How to read a job posting

The job posting provides detailed information related to the position, including title, location, classification, salary, reference numbers and requirements you need to meet in order to be selected.

1. Read the entire job posting and take note of the closing date and time. Be sure your application is in before the deadline!
2. Review the Who Can Apply section of each job posting to ensure that you are eligible based on where you reside, where you are employed or the location of your educational institution if you are a student.
3. Every job posting includes a Statement of Merit Criteria that outlines the essential and asset qualifications required. You must meet all essential qualifications to be eligible for that job.
4. In your résumé and/or covering letter, clearly illustrate how you meet all of the essential qualifications and any of the asset qualifications, if they apply to you.
5. The job requirements in the Statement of Merit Criteria enable you to anticipate some of the questions you may be asked at an interview.
   • The knowledge and abilities described in the Statement of Merit Criteriaare generally assessed during an interview and/or written test, and your personal suitability as part of reference checks

The Public Service of Canada promotes employment equity and diversity as part of its commitment to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society.

For more information, visit the section A guide on how to apply on jobs.gc.ca.

Language testing

Each job has a language requirement. While many positions require knowledge of only English or French, others require proficiency in both official languages. If you are screened into a staffing process, you will be contacted to take the Second Language Evaluation tests.

To determine whether you meet the language requirements of a position, the department running the staffing process will arrange to have you tested using three Second Language Evaluation (SLE) tests to evaluate reading, writing, and oral proficiency respectively in the second official language. Based on the test results, your proficiency level will be rated for each component as follows:

• Level A = beginner
• Level B = intermediate
• Level C = advanced
  
  For example, a job with a language profile of CBC means you need level C in reading, B in writing and C in speaking.

For more information and practice tests, visit the Public Service Commission Web site.