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Understanding government lingo
Following are some specific terms used by the public service in the job application process:
Asset qualifications: Qualifications not essential to perform the work, but would benefit the organization or enhance a person's ability to do the job now or in the future, usually in the areas of education, experience, knowledge and abilities. The asset qualifications might be used to determine which candidate who meets all the essential qualifications is the right fit for the job.
Examples:
- A bachelor's degree is essential to perform the work, but a master's degree could be an asset.
- Proficiency in a third language (other than the two official languages) could be an asset in some jobs.
Bilingual imperative: Qualified candidates must achieve the required proficiency on the second-language evaluation tests to obtain the position. Find out more information and access practice tests.
Bilingual non-imperative: If you are appointed to a non-imperative position, you will be given language training at government expense and will have two years to meet the language requirements of the position.
Casual employee: A person hired by a department or agency for a specific period of no more than 90 days in one calendar year in any particular organization. A casual worker is not considered to be an employee and therefore cannot apply for positions open only to federal government employees.
Essential qualifications: Mandatory qualifications and attributes necessary to perform the work. If you do not have these qualifications, you will not be selected for the position.
Qualifications are usually stated in the following areas:
- Experience
- Education
- Knowledge
- Abilities and skills
- Personal suitability
Indeterminate appointment: Appointment of an employee where the duration has not been determined in advance. This is usually referred to as a permanent appointment.
Statement of Merit Criteria: This is a document used to advertise the requirements for a job in which the essential and asset qualifications are listed.
Term appointment: An appointment of an employee for which the expected duration is fixed, e.g. a term of six months.