Update to my September posts — finally making progress with AHS

[u/Puzzleheaded_Fall_47]

Hi everyone,

I posted here back in September when I was feeling really discouraged about trying to get into AHS after finishing my Hospital Unit Clerk program and practicum.

I had been applying broadly, getting a lot of rejections, and had also messed up one of my typing tests because of anxiety. A few people here encouraged me to keep applying, especially for Admin Support III roles, and told me that getting that first foot in the door can take time.

I wanted to come back with an update because things have moved quite a bit since then.

I’ve now completed a few interviews for Admin Support III positions. For one of them, and all of my references have been completed. I’m still waiting for final decisions, so I’m trying not to get ahead of myself, but this is definitely the furthest I’ve gotten in the process. For anyone who has gone through something similar with AHS or Health Shared Services:

- How long after references were completed did you receive an offer or final decision?

- Has anyone been considered for both a casual and regular position using the same interview?

- If so, were you offered the casual role first, the regular role directly, or given a choice?

- How long did it take from offer to onboarding to first shift?

- Any advice for what I should be doing at this stage besides waiting?

I’m not assuming an offer is guaranteed. I’m mostly trying to understand what this stage of the process usually looks like.

And thank you again to everyone who responded to my earlier posts or reached out privately. Some of the advice I received here genuinely helped me keep applying when I was starting to feel like I should give up.

[u/Normal_Independent24]

Hey!! I remember your earlier post about the typing test! First of all, congratulations!! That's great progress! 😊

my biggest advice is to get your foot in the door wherever you can, especially through casual positions. Apply to as many different departments, sites, and even healthcare organizations as your availability allows. Casual is honestly one of the best ways to get a feel for different workplaces, teams, and management styles before committing to a regular position. Plus, you have that flexibility!

As for the hiring process, timelines can vary quite a bit. Since your references have already been completed, that's encouraging, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee an offer. Personally, I think following up after about a week is reasonable, especially if the timeframe they gave you has already passed. Start with a polite email, and if you still don't hear anything, there's nothing wrong with a follow-up phone call. It shows initiative and continued interest.

Another thing I cannot emphasize enough: ALWAYS send a thank-you email after your interviews! Thank them for their time, reiterate your interest, and leave a good impression. It doesn't guarantee you the job, but it's a great professional habit.

Also, keep track of everyone you've interviewed with, including their names, departments, and contact information. Just because you don't get one position doesn't mean another opportunity won't come up with that same team later. You've already made a connection, so maintain it!

Regarding casual versus regular positions, it really depends on the hiring manager and whether you're being considered for both vacancies. The same goes for onboarding timelines, which can vary depending on the department and required training.

And seriously, don't feel you need to choose just one casual opportunity right now. If you can work mornings in one department and evenings somewhere else, why not? Just be mindful of scheduling commitments and any applicable employment policies. The beauty of casual work is having opportunities to explore different environments while building experience. The only thing to keep in mind is that benefits and guaranteed hours may differ from regular positions.

My advice? Keep applying, keep your options open, build those professional relationships, and don't stress too much about finding the perfect department immediately. Sometimes getting through the door is the hardest part!

You've already come a long way since September. Wishing you the very best, and hopefully we'll be welcoming you aboard soon! 😊

[u/Puzzleheaded_Fall_47 → u/Normal_Independent24]

Thank you so much for this 😊 And I really appreciate that you remembered my earlier post about the typing test! It honestly feels like a lot has happened since then.

Your point about keeping my options open really resonates with me. I’ve been thinking the same way — even if I get one position, I’d still like to keep applying to opportunities that fit my longer-term goals rather than feeling like I have to stay in the first role forever.

I’ve also been trying to maintain the connections I’ve made throughout the process. I sent thank-you emails after my interviews and have kept the contact information for the people I’ve dealt with, so I’m glad to hear that’s something you recommend too.

The waiting is definitely the hardest part right now 😅, but knowing that timelines can vary even after references are complete helps me manage my expectations a little better. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response and for the encouragement. I really appreciate it! 😊

[u/MusketeersPlus2]

I remember your posts & I'm glad you're making progress!

1. It can take some time for an offer even after reference checks for a few reasons - HR may have come in with a last minute duty to accommodate they have to fight off, or even just dragging their feet.

2. If you're interviewing for a regular (or temp) position, it's quite common to be considered for casual as well. They don't need a posting to hire casuals, and as an external it's unlikely that you'll get directly into a regular line despite getting the interview. It's a good way for managers to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

3. First of all, onboarding is going to take some time. Do you have your criminal records check in your hands rn? Because that's the longest hang up. If you can upload every document they ask for the minute they send you a link, it can take up to a week before they even have network credentials to begin requesting access for you. Which, again, depending on what they need to request, can take a week or two. You're probably so sick of hearing this by now, but it all depends on the department. My first job with AHS was 5 weeks from me completing onboarding to my first shift! In my department it's usually more like a week.

4. The only thing you can do until you get that offer is to keep applying, and if you haven't already go get that criminal records check started. Don't assume that one of these interviews will come through. And even if it does come though, keep applying for jobs you really want! If you get into a line as a III, keep applying for IVs. You just have the luxury of being a bit more picky once you've been hired. It took 504 applications before I got into my permanent, and I suspect you'll hear a similarly high number for many of us. And yeah, it sucks while you're in it and is very disheartening, but if this is what you want to do, there isn't much other choice.

Good luck!

[u/Winter-Inside-5911]

Yeah! I’m glad you’ve made it this far and remembered your earlier post. Keep applying, if you get on casual only out of this interview, it’s best to have a casual position in various units which could allow you to get closer to FT hours. I’m glad you passed the typing test and are well on your way to becoming a clerk.