Create a job profile

By creating your account through the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS), you will be able to access and modify your personal information, keep track of your current and past job applications, create a profile to match jobs currently advertised, view the status of your applications and even view your scheduled tests or test results.

Start your job search

The jobs.gc.ca Web site allows you to search using either the Quick search tool or the Advanced search tool. You may search a wide range of job postings and identify the selections that best match your interests by using various criteria such as: job title, geographic location, organization, program, job category, salary and education level.

Vacant positions advertised will feature information about the position, including salary, geographic location, essential qualifications, merit criteria and other important messages.

The jobs.gc.ca Web site lists job advertisements for current employment opportunities through different recruitment programs. You may be eligible for one or more of the following:

• Jobs Open to the Public: Visit the Job Posting section to find job advertisements for available opportunities or that may be listed on specific departmental/agency Web sites (read more);
• Student Employment Opportunities: the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), Post-secondary Co-op/Internship Program (CO-OP), the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) and Students Providing Aligned Research and Knowledge (SPARK) offer programs for university, college and high school students who want to work for the public service while they are still attending school;
• Post-secondary Graduate Opportunities: look at the Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) and the Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program (RPL) sections for opportunities targeting post-secondary graduates and to find details on how to apply, exams, career choices and much more; and
• Applicants can visit the Web sites of several external recruitment programs such as those for the Management Trainee Program and the Accelerated Economist Training Program.

Submit your application on-line

It is important to review the Who Can Apply section of each job advertisement to ensure that you are eligible.

Once you make your selection, you can apply and submit your application on-line or by other means, if indicated in the advertisement.

Steps for applying on-line:

1. Click on the "Apply on-line" button found at the bottom of the advertisement;
2. Login to your PSRS job profile;
   then
3. Apply for the desired job opportunity.

What you should know about submitting your application:

• You can only submit applications for jobs that are currently advertised. Unsolicited applications will not be considered.
• Do not send your application via e-mail. We do not accept e-mail attachments.
• Do not send your résumé via the "Contact Us" button in the navigation bar or via the Public Service Commission’s Info-com e-mail address.
• On-line applications must be received by the closing date indicated in the job advertisement.

Once the closing date in the job advertisment has passed, the following will take place:

Applications are reviewed and screened

All applications are pre-screened by the PSRS according to the Statement of Merit Criteria set out in the job advertisement.

An Assessment Board (usually made up of the hiring manager, one or two team members or other managers) reviews the pre-screened applications and retains the ones that meet all essential qualifications, as defined in the Statement of Merit Criteria.

You can view your profile on jobs.gc.ca at any time to check the status of your job application(s).

Candidates are evaluated

Selected candidates are invited to an interview, a written test, or both.

Evaluation methods are chosen by the Assessment Board, based on the amount of information needed to assess candidates. Interviews and written tests are often used in combination with other methods such as skill tests, standard tests, reference checks, simulations, case studies, and / or presentations.

Appointment

The Assessment Board determines the person(s) that best fit the requirements of the position. The asset qualifications may be used to determine which candidate (i.e. who meets all the essential qualifications) is the right fit for the job.

Visit the following links for information and suggestions on the following topics:

• Internet Access: http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/centres/guide-eng.htm#tips
• Certificates and diplomas from outside of Canada: Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)
• Hiring organizations: Find out about the department or agency
• Testing and assessment:http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/centres/guide-eng.htm#tips
• Interview tips:http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/centres/guide-eng.htm#tips

Merit

Appointments to and within the Public Service of Canada must be made according to merit. This means that anyone appointed to a position must meet the essential qualifications of the job to be performed. However, the person responsible for the appointment may also take into account: qualifications that are considered an asset for the work, currently or in the future; any current or future operational requirements and organizational needs that have been identified and the current and future needs of the public service. This gives the hiring manager the flexibility to apply criteria, as required, to select the person who is the "right fit" for their organization. This means that the person appointed does not have to be selected based solely on qualifications.

Essential qualifications

Essential qualifications are those qualifications necessary for the work to be performed and must be met in order for a person to be appointed.

Asset qualifications

Asset qualifications are those that are not essential for the job, but would enhance the person's ability to do the job effectively, now or in the future.

Statement of Merit Criteria

Your assessment will be based on the Statement of Merit Criteria for the position. This Statement of Merit Criteria lists the essential qualifications plus any applicable asset qualifications, operational requirements and organizational needs.