Employers may choose to conduct interviews in a variety of ways, including in-person, virtual, phone, group or off-campus formats. Review the instructions for your interview type carefully so you know what to expect, how to prepare and what actions you need to take before and during your interview.
In-person individual interview at the Tatham Centre
In-person interviews are typically held at the Tatham Centre between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., although some employers may schedule interviews outside these hours. You must attend all in-person interviews that you are scheduled for. If you're selected for an in-person interview while away from campus during the first four months of an eight-month work term or on exchange, our team will contact you with next steps.
The following resources can help if you encounter challenges or have questions throughout the interview process:
- If you have any conflicts that prevent you from attending your in-person interview, please follow the interview conflict process.
- If you are a student with permanent, temporary or suspected disabilities, you may require accommodation throughout the interview process. Contact co-op accessibility for support in determining what kinds of accommodations you might need.
- If you have questions about your interviews, please reach out to your Co-op Advisor.
Instructions for the day of your interview
- Install or update the UWaterloo Portal app and enable push notifications to receive paging alerts.
- Sign in using your userid@uwaterloo.ca email address to access your interview schedule and receive employer pages.
- Arrive to the Tatham Centre (TC) at least 10 minutes before your scheduled interview.
- Change rooms are available on the lower level of TC if needed.
- Wait for your page through the Portal app or overhead screens.
- Once you are paged for your interview, check in by accepting the page in Portal. If you don't check in when paged, your interview may be recorded as missed.
- Proceed to the interview room listed in Portal.
If you have any issues with the Portal app, please check-in at the CEE Hub when your name appears on the overhead screens in the lobby.
In-person group interview at the Tatham Centre
Group interviews are conducted differently from individual interviews. Go directly to your assigned interview room, found on your interview schedule, at least five minutes before the scheduled interview time.
Do not wait for your name to appear on the overhead screens or for a page through the Portal app, as these are not used for group interviews.
Phone or webcam interview
Virtual interviews allow employers to connect with students remotely. Check your interview schedule in WaterlooWorks for details including whether the interview will take place by phone or webcam.
The day before your interview, check WaterlooWorks after 4:30 p.m. to confirm your interview time and instructions.
Types of virtual interviews
Phone interview
The employer will call the phone number listed on your "Interview contact details and work search support" (5014) form. If the interview is via conference call, follow any instructions included in your interview schedule.
Employer-arranged webcam interview
If the employer is arranging the interview webcam, they'll send a meeting link directly to you. Monitor your UWaterloo email and phone in case the employer needs to reach you. If you haven't received instructions by the morning of your interview, contact the CEE Hub at ceehub@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4026.
WaterlooWorks integrated webcam interview
Employers may use the WaterlooWorks integrated webcam feature to conduct your interview. You can join the interview directly through WaterlooWorks without waiting for an external meeting link. Learn how to attend interviews using our WaterlooWorks integrated webcam feature.
"Message Only" interview
A Message Only interview means the employer has chosen to arrange interviews outside the standard WaterlooWorks scheduling process. The employer will contact you directly by email or phone to arrange an interview time and provide instructions. Be sure to monitor your UWaterloo email account, as well as any other contact information included in your application.
Off-campus interviews
When an employer knows in advance that they'll be conducting interviews off campus, they usually include it in the job posting. In other cases, interview details are provided after candidates have been selected. You're expected to attend off-campus interviews in the same way you would any other interview.
If your interview location changes, follow the updated instructions posted in WaterlooWorks. If you need assistance, use the "Send a Message" feature and select Interviews.
If you can't attend an interview scheduled through WaterlooWorks, follow the interview conflict process as soon as possible. For interviews arranged directly by an employer, contact the employer to discuss alternative arrangements.