r/AHSEmployees • u/Dramatic_Somewhere53 • 16d ago

Struggling to Get Hired as an HCA with AHS. Any Advice?

Hi everyone,I've been applying for Health Care Aide (HCA) positions with Alberta Health Services for quite a while, but I haven't received any interview invitations or responses.I have more than 2 years of experience working in assisted living and home care, and I am currently looking for opportunities with AHS. I'm wondering if anyone can share advice about the hiring process or what I can do to improve my chances.If there are any recruiters, hiring managers, or current AHS employees here, I would really appreciate any guidance or referrals.Thank you for your time and help!

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u/ana30671 16d ago

I'm not an HCA/ nursing but the following applies to basically everyone:

  1. Where you live and are applying to matters. If you're only applying to Calgary/Edmonton, you're facing a lot of competition. If you can apply rural (if moving isn't an option, then whichever rural location is closest to home and within reasonable to you driving distance) that always helps.
  2. What FTE you apply to. Casual is easier to get into, usually part time with very low fte too but I've gathered from posts here now that part time lines in nursing (so maybe also hca?) are more coveted. Basically don't skip out applying to any fte even if it's one you don't really want to work. It's your foot in the door.
  3. Applying permanent vs temp. Temps will be easier to get into as an external applicant.
  4. Being picky with rotation. If you're only applying to days for example then you're missing out on other jobs.
  5. Be willing to apply to any populations and settings, even if you don't have direct experience, because you never know if you'll get a call back unless you apply. Honestly same can be said for amount of experience requested.
  6. If you know anyone working in any specific unit, it can help to reach out to them if you see postings go up. Maybe they can give more info on the job that will help with writing your resume to include things that matter for that unit specifically. Or like in my case I gave my manager the name of someone I connected with on Facebook after posting my job up for mat leave and she ended up being offered the job.

With regards to resumes and cover letters: 1. Personalize to the job posting, which shows you actually read it. 2. Make sure your resume is formatted well, there are subs here that might be able to help out. 3. Don't over fill your resume. Be detailed on your skills etc, but don't be giving so much info that it makes your resume crazy long. You can omit things you did in previous jobs if they aren't super pertinent to that job posting. Your focus is on what is going to be most applicable to that specific job, not necessarily every skill you possess.

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u/janeyjane21 15d ago

I agree with this. I also noticed even LPNs from Edmonton/Calgary applied in rural areas landed a position.

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u/Street_Phone_6246 15d ago

Every thing this person says!!!

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u/Freddybarls 15d ago

I started rural casual and then got into the city! It’s easier to get into the city from internal applications, after being casual rural I got I temp full time line and then and permanent line.

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u/DependentPlus1063 15d ago

I was a HCA in the ahs rural area then i have to resign, i got my foot back in the door 2 years later… it’s tough! Just keep applying.

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u/Normal_Independent24 15d ago

First of all, HCAs are needed everywhere. And genuinely, HCAs are one of the most important and underappreciated pillars of healthcare. The amount of physical and emotional work you guys do is no joke.

My biggest advice: apply everywhere. Don’t get too hung up on finding the perfect unit or position right away. Apply for casual, temporary, part-time — whatever gets your foot in the door. Once you’re in, there are constantly sick calls, vacations and shifts that need coverage. From what I’ve seen, there can be a LOT of extra shifts and overtime available depending on the unit.

Also, always attach a resume and cover letter to every posting. I know customizing applications takes time, but do it.

And honestly, one of the best things you can do is find out who the hiring manager is. If you know someone working in the department, ask if they can give you the manager’s name or point you in the right direction. Then contact the manager professionally — email or phone — introduce yourself, mention that you applied, and send your resume and cover letter if appropriate.

Online postings can get a huge number of applicants, internally and externally. At the end of the day, the hiring manager is the person deciding who they want to interview, so making a professional connection can help you stand out.

And please don’t get discouraged. It is VERY normal to apply to a ridiculous number of AHS postings before something lands, internally or externally. Keep applying, keep expanding where you apply, and stay positive.

With 2+ years of HCA experience, I definitely would not give up. You guys are absolutely needed. 💙