Co-operative Education Home

Information for students Co-op FAQs Admission requirements Applying for Co-op Co-operative Education Application Form Returning Students Form Information Sessions Student resources Courses Student Evaluation Record Sample job postings Jobs Current job postings

Information for employers Testimonials How it works Post A Job Employer Handbook Employer's Evaluation of Co-op Student

Faculty resources

Success stories

Events

On-campus employment

Alumni Association

Student Handbook

Contact us Team Co-op Profiles Dana Wakabayashi John Blackwell Padma Vipat Raymond Yu

Applying for Co-op

1. Attend the Co-op workshops

   Attendance at both the Resume and Cover Letter Writing Skills and the Interview Skills workshops is a prerequisite for being admitted to the Co-op program. This prerequisite may only be waived by Co-op Coordinator.

   For a schedule of upcoming seminars, see Information sessions

   Following the workshops, if you would like more help with your resume and cover letter or want to practice your interview skills, contact us to make an appointment with one of the placement officers. They will only work with you after you have attended both workshops.

   Students should be prepared for this pre-arranged meeting. Bring a copy of your "best attempt" resume and cover letter, as well as a copy of the posting for the job you are applying for.

   Contact Co-op Education

2. Do the best you can with your resume and include it in your online application

   You will probably want to change your resume after you attend the resume workshop, but for now we need something for your file.

   Email your resume to: co-op@douglascollege.ca

3. Fill out application form

   New Co-op students please fill out the Co-operative Education Application Form.

   If you are a Co-op student and wishing to reapply please fill out the Returning Students Form.

4. Watch the Co-op web site for postings

   Watch the Co-op website for postings you’d like to apply to, and for which you are at least 60-70% qualified. Returning Co-op students may start applying as soon as their application is approved. New Co-op students must attend the mandatory Co-op workshops before they may start applying.

   Jobs are posted online as soon as they are received, on the Job Postings page [link]. This section is password protected; a username and password will be assigned to you once your application is approved.

   Jobs are also posted on Co-op bulletin boards at both campuses:

   New Westminster Campus
   2nd floor outside room 2844
   4th floor outside room 4300, Commerce and Business field base
   4th floor near Student Services field base room 4600
   3rd floor south -Sciences

   David Lam Campus
   1st floor across from room A1070

   To apply for a position from a bulletin board, make a note of the Co-op job number and contact Co-op Education. They will provide you with a copy of the job posting with the employer information on it (only "approved" Co-op students will receive the postings). Postings on the web site contain all the information you need to apply.

   To apply for a position, follow the instructions on the job posting and either email or submit in person at the Co-op office.

   Please note the following:

   • You must submit one cover letter and one resume for each job you apply for, unless the posting indicates otherwise.
   • Cover letters must include the employer's job number IF one is indicated on the posting.
   • Ensure that your cover letter and resume are free of error, otherwise it may not be submitted
   • Sign your cover letter
   • Check the website, bulletin board, or myDouglas often to find out about new jobs. Many jobs are posted with only a week (or less) of lead time

5. Check the website daily

   Check the web site daily for information on new co-op job opportunities. (Please also make sure that we have current email addresses and phone numbers on file for you!)

6. Persistence pays!

   Persistence pays! Successful Co-op students give the job application process as much attention as they would a three-credit course. Be sure to keep checking the Co-op web site, even as midterms and assignments consume more of your spare time. Many students find valuable and rewarding placements only after applying for many jobs during the semester. Students who only start applying at the last minute are rarely successful.

   Don't give up! If you find that you're applying for many jobs but not getting interviews, make an appointment to see a Placement Officer to review your resume and cover letter. Often they are able to make helpful suggestions that will help you present your skills in the most positive way.
   If you have special skills or interests that are not reflected in the posted positions, you may want to conduct your own job search. See a Placement Officer for information and advice before doing this.

Most of all, don't give up!