The Full-Cycle Service (FCS) job board in WaterlooWorks connects co-op students with employers through a structured hiring process managed by Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE). From submitting applications and attending interviews to receiving hiring decisions, you'll complete the entire process on a set schedule.
The FCS process is designed to make co-op recruitment easier to navigate. Key dates for applications, interviews and match results are established in advance, so you'll know what to expect and when to take action throughout the term. All jobs posted on the FCS board are reviewed and approved by CEE staff and are eligible for standard co-op credit.
The term before your next scheduled work term is known as your “recruiting term.” At the beginning of your recruiting term, you’ll gain access to the FCS job board and apply for opportunities until you’ve secured employment, which may be into your next scheduled work term. Check the co-op important dates for the last day to start a standard or flexible work term.
How it works
There are three recruitment cycles followed by a direct offer period each term. During each cycle:
- Jobs are posted on the FCS job board
- Students submit applications
- Employers select candidates for interviews
- Students and employers rank one another
- A matching algorithm pairs students and employers based on their rankings
After the third cycle, jobs move into a direct offer period where the employer will contact you directly for interviews and offers. There is no matching algorithm during this time.
Because the Full-Cycle Service board follows a fixed schedule, you may need to balance these timelines with other job search methods, such as Employer-Student Direct (ESD) or external job opportunities.
If you accept an offer outside of the FCS board, you will need to withdraw your WaterlooWorks applications and interviews before specific deadlines.
Before you begin
The Full-Cycle Service job board is only available to you in your recruiting term before your next work term. Before accessing jobs on the Full-Cycle Service job board, you must:
- Accept the WaterlooWorks terms and conditions.
- Keep your job search intentions up to date throughout the term.
To ensure employers can contact you, submit your interview contact details and work search support form through WaterlooWorks → Submit a Form → Recruiting Term Support → Interview Contact Details and Work Search Support (5014).
Step 1: Search for jobs
Jobs on the Full-Cycle Service job board are always scheduled to begin the following term according to the hiring cycle important dates.
To improve your search experience, learn how to:
- Use the My Program toggle
- Apply pre-built filters
- Search by city or geographic region
- Search using keywords
- Use advanced search filters
- Save and manage job searches
Tip: Keep your search broad. Employers often use different job titles for similar roles, so broader keywords may help uncover more opportunities.
Step 2: Apply for jobs
Once you've found opportunities that interest you, submit your applications directly through the FCS board. Some employers may also require you to apply directly through their system, so ensure you read the job description carefully for application details. You may apply to any jobs posted on the FCS board, up to the application limit for each cycle.
Before applying, review each posting carefully. Applying through the FCS board means you're prepared to attend any interviews you receive, participate in ranking and honour any matches.
Pay particular attention to:
- Work term length
- Job location
- Work arrangement requirements
- Transportation expectations
- Citizenship or eligibility requirements
- Funding-related requirements, including OSAP eligibility when applicable
If you're considering an eight-month job, discuss with your Academic Advisor to determine if your co-op program sequence and academic requirements can accommodate a longer work experience. View your program requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar or Graduate Calendar.
Take time to research employers, review hiring history and work term ratings, and focus your efforts on opportunities you would genuinely be willing to accept.
Step 3: Attend interviews
If an employer selects you for an interview, you are expected to attend. This commitment applies to all interviews, including those marked as confirmed or unconfirmed. FCS interviews are scheduled during the dates listed on important dates for each cycle.
Interviews are typically conducted through one of the following:
- In person in the Tatham Centre (TC)
- Online
- By telephone
If you cannot attend a scheduled interview, review the interview conflict process as soon as possible. If your interview schedule becomes difficult to manage, contact your Co-op Advisor to discuss available options through the interview relief process.
Step 4: Rank and match
After interviews are complete, students and employers complete a ranking form. Employers first indicate which students they are willing to hire and from here, students rank the available jobs by interest. Before submitting rankings, consider each opportunity carefully and think about which jobs best align with your interests, goals and circumstances.
You can submit up to ten (10) "Not Interested" rankings per term to guarantee that you will not be matched with a job and/or prioritize other jobs of interest.
Our matching system compares rankings from both students and employers and generates match results. If you're matched to a job, the co-op rules require you to accept the job and honour your commitment to that employer for the upcoming work term.
Need support?
Questions about your job search, interviews, rankings, matches or employment offers? Your Co-op Advisor can help you understand your options and connect you with recruitment support throughout your job search.