aerial photo of the campus in the fall season

Job Application Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about applying for employment at VIU. If you have questions that are not covered in the topics, below, please send your questions to Recruit@viu.ca.

Application Process

No. When you set up your Applicant ID, the system requires an email address to send your password to.  It won’t be able to differentiate between 2 separate applicant IDs and all updates will be sent to the same email.

Online job postings close at 11:59pm PST on the closing date noted on the posting. Applicants must complete their entire application before this time. If you have missed a deadline, please see the FAQ “I have missed the deadline for a position. Can I still apply?”

Generally, yes! Depending on the stage of the competition process, you may be able to still apply. Contact Recruit@viu.ca with the competition number you are wanting to apply to, as well as any documents (resume, cover letter, etc.) you wish to be submitted to the posting and we will do our best to accept your application. Please note because the posting has closed, your application will be uploaded and processed as a “Late Applicant.”

Depending on the stage of the competition, you may still be able to change your attachments. Email Recruit@viu.ca right away with a detailed messaged identifying the competition number and attach any documents that were meant to be with your application, and/or if any previous documents sent need to be adjusted/deleted. Please keep in mind that any changes to an application after the closing date will render as a “Late Application.”

The Human Resource Department at VIU does accept applications in person which will be uploaded onto our systems for those who do not have access to a computer; however, online applications are preferred. We will accept applications via mail, fax, or personal delivery. You must submit a separate application for each competition, and your application(s) must identify the competition number and job title you are applying for.

Yes. If you do not have access to a computer and cannot create a profile with our Online Applicant System, or have issues with accessibility, you can fax your resume and any other documents relating to your application to fax number 250-740-6605, or by mail to Human Resources, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5. A member of the Human Resources team will then create an account and upload your resume and any attachments you have provided.

To get past the barrier of preference for internal applicants, it’s a great idea to apply to casual and temporary positions! To learn more about CUPE casual work at VIU, go to Casual Staff Employment to see the areas of employment with instructions on how to become a casual worker at VIU. Familiarizing yourself with the VIU website and Online Applicant Portal system is also another good way to start. Creating an account with the Online Applicant Portal system will make it easier when a posting comes up that you are interested in for a quicker application process.

No. VIU does not have a way to keep résumés available for postings that applicants could potentially be interested in. Our advice would be to have your résumé ready to go for when a posting does come up that you wish to apply for and to sign up for our e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities on our careers webpage.

Yes, absolutely. You can apply for as many postings that you feel qualified for. However, Vancouver Island University regrets that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidate Assessment

Depending on the required qualifications of the position, typing, keyboarding and testing related to level of proficiency in Excel, Word, etc. may be required.

Qualifications

Absolutely! VIU will consider all experience relevant to the position, regardless of where it was obtained. Successful applicants will have their references checked to validate the experience.​ VIU believes in finding the best candidate for the position regardless of where the applicant resides. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Yes, volunteer work is considered in the selection process. Volunteer work that is relevant to the position you are applying for is considered to be a valuable addition to an applicant’s work history. Relevant volunteer work should be included within the résumé you’ve provided.

Yes! VIU encourages applicants to apply to postings they don’t quite qualify for, but still have a number of the other qualifications required for a posting. Generally, a combination of education and experience will be considered when applicants apply.

Disability Accommodations

Yes. Please let us know if you require specific accommodation or arrangement.  You do not need to disclose the nature of your disability. VIU aims to hire the most qualified person for each position, and we look for talents across all segments of our community. Candidates may have different backgrounds and individual needs that need to be recognized, respected and accommodated within the hiring process and the workplace.

Privacy Considerations

VIU collects your personal information in any application in order to assess your qualifications and suitability as a potential employee of VIU. Your information will be reviewed by members of the Human Resource staff as well as any members of the Search Committee for the specific competition you have applied for. However, the search committee will only have limited access to your personal information. VIU will not disclose this information to third parties unless it is legally required to do so.

VIU respects your right to privacy and takes its responsibilities regarding the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information seriously. VIU is subject to the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and has made appropriate security arrangements to protect the personal information in its care against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure and disposal.