Module 4: Recruiting and Hiring WIL Students

Photo: Roods Bensley Pierre, courtesy of the Computing Science Co-op program at TRU

Whether developing a co-op placement or promoting a summer field school, it is important to consider the wording used to describe the project and the skills being sought. Have you ever considered how the wording of a job description can influence who applies and who feels excluded from the start? Inclusive work-integrated learning (WIL) descriptions are a critical first step in building equitable hiring practices for WIL students.

This section explores how to develop postings that are accessible, inclusive, and student-centred. It discusses how to avoid biased language, clearly define job requirements, and communicate expectations in ways that attract a diverse range of candidates. It also introduces best practices for making the recruitment process more accessible from the very beginning.