How do I hire an intern?

Application Process

Step 1

A hiring manager identifies a need for Internship placement(s), consults with their Human Resources (HR) Representative, and attains Deputy Head approval to hire an Intern through the Internship Program.

Step 2

Once Deputy Heads have reviewed and approved their departments’ applications, all applications are submitted as one package from the Deputy Head to the Internship Program via their HR representative. The package submission will include the prioritization list, and the following documentation for each application:

Internship Application Form. Completed in full and signed by both the supervisor and Deputy Head.

Please include the following attached to the Intern Request Form:

Existing Job Description

New or Revised Job Description(s): Include a completed Job Evaluation Request Form, draft Job Description, and current organizational chart.

Note: It is the responsibility of the hiring department to submit the job evaluation package to Job Evaluation. Internship positions are entry level positions; therefore, job descriptions cannot list any requirement for years of experience in the ‘typically attained by’ section.

Incomplete documents are returned to the hiring department. Applications cannot proceed until completed documentation is received.

The intake period for Departmental applications to the Internship Program is October 1st to November 15th. There is funding for up to 40 intern placements each fiscal year. Departments are encouraged to submit multiple applications for all identified internship opportunities.

Step 3

The Department of Finance advises hiring supervisors via email on the status of the application (approved, not approved, more information required).

Step 4

Approved internship positions will be advertised on the GNWT Careers job site for northern graduates to apply on.

Step 5

Once the job posting has closed, the hiring manager works with their HR Representative to review the applicant pool and conduct assessments including interviews and reference checks.

Internships should first be offered to northern graduates who have completed studies directly related to the proposed position. When such candidates cannot be found, graduates whose programs are not directly related may be offered the internship provided there is a reasonable expectation that the graduate will perform satisfactorily in the role.

Consistent with all staffing across the GNWT, hiring for an intern position also follows the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Step 6

Based on the outcome of the assessment process, the hiring manager determines the successful candidate. Interns may initially be hired as casual employees while requests for approval of a Direct Appointment are being processed.

The hiring department or agency is to complete the Direct Appointment Request Form in collaboration with Human Resources. The manager is required to attain their department’s Deputy Head signature; and once approved, the form is shared with the Department of Finance Deputy Head for review via the HR Representative for approval and submission to the Minister Responsible for the Public Service.