form which location city or ministry you are interested in.
Click here to visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website
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5) What is the Job Alert feature and how does it apply to me?
Subscribing to the job alert feature will enable you to receive email notifications when employment opportunities in the Ontario Public Service that meet your criteria and are posted on the Ontario Public Service Careers website. The email notifications will include a specific URL to the job ad that matches your alert criteria; identifying the job title, salary rate, closing date and location.
To receive notifications for student summer employment opportunities visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website, Job Alert Subscription page and set up your alert criteria by selecting “Student Summer Employment Opportunities” in the job category section. Please note that the feature for “Student Summer Employment Opportunities” category will only be available starting February 15, 2013 with the last posting closing on April 12, 2013.
Click here to visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website, Job Alert Subscription page
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6) If I apply to the same job ad multiple times, will all my applications be considered?
No, only the last application submitted on the job ad will be considered. All duplicate applications will be removed. Students should review their application prior to submitting.
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7) I would like to get a summer job in a specific ministry - can I submit a paper resume/cover letter directly to that ministry/hiring manager?
No, students are required to apply to positions on-line through the Ontario Public Service Careers website and should not send resumes directly to a ministry or manager. All summer employment positions across the province in various ministries will be posted on the Ontario Public Service Careers website.
If you require accommodation (e.g. due to a disability) to complete your application, please contact the Summer Employment Opportunities team at seo@ontario.ca
Click here to visit the Ontario Public Service Careers website
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8) Who do I contact if I have questions about a specific job ad?
If your question has not been answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section then please contact the Summer Employment Opportunities team at seo@ontario.ca
Section D: Application Process
- 1) How do I apply to a job ad?
Submit your application by previewing the job ad you're interested in and clicking on the “Apply Online” button located on the job ad. You will then be required to complete your contact information, followed by a number of pre-screening questions. All questions are mandatory, ensure to select an answer option or you will not be able to submit your application. Please review the Summer Employment Opportunities rating scale prior to answering these questions.
Refer to the detailed Student Application guide for step by step instructions on applying to a job ad, including the Rating Scale description section, available in the “Key Resources” section.
2) How do I apply the rating scale to answer the pre-screening questions on the application form?
Students are required to answer rating scale questions on the job ads using a four point scale. All students are encouraged to review the rating scale description summary prior to completing an application. Student responses for the rating scale questions should be based on the actual level of knowledge and/or experience they have.
Refer to the Rating Scale description summary in the Student Application Guide available in the “Key Resources” section.
3) Do I have to submit a cover letter and resume in addition to completing the online application?
No, students are not required to submit a cover letter or resume in addition to the online application.
The application form provides students with multiple open text boxes in which they can describe their interests, knowledge, skills and experience that may be relevant to the job ad.
4) How do I select more than one response for the "Field of Study," "Computer Software" experience and “Ministry Preference” questions?
You can multi-select your responses for all 3 of these questions by holding down the CONTROL KEY and simultaneously clicking on your answer options.
- You can select up to 3 options for the Field of Study question
- You can select unlimited options for the Computer Software experience question
- You can select up to 3 options for the Ministry Preference question including the option to select “No Preference,” which will automatically consider your application across all ministries listed on that job ad
5) Why are there multiple age related questions on the online application form?
Students must be a minimum of 15 years of age to apply to summer student positions within the Ontario Public Service. The following questions and explanations are provided below:
- Are you 15 years of age or older: determines if students meet the minimum age requirement for summer student employment.
- Are you 15-24 years of age (or 15-29 years for persons with a disability): Due to program funding requirements, some positions require students between the ages of 15-24 or 15-29 for persons with a disability.
- Are you at least 18 years of age: Some positions also require candidates to be a minimum of 18 years of age due to the nature of the work. This question determines if students meet the minimum age requirement for these specific positions.
6) I live in a rural location and do not have access to internet to complete an online submission. What are my options?
Student applicants are encouraged to use the facilities provided at local libraries, Employment Ontario offices, Native Friendship Centres etc. to complete their online submissions.
Section E: What happens after I submit an application?
- 1) Do I receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation email if you have successfully submitted your application. Please note that the confirmation email will be sent to the address provided in the “Personal Information” section of the application form. The confirmation email will include the job ad number and title. Students are encouraged to retain a copy of this email for reference.
2) Will I receive a copy of my completed application responses when I submit an online application?
No, you will only receive a confirmation email to the email address you provided on the application form with confirmation of submission. This is an auto-generated email sent directly from the system.
If you want to retain a copy of your application responses then please copy and save your information prior to submitting.
3) Can I update my responses on the application that I have submitted?
No, once an application form has been submitted, students are not able to make any additional edits. Similarly, the Summer Employment Opportunities team cannot modify any submitted responses on behalf of the students either. Please make sure to verify all the information on the application form prior to submitting.
4) Can I follow-up for information on the application I have submitted? When will I hear about the status of my application?
After applying, Managers will be reviewing the pre-screening questions and answers and only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. If a student is selected for an interview, they will hear directly from the hiring manager within 6-8 weeks of the close of the job ad (e.g. if the job ad closes on March 1 – managers may start contacting applicants by April 12). Depending on the Manager, this time frame may vary. Once applications have been distributed the Summer Employment Opportunities team will not be able to provide you an update on the status of your application.
5) When will I be contacted for an interview? When will I be able to start working?
Students will be contacted by managers approximately 6-8 weeks following the closing of the job ad. Depending on job ad posting date and the length of the opportunity, jobs may start as early as the beginning of May, or as late as July.
Please note, that due to the high volume of applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by phone and/or email directly by the hiring manager. Please ensure you ask all relevant questions when contacted by the Manager such as:
- Ministry and department they are calling from
- Position you are being considered for
- Interview location address
- Interview date and time
NOTE: The Summer Employment Opportunities team does not have this information.
- 6) What if I am invited to multiple job interviews for the same or different positions?
Student applications may be matched to multiple positions therefore may be contacted by multiple managers for an interview. Students are free to accept multiple interview invitations. Students are encouraged to be transparent and notify managers if they are interviewing for multiple job positions.
7) What do I need to know prior to attending an interview?
Students are advised to follow basic etiquette that would apply to attending any job interview.
- Make sure to collect all relevant information you need to know to attend the interview: Location address, date/time, which position/ministry etc.
- Prepare for the interview: conduct research on the ministry/branch/program. See the “Key Resources” section for useful links
- Make sure to arrive on time and be dressed appropriately. There is no dress code, but business-attire is usually considered appropriate for a job interview
- Interviews in the Ontario Public Service are normally conducted in a formal panel setting and may have more than one interviewer
- Make sure to highlight your individual skills and experience and think about why you are the best person for the job
- Ask questions!
If you are unable to attend the interview or need to reschedule, please make sure to contact the hiring manager at least 24 hours in advance.
8) Why was I not invited to an interview?
Only those candidates that qualify based on the Summer Employment Opportunities eligibility criteria and meet the position requirements described in the job ad are selected by the managers for an interview. Managers are responsible to review and select applicants based on their responses on the application form as they align to Managers business needs.
9) I have multiple job offers – what do I do?
Students can decide whether to accept or decline a specific job offer by making a decision for a position that best meets their needs/interests.
Please notify managers in a timely manner if you choose to decline an offer.
- 10) Will I receive email notifications from the program during the recruitment process?
Please ensure you check your Junk and/or Spam Mail Folders throughout the recruitment process to make sure that emails have not mistakenly been stored there. Failure to check may result in you being excluded from advanced stages of the competition if hiring Managers cannot reach you. It is your responsibility to keep your contact information (phone number and email) up-to-date throughout the recruitment process.
11) My contact information has changed since submitting my application. Who do I contact?
It is your responsibility to keep your contact information up-to-date throughout the recruitment process. If your direct contact information (phone number and/or email address) has changed within 3 weeks after the close of the job ad, then please contact the Summer Employment Opportunities team at SEO@ontario.ca indicating the new information at which you can be contacted. Once applicant lists are distributed to Managers we are unable to update contact information.
You are not required to provide an update if there has been a change in your work experience/education since submitting your application. You can provide this information to the hiring Manager during the interview stage if you are selected for an interview.
12) I'm studying up north, but would like a job in Toronto this summer. Can I be interviewed outside of Toronto?
Alternate interview arrangements are decided by the Manager on a per position basis. Candidates should request an alternate arrangement once they have been contacted for an interview by the hiring manager. If a student applies for a summer employment opportunity in a location where they do not currently reside, it is understood that the student is willing to travel to the location for an interview.
13) What happens if I missed the posting deadline?
Job ads will be posted during the three posting periods (February 15 to March 1, March 8 to March 22 and March 29 to April 12, 2013) on the Ontario Public Service Careers website. If you miss the deadline in 2013, you can apply in the following year, provided you continue to meet the program eligibility criteria.
Section F: What is the Rehire process?
- 1) If I was rehired in 2012, can I still be rehired for the same position in 2013?
Students can be rehired to work in the same position over two summers and up to four summers for Provincial Park positions. If you were a rehire in 2012 (excluding Provincial Park positions) you will not be eligible to be hired back into the same position in 2013.
You can however apply to any other summer positions posted on the Ontario Public Service Careers website for 2013.
2) I have been contacted for a rehire opportunity. Do I still need to submit an online application for that position?
No, there will be no rehire job postings for 2013. Managers will contact students directly starting in December 2012 to confirm their eligibility and interest in returning to the same position in 2013. This initial communication is to assess student interest and eligibility only. Rehire job offers will be extended and confirmed by Managers between February and March, 2013.
3) How will I know if I will be rehired next summer?
Managers will contact students beginning December 2012 to confirm student interest and eligibility in returning to the same position. Rehire job offers will be extended and confirmed by Managers between February and March, 2013.
4) My Manager offered me a rehire position for next summer – do I have to accept?
No. Students can decide whether to accept or decline the rehire job offer if it does not meet their needs/interests.
5) I have a rehire job offer. Can I still apply to other jobs?
Yes. Students can apply to as many job ads as they are interested in and feel are relevant to their skills and education level.
Section G: Relocation and Training
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1) Do I have to make my own housing arrangements?
Yes, successful applicants are responsible for their own housing arrangements unless specified in the Job Ad.
2) Will I be compensated for relocating?
The Summer Employment Opportunities program does not provide reimbursement of relocation costs. Students should only apply to positions where they are confident they will find accommodations.
3) What sort of training will I receive?
Training will depend on the position. Whether students are interested in learning business skills, working in a lab or working outdoors, there is something for everyone.
Section H: General Contact
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1) Who do I contact if I have questions?
If students still have questions after reviewing the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ regarding Summer Employment Opportunity positions in the Ontario Public Service, use the email SEO@ontario.ca to submit a question.
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