Frequently asked questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about jobs in the public service.
- Employment opportunities
- Programs
- Application process
- Screening process
- Assessment process: exam / interview
- Employment equity
- Travel
- Miscellaneous
Employment opportunities
Job opportunities with the federal public service
1. How do I search for jobs on jobs.gc.ca?
Initially, you can use the ‘Quick Search’ feature on the home page of the jobs site and search advertisements by job title key words and / or by region.
For a more detailed search, use the ‘Advanced Search’ feature which allows you to refine your search through a series of criteria such as work location / city, organization, job category / classification, salary, education and language requirements.
2. Are all jobs in the public service advertised on the Jobs Web site?
No. Given that certain governmental organizations are not governed by the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), they are not obligated to advertise their employment opportunities on the Jobs site. Always be sure to check the job listings of each organization that is not governed by the PSEA in order to not miss out on any employment opportunities.
Please contact those organizations directly with your questions or comments.
3. In December 2008, the Public Service Commission (PSC) announced the full implementation of a national area of selection for public service jobs open to the public. What does this mean?
Over the past few years, the PSC has been committed to gradually reducing the use of geographic limitations in job opportunities open to the public and has amended its policies accordingly. More and more, advertised job opportunities are open to all persons residing in Canada and to Canadian citizens residing abroad. This is known as a national area of selection (NAOS).
Since December 31, 2008, NAOS has been used for all advertised job opportunities open to the public that are for permanent (indeterminate) or term (specified period) appointments with a duration of more than six months. This policy applies to all organizations whose authority to appoint individuals to jobs in the federal public service is governed by the Public Service Employment Act.
Consult the PSC's Policy on Area of Selection, for more information.
4. Are there public service employment opportunities open only to persons within a more limited geographical area?
Yes. For certain employment opportunities, the use of a local or a regional area of selection can be used. Here are the most common circumstances:
- Term (specified period) appointments of six months or less;
- Jobs limited to members of designated Employment Equity groups;
- Employees performing duties of a seasonal nature; or
- Employment of persons not ordinarily required to work more than one third of the normal period for persons doing similar work.
5. In addition to geographical limits, what other factors do organizations use to determine who is eligible to apply for public service jobs?
When recruiting for public service jobs, organizations consider a number of factors including:
- The nature of the position to be filled, the group and level;
- The qualifications required for the position;
- The duration of the work;
- The need to identify a sufficient pool of prospective candidates, including a representative number of employment equity–designated group members to reflect the Canadian workforce; and
- The need to be accountable to Canadians for the judicious use of public funds.
To be eligible to apply, potential applicants must reside and / or work in the area of selection that the organization has defined in accordance with their own policy as well as the PSC's Policy on Area of Selection.
6. I am a public service employee. How do I access internal job advertisements?
Internal job advertisements are posted on Publiservice, the Government of Canada's Intranet site. These jobs are restricted to public servants and / or persons employed in the Public Service of Canada.
As a public service employee, you can access the Publiservice job postings using most government computers.
PSC-led Pools and Inventories
1. What is a Public Service Commission-led pool?
A Public Service Commission (PSC)-led pool is comprised of numerous candidates who applied to a corresponding advertisement on jobs.gc.ca and met the necessary minimum criteria, by way of some form of assessment, to be included in the pool. The PSC creates these types of pools to meet the needs of various federal government organizations in staffing similar positions and to make the hiring process more efficient.
2. What is a Public Service Commission-led inventory?
Unlike a PSC-led pool, a PSC-led inventory is comprised of a large number of applicants who only need to meet the minimum requirements (e.g., be within the advertised Area of Selection) to be included in the inventory. When a hiring organization requests referrals from an inventory, the assessment process begins.
3. What does my placement in a pool of candidates mean?
Being a candidate in a partially assessed PSC-led pool implies that you meet the established minimum criteria for that pool. If you are selected for referral for a job opportunity, the hiring organization will continue with further assessment to determine if you meet their job criteria to be considered for employment.
Please note that the PSC cannot guarantee that being in a PSC-led pool will lead to you being referred to a hiring organization for a job as these pools often have a large number of candidates.
4. How does the referral process work?
If a hiring federal government organization chooses to use a particular PSC-led pool or inventory to fill one or more positions, they submit a request to the PSC. The request identifies, at minimum, the tenure (temporary or permanent), duration (if applicable), work location and the job criteria of the vacant position(s). Based on this information, the PSC conducts a search* and then contacts selected candidates to confirm their interest in and availability for the particular position(s). Once the confirmation process is complete, the PSC refers the interested and available candidate(s) to the hiring organization. The hiring organization then reviews the information provided by the PSC and conducts any further assessment necessary to select the successful candidate(s) from among those referred.
*Random selection may be used – for additional information, please refer to the random selection FAQs.
Programs
Post-Secondary Recruitment
1. How do I apply for Post-Secondary Recruitment jobs?
In order to apply for any Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) jobs, you need a jobs file. If you don't have one, you should click on the My jobs file link located on the opening page and follow the detailed and easy steps on how to create one. The jobs file contains personal information, such as education, language and mobility as well as a copy of your résumé, which will be matched to job opportunities that best meet your qualifications and preferences.
Once this first step is completed, you will find jobs opportunities in the section entitled Job opportunities for graduates. When you have selected a job opportunity, you must complete all of the application requirements prior to the closing date. Keep in mind that no changes can be made to your application once the advertisement is closed.
We invite you to visit our Web site regularly, as jobs opportunities for PSR are open year-round.
Eligibility criteria
The PSR program seeks post-secondary graduates who have the qualifications needed to fill entry-level positions in federal organizations.
The education requirements for advertised career choices range from college diplomas to doctorate degrees. Please ensure that you meet the requirements before applying, or your application will automatically be rejected.
2. What kind of jobs can I expect to be offered through the PSR program?
There are many different job possibilities for those entering the public service through the PSR program. Disciplines such as business and public administration, sociology, economics, accounting and mathematics are some of the fields of study that are most commonly sought in the campaign career choices usually advertised in the fall. The disciplines for the career choices vary from year to year, depending on the needs of government organizations.
There may not be openings for employment in each discipline every year, as the staffing requirements of government organizations change, but you may apply during our Fall Campaign to the PSR General Tested Inventory that is available to government organizations year-round.
3. I am a non-Canadian. Am I eligible for employment via PSR?
You may apply; however, preference is given to Canadian citizens (living in Canada or abroad). A Canadian citizen is a person who was born in Canada or who has attained Canadian citizenship certificate via Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
4. How do I register for tests?
To register for a test, you must first apply for a job opportunity that requires testing. You must complete all of the requirements listed in the job advertisement; you will be able to register for a test only if you meet all of the requirements. If you meet all of the requirements and submit your application, you will be taken to a screen that provides a summary of the job opportunities you have chosen that require testing.
Please review this information; note the date by which tests must be written and the type of tests required for each. Links are provided under the chart to:
- see previous results of a test
- obtain more information on the test and sample questions
- book your test date
To book a test, use the Book a Test feature and follow the remaining steps.
Each test site can accommodate a limited number of applicants. Applicants who have not registered for a particular test will not be admitted.
For more information about tests, please visit the Test Information site.
5. Can I re-write a test?
Yes; however, you must wait until the 180-day retest period has elapsed. If you choose to re-write the test, your most recent score, not the highest, will be used.
Also, if you choose to re-write the test before the retest period has expired, the results will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed.
6. What happens after I apply?
After the closing date for the receipt of applications, the PSC evaluates all applicants against the requirements listed on the job advertisement, including test scores where applicable.
The PSC then refers the candidates who meet these pre-selection criteria to the hiring organization for further evaluation.
The hiring organization will contact you if you are selected for an interview or additional testing.
7. I scored well on my tests. Why have I not been referred?
The passing grades on the Web site are merely a guideline for government organizations. Many will use a top-down model to determine the candidates whom they wish to consider. When that is the case, a passing grade may not apply to the referral process if many candidates scored well on the tests.
8. What is the PSR general inventory?
The PSR general inventory contains the names of individuals who have submitted their application for a public service job. The inventory is available to all federal organizations in order to help them fill a wide range of entry-level positions that require a university degree.
Hiring organizations contact the PSC if they need to fill an entry-level job.
The system matches applicants in the PSR general inventory to appropriate jobs, according to a job's specific requirements (e.g. education level and field of expertise).
The PSC then contacts the selected applicants by e-mail to verify their interest. Interested candidates are referred to the department or agency for further assessment.
9. What is the difference between the Post-Secondary Recruitment general inventory and an advertised job opportunity?
The inventory is an established pool of candidates that hiring organizations can consult to fulfill their staffing requirements.
Advertised job opportunities are posted year-round. Interested applicants must apply directly for each posting.
10. Do I need to apply to advertised positions if I have already applied to the PSR General Inventory?
Yes. As indicated in Question 9, the PSR General Inventory is separate from the advertised job opportunities.
11. If I am not interested in a job when the PSC contacts me, will I be contacted for other jobs in the future?
Applicants are not obligated to say "yes" when contacted about their interest; they will remain in the inventory. However, if a hiring organization offers you a position and you choose not to accept it, you will no longer be considered for that particular position.
12. I applied to the PSR General Inventory. Why have I not been contacted?
The PSR General Inventory is designed to search for and match applicants who meet the specific job requirements as they have been determined by the hiring organization.
If your qualifications do not match the requirements of any of the job opportunities that are available, you will not be contacted.
13. I applied for a career choice during the PSR Campaign. Since then, my citizenship status changed to Canadian citizen. How can I update my jobs file?
Please contact us by sending a message to the following e-mail address:
psr-rp@psc-cfp.gc.ca.
14. What are the passing grades?
The minimal pass marks for these exams are as follows:
- Graduate Recruitment Test – 23/55
- Written Communication Proficiency Test – 30/50
- Situational Judgement Test – 66/100
Please note that these scores are minimal pass marks set by the Personnel Psychology Centre and can be increased at the discretion of the hiring department or agency, depending on their recruitment needs and the importance of the skills that the tests are assessing.
15. Which test score counts: the best or the last?
It is the last test score that counts, even if it is lower than a previous score.
Federal Student Work Experience Program
1. Do I have to submit a new Application for Employment form every year?
Yes. Every fall, a new inventory is created; the registration date is posted on this site. Students must submit applications every year when the new inventory is created. Once submitted, the application remains in the inventory for the entire campaign period (approximately 12 months). Students are responsible for keeping their applications updated annually.
2. How many jobs are available?
On average, 10 000 jobs are offered to students each campaign.
3. What kinds of jobs are available?
There are many types of jobs being offered to both secondary and post-secondary students, including office administration, field work, information technology and professional development.
4. What is shift work?
Shift work can be defined as those jobs that offer several shifts over the course of one day. This suggests that someone might have to work several shifts in one day, such as from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., rather than having one regular, set time to report for work. For example, a regular day could mean starting at 9 a.m. and finishing at 5 p.m. every day. Shift work, on the other hand, could require you to work from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your shifts may change every week, depending on your employer.
5. I am a non-Canadian. Am I eligible for the Federal Student Work Experience Program?
Yes. However, preference is given to Canadian citizens who meet the job requirements identified by the hiring organization. A Canadian citizen is a person who possesses Canadian citizenship by birth or through the naturalization process under the Canadian Citizenship Act.
6. If I finish high school this fall semester and plan to return to full-time studies next fall, am I eligible for the Federal Student Work Experience Program?
No. In order to be eligible for the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), a person must currently be a full-time student, returning to full-time studies in their next academic term. In this case, the next academic term would be the winter semester in high school. Students in this situation would become eligible once they started their full-time studies the next fall.
7. I am a part-time student in my final year of academic study. Am I eligible for FSWEP?
No. Students must have full-time status at their academic institution in order to apply for FSWEP.
8. I am in my final year of academic study and I am not returning to full-time studies. Am I eligible for FSWEP?
Those students in their final year of academic study who are not returning to full-time studies in the next academic term are only eligible to work part-time until the completion of their final academic term.
9. I am a part-time student with a recognized disability. Am I eligible for FSWEP?
Students with a disability who are recognized by their educational institution as having a full-time status are eligible to apply.
10. What does it mean when I enter mobility codes on my Application for Employment?
Selecting mobility codes on your application means that you are willing to move to and work in all locations that you have selected. Please note that in most cases organizations will not pay for your relocation, so choose your mobility locations carefully.
11. What if I require technical aids or alternative arrangements for exams or interviews?
Please advise us of your special needs when we contact you. We must be informed of your situation in order to make alternative arrangements. It is government policy to create and maintain an inclusive, barrier-free environment in the public service to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities.
12. If I am not interested in a job when the PSC contacts me, will I be contacted for other jobs in the future?
You are not obligated to say "yes" when contacted. Your application will remain active in the inventory for the duration of the campaign.
13. Why am I not being contacted?
The FSWEP computerized inventory is designed to search for and randomly select students who meet the job requirements determined by the hiring organization. There is an average of 10 000 student jobs and over 55 000 applications in the inventory. Consequently, there is a possibility that you may not receive an interest call. Federal government student jobs are highly sought after, and random selection is an equitable and fair method of searching for persons to be assessed.
14. I have previously worked for the federal government in an FSWEP job. Can I be re-hired?
Yes. If a manager so decides, you may be re-hired for the same job or for similar jobs. In order to be re-employed, you must:
- Complete an on-line application for employment or update your existing application to ensure that the information is accurate, especially your status as a student and your availability;
- Meet all of the requirements for the job; and
- Continue to meet the FSWEP eligibility criteria.
15. Can student employment lead to an appointment in the public service?
Successful completion of both an FSWEP work assignment and your educational program may lead to temporary or permanent federal public service positions for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.
It must be noted that managers have no obligation to appoint graduate students whom they once hired for a student work assignment.
16. What are the rates of pay for FSWEP jobs?
For the student rates of pay or for more information, please refer to AppendixA –Student Rates of Pay or contact the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) at wpp-ppt@tbs-sct.gc.ca.
Students working in an isolated post may be entitled to an isolated-post allowance.
Rates for secondary students differ by region.
Rates for post-secondary students are based on the student's current academic level. For example, a student pursuing a bachelor's degree is paid according to the University/Undergraduate pay structure, whereas students pursuing a college diploma will be paid according to the College/CEGEP structure.
Some organizations have negotiated different rates of pay with the TBS. For these cases, the specific rates of pay are indicated in the "Departmental Programs" section and on the TBS Web site.
17. If I am a post-secondary student and I indicate that I am willing to take the secondary school rate of pay, what does this mean?
Post-secondary students who indicate that they will accept the secondary school rate of pay may be offered positions for which no secondary school students can be found. In this case, those post-secondary students will not be paid at the post-secondary level, but at the pre-determined secondary school rate of pay for the geographical area in which the job is located. Post-secondary students who are not willing to accept the secondary school rate of pay will not be considered for these jobs.
18. What is a departmental program?
In conjunction with the PSC, organizations can create an advertisement to be posted on the PSC’s Web site for the positions available that aim to meet particular staffing requirements. The advertisement will outline the specific requirements of the departmental program (e.g. academic level, specialized fields of study and skills).
19. How can I apply to a departmental program?
Students must identify the departmental program(s) for which they want to be considered on their FSWEP application form. Only students who meet the requirements of the departmental program will be referred to the organization. To apply, you must access the general inventory poster and select the departmental programs before submitting your application. View the departmental programs.
Recruitment of Policy Leaders
1. How does the Recruitment of Policy Leaders (RPL) program hire candidates directly into the public service?
RPL is a Public Service Commission (PSC) program that recruits candidates for federal organizations following a thorough assessment process against the merit criteria.
2. I am a non-Canadian. Am I eligible for RPL?
You may apply; however, preference is given to Canadian citizens (living in Canada or abroad). A Canadian citizen is a person who was born in Canada or who has attained a Canadian citizenship certificate via Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
3. I am a permanent resident (landed immigrant) and am waiting to become a Canadian citizen. Am I eligible for RPL?
While the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) does not forbid immigrants from applying to positions in the public service, it clearly specifies (see article 39 of the PSEA) that preference for appointment is to be given in the following order:
- A person in receipt of a pension by reason of war service
- Veteran or a survivor of a veteran
- Canadian citizen
- Persons not belonging to the previous groups.
Unless you have a highly sought-after specialization (one that is in shortage in the federal government and for which there are no qualified Canadians), your chances of being considered for federal government positions are slim.
4. In what language will the interview be held?
Interviews will be held in the official language (English or French) of your choice.
5. What if I require technical aids or alternative arrangements for exams or interviews?
Please advise the PSC or the hiring organization of your special needs when you are contacted. We must be informed of your situation in order to make alternative arrangements. It is government policy to create and maintain an inclusive, barrier-free environment in the public service to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities.
Research Affiliate Program
1. I am a non-Canadian. Am I eligible for the Research Affiliate Program (RAP)?
Yes. However, preference is given to Canadian citizens who meet the job requirements identified by the hiring organization. A Canadian citizen is a person who possesses Canadian citizenship by birth or through the naturalization process under the Canadian Citizenship Act.
2. I am a part-time student in my final year of academic study. Am I eligible for RAP?
No. Students must have full-time status at their academic institution in order to be eligible for RAP.
3. If my academic schedule permits, is it possible to work full-time during the academic term?
The recommended maximum amount of work for part-time RAP jobs is 25 hours per week, to allow students to balance their work, studies and personal lives. However, if your academic course schedules permits, you may be employed full-time until graduation.
4. What if I require technical aids or alternative arrangements for exams or interviews?
Please advise the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the hiring organization of your special needs when you are contacted. We must be informed of your situation in order to make alternative arrangements. The Policy on the Duty to Accommodate Persons with Disabilities in the Federal Public Service states that it is the policy of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the PSC to create and maintain an inclusive, barrier-free environment in the public service to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities.
5. Is the RAP only available to students studying in scientific areas in which their research is purely in a laboratory setting or related field research?
Initially, this was the target student audience for RAP. However, the program is now open to any area of study in which a student would like to conduct research. The research project to which a student is assigned must help the student develop specific knowledge and research skills.
6. What are the options for paying RAP students?
- Salary
- Stipend
- Bursary
7. For what period is a student paid as a RAP participant?
If the student's RAP assignment is to complete a thesis or dissertation, the student should be paid up until the time he/she is ready for his/her defence. The write-up for either the thesis or dissertation should realistically take no more than two months after the research has been completed. For all other research activities, the student should only be paid for the time worked.
8. Must students' research be directly linked to graduation from their academic programs?
In most situations concerning the RAP, this is the case. However, students can be RAP participants when their research work is not linked to their academic programs and is not a requirement to graduate.
Co-operative Education and Internship Program
1. What is the difference between a Co-op program and an Internship?
Co-op is an educational program in which classroom instruction is alternated with semesters of work placement and performance evaluation in workplaces related to the field of study.
An internship is on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced workers, designed to give students the required skills and knowledge for entry into a trade or profession.
2. What is the normal duration of the assignments?
A student's academic institution determines the duration of each work assignment. Co-operative assignments traditionally last four months, but internship assignments may vary from four to 18 months. Managers may offer students back-to-back work terms with prior approval of the academic institution.
3. Who should be contacted to obtain more information?
Enquiries concerning the post-secondary Co-op/Internship program in the public service should be addressed to the office of the Public Service Commission Co-op co-ordinator at the following address: co-op@psc-cfp.gc.ca.
4. Where can I find more information relating to student employment?
More information is available on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) Web site.
- Student Employment Policy
- Student Employment Programs in the Federal Government
- Terms and Conditions of Employment for Students (including rates of pay)
5. Can a student from any Co-op/Internship program be hired?
No. Only those students enrolled in PSC-approved Co-op/Internship programs can be recruited to work in the public service in the context of this program. Those programs are listed on the PSC Web site under "PSC-approved programs."
6. How do we define the area of selection for a Co-op/Internship assignment?
Since fall 2008, full-time post-secondary positions are subject to a national area of selection for all student programs. When hiring a Co-op student, organizations must consider students from different institutions in order to yield a reasonable pool of qualified candidates.
7. What should organizations consider to define the area of selection of a position for a Co-op/internship assignment?
Organizations should consider:
- Which academic program(s) will best meet their needs;
- Whether the Co-op or Internship program is approved by the PSC;
- That considering students in more than one institution results in a reasonable pool of candidates, including members of designated employment equity groups.
8. Can a non-Canadian student who meets the requirements of the position be hired?
No.
In keeping with section 39(1)(c) of the Public Service Employment Act, preference must be given to Canadian citizens. Accordingly, a work term must be offered to a Canadian student who meets the requirements before the position can be offered to a non-Canadian student.
9. When no Canadians meet the requirements of the position, can non-Canadian applicants, if assessed and found qualified, be appointed?
Yes. In those circumstances, non-Canadians could be considered.
However, non-Canadians who are selected must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
10. Does a learning plan for Co-op/Internship students have to be prepared?
Yes. The TBS Student Employment Policy requires that learning plans be prepared for each assignment. The plan can be tailor-made, or organizations can use the generic plan supplied by the educational institution, combined with a description of the specific assignment. Moreover, organizations are required to assess the student's progress.
Feedback is an important component of the learning process; a learning plan is essential because it sets out the goals to be achieved by students and provides a tool to assess their progress and performance at the end of the assignment.
Application process
Applying for a position and your application status
1. How do I apply for a job in the federal public service?
You should consult the Federal Government Jobs pages regularly to find job opportunities open to members of the general public.
If you find a position of interest, you can apply by using the Apply On-line button found at the bottom of each job advertisement.
You will then be asked to create your personal account. This may take a bit of time, but is worthwhile in order to avoid repeating the same steps every time you apply to a position.
Once you complete your personal account, you will be able to submit your application.
If you are a student or recent graduate, you may also wish to consult Job opportunities for students or Job opportunities for graduates.
You should also check the job listings of each organization that is not governed by the Public Service Employment Act in order to not miss out on other employment opportunities.
2. How do I know if my application was received?
To verify that your application was received, you need to log in to your My Jobs account. Once logged in, click on View My Jobs File, and then look under Job Opportunit(y)( ies) Submitted to view any application in process. If the job to which you applied is listed on the results page, your application was received.
As indicated on the advertisement, hiring organizations will communicate, at their earliest convenience, only with the candidates who were screened in. Depending on many factors, including the high volume of applications, this process can be lengthy.
Eligibility to apply
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone within the area of selection listed on the job advertisement is eligible to apply.
2. I am a permanent resident (landed immigrant), waiting to become a Canadian citizen. Can I get a job with the public service?
While the Public Service Employment Act does not exclude non-Canadians from applying to positions in the federal public service, it clearly specifies that preference for appointment is to be given in the following order, among the qualified candidates in a selection process:
- Canadian who is in receipt of a pension by reason of war service;
- Canadian war veteran or a survivor (widow/widower) of a Canadian war veteran;
- Canadian citizen; and
- Other qualified individuals.
3. I want to immigrate to Canada. Can I apply for federal public service jobs?
To be eligible to apply, potential applicants must reside and / or work in the area of selection listed in the job advertisement. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.
4. Why is my place of residence important, and how is it defined?
Place of residence (current or permanent address) or work location are criteria of eligibility for jobs open to the public.
Generally, people are eligible based on their current address or work location at the time of applying. In certain instances, however, people are eligible by virtue of a permanent address, from which they are temporarily absent. Individuals must have the firm intention to return to the permanent address at the end of the temporary absence. An example could be that a person owns two homes, one in Toronto and another in Prince Edward Island and uses the second location as a summer retreat.
Students have dual eligibility based either on their permanent address or their current address (the location of their residence while attending the educational institution in which they are registered).
5. I am a Canadian citizen residing abroad. Can I apply for job opportunities in the federal public service?
Yes, as long as you are willing to return to Canada. Jobs open to the public, which uses a National Area of Selection, includes persons residing across Canada as well as Canadian citizens residing abroad.
6. When residing abroad, is there a time limit for when one must be back in Canada once selected for appointment?
This decision is at the discretion of the hiring manager / organization in accordance with their internal procedure and their particular organizational needs, including urgency in filling the position.
7. Are candidates residing abroad during the selection process expected to return to Canada to be assessed?
This is at the discretion of the hiring manager / organization. Generally speaking, there are different ways to assess candidates, such as via video conference and assistance from other departments or agencies. Special arrangements in the country of temporary residence are usually possible through the Embassy and would be arranged by the hiring organization.
Creating an account
1. Where do I go to create an account in order to apply for a job?
You can create an account at any time by going to the My job account page or when you apply on-line for a job. Please note that you do not need an account to search and browse the job advertisements.
Password security
As part of the process of applying electronically to job opportunities in the federal public service, an applicant must have an account in the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS). When creating an account in PSRS, the applicant must enter personal information and is required to create a password for future access to the account.
PSRS passwords serve to protect applicant accounts and personal information. The Public Service Commission complies with the Government Security Policy and supports practices that reduce the risk of information breaches and inappropriate handling of personal data. If a password is compromised, the entire network could be put at risk. Applicants are required to create a strong and secure password that should be safeguarded at all times.
1. Is my Public Service Resourcing System password secure?
The Public Service Commission has adopted a strong password policy in accordance with the Government Security Policy. The password format ensures that all applicant account information is safeguarded and kept strictly confidential.
2. What are the requirements for creating a strong Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS) password?
The PSRS' requirements for a strong password are as follows:
- Must contain a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 characters;
- Is case sensitive;
- Must begin with a letter;
- Must contain a minimum of one uppercase and one lowercase letter from a to z;
- Must contain a minimum of one number between 1 and 9; and
- Must contain a minimum of one of the following characters:
! @ # $ % ? & * ( ) ^.
3. Am I required to change my password?
The Public Service Resourcing System does not require you to change your password. However, you are encouraged to change it on a regular basis to further safeguard your information.
4. I've forgotten my password to access My Jobs. Can you help?
To retrieve your password and access your My Jobs account:
- Click on the Find Account button;
- Enter the required information, click on the Search button;
- When your account is found, follow the instructions to accept the information;
- Enter the answer to your secret question; and
- Click on the Get password button. This will bring you into your account.
Due to security and privacy concerns, we are unable to access directly, reveal or modify applicant information.
Questions about your résumé
1. Why can't I submit my résumé in the form of an attachment?
We only accept applications submitted via the Apply On-line button:
- To reduce the risk of virus infection;
- To ensure consistency of presentation and assessment of applications; and
- To accelerate the application screening process.
2. How do I include my work experience with my application?
You can include your work experience with your application when you paste your résumé into the résumé section of your My Jobs account.
3. Can I submit my résumé to a general inventory for future employment or directly to the Public Service Commission?
You may apply to positions advertised on Jobs Web site Some of these external staffing processes are advertised for the purpose of creating general / specific inventories.
Screening process
Application and résumé screening
1. How is the screening of my application done?
The initial screening is done electronically as soon as you submit your application on-line. The Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS) is set up in such a way as to screen on different factors, at the hiring organization’s discretion.
The criteria to screen candidates can be those listed on the Advertisement and the Statement of Merit Criteria Area of Selection, Citizenship, Education, Occupational Certification, Assets and Experience factors being the most common ones.
It is important to take the time to apply properly by tailoring your application and résumé to each employment opportunity you are interested in. You must always clearly demonstrate how you meet each essential and sometimes asset qualifications with concrete examples and follow the instructions on the job advertisement carefully. Your résumé must also reflect the information provided on your application. All information provided may be verified.
The applications screened in by PSRS are then forwarded to the hiring organization for a more in-depth screening.
2. How will my job application and résumé be assessed and / or screened?
Organizations evaluate candidates against the criteria listed in the Statement of Merit Criteria (SMC) and Conditions of Employment, using various methods. These may include the verification of the information in the application and résumé, references checks and verification of the credentials (requesting proof of education, certification, etc.), followed by interviews and written tests. The order in which these steps are conducted is at the discretion of the hiring manager.
The SMC and Conditions of Employment document is generally included as a direct link on the job advertisement.
Random selection
1. Some advertisements state that random selection may be used to identify which applicants will be assessed during the appointment process. What is random selection?
Random selection is a strategy that is sometimes used to manage applicant volume. It identifies a sub-sample of applicants by applying the element of chance at some point during the appointment process, using criteria identified by the hiring organization.
2. How is this sub-sample of applicants determined?
To determine the sub-sample of applicants, the hiring organization identifies the following:
- Criteria that qualified candidates must meet; and
- The number of candidates to be selected.
With the assistance of an electronic system that contains information on all applicants, candidates who meet these criteria are identified and the sub-sample is randomly selected from that group. The Public Service Resourcing System – the electronic system used to advertise, receive and select applications – performs the random selection function.
3. When would random selection be used?
Random selection may be suitable for use in appointment processes where a high volume of applicants are expected or have been received. Some examples include the following:
- There is a high labour market availability of candidates;
- There is a high ratio of promising candidates relative to the number of vacancies; or
- The process will staff entry-level positions that do not require specialized qualifications.
Assessment process: exam / interview
Public service exams and testing
1. How can I write the public service entry exams?
Exams are administered by invitation only.
You must first apply for a job opportunity that requires testing. In order to be invited to write an exam, you must complete all of the requirements listed in the job advertisement and then be chosen for further assessment.
For more information about tests, please visit the Test Information site.
2. What types of tests are used?
The Public Service Commission’s Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) makes available to its federal government clients a broad range of tests that assess different qualifications at various levels. Basic information on these assessment instruments can be found by visiting the PPC Test page.
3. Can I re-write a test?
Yes; however, you must wait until the retest period has elapsed. If you then choose to re-write the test, your most recent score, whether higher or lower, will be used.
Please note that if you choose to re-write the test before the retest period has expired, the results will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed.
4. How can I obtain information on my test results?
To obtain a copy of your test results, go to Test Results and complete the on-line form.
5. Is there a specific pass mark for each test?
Each test has a minimal pass mark set by the Personnel Psychology Centre. Individual hiring organizations may establish a higher pass mark for a particular appointment process where testing is required.
If there is any question about the pass mark, it should be addressed to the hiring organization.
6. How can I prepare to write a test?
The Personnel Psychology Centre provides practice tests for some of the more frequently used tests on their Practice Test Web page.
Unsupervised Internet Testing
1. What is an Unsupervised Internet Test (UIT)?
The UIT is a test that is administered in an unsupervised environment, accessible at any location where the test taker has access to a computer and an Internet connection.
2. What does the UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 measure?
The UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 measures a person’s general problem-solving and reasoning ability.
3. Why is Unsupervised Internet Testing being used?
Each year, the federal public service receives over one million job applications. Some job advertisements receive thousands of applications. The UIT is a new, additional screening tool being used to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the staffing process.
Although receiving many applications for a job can be helpful, processing too many applications is costly and time-consuming. When used in combination with other screening criteria (e.g. education and experience), a UIT can help reduce the volume of applications to a reasonable amount and yield a sufficient number of promising applicants.
To ensure that applicants have completed the UIT based on their own abilities, the UIT results of screened-in candidates will be verified by using another assessment instrument in a supervised setting. For example, when the UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 is used in the screening process, the General Competency Test: Level 1 (GCT1) will be administered later to those who passed the UIT and met the other screening criteria.
4. Given that a UIT is taken without supervision, doesn’t that encourage cheating and make the test result questionable?
Research on unsupervised tests has shown that test takers are unlikely to cheat when they are told that, should they get screened in, their UIT will be followed up with a mandatory supervised test that measures the same qualification as the UIT. Poor performance on the mandatory supervised test will end the applicant’s participation in the selection process.
5. What can I expect when I take this test?
- Number and type of questions: The test is comprised of 20 multiple choice questions.
- Time limit: You have 60 minutes to complete the UIT, although most people finish it in approximately 30 minutes. If you take extended breaks during the test and keep your browser open, you may not have sufficient time to complete the test. At the end of the 60 minutes, all the questions that you answered up to that point will be scored; this will be the UIT result used in your job application.
- If technical difficulties arise during the test (e.g. your computer crashes or you accidentally close your browser window), you will be able to continue the test by logging back into the system and continuing where you left off. In the event of extreme technical difficulties (e.g. extended power outage), you can use the e-mail address provided to submit a request to take the test again. You will only be permitted to re-take the test once, and you will be given an entirely new set of questions to complete. A request for a re-test can only be addressed from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. There can be a delay in the time required to provide a re-test during periods of high call volumes.
- Pass mark: Each hiring manager sets the pass mark for their process. As a result, pass marks on the UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 can vary across selection processes.
6. How will the results of my UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 be used?
The results of your UIT will be used along with the other screening criteria established by the manager who is filling the position(s).
If you fail the UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 or any of the other screening criteria used by the manager (e.g. education), you will be screened out and not considered further for the position.
If you pass the UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 and the other screening criteria used by the manager (e.g. education), you will be further considered for the position and required to write the GCT1 in a supervised location. For a description of the GCT1, please visit www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ppc-cpp/psc-tests-cfp/gct1-ecg1-eng.htm.
7. Can the results of my UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 be re-used when I apply for other jobs?
No. The results of your UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1 can only be used within the selection process for which you took that UIT. If you apply for another job that includes a UIT in its screening process, you are required to take another version of the UIT.
8. I have a disability and require accommodation for assessment. Can I ask for this?
As part of the on-line process, applicants will be asked whether they require accommodation on the UIT. Applicants do not have to officially self-identify as a member of one of the Employment Equity groups to request accommodation during assessment. If applicants indicate that they require accommodation, they will be exempt from taking the UIT. If applicants are subsequently screened in based on the other criteria and without having completed the UIT, they will be required to provide information on their condition or disability or their circumstance (e.g. cultural or religious reasons) to enable appropriate assessment with the supervised test.
9. Who do I contact for more information about the UIT of Cognitive Ability – Level 1?
Send your questions via e-mail to ppc-cpp@psc-cfp.gc.ca, or telephone 613-992-9741.
10. What is the UIT of Second Language Writing Skills
The Second Language Writing Skillstest is a self-assessment tool thatevaluatesthe test takers’ ability to express themselves, in writing, in their second official language. It is self-assessment because the results will only be seen by the test taker. The results are designed to help job applicants decide whether or not it makes sense for them to apply for bilingual imperative positions.
This test is being offered to applicants who submit their application to certain advertised bilingual job opportunities using the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS).
11. Which job applications will include the use of the UIT of Second Language Writing Skills?
- Applicants are given the opportunity, on a voluntary basis, to take this test if they are working on an application to a bilingual position within PSRS.
- No distinction between the various levels of bilingual job opportunities (i.e. A, B or C) are taken into consideration. The UIT is available to applicants whenever the word “bilingual” is used to describe one or more of the available positions.
12. How will my results from the unsupervised Second Language Writing Skills test be used?
- Your test result will in no way affect your status in this or any other process for which you apply.
- Results will be for your use and anonymous research purposes only and will not affect your previous or future achieved level on the statutory Second Language Evaluation (SLE) Test of Written Expression in your second official language.
- Applicants will still be required to take the statutory SLE test in their second official language if they have been screened into bilingual imperative job selection processes and do not currently have valid results.
13. How do I take this test?
- Each applicant can only take the test once for any given selection process. They will have an opportunity to take the test each time they apply for an advertised bilingual job.
- This test is designed to be completed within 15 to 30 minutes. For the test takers’ convenience, a time limit of 60 minutes has been allotted to complete the test.
- A test taker can remain idle for 60 minutes before the system will log them out of the test. Once logged out, the test taker will not be able to complete the test, nor will they be given the opportunity to take the test again. Rather, they will need to send an e-mail to the Help Desk in order to re-set their test .
- If the test is interrupted prematurely due to a disruption of service for any reason, the test taker will be given an opportunity to re-take the test. This can be accomplished if they send a request to the Help Desk during their hours of operation.
14. How do I obtain my results from this test?
- The results are provided to the test taker automatically following completion of the test.
- Test takers will receive feedback about whether they scored low, medium or high on the test. Those who receive a low score will be told that, if they maintain their current level of performance, then it is unlikely that they will pass the SLE Test of Written Expression in the Second Official Language at the intermediate (B) or advanced (C) level.
- Your results will not be shared with the HR Advisor and/or Hiring Manager.
- There is no indication to the test taker as to what rating level they received, such as A, B, C or E.
15. What if I fail the test?
- There is no consequence. The results do not impact on an application process. It is up to the candidate, based on the results of the test, to decide whether or not they wish to continue with their application for the position or withdraw from the process.
- Applicants who have applied to and been screened in for bilingual job opportunities will still be required to write the statutory SLE test for each process if they do not already have valid SLE test results that meet the language requirements of the job opportunity.
16. Who do I contact for more information about the UIT of Second Language Writing Skills?
Send your questions via e-mail to ppc-cpp@psc-cfp.gc.ca, or telephone 613-992-9741.
Preparing for exam / interview / Second Language Exam
1. How do I prepare for my interview and / or exams?
You should focus on the Statement of Merit Criteria and Conditions of Employment documents, which are generally included in the job advertisement. Interview and exam assessments are based on the criteria outlined in this document.
2. When can I write the Second Language Exams (SLE)?
You must first be a screened-in candidate in order to be invited to write the exams during the selection process.
3. Can I take the Public Service Commission tests and have my second language skills tested in advance so that the results are on file?
You can only write tests and have your second language evaluation if you have been invited to do so as part of a specific hiring process.
4. How can I prepare for the Second Language Exams?
You should review grammar rules and practice reading and speaking your second language. You should also refer to the following links for a sample practice test as well as to get information on these exams:
5. What other types of exams can I expect to have to write during a selection process?
The hiring organization decides which exams they use to assess the candidates who are screened in. The organization could also create their own in-house exam to assess qualifications, such as the knowledge component. You will find the most frequently administered exams on the Public Service Commission Web site.
Employment equity
1. How does the government determine when to conduct recruitment focused on one or more employment equity groups?
Under Part I of the Employment Equity Act (EEA), employers, including the public service, must determine the degree of under-representation of employment equity (EE) designated groups and implement plans to promote employment equity.
Four EE groups have been designated under the EEA:
- Members of visible minority groups;
- Aboriginal peoples;
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Women.
Targeting recruitment efforts towards one or more of these groups gives organizations a better chance of closing representation gaps and developing a workplace that better reflects the diversity of Canadian society.
2. Why are some selection processes only open to one or more employment equity designated group(s)?
The Government of Canada has the legal obligation to ensure that its workforce reflects the communities it serves. When and where it has been determined that an employment equity designated group is under-represented, hiring organizations may decide to open an opportunity only to members of that employment equity-designated group.
3. I do not belong to an employment equity designated group. Will my chances of being selected for a job be reduced?
Not usually. However, from time to time, certain positions may be limited to applicants from members of employment equity-designated groups.
4. I belong to at least one employment equity-designated group. I am consequently concerned that my chances of being selected for a job may be reduced. Should I self-identify?
Self-identifying as being part of one or more employment equity group(s) is voluntary. However, for the reasons mentioned above, we strongly recommend that you self-identify for all the groups you belong to.
Travel
1. Who pays for the travel expenses of applicants in an external advertised appointment process?
When you are selected to participate in an appointment process, the hiring organization may authorize you to travel on official government business and reimburse pre-determined travel expenses incurred on your trip. This would most likely be specified on the advertisement. Should this be the case, consult the Travel Directive and its annexes for more information.
Please note that provisions for you as a traveler will be different from those of employees. Also, not all agencies, boards and commissions are subject to this Travel Directive. In these instances, the hiring manager will provide you with more information.
2. I do not have any money to travel in the course of a selection process. Why bother applying?
As mentioned in the assessment information section of a job advertisement, there are different ways to assess candidates. These do not necessarily involve travel for the candidates. The hiring managers will decide how they wish to proceed. However, you may have to travel and pay for all your travel expenses throughout the selection process.
Miscellaneous
1. Where is the Career Videos page?
The Career Explorer page includes all the career videos.
2. Where do I find information about rates of pay in the public service?
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Web site provides information on Rates of pay for the public service of Canada as well as the collective agreements for the core public administration.
3. Where do I find information about job category and job classification in the federal public service?
In the core public administration classification system, we refer to the organization of work and employees as the occupational group structure. The core public administration is made of the departments named in Schedule I and IV of the Financial Administration Act.
4. I have a question or a suggestion for your site. How do I contact you?
Please contact us at jobs-emplois@psc-cfp.gc.ca.