Applicant Resources

Join our team of talented professionals! We're looking for people who share our values of Community, Innovation, Integrity, Service and Teamwork, and are inspired by meaningful work that moves our city forward.

Our goal is to provide a great applicant experience. Here, you'll find more information on our recruitment process and tips for your next job application.

If you have questions, need assistance or, require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact us by emailing humanresources@surrey.ca.

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process will often take 4-6 weeks to get through (timeframes may vary depending on the position) and may include up to 5 different stages:

• Applying for a job online
• Screening & Assessments
• Interviews
• Employment Checks
• Offer of Employment

Applying Online

Applicants can view and apply for our job opportunities through our online application system. Various job postings can also be found on relevant job boards and the City’s LinkedIn page.

Before you apply for a position, make sure you meet the requirements noted on the job posting. Many of our positions are unionized and the description of these positions (qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge and other attributes needed to do the job) are determined by the job specifications identified in our union collective agreements or job descriptions.

Get tips for your next online application

Do you have international credentials? We accept credentials that have been assessed by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Learn more about how you can have your international credentials assessed.

Screening and Assessments

Applicants are initially reviewed and screened to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements described in the job posting. As mentioned, many of our positions are unionized and applicants must meet the minimum requirements to move on in the hiring process.

Applicants who move on to the assessment phase of the hiring process will be given the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and qualifications that were identified on the job posting. What you will be assessed on will depend on the role and can include:

• Practical assessments, which may include physical tests, technical (job specific) tests, and/or clerical tests
• Presentations
• Written assignments

Read the job description carefully to get a good idea of what we may assess you on.

Interviews

The interview stage is a chance for both you and the hiring team to see whether or not the position is a good fit.

Our interviews are often conducted as a structured in-person panel interview, where you will be asked a set of pre-determined questions that will reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities noted in the job posting. The panel will typically include the hiring manager, a Human Resources representative, and possibly another staff member. Interviews often last about 30-90 minutes.

The majority of our questions are behavioural-based, where we want to hear about your past experiences and how you dealt with specific situations. Check out the STAR approach as a way to set up your behavioural-based answers. Other types of questions we may ask are technical and scenario based questions.

Get tips on how to prepare for an interview

Employment Checks

The City of Surrey is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public, its employees and its volunteers. As part of that commitment, you may be asked to provide one or more background checks, including:

• Reference checks: we request a minimum of 2 references (current & previous manager/supervisor). These checks help us verify the information provided in your application and during the interview. We understand that a current manager reference may be sensitive and will work with you on this process.

• Driving Record search: we will likely request a driving record search (driver's abstract) for jobs that require you to drive a City vehicle. This will verify that you meet the standards of a safe driving history.

• Police Information Checks and/or Enhance Reliability Clearances: we will request these checks for certain positions that work with the vulnerable population, finances/City assets, or for those that work in RCMP Support Services.

Job Offer

If you are the successful candidate of a job opportunity, we will reach out to you and discuss the details of the job offer and how to prepare for your first day with us. This will be followed up with a written offer letter and all the necessary instructions and documents to get you set up as a new City of Surrey employee.