Job Seekers FAQ

If you cannot find the answer to your question from the Job Seekers FAQ, please contact our employment office at 780-496-7872 or 780-496-7831 or email employment@edmonton.ca.

Applying for Jobs
My Application
Using Online Application
Technical

Applying for Jobs

  1. How do I find out about jobs with the City of Edmonton?
  2. I've found a job I'm interested in. How do I apply?
  3. I have missed the deadline for a position. Can I still apply?
  4. How do I apply on a specific position?
  5. When do I need to submit my application for a posted job?
  6. How do I apply to become a Firefighter or Police Officer?
  7. Do I have to submit a resume and an application form?
  8. Can two people use the same email address to apply?
  9. What are the advantages of applying online?
  10. What if I don't apply online?
  11. If I do not have a computer to apply online, are there places that give the public access to computers?
  12. What can I do to improve my chances of finding employment with the City of Edmonton?
  13. What are some tips for applying?
  14. What is the City's policy on fair hiring practices?
  15. Does the City of Edmonton hire seasonal workers?
  16. Does the City of Edmonton accept education and training courses completed outside Canada?
  17. Is volunteer work considered in the selection process?
  18. What if I have a criminal record and want to apply to The City of Edmonton for work?
  19. Do applicants have to go through skill testing or medical testing?
  20. Where can I get an application form?
  21. Do you have a fax number where I could send my resume?
  22. What is RSS?
  23. How can I add RSS feeds to my Facebook account?


 

1. How do I find out about jobs with the City of Edmonton?

Postings are available:

Online
Search all Public Job Opportunities

Search all Internal Job Opportunities

In Person
Employment Opportunities Counter, Main Floor, City Hall

Outreach
Various Recruitment Events throughout the year

Note: Student / Summer positions are generally posted January through June

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2. I've found a job I'm interested in. How do I apply?

Applications or resumes for posted positions can be submitted:

Online
All City of Edmonton vacancies (excluding Police Officers) are posted online. To apply online; review current job opportunities; locate the position you want to apply for; and/or create a general profile; visit www.edmonton.ca/careers

In Person
Applications drop off box at the Employment Opportunities counter, Main Floor, City Hall. Please complete the acknowledgement form and fax it along with your resume to our Employment office.

By Mail  - Please complete the acknowledgement form and fax it along with your resume to our Employment office.
City of Edmonton
Employment Opportunities
Main Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

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3. I have missed the deadline for a position. Can I still apply?

We are unable to accept applications after the position has been closed. We encourage you to create an on-line general profile so that your information is entered into the City of Edmonton's candidate pool for future opportunities and consideration. The job postings close at 11:00 pm on the date listed on the posting.

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4. How do I apply on a specific position?
  • From the careers page, specify your job search criteria and then select the job posting you would like to apply to. Click "Apply online. "
  • Select "Continue" after reading the acknowledgement statement
  • Select "New User," and create a username and password for yourself, and enter your email address. The password you create will allow you to access your profile in our database at any time
  • You will be asked to enter personal information (name, address, phone number, etc. )
  • You will have the option to cut and paste, or upload your resume
  • You will be prompted to complete a job specific questionnaire and complete information on education, experience and certificates
  • Once you submit your online application, you will now be eligible for consideration for this career opportunity

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5. When do I need to submit my application for a posted job?

Every employment opportunity has a closing date indicated on the job posting, and your application must be received by the closing date for that particular competition. Any applications or resumes received after the closing date will not be considered. When submitting your application or resume, be sure to indicate the job requisition number.

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6. How do I apply to become a Firefighter or Police Officer?

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
Visit the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services website for more information on firefighter recruitment

Edmonton Police Services
Please visit the Edmonton Police Services website for more Police Officer recruitment information

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7. Do I have to submit a resume and an application form?

No. You only need to submit a resume or an application. However, if you are submitting a resume you must complete and submit the Acknowledgement Form and send it along with your resume.

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8. Can two people use the same email address to apply?

The email address is used as a unique identifier. Therefore, two people cannot use the same email address to apply on the City of Edmonton job board. We suggest one person obtains a new email address from a free service like Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.

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9. What are the advantages of applying online?
  • Filling in the online application is a very effective way of quickly getting your information and resume to the right people within the City of Edmonton
  • You are required to answer job-related questions for all online postings and these questions can ONLY be answered online
  • The process is quick and simple
  • You can update your profile at any time so that your information is most up-to-date
  • You can track the progress of your application at any time

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10. What if I don't apply online?

If you apply for a City job by an alternate method other than our online-recruiting system, you must provide the following three documents:

  • Your resume/ application
  • Answers to screening questions related to the position 
  • A signed Acknowledgement Statement

Once you submit your resume, screening questions and an Acknowledgement Statement will be forwarded to you for completion. Although you can apply through other methods, you are encouraged to apply online so that these required documents can be completed immediately.

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11. If I do not have a computer to apply online, are there places that give the public access to computers?

The following locations provide public Internet access:

  • Edmonton Public Libraries
  • Provincial Government Alberta Service Centres
  • Métis Employment Services, 3rd Floor, 12308 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Phone: 780-423-2237
  • Oteenow Employment & Training Society, Clairview Plaza, 14021 Victoria Trail, Edmonton, Phone: 780-423-2340

You may also visit any of the following Alberta Employment & Immigration offices located in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton City Center, 10242 – 105th Street
  • Edmonton East, 2000 – 9499 137 Avenue NW (Northgate Shopping Center)
  • Edmonton West, 120, 15710 – 87 Avenue NW (Meadowlark Shopping Center)
  • Edmonton West, 200 Westcor Building, 12323 Stony Plain Road
  • Edmonton South, 6325 Gateway Boulevard NW

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12. What can I do to improve my chances of finding employment with the City of Edmonton?

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.

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13. What are some tips for applying?

See Job Seekers – Tips for Applying

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14. What is the City's policy on fair hiring practices?
  • The City of Edmonton is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and we hire and conduct our business accordingly.
  • We strive to maintain a diverse workplace and find the best-qualified job candidates: those who possess the required education, experience, knowledge, abilities, suitability, and when appropriate, residency and seniority.
  • We promote excellence at all levels of our organization. Race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or any other factors unrelated to job performance do not influence our decisions when hiring employees.

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15. Does the City of Edmonton hire seasonal workers?

Yes. Watch for seasonal and summer job postings in February, March, and April. Visit our website to view current openings and apply as you would for any other posting.

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16. Does the City of Edmonton accept education and training courses completed outside Canada?
  • Yes. If any formal education was completed outside Canada, indicate on your resume if it has been evaluated for equivalency, and if so, by whom it was assessed.
  • Any foreign education must be formally assessed as equivalent to Canadian education prior to an interview being conducted.
  • For information visit the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) website.

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17. Is volunteer work considered in the selection process?

Volunteer work related to the position applied for is also recognized as being a valuable addition to an applicants work history. Relevant volunteer work should be included on the resume or application form.

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18. What if I have a criminal record and want to apply to The City of Edmonton for work?

Some employment competitions will note that a security clearance will be required. Having a criminal record does not exclude you from all employment opportunities with The City of Edmonton. When your application is reviewed, the nature of the offense, when the offense took place, and the relevance of the offense to the position for which you are applying are considered. This information is handled in a confidential manner and candidate honesty is paramount. Failure to fully inform the City may result in forfeiture of your rights to employment with the City.

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19. Do applicants have to go through skill testing or medical testing?

If you are required to take further testing, it will be indicated on the job posting.

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20. Where can I get an application form?

Download the Job Application Form

Print the Job Application Form and mail or deliver it to the Employment Opportunities counter located at City Hall. Remember to include a signed Acknowledgement Form with all paper applications.

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21. Do you have a fax number where I could send my resume?

You can fax your resume to 780-496-8063. Please complete the Acknowledgement Form and fax it along with your resume to our Employment office.

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22. What is RSS?

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) provides an information feed to make it easy for you to receive the City's latest job posting updates of your preferred jobs without having to check the City's career website.  Use your web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer/Mozilla Firefox) or a feed reader to view RSS feeds.

Customize RSS feeds from the City's career website by selecting a job category filter and clicking the RSS icon

For more information visit:

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23. How can I add RSS feeds to my Facebook account?
  1. Click the Job Search tab if the tab is not displayed automatically.
  2. Click the Search tab and perform your search using only criteria whose fields have the Facebook icon. Select only one job category. The system displays the search results. 
  3. To add the RSS job feed to your Facebook profile, click the Facebook icon. 
  4. In the new window that opens, log in to Facebook using the email address and password on file at Facebook.
  5. Click Log in to Job Openings.
  6. You can perform a number of operations in Job Openings such as:
    • Click a link on the Job Openings page to view a job posting.
    • Click the Share button to send a job posting to a friend.

    The steps as described here assume that you already have a Facebook account. 

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    My Application

    1. How do I check the status of my application?
    2. What can I expect after submitting an application?
    3. How are applications assessed?
    4. When will I be contacted?
    5. How long does the selection process take? If I haven't heard from The City in one month, should I assume I have not been considered for the position?
    6. I did not receive a confirmation of my application. Why?
    7. Will all hiring managers in the City of Edmonton be able to see my information?
    8. I am using the Attach Resume File option when completing my online application. Is my attached resume accessible to the recruiting manager?
    9. What if I don't want my information in your database?


     

    1. How do I check the status of my application?

    Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to specific inquiries regarding the status of your application. To check the status, view "My Jobpage" from the careers page and log in using your username and password. You can view your submission status or select "View email messages" to read any communications sent to you.

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    2. What can I expect after submitting an application?
    • You will receive an automated notification confirming the receipt of your application.
    • You can view the status of your application by logging in to "My Jobpage" using your username and password.
    • Your application is captured in our database and will be reviewed against the position you have applied for.
    • Your application will remain on file in our database and will be considered for the specific position for which you have applied.

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    3. How are applications assessed?

    All applicants are assessed relative to the qualifications listed on the job posting. Applicants who submit their application through the online recruiting tool may be asked a number of questions to further assess your qualifications. This information will be forwarded to the hiring supervisor for review.

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    4. When will I be contacted?

    Only applicants who are being considered for an interview will be contacted.  If you applied through the online recruitment tool, you may check your status online by logging in to "My Jobpage". If you did not apply online, and you have not been contacted within 6 to 8 weeks of the competition closing date, you can assume that your application is not being considered further.

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    5. How long does the selection process take? If I haven't heard from The City in one month, should I assume I have not been considered for the position?

    If you have not received a response from the City within six weeks of the competition closing, you should assume the position has been filled.

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    6. I did not receive a confirmation of my application. Why?
    • The City of Edmonton will only send one acknowledgement for each position that you apply to. If you have updated your application, you will not receive a second acknowledgement confirming your update.
    • You can log back into the system as a returning user. All the information that was saved for your application in My Jobpage. You can see what was sent.

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    7. Will all hiring managers in the City of Edmonton be able to see my information?

    No, To protect your privacy, only Human Resources and the hiring manager of the position(s) that you applied on will view your information. 

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    8. I am using the Attach Resume File option when completing my online application. Is my attached resume accessible to the recruiting manager?

    The resume that you attach is available for Recruiting Managers to view and perform searches on, along with the online data entered.

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    9. What if I don't want my information in your database?

      You can request that your profile be deleted from our database, at any time, by sending an e-mail to employment@edmonton.ca.

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    Using Online Application

    1. I am a new user. How do I set up a username and password?
    2. Do I need a resume file with my online application?
    3. How do I attach a file?
    4. How can I delete a file that I have attached? The system indicates that the maximum number of files has been attached. What should I do?
    5. Can I apply for more than one job at a time?
    6. How do I update a specific job application?
    7. How do I submit a general profile?
    8. How do I update a general application?
    9. How can I change my email address?
    10. How do I know that a question is required?
    11. None of the choices offered for a question correspond to my answer? What should I do?
    12. I made an error in my submission – can I go back in and fix it? How do I do this?
    13. How do I maximize the job opportunities screen, it appears very small?
    14. The system tells me that my text is too large and therefore cannot be saved. What should I do?
    15. I am unable to select multiple answers to a question. What should I do?


     

    1. I am a new user. How do I set up a username and password?
    • Select the New User icon on the login page.
    • Set up a username and password.
    • Create a security question to help you reset your password should you forget it.

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    2. Do I need a resume file with my online application?

    Yes, we require you to attach a resume file with your application.  You may also attach additional files like cover letter and other supporting documents.

    If you already have files attached to your candidate profile, you may select the files relevant to the specific job posting.

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    3. How do I attach a file?
    • To attach a file, select the "Browse" button located to the right of the field.
    • Browse for the file you wish to attach. Double click on the file to select it. You can add comments about the file in the "Comments" text box if you wish.
    • Select the "Attach" button to complete the process.
    • Note: Candidates can attach up to 10 files, each up to 512kb in size. Pictures, graphics, and scanned pages in resumes or audio files sometimes exceed this size restriction. Please make sure your attachments do not exceed 512kb per attachment.
    • We can only accept work (.doc, .docx), text, (.txt), Rich Text Format (.rtf), Portable Document Format (.pdf), and Hypertext Markup Language (.htm, .html) documents.
    • If you receeve an error saying that you have updated your attachments too many times, try renaming the attachment and attaching it.
    • Please do not delete attachments that are associated with open competitions. This will remove the attachment from any open postings that you have applied on.

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      4. How can I delete a file that I have attached? The system indicates that the maximum number of files has been attached. What should I do?

      Send your request to employment@edmonton.ca and refer to the specific file document name(s) that you would like removed from your profile account.  

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      5. Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

      Yes. Check off the jobs to "Add to basket", and then "apply for jobs in basket", you will be applying for all those jobs at one time.

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      6. How do I update a specific job application?
      • As long as the position is still posted online, you have the option of returning to that position and make any changes that you like to your application.
      • To update your application:
        • Log on to "My Jobpage" using your username and password
        • Select "View/edit submission" under the job title of the position you applied to
        • Update your application. Any changes that you make will automatically be saved. A reminder that changes to your application can only be made as long as the position is posted online.

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      7. How do I submit a general profile?

      If there are no current opportunities that interest you, you can submit a general application or profile. This profile tells us about your job preferences i. e. job type, location, work hours, etc. You can update your profile at any time to ensure we have your most current information.

      • From the Careers page, select "My Jobpage"
      • Select "Continue" after reading the acknowledgement statement
      • Select "New User" and create a username and password for yourself, and enter your email address. The password you create will allow you to access your profile in our database at any time
      • You will be asked to enter personal information (name, address, phone number, etc. )
      • You will have the option to cut and paste, or upload your resume.
        Finally, you will be prompted to complete a Profile section describing your job-related preferences and information regarding your education, experience, and certificates
      • Once you "Submit" your general profile, you will now be eligible for consideration for future opportunities.

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      8. How do I update a general application?

      If you have submitted a general application, then you can update your information at any time. Log in to "My Jobpage" using your username and password and select "Access my profile" from the right hand column. To modify your information, click "Edit" next to the relevant section(s).

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      9. How can I change my email address?

      Log in to "My Jobpage" using your username and profile and select "Access my profile. " Find the relevant section with your email address information and select "Edit. "

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      10. How do I know that a question is required?

      The required questions are identified by an asterisk (*).

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      11. None of the choices offered for a question correspond to my answer? What should I do?

      To ensure that the City of Edmonton receives your completed application, provide an answer. Indicate your choice of answer in your cover letter.

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      12. I made an error in my submission – can I go back in and fix it? How do I do this?

      Yes. Log on to "My Jobpage" using your username and password and click on "View/edit submission" under the job title of the position you applied to. Update your application.

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      13. How do I maximize the job opportunities screen, it appears very small?

      Open the browser in full screen mode using the F11 function key on your keyboard.

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      14. The system tells me that my text is too large and therefore cannot be saved. What should I do?

      The following count as characters:

      • Leading and trailing spaces
      • Spaces between characters
      • Spaces between words

      If you receive this message, you must remove parts of your text to accommodate the system.   Keep the information that is most recent and most relevant to the position you are applying for.

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      15. I am unable to select multiple answers to a question. What should I do?

      The recruiter may have improperly formatted the question. Select one item from the list and add a comment to your cover letter explaining the situation.

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      Technical Issues

      1. I click on the job opportunities page but it doesn't work, the page does not appear, what should I do?
      2. The security code that I received is invalid. What should I do?
      3. I forgot my password, what should I do?
      4. I have received several Forgot Password emails. What should I do?
      5. I did not get the email to change my password. What should I do?
      6. Your online application system requires my resume to be in plain text format. What does this mean?
      7. I get the message "Answer(s) to the following question(s) exceed(s) the memory allocated to it. Please edit your text." What can I do?
      8. Why does your online application system keep hanging when I try to save certain pages of information?
      9. Do you have any system access tips and application performance hints?


       

      1. I click on the job opportunities page but it doesn't work, the page does not appear, what should I do?
      • Ensure your pop up blocker is turned off. Go to tools in your menu bar - turn off pop up blocker. You may need to refresh your screen (go to view and click refresh or use the icon at the top of your page that has 2 green arrows). Click retry. http://kb.iu.edu/data/atdz.html
      • If this doesn't work, clear the temporary Internet files (also called the cache) in your browser and refresh the page. It is advisable to close and re-open the browser
      • If you still get an "Error on page" message at the bottom, reboot your machine

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      2. The security code that I received is invalid. What should I do?

      It may be that it has expired or your email software settings have invalidated it.

      • Open the web page attached to the message you received and click on the link provided
      • If this fails, go to the application or profile login page and request a new security code
      • Enter your email address or user name and click on "Forgot password?"
      • You will be asked a security question and will receive a new security code

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      3. I forgot my password, what should I do?
      • Log in as a returning candidate, select "Forgot Password" at the prompt answer the security question that you have set up and follow the directions on how to reset your password.
      • Once you reach the change password screen, enter the requested information and select your new password keeping the following in mind:
        • The password must contain at least six and no more than 32 characters
        • The password must NOT contain any special characters (e. g. ", ', ^, ü, é, space, etc. )
        • The password must be different from your user name
      • If you are still not able to login to the system contact our Employment Section at 780-496-7872 and leave a message or email us at employment@edmonton.ca and one of our Employment staff will be in contact with you shortly to reset your password

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      4. I have received several Forgot Password emails. What should I do?

      Use the last email you have received to change your password.

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      5. I did not get the email to change my password. What should I do?

      Verify the following:

      • That your email software does not have a filter that prevents you from getting emails from people outside of a certain list of contacts
        Solution: Modify your list of contacts
      • That you don't have a filter that classifies the emails that you receive
        Solution: Verify all your folders.
      • The your email service does not block emails with HTML attachments
        Solution: Change your email provider.

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      6. Your online application system requires my resume to be in plain text format. What does this mean?

      If you are applying to a specific job posting, include a resume and/or cover letter with your online application. To include this information: you must copy and paste your resume directly into the appropriate field. You can also attach a file. The attached file should be a generic cover letter and resume. This attached file is permanently attached to your personal profile. In either case, your resume and cover letter must be in plain text format.

      In most word-processing programs you can save documents as "plain text" which means that there is no formatting such as bullets, bold text, and tabs within the document.

      Since formatting differs quite a bit between the various word-processing programs, the online job board requires that only the text version of your resume/cover letter be entered. The document is saved in a readable fashion within our database. Should you incorporate formatting, your text may not appear as you intended.

       

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      7. I get the message "Answer(s) to the following question(s) exceed(s) the memory allocated to it. Please edit your text." What can I do?
      • This means that one or more answers to a text question have too many characters. You should provide an answer with less then 1,000 characters, including leading and trailing spaces, and returns.
      • If you are certain that you comply with these rules, delete your temporary Internet files, reboot your computer and try again.
      • Check that your browser is updated to the latest service pack.

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      8. Why does your online application system keep hanging when I try to save certain pages of information?

      This relates to the connection between your PC and the database server. At certain times there is increased "traffic" on the Internet that can slow things down. This also results in your PC becoming "hung" (frozen). Your connection to the Internet may also cause things to slow down; for example, a phone line will be slower than a cable modem or high-speed connection.

      When you are applying for a position or leaving your profile, your information is automatically saved each time you go to the next page. If you find your PC is having difficulties, you may want to log out and come back at a later time. If you exit before completing the process, the information provided up to that point is saved. You can return at any time to complete it.

      Check that your browser meets our minimum requirements. The Career Section supports the following browsers and versions:

      • Internet Explorer 6, 7 & 8 on Windows XP
      • Internet Explorer 7 & 8 on Windows Vista
      •  Internet Explorer 8 on Windows 7
      • Firefox 3.5 on Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows Vista

      To avoid losing valuable data, use the CONTINUE buttons to navigate through the application process. Because BACK and FORWARD buttons interrupt the application process, they have been disabled.

      If you have been using the BACK and FORWARD browser buttons while applying, close your browser and re-start the application.

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      9. Do you have any system access tips and application performance hints?

      Here are some hints and tips to follow for a successful online resume and application:

      • Check your browser version.   The following browsers are the minimum releases which are supported:
    • Internet Explorer 6, 7 & 8 on Windows XP
    • Internet Explorer 7 & 8 on Windows Vista
    • Internet Explorer 8 on Windows 7
    • Firefox 3.5  on Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows Vista
      • Delete Browser Cache
      • Microsoft: Tools > Internet Options > Temporary Files > Delete Files > OK > OK to exit.
      • Netscape: Edit menu > Preferences > Advanced category > Cache (If no subcategories are visible, double-click Advanced to expand the list) > Clear Cache
      • Verify Your Settings. You may need to disable or modify your settings for the following to accommodate the online application:
    • Internet Filtering and Monitoring Software
    • Personal Firewall
    • Privacy Settings
    • Popup Blocker
      • Turn Off the Popup Blocker.
      To turn off your pop up blocker:
        • From the Tools in your menu bar, select pop up blocker
        • Turn off the pop up blocker
        • Refresh the page from the toolbar or from the View menu bar

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      For more information:

      Employment Office

      Telephone

      780-496-7872 or 780-496-7831
      Fax 780-496-8063 Please note: A signed Acknowledgement Statement must accompany all applications.
      Email employment@edmonton.ca (This email is for inquiries only, applications will not be accepted.)
      Website (http://www.edmonton.ca/careers)
      City of Edmonton Logo

      Copyright © 2012, City of Edmonton.