- When and where are the City of Markham jobs posted?
City of Markham job postings may be posted Monday through Friday. To view postings please visit markham.ca/careers and Search All Jobs.
- Are there any resources for job seekers in resume writing or interviewing skills?
Markham Public Library offers a wide range of resources to help job seekers develop their job skills. Please visit
Job Seekers | Markham Public Library for more information.
- How do I know if my online application was received?
Once you have submitted your application you will receive a confirmation email that your application has been successfully received. You can also log into your account and click on Job Applications to see all the jobs you have applied to.
- What are the next steps in the process after submitting my application?
We thank all applicants for their interest in the City of Markham, however only applicants selected to move to the next stage of the recruitment process will be contacted.
- When do I need to submit my application for a posted job?
Every City of Markham job posting has a closing date indicated in the posting. Your application must be received by the closing date for that particular competition. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Can I update my resume after I submit a job application?
Once you submit your application, you will receive a system notification that your application has been received. You cannot go back to change or replace your documents once they have been submitted, nor can you re-apply to the same job.
- Can two people use the same email address to apply?
The email address is used as a unique identifier, so two people cannot use the same email address to apply. We suggest one person obtains a new email address from a free service like Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail.
- If I do not have a computer to apply online, are there places that give the public access to computers?
You can visit any Markham Public Library locations\ to get access to a public computer with internet access.
- What can I do to improve my chances of finding employment with the City of Markham?
Every competition is considered separately. The number of positions you apply for does not increase your opportunity for being hired. We encourage all interested applicants to apply for positions for which they qualify. Every application will be given equal consideration in the hiring process.
- How do I submit a general profile if there are no current opportunities that interest me?
You can join the Talent Community through the markham.ca/careers page. The “Join our talent community” icon is located on the top right hand corner of the Career Centre.
- How do I request an accommodation?
City of Markham offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by the City regarding a job interview or testing, please advise the Human Resources professional if you require accommodation.
- How do I prepare for a virtual interview? Do you have any tips for job seekers?
Here are a few considerations to set yourself up for success in a virtual interview:
Test your technology beforehand
A virtual interview requires tools like a camera and microphone on your computer, a software program (such as Google Hangouts, or Zoom), and a reliable internet connection. At least a day before your virtual interview, check all of your technology to ensure it works effectively and can be used to communicate effectively. That means having a functional computer that meets technical specifications, downloading any necessary software, and ensuring the connection is strong enough to sustain streaming video.
In the 15 to 30 minutes before your interview, check your internet connection and sign in to the video or phone meeting provided by the HR representative or hiring manager. Turn on the sound and video to ensure everything is in working order in time for your conversation.
Wear professional attire
In a virtual interview, you should dress the same as you would in a face-to-face interview. Doing so not only makes you appear professional and excited about the opportunity, but will also make you feel more prepared and confident. When an interview takes place from a remote location like your home, you should expect it to be just as formal as one that takes place in an office—if you’re unsure, business casual is a good standard to follow.
Prepare in advance
As with any interview, you’ll get the best results if you take the time to prepare in advance. Just because you're in front of your computer doesn’t mean you should rely on the ability to quickly look up answers or rely on pre-written answers you can refer to. You should prepare so you're able to have a natural conversation without clicking around or reading directly from a script, which can seem rehearsed and unnatural.
Limit distractions
The best place to have an interview in your home is in a quiet location with few distractions. Choose a room that is clean and professional-looking so the interviewer can focus their attention on you and not what's around you. If you don’t have a dedicated office space, you can also use a bedroom or guest bedroom, your kitchen table, or even cleared-out closet space. Try to place your computer on a table or desk instead of your lap or a couch.
Tell people who you're sharing space with about the area you’ll be using for your interview, the time of your interview, and that you and your quiet space will be off-limits during that time. Respectfully explain that during this time, it's best that the house stays quiet with limited distractions. If possible, you might also place pets in a designated room during critical working hours.
Use professional body language
Because interviewing via video or phone limits the ability to communicate with body language, it's important to use body language in a clear, professional way. For example, if you get asked an unexpected question, make sure to remain poised and take a moment to collect your thoughts.
Sit up straight and ensure your camera is placed so your face is in the middle of your screen (not too much blank space above or below your head). In most interviews, you shake hands with your potential employer at the beginning and the end of the discussion. It's an important body language cue that helps you establish the relationship. Instead, find other ways to greet them and exude enthusiasm, like smiling and giving a confident wave with eye contact.
Build rapport
Establishing rapport is important in any business relationship because it allows you to separate yourself from other candidates by building a personal connection with the interviewer. When you interview in person, your enthusiasm, body language, handshake, and early small talk all help you build that connection with your potential employer.
When communicating virtually, it's still necessary to find ways to establish rapport. You can do this by being prepared to talk about a common interest, asking how your interviewer’s experience has been with virtual interviews, or by finding some other neutral topic with which to learn more about your interviewer.
Be authentic
When interviewing virtually, you have the rare opportunity to speak in a relaxing, familiar environment and show the interviewer who you are and why you’re the best person for the job. Recruiters will look for how you express yourself to understand whether you're a good fit for the company. Use tools like your body language, facial expressions, and interview preparations to convey your confidence and personality as it relates to the position.
- Do you have any tips on references?
As a job seeker, you should have a list of current and relevant references on hand to support you in your job search. Choose references who:
- you have worked with closely within the last five years.
- know your strengths and will speak highly of you.
- can verify and discuss your skills, experience, and abilities in detail.
Such people could be current or past managers, managers from other departments with whom you’ve worked closely with, external clients, suppliers, or colleagues. You must always secure their permission before listing them as references and double-check that their titles and contact details are correct.
If you are asked to provide references, the City requires three employment references. References must be work related, of which two must be someone to whom you have reported into (i.e. supervisors or managers). If you do not have recent work experience, volunteer coordinators and teachers may be used.
- I am new to Canada. Do you have any tips on job search for foreign trained professionals?
You can find helpful information to assist you in your job search on the following sites: