How we can support your job search

During your recruiting term, you have many options available to help you navigate your job search.

Here are some of the recent changes that you should be aware of:

Hiring cycle changes - Starting fall 2025, there are now three (3) hiring cycles each term on the Full-Cycle Service job board. This change, based on feedback from students and employers, means longer hiring cycles, more interview days and more time for rankings (48 hours).
NI rankings increase - You can now submit up to 10 (ten) "Not Interested" rankings per term to help you manage your employment decision-making and ensure you're not matched with a particular job.
New JADA AI-job search tool - Starting fall 2025, all co-op students can use the new AI-based job aggregator and digital assistant (JADA) beta in UWaterloo Portal! JADA is another resource to help you find co-op eligible job opportunities and answer your questions about co-op.
WaterlooWorks search and apply - new and improved user experience for searching and applying to job postings in WaterlooWorks includes the ability to save postings in customized folders, browse jobs in card view, set up to three default résumés and more. Watch the search & apply jumpstart video to learn more.
Supports for inclusivity and belonging - Our dedicated staff with expertise in accessibility, Indigenous relations and equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism (EDI-R) are here to support you. Contact a co-op student experience manager to book a meeting.
WaterlooWorks job boards – The WaterlooWorks Full-Cycle Service job board lists pre-approved co-op jobs that follow our rank-match process. The WaterlooWorks Employer-Student Direct job board also lists pre-approved co-op jobs for both upcoming and future work terms, where you apply directly to employers. Search both WaterlooWorks job boards and external job boards.

Remember, your co-op advisor is your go-to resource to support you throughout your co-op journey. Reach out anytime by sending them a message or booking a conversation through your WaterlooWorks dashboard.

As a co-op student, it is important that you thoroughly review the co-op student roles and responsibilities to understand the expectations of you as a student. We know searching for jobs can be challenging, so there are many options available for you to access while searching for a co-op job. We've outlined many of those supports and options here, organized by the stages of your recruitment experience:

Recruitment experience	Actions and supports
Job search	All job postings on the co-op Full-Cycle Service job board include compensation and benefits information (which may include salary, pay range, a note to discuss during the interview, benefits, and other related information). All job postings on the Full-Cycle Service job board include employment arrangement location (i.e., in-person, remote, or hybrid). In addition to the main Full-Cycle Service job board, check out the Employer-Student Direct job board for jobs in various locations that are pre-approved for co-op credit. While searching for jobs on WaterlooWorks filter by clusters to view job postings by program, skills or interests. Be sure to utilize all job search options including JADA (UWaterloo Portal co-op job search tool), external job boards and your networks.
Applications	Follow the five steps for applying to jobs in WaterlooWorks. Look for opportunities to arrange your own job (AOJ) for co-op credit to increase your odds of securing a job. If you receive an external offer, be sure to withdraw your applications and interviews in WaterlooWorks. Utilize flexible work term options to receive credit for a wider range of work experiences that may not fit standard requirements. Opt-in to the Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate program if you are entering your first work term.
Interviews	Request relief from interviews for one or more of your upcoming interviews if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your interview schedule. Follow the steps if you have an interview conflict that impacts your ability to complete a scheduled interview.
Rank/match	Check your ranking form for any additional information shared by the employer including notes, compensation and job location. Use your allotment of ten (10) “Not Interested” per term to guarantee you will not be matched with a job during the rank/match period.

The Centre for Career Development is available to provide support at any point throughout your co-op journey. Visit CareerHub to learn tips and tricks for job search success. Book an appointment for one-on-one support.

There may be times throughout your co-op journey when you feel that your situation warrants an exception to Co-operative Education regulations. Submitting a petition through Waterloo’s Policy 70 is your opportunity to articulate your experience in writing, which is reviewed by the Co-op Policy 70 committee. Learn more about the co-op petition process.

Questions about your job search or need support?