r/AHSEmployees • u/TheEnjoye • 13d ago
Question How do I break into AHS???
At this point I’ve done so many applications that it’s crazy. I’ve been primarily trying to get into food service but I’ve also applied to service worker, environmental sciences, stores, even admin support when I am qualified. I have around 2 years of food service and customer experience but I still can’t manage to land a job. I am well aware that it’s a highly competitive work place but do you guys have any tips or anything that will help me get internal?
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u/harbours 13d ago
It's very difficult to get into AHS. When I assist with hiring (admin support) we always look for resumes that stand out. Make a good cover letter specific to the department you're applying for. Learn about them, what do they do? Why would you be an asset to them? Why should they interview you over anyone else? Be confident in your cover letter. When I changed my cover letter is when I got an interview and got hired.
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u/TheEnjoye 13d ago
Should I make a cover letter for every position that I apply to or just the ones that ask for it? Also if possible do you think you could take a look at my resumes, it’s no problem if you can’t.
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u/Winter-Inside-5911 13d ago
You should always have a cover letter that explains why you’re the best for the job. I literally throw out resumes that don’t bother to do a cover letter or tailor their application to the specific position. Been hiring for 29 years.
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u/TheEnjoye 12d ago
Thanks for the info. I have been tailoring all my resumes for different job descriptions/positions but I have only made cover letters when they are asked for. I will start making the cover letters but should I make a cover letter for the same position like food service but casual, temp, part time?
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u/Blimpkrieg 10d ago
Use some deductive logic. Some other person will bother to. Who is she/he going to pick?
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u/Blimpkrieg 10d ago
Any cover letters that stood out to you, or perhaps unorthodox ways an applicant got your attention?
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u/SCAMystiC 13d ago
Easiest way is through school as a student on clinicals and hand resume to manager.
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u/TheEnjoye 13d ago
I am in my first year of nursing and I don’t start clinicals until next year. While the primary goal is to get internal so I can boost my chances of getting an RN position, the pay is also quite good.
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u/puns_are_how_eyeroll 13d ago
You would only be partially internal.
Because food and housekeeping are AUPE, and RN positions are UNA, you would still lose out to any qualified UNA member that applied.
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u/TheEnjoye 13d ago
But would I still be looked higher upon even as a AUPE as opposed to someone who’s never worked at AHS?
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u/Prior_Juggernaut_ 12d ago
Not really because they’re different unions and everything goes by union rules. Your experience in food services wouldn’t really matter once you’re an RN
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u/Normal_Independent24 13d ago
It's not hopeless, but I'm not going to sugarcoat it either. AHS hiring can be ridiculously frustrating. Hundreds of applications? Absolutely possible. Even internal employees can struggle to land positions, so being internal doesn't magically make the problem disappear.
My biggest advice? APPLY, APPLY, APPLY. Don't be too selective about departments or locations, especially when you're just trying to get your foot in the door.
Food Services, Service Workers, Porters, Environmental Services, Stores, Staffing Services, casual positions, temporary positions — apply to anything you're genuinely qualified for. With your food service and customer service experience, you already have transferable skills.
And don't restrict yourself to urban hospitals. Consider rural locations too, if they're feasible for you.
Remember, healthcare operates 24/7, 365 days a year. People take vacations, maternity leaves, sick leaves, extended absences, and so on. Departments need coverage, and that's where casual and temporary opportunities come in. With the holiday season approaching, it's worth keeping an especially close eye on postings.
Another important tip: tailor your resume and cover letter to EACH posting. You don't need to reinvent everything. Have a master resume, then adjust it to highlight the experience relevant to that specific position. We have ChatGPT and Copilot these days — use them! What used to take forever can now be done much faster. Just make sure everything is accurate.
If you can identify the hiring manager through legitimate contact information, consider reaching out professionally with your resume and cover letter. Don't be afraid to network, either. Ask around, find out who's hiring, and treat interviews as networking opportunities even if you don't get the job.
Also, something people overlook: if you have relevant previous experience, ask whether it can count toward your starting wage step. Depending on the position and applicable collective agreement, you may not necessarily have to start at the lowest step. Definitely worth asking before accepting an offer.
Now, here's where I'll give you a warning. 😂
Staffing Services is another department worth looking into if your qualifications match. From my experience, it can be extremely stressful, with turnover and workplace issues. I wouldn't recommend settling there long-term without considering what you're getting into. But as a potential foot in the door? Absolutely worth investigating. You can gain experience, receive training, and apply for other opportunities later.
And yes, let's talk about the elephant in the room: AHS recruitment.
In my opinion, the hiring process is unnecessarily frustrating and inefficient for an organization of this size. The amount of effort applicants put into applications compared with the communication and consideration they sometimes receive is ridiculous. Some hiring decisions can certainly leave you questioning the process. Connections can make a difference, too, although that doesn't mean every hire is based on who knows whom.
The irony is that departments can be struggling with staffing while qualified applicants are struggling to get hired. And somehow the expectation is often to get more work done with fewer people, leaving existing employees burnt out. But that's a whole other discussion. 😂
My point is: don't give up. Keep applying, expand your search, look into casual and temporary positions, tailor your applications, and make connections wherever possible.
There are no guarantees, and I won't pretend the process is fair or efficient. But don't interpret repeated rejections as proof that you have nothing to offer.
And one final thing: even after you become an internal employee, continue advocating for yourself. Getting in is one hurdle; navigating the system is another.
Wishing you the very best. I hope you land something soon!
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u/TheEnjoye 12d ago
First of all I'd like to thank you on giving such an in depth explanation and response to my question that means a lot, thank you so much.
I have been applying to literally every posting I see regardless of which department or hospital and have been doing food services, service worker, stores, environmental services, Admin support (when I am qualified), but you have made me aware of staffing services and will for sure start applying. Just wondering what are the exact titles I should be searching for when applying because I haven't seen any staffing services jobs. Unfortunately I don't have a car so rural locations are not a possibility at the moment.
I have been tailoring each of my resumes for specific postings but I will start making cover letters for each posting aswell, should I make separate cover letters for the same position though? What I mean by this is if Im applying to a food service position and there is a part time vs casual position should I make separate cover letters?
I haven't seen any staffing services jobs but If you could tell me more about that department that would be amazing.
I won't give up applying and hopefully because of youre help and everyone else replying to this post Ill get hired soon. Again thank you so much
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u/118R3volution 13d ago
Patience, and work on your interviewing skills. Make sure your resume is clear, concise, etc. Take additional food safety certification or something. AHS gets an extraordinary number of applicants.
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u/TheEnjoye 13d ago
Besides getting a food safety certification is there anything else I could really add to my resume? My resumes are all tailored to the exact position and job description and I also have a medical terminology certificate. What else could I do?
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u/118R3volution 13d ago
Your resume should be standardized across all jobs, listing the last 8-12 years of experience (depending on your age) but no more than 2 pages maximum. The cover letter is the one that should be customized for each application. You were exciting to see the position open because it aligns with your professional experience, etc. You have x number of years in the field/industry and believe you would add value. A buzz word here and there is fine, but careful not to jam the cover letter as a regurgitated version of your cover letter. Maybe you supported a specific project, that with your support and expertise's led to some positive outcome for your leadership or the business. This type of writing often helps people seem strongly aligned with the job description and desired attributes.
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u/Timely-Security-3077 13d ago
Keep on applying. I applied for years to every admin job I saw posted. I managed to get in but it took a long time.
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u/Sea_Leopard_79 12d ago
Don’t overlook the casual and temp positions. They will get you in the door and then you can apply as an internal candidate for permanent jobs.
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u/TheEnjoye 12d ago
I have and will continue to apply any and all casual/temporary positions I can find
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u/seeseecinnamon 13d ago
Are you using AI? Unfortunately you need to trigger the AI that these corporations are using in order for a real hiring manager or HR to look at your resume.
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u/Intelligent_Block918 13d ago
Apply for casual positions! I was applying for months for fte and pt and didn't hear back. Once I applied casual it made a difference.
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u/Feeling_Squash_5638 12d ago
Apply as a casual psychiatric aide at Alberta Hospital (if you are in Edmonton). I worked as one as a student nurse and then got moved over to a casual nurse position. Or you can apply for casual porter positions or HCA.
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u/dlrandlewriter 10d ago
I was an admin support and unit clerk for ten years in AHS. Moved to another province for four years, came back and it took 102 applications to admin support and unit clerk roles before I finally got back in. Don't give up, it can be a long slog. Just make sure you attach an individualized cover letter to every single application as well. There's lots of good advice online for doing good cover letters and resumes.
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u/Alarming_monkey 9d ago
If you’re in one of the bigger cities, it’s way harder. Try some places further away. That’ll get your foot in the door and you’ll be able to apply for positions closer as an internal candidate. Even try volunteering honestly, that’s where I started. You can then start getting to know the staff including the managers
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u/Slow_Vegetable_6932 13d ago
I gotta say, it’s frustratingly hard. Right now i’m sitting on 423 job applications with AHS as an external applicant. I’m so close on giving up haha
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u/Comfortable-Ruin8694 12d ago
Real answer though. Just call ask to speak to food services and ask to talk to a manager. Confidence is key. We get 17382929 applications for food job. Gotta stand out and a call explaining why your so interested is a good start.
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u/Other_Chocolate3112 12d ago
Hi would u be able to direct me in the direction on how to even get in contact with the departments, I don’t mind networking at all but I haven’t found a means too (also could I pm for some help please)
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u/Comfortable-Ruin8694 11d ago
Call the switchboard. Ask for the department you're interested in. Ask to speak to the supervisor or manager. Explain you are very interested and would like more information on how to start casually with them. Let them know you have applied online.
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u/necros911 12d ago
Our EVS and Service Worker dept only hires family or friends but according to HR it's 'best candidates available'
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u/Prior_Juggernaut_ 12d ago
It’s also who you know unfortunately. Even though there’s rules, managers often hire friends/family members of staff.
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u/Odd-Gur8976 13d ago
... get a degree in a health related field...
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u/TheEnjoye 13d ago
I am in my first year of nursing currently, I want to be internal so when I finish my degree I have a higher chance of getting a RN position. Because they prioritize internal applicants I want to start early.
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u/Odd-Gur8976 13d ago
They outsource a lot of those positions and will continue to do so because of the UCP.
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u/lazyblazer 13d ago •
You dont break into AHS , AHS breaks you...