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Applicant Help

FAQs

Your AHS application

On these pages, you’ll learn what to expect when you choose to start or grow your career with Alberta Health Services.

Explore an overview of our hiring process, application tips, and interview advice, or browse the frequently asked questions.

If you don’t see your question here, contact our Careers team and we’ll be happy to help.

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Hiring Process

Ready to apply for a new career or want to know how we hire? See an overview of the steps in the hiring process.

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Application Tips

Found the right opening? Our application tips provide best practices for resumes, cover letters, and references.

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Interview Advice

Booked your job interview? Our interview tips includes response strategies, common questions, and pre-interview preparation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Job Search

Q1: How often are new jobs posted?

A1: New jobs are posted as vacancies become available. Please check our online job board frequently.

Q2: How can I narrow down my job search?

A2: Search by job title, keyword or requisition number. Alternatively, you can narrow down your search by location or job category.

Q3: There are no jobs in the location I chose, now what?

A3: You may consider adjusting the search radius (km), or selecting a job category, to view positions nearby your preferred location.

Q4: Do you offer relocation assistance?

A4: Relocation assistance may be offered in unique circumstances. This is at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Posting Info

Q1: Why do employees need a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search?

A1: Only those who will be working with vulnerable sectors will require a Vulnerable Sector Search.

AHS has a legal responsibility to ensure that every person who works for AHS providing care or support services to patients/clients provides a criminal record check as indicated in the Alberta Protection for Persons in Care Act (PPCA). Additionally, all employees are required to provide a criminal record check per the AHS Security Screening Procedure #1161.

You can apply for a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search at your local law enforcement office.

Security checks must be specific to the role at AHS and must be dated no more than 90 days prior to the date on your written offer from AHS. Additional information can be obtained from the hiring manager during the interview process or by visiting our Hiring Process page.

Q2: What does FTE mean?

A2: FTE stands for full time equivalent. FTE defines the number of hours as a percentage of a full-time job.

For example:

  • Full-time position (1.00 FTE) works 77.5 hours bi-weekly
  • Part-time position (0.50 FTE) works 38.75 hours bi-weekly
  • Part-time/casual position (0.25 FTE) may work 19.37 hours bi-weekly

Q3: What do "length of shift in weeks" and "shifts per cycle" mean on a job posting

A3: The “Length of Shift in Weeks” refers to how many weeks it takes to complete a shift cycle.

The “Shifts per cycle” refers to how many shifts you will work during that cycle.

For example:

  • Hours per Shift: 7.75
  • Length of Shift in weeks: 5
  • Shifts per cycle: 15
  • Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends
  • Days Off: As Per Rotation

This means that you would work 7.75 hours per shift, and that you would work 15 shifts within a 5 week cycle, scheduled on days, evenings, nights and weekends, with days off as per rotation.

To calculate the hours of work per week, simply use the following formula:

7.75 Hours per Shift x 15 Shifts per Cycle ÷ 5 Length of Shift Cycle = 23.25 Hours per Week

Q4: What is BLS-HCP Training?

A4: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) training is required for specific positions in AHS. An annual renewal program is offered to all employees who work in positions with this requirement. To participate in the AHS renewal program, your BLS certification must be provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Learn more about BLS HCP courses and find training locations on the Heart and Stroke Foundation website.

Q5: What are the health care regulations or licenses in Alberta?

A5: The province of Alberta regulates a number of health professions. If you are a healthcare professional wanting to work in our province, you need to be licensed or registered with the Alberta regulatory college or licensing body for your profession. A complete list of colleges and associations is available from Alberta Health.

Applying Online

Q1: How can I submit my resume?

A1: All of our employment opportunities are posted on our online job board. You can easily create your Candidate Profile and apply to each position that matches your skills and interests. Resumes should be sent through our online application system and will be reviewed by the hiring manager for the current position. Resumes submitted through the Careers Inbox will not be considered or kept on file for future positions.

If you are an AHS employee, please apply through e-People (Self Service > Recruitment Activities > Job Opportunities) to view all postings including internal-only, be identified as an AHS employee and, if applicable, have your seniority recognized.

Q2: How do I apply for a job?

A2: Once you've found a position that you are qualified for on our online job board, simply click Apply and complete the application process. If it’s your first time applying with AHS you will be asked to create your Candidate Profile.

Your Candidate Profile is an online resume used to apply for AHS career opportunities. Once created, all you have to do is maintain and update your profile. Please review our detailed Reference Guide or quick guides on Creating your Candidate Profile and Applying for a Job Opportunity

Q3: What if I miss the application deadline?

A3: Late applications are not accepted. Please check our online job board regularly and promptly submit your application before 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time (MT) on the posting close date.

Please note: If you have any questions contact our Careers team, and if you’re experiencing technical difficulties our Technical Support team, during regular business hours Monday-Friday prior to the posting close date.

Q4: Can I use the same application for multiple job postings?

A4: No, you must apply to each job posting separately.

Q5: What if I don’t have a resume?

A5: We encourage everyone to attach a resume. However, we do accept applications without them! Just make sure to provide a summary of your work experience when applying. Alternatively, there are a variety of free websites which can assist you in creating a resume, such as the Government of Alberta's alis – Careers, Learning, and Employment or the Government of Canada's Resume Builder.

Q6: Is a cover letter required?

A6: A cover letter is optional; however, it is encouraged that you include a cover letter that complements and supports your resume for each job application.

Q7: What is an eSignature?

A7: When you are finishing your online application you will be asked to provide an eSignature. An eSignature is your certification that the information stated in the application is true and complete. You are acknowledging that you understand any false statements may be grounds for termination of employment in the future. Completing this step is the electronic equivalent of a hand-written signature.

Q8: Will my privacy be protected when I submit my application?

A8: AHS values and safeguards each person's right to privacy. AHS will not collect, use or disclose personal or health information in any manner that is not in keeping with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or the Health Information Act. When you submit your application, your personal information will be used for the specific purpose of recruitment and hiring.

Q9: How do I know that the manager received my resume?

A9: You will receive an on-screen confirmation acknowledging that you have successfully submitted your resume, as well as an email notification. You can also review My Submissions to confirm successful submission of your resume.

Technical Help

Q1: I'm having technical difficulties using the application system. What should I do?

A1: If you are experiencing issues when applying online it may be due to your web browser settings or software compatibility. Please review the following steps to troubleshoot your issue:

  • Clear your web browser's cache, cookies, and history. You may also need to completely close and re-open your browser window.
  • Enable browser pop-ups.
  • Use a different web browser. If you're using Windows Vista or XP, Internet Explorer will not work, switch to Google Chrome or Firefox.
  • Try using an alternate computer.

If you followed the above steps, and are still having issues, let us know and we'll investigate further.

Please note: If you encounter any technical difficulties contact us during regular business hours Monday-Friday prior to the posting closing date.

Q2: What if I forget my username?

A2: No problem! Let us know and we'll investigate further.

Please note: If you encounter any technical difficulties, contact us during regular business hours Monday-Friday prior to the posting closing date.

Q3: What if I forget my password?

A3: Please complete the following steps to reset your password:

  • Go to My Profile and select Forgot Your Password
  • Enter your email address in the User Name and Email Address fields. Select OK
  • Check your email inbox. Follow the instructions listed in the email to reset your password.

If you do not receive an email, let us know, and we’ll investigate further.

Please note: If you encounter any technical difficulties, contact us during regular business hours Monday-Friday prior to the posting closing date.

Q4: How do I know if an email is legitimate?

AHS emails always end in @ahs.ca or @ahs.ca, unless it is directly from our recruitment management system, it will then end in @recruithealthab.ca.

Please note: Add hr-albertahs@recruithealthab.ca to your contact list to ensure that you properly receive our emails. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive an email.

Q5: What is a candidate profile?

A5: A Candidate Profile is an online resume used to apply for AHS career opportunities. Once created, all you have to do is maintain and update your profile. Creating a Candidate Profile allows you to easily apply for jobs. Please review our Reference Guide for directions on Creating your Candidate Profile.

Q6: Where can I see a history of jobs that I have applied for?

A6: You can track your opportunities by hitting the My Submissions button on any page. Once you log in you will see a list of jobs that you have applied for.

Q7: How do I submit attachments as part of my application?

A7: If the posting is still active you can update or edit your resume. Log into My Profile and select My Submissions. Find the completed submission you would like to edit and select View/Edit Submission.

All information that was changed will be reflected on every posting that you have applied to that still remains open and will be visible to all hiring managers. Once the posting has closed, the hiring manager will not be able to view any updates made to your profile or attachments.

You can attach a maximum of 25 files to your Candidate Profile (e.g. cover letter, resume, references, transcripts, etc.). The files cannot exceed 5 megabytes. To save space, combine your cover letter and resume into a single Word document. The Relevant Files column allows you to specify the files that are relevant to a particular job application.

Please note: Review the posting to verify the posting close date. If the posting is no longer accepting applications you will only be able to view what was previously submitted.

Q8: How can I withdraw my application?

A8: If the posting has not been filled, log into My Profile and select My Submissions, find the completed submission you wish to update and select Withdraw. You will see a warning confirming you are about to withdraw your job submission. Indicate your reason and select Yes. You will now see the position listed under Withdrawn Submissions on the My Submissions page.

Please note: If you withdraw your application, you will not be able to re-apply for that position.

Q9: Who do I contact if I'm still having technical difficulties using the application system?

A9: If your question is not answered on this page please get in touch with us.

International Applicants

Q1: Do you hire internationally-educated health-care professionals?

A1: We welcome internationally-educated health-care professionals who are legally entitled to work in Canada and are licensed or registered to practice in the province of Alberta. For more information, visit our International Applicant page.

Q2: My qualifications are from another country, will you accept them?

A2: The Government of Alberta provides support to internationally educated individuals by assessing their international education credentials compared to similar Canadian credentials. This service is provided by the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Once the candidate/employee provides the IQAS assessment the hiring manager will be in a better position to make decisions related to international education credentials.

Please note: There is a fee for this assessment.

Q3: What are the health care regulations or licenses in Alberta?

A3: The province of Alberta regulates a number of health professions. If you are a healthcare professional wanting to work in our province, you need to be licensed or registered with the Alberta regulatory college or licensing body for your profession. A complete list of colleges and associations is available from Alberta Health.

Q4: Where can I get information about living in Alberta?

A4: There are many wonderful places to live in Alberta. Find useful resources and information on what it’s like to live here on the Government of Alberta’s website. If you would like to explore AHS Zone information about the community that you are considering applying in please visit our zones page.

Q5: Where can I learn more about Immigrating to Canada?

A5: Visit Canada's Citizenship and Immigration website.

Q6: How do I know if a job offer is legitimate?

A6: Please be aware that AHS never requests fees, endorses training through third-parties or directly hires applicants without a screening process. These are not legitimate AHS job offers and are fraudulent. Visit our Recruitment Fraud Warning page for more information.

Interview Questions

Q1: How long does it take to receive a response for an interview?

A1: We strive to connect with candidates within 10 business days from the requisition closing date. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Q2: I am interested in a position, can I contact the hiring manager?

A2: As the largest provider of publicly-funded health services in Canada, it is impossible to provide direct access to AHS managers; however, our online posting process should provide you with enough information to decide which opportunities you would like to pursue.

If you are selected for an interview, you will then have the opportunity to meet with the manager in person and ask any additional questions needed to inform your employment decision. If offered the position, you have the right to decline without jeopardizing your future job opportunities.

Q3: Do you offer any tips on preparing for an interview?

A3: If you have been selected for an interview and are looking for some tips on how to prepare; please visit our Interview Preparation page.

Students & Volunteers

Q1: Does AHS hire students?

A1: Yes! AHS hires youth, young people, and students for positions who meet the qualifications listed on the job posting. Depending on age there may be employment restrictions, based on Alberta’s Youth Employment Laws, under the Alberta Employment Standards Rules. Opportunities are posted on our online job board and on the Students/Residents page.

Q2: How do I find co-op student opportunities?

A2: To search for current co-op job postings visit our online job board and use keywords co-op or students or select Students/Residents from the Job Category list.

Q3: How do I find undergraduate nursing opportunities?

A3: To search for current Undergraduate Nursing Employee (UNE) job postings visit our online job board and use keywords UNE.

Q4: I don’t see any jobs for students, now what?

A4: Student positions at AHS are subject to the department manager’s discretion and budgetary capacity. As such, student positions are created based on opportunities for students to complete extra work that has been identified within a department.

Student positions are typically available during the academic school calendar (fall, winter and summer); however, AHS continuously seeks to hire students throughout the year. To search for current student job postings visit our online job board and use keywords co-op or students or select Students/Residents from the Job Category list.

Check our online job board frequently as new jobs are posted as vacancies become available.

Q5: Where can I learn more about the types of careers at AHS?

A5: AHS has a wide variety of Career Profiles on our website. The Government of Alberta’s alis – Careers, Learning, and Employment website also has over 550 occupational profiles to help plan your career.

Q6: Does AHS support high school work experience?

A6: Absolutely! You can earn credits toward your high school diploma through Work Experience 15, 25, & 35 courses. This is a great way to explore careers at AHS and find the right fit for you! Your school guidance counselor would be able to supply you with more information on this opportunity

Q7: How many work experience credits can I earn?

A7: The number of credits available depends on the amount of time you plan to commit to your work experience. Each credit requires 25 hours of work experience and each course is worth between 3 and 10 credits.

Q8: I’m not in high school, are there any opportunities for me?

A8: Take Our Kids To Work™ Day occurs each year on the first Wednesday of November. This is an opportunity for Grade 9 students to watch their parent, or an approved employee host, in their work environment at AHS. There are numerous interesting and rewarding careers available in healthcare services.

Job Shadowing is a temporary, non-paid career exploration opportunity for both youth and adults to spend a day observing an AHS employee within their role. It is up to individual managers to determine if they will allow job shadowing to proceed on their unit/in their program.

Q9: How do I apply for a clinical placement?

A9: If you are enrolled with an accredited Canadian educational institution, your request for a clinical placement with AHS should originate from your school.

For more information, prerequisites, and FAQ’s please visit our Student Placement page or contact the Student Placement team.

Q10: I’m studying at an educational institution outside of Canada, can I complete a placement at AHS?

A10: Yes, however, priority will be given to students enrolled in Canadian Educational Institutions and Canadians studying abroad.

Review the international students section of our Student Placement FAQs and contact the Student Placement team directly to discuss the process and prerequisites.

Q11: How do I apply for a non-clinical placement?

A11: When requesting a non-clinical practicum, you or your placement coordinator will need to complete the Non-Clinical Placement Request Form and the Basic Student Consent form and submit them to the Student Engagement team.

For more information, prerequisites, and FAQ’s please visit our Student Placement page or contact our Student Engagement team.

Q12: How can I volunteer with AHS?

A12: Please visit our Volunteers page to learn more about the opportunities available.