Interview with the Public Service and Language

[kobe]

I've already got a job with the Federal Government. Tommorow, I have an interview for another position. I far exceed the requirements of the job in all but 1 essential (with the federal public service anyway) component, language.

2 years ago, I was nowhere with my second language - French. In order to get my present job, I paid for my own private lessons and got myself to a B/B/A (reading, writing, oral; for the sake of a scale, X is the lowest, A is second lowest, B, C and then E for Exemption is the highest). The job I am interviewing for is a CBC. If they want me for the position, I will be tested again. However, attaining a CBC would be a shocking accomplishment.

I am thinking the best way to spin this is that the second language is a weakness, but one that I am working on and have, in the past, demonstrated a willingness (at great personal expense) and success at working on.

Anyone have any ideas on other angles? Or others with experience from this position in the public service? They value the language requirement pretty highly, so it may be a non-starter.

[mself084]

I started working at the House of Commons about 3 months ago... I hear ya on the language requirements. Mine was only BBB, and I got CCB, so I'm happy...

Anyways, I don't think there's a way around this. CBC means you will be doing alot of interaction in both languages, and if you can barely speak one, they won't hire you. It kinda sucks, but hey it's more incentive to learn french.

If you do manage to spin it, the public service offers language training to all full time employees.... so definitely take it.

[kobe]

If you do manage to spin it, the public service offers language training to all full time employees.... so definitely take it.

Like I said, I'm already in, have been for 3 years. It's time for my 'next step' job now, I feel. While it is a nice idea that the PS offers language training to all of us, I've found it to not be true.

I attend courses 3 hours a week where I'm conjugating verbs and learning the passé. While it is a fair enough review, it's not moving me forward. I believe that this is specific to my department and maybe even just my sector.

Just 2 weeks ago, it was determined our group had a pot of cash to expense before FY end. I got a quote for private training that has thus far gone nowhere.

For comparisons sake, I spent about $8 000 of my own money on French training to get in. Needless to say, I'm not impressed with this sector at least.

[mself084]

Like I said, I'm already in, have been for 3 years. It's time for my 'next step' job now, I feel. While it is a nice idea that the PS offers language training to all of us, I've found it to not be true.

I attend courses 3 hours a week where I'm conjugating verbs and learning the passé. While it is a fair enough review, it's not moving me forward. I believe that this is specific to my department and maybe even just my sector.

Just 2 weeks ago, it was determined our group had a pot of cash to expense before FY end. I got a quote for private training that has thus far gone nowhere.

For comparisons sake, I spent about $8 000 of my own money on French training to get in. Needless to say, I'm not impressed with this sector at least.


I don't understand - what department do you work for? are you saying your group DOES offer training, it just sucks?

[DACC]

Sorry to have to tell you this, you can't spin yourself out of language requirements.

If the statement of qualifications states that the job is CBC, THEY will stick to the CBC. In some departments, to save on cost, they have all candidates do the language test first, just to weed out the unsuccessful language candidates and then they continue with the selection process.

But look on the bright side, you can work at your language skill. I went from a BBA to a EBC. Granted, took me a few years (wont say how many).

Language courses are only good for grammer. It will only help to get your grammar grade up. For the oral grade, you have to integrate yourself in a french environment where it forces you to express in French.

Or find a french GF/BF. ( I did that too!)

[kobe]

I don't understand - what department do you work for? are you saying your group DOES offer training, it just sucks?

I don't want to say the department. You can contact me privately if you would like.

And yes, training of 3 hours a week is available but it is inefficient given my needs. Having gone through the theory of the language, I would say that even for a beginner, what is taught in these classes is unlikely to lead them to success on the second language evaluation.

I am young, but having talked to others outside this department, it has a rep for being somewhat clueless what to do in this regard.

[mself084]

I don't want to say the department. You can contact me privately if you would like.

And yes, training of 3 hours a week is available but it is inefficient given my needs. Having gone through the theory of the language, I would say that even for a beginner, what is taught in these classes is unlikely to lead them to success on the second language evaluation.

I am young, but having talked to others outside this department, it has a rep for being somewhat clueless what to do in this regard.

Hmm....if you're part of PSAC, talk to your rep about the program and they can likely help with its improvement.

Otherwise, yes for the oral component you need to immerse yourself in the language. Talk french to your friends...watch french programs (my favourite is simpsons at 430 in french...well, it was, until I got my job).

Related note: for my job i got tested during the interview process, as well as everyone else. its helpful in the sense that if u dont get the job, u still have done your language tests, and can use this on your resume.