Official Post Of Getting A Job With The Government

[Lebstyle]

Thanks everyone for your great input (Canabiz, DAAC, CB27, and others I did not mention). Time to UPDATE!
We all know that getting a permanent job with the government means smooth sailing and minimal work for easy money!

Now I want to start an "official" thread on techniques and methods on how to land the best government job. I will update it and make sure that the main post has all the tips n tricks on landing that nice government job.

Here are some questions to discuss:

1. What are some good websites for finding that government job?
http://www.jobs.gc.ca
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
http://www.resumecourier.ca/EmploymentDirectory/Recruiters/Ontario/Ottawa.asp
http://www.credentials.gc.ca/faq/index.asp
http://canadaonline.about.com/od/governmentorgfed/a/fedcrowncorps.htm

.... ANY MORE WEBSITES THAT CAN BE ADDED WOULD BE GREATELY APPRECIATE (PM or post them plz)

2. What is the best methods or mediums to go through to get good jobs?
- SO far no CONCRETE answers. People have landed jobs through CO-OP, FESWEP, jobs.gc.ca, friends/family, and hiring agencies. So your best bet is to try all of these!

3. What government industry is currently hiring the most? - Still unanswered. Maybe it should be rephrased (DONE)

4. What industry currently has the best value (growth and salary wise)?
- I'd really love to know!

5. Security clearance, whats that all about?
There are 3 different levels, Enhanced Reliability, Secret and Top Secret. Generally speaking all government employees have a minimum Enhanced Reliability which is generally a financial and criminal check. Secret/Top Secret can involve interviews with friends/neighbors/family members, finger prints taken, often it takes many, many months to be cleared.

Below is a link for security clearance.
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/330-60_e.asp

6. What does that french stuff mean? CCC/BBB?
The letters following "Bilingual Imperative" or "Bilingual Non-Imperative" on a notice represent the level of language skills required in each official language, as a second language. The first three letters represent the level of English language qualifications while the second three represent those for French. The first letter in each group refers to Reading, the second to Writing, and the third to Oral Interaction.

Letters C, B, A indicate a skill level as follows:
C - Superior
B - Intermediate
A - Minimum(-) No requirement

7. What kind of vacation/sick days do government employees get?

1-8 years = 3 weeks of vacation + 3 weeks of sick leave.
9-17 years = 4 weeks of vacation + 4 weeks of sick leave.
18-30 years (I think) = 5 weeks of vacation = 5 weeks of sick leave.

This does not include 2 days of personal leave, 5 days of family obligation leave, and every type of leave that is available.

[U]Here are some tips that are insightful and always good to know (thanks Canabiz)

- Make sure you read the job description/statement of qualifications from top to bottom, leave no stone unturned. If they are looking for particular skills and if you possess those skills, make sure those keywords are in the resume, it's a no-brainer but worth repeating. HR will scan for those keywords and that could really make it or break it

- Make sure you highlight the *little things* that more often than not apply to government positions, again provided they are applicable of course: bilingualism, security clearance, previous government experience, visible minorities/women/aboriginals etc

- put your cell phone on the resume, if applicable. You don't want to miss that all important first phone call. As you know, there is always more people applying than jobs available when it comes to the government, you certainly don't want to miss any opportunities

- there is a lot of behavioural questions during my interviews, what would you do in this situation and in that scenario, make sure you Google/brush up on those so that you don't panic during interviews

- when it comes times for testings/evaluations, time is a premium (same with other places I reckon), if you don't get a question, skip to the next one and come back to the one you have trouble with later. Remember there's no penalty for guessing, answer all questions to the best of your knowledge. Practice and go over those sample questions that they provide again and again.



Lets make this as detailed and lively as possible to get the maximum amount of info. I know most of the RFDERS here are good at getting inside scoops and all information will be of great help! I am located in Ottawa so I am assuming that most of the government jobs will be here in Ottawa but feel free to add your input even if your somewhere else!

[3weddings]

Hi there, my husband just finished 2 1/2 years at CRA on CONTRACT. He may not be walking away with the pension etc, and he did WORK for his per diem rate, BUT, he also made 3x what FT employees make a day! :D
His area of expertise is data warehousing, which CRA and Border Services are integrating.

Contracting isn't for everyone, but it's lucrative in the GOA.

[Octavius]

Here are some questions to discuss:

1. Is it good to go through an HR agency? (excel HR, etc)

2. Does jobs.gc.ca actually work?

3. What is the best methods or mediums to go through to get good jobs?

4. What type of government jobs pay well?

Ali

After being with the federal government for the past 1 1/2 years, I'll do my best to offer some insight...

I know of exactly 3 people I work with (out of about 30) who got in through jobs.gc.ca. I myself have applied for 10 jobs on there in the past 3 months alone and I have made it through the first screening on all jobs but 1. I have yet to even get an email back from anyone asking me for more information...much less an interview. As far as I am concerned, jobs.gc.ca is a crock and frankly...a waste of time.

*Slightly* more people I know were first hired through an agency such as Excel, Canada Job 1, Dynamic Personnel (stay away...very far away), etc. If they worked out well enough, the department would hire them on Casual employment and then term...after being on term I think 4 times you are automatically in permanent and you no longer need to worry about your livelihood. Like I said, more people get hired this way rather than jobs.gc.ca

The number 1 way that I'm aware of that seems to work (myself included) is if your name gets pulled in the student lottery that is FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program). If you get pulled, you work in 3 month blocks indefinitely until your graduate (assuming your boss likes you of course...if not they can just choose not to renew you at the next 3 month block). Once you graduate you can get "bridged in" to a permanent position with no competition...no nothing. You're permanent right there if they have a position open for you that you can do. Starting pay is usually around 45-50k/year for entry level positions...similar to what you were doing as a student...but with a bit more responsibilities.

The MAJOR downside to FSWEP is that it is a lottery. There are 90,000 students on the service...and there's only about 7,000 jobs available during the summer/year. Your name may never get pulled. Mine did though...twice.

EDIT: Also, under FSWEP...after being there for 6 months you start contributing to the government pension AND you get the health/dental benefits too (which are VERY good...and dirt cheap too!)

[Bullseye]

Taxpayers money hard at work, eh? This is why people vote for parties that promise to shrink the size of government, we all know that so many government jobs are filled with slackers wasting our money. This post is just proof of that.

You guys go get your cushy creampuff jobs, but don't be crying when taxpayers get tired of it again and vote in another Mike Harris. :lol:

[alkaseltzer01]

Taxpayers money hard at work, eh? This is why people vote for parties that promise to shrink the size of government, we all know that so many government jobs are filled with slackers wasting our money. This post is just proof of that.

You guys go get your cushy creampuff jobs, but don't be crying when taxpayers get tired of it again and vote in another Mike Harris. :lol:

It's not much different than stockholders relying on companies to turn a profit and hear of executives padding their own pockets or inappropriately using company money.

I've definitely encountered some deadbeat gov workers. I've also encountered what seem to be very hard working, intelligent people (rare).

[3weddings]

Taxpayers money hard at work, eh? This is why people vote for parties that promise to shrink the size of government, we all know that so many government jobs are filled with slackers wasting our money. This post is just proof of that.

You guys go get your cushy creampuff jobs, but don't be crying when taxpayers get tired of it again and vote in another Mike Harris. :lol:

That's precisely why dh contracts for them. We all know the independent contractors get all the work done, while the employees waste taxpayers money and only whine about their next sabbatical!

[Bullseye]

It's not much different than stockholders relying on companies to turn a profit and hear of executives padding their own pockets or inappropriately using company money.

Actually, it's totally different. As a stockholder, I am free to sell my shares if I see what I feel is wasteful behaviour and overcompensation. I can invest my money elsewhere. With the government, I have no such choice, I can't stop paying taxes. I can only vote for smaller government and more privatization.

[alkaseltzer01]

Actually, it's totally different. As a stockholder, I am free to sell my shares if I see what I feel is wasteful behaviour and overcompensation. I can invest my money elsewhere. With the government, I have no such choice, I can't stop paying taxes. I can only vote for smaller government and more privatization.

Or move to another country.:)

[mself084]

I started with the Feds in November 2006... i got my job through workopoliscampus.com.

FSWEP is a crapshoot, as an earlier poster said... I got nothing from it. The only advice I got when applying on there was to be "creative" with your interests and skills - make sure you are putting down ones that will match you to a job.

Unlike what some others say on here, I'm one of the hard-working government employees... so take your comments and shove em! haha

[matkun]

Here are some questions to discuss:

1. Is it good to go through an HR agency? (excel HR, etc)

2. Does jobs.gc.ca actually work?

3. What is the best methods or mediums to go through to get good jobs?

4. What type of government jobs pay well?

5. Security clearance, whats that all about?

6. Who does these security clearance?



I worked 4 months at the GTAA as a co-op (Greater Toronto Airport Authority.. oversees Pearson International Airport). I know they are no longer goverment, but they are still very much a goverment mindset.

1. I went through my University's co-op (UW).

2. Don't know.

3. Don't know.

4. Everyone there was getting paid a fair bit, though the Unionized workers were getting the most with the least work. Ridiculous.

5. Depends on the branch of goverment. I had to get a Transport Canada security clerance. Had to give 6 years of history, where I lived, etc. Where my parents lived, what they did, etc. Tons of headache.

It also took more then 4 months for the clearance to actually come through. IE: I finished the co-op job before it came through and did not return, so I have no clue how long it actually took.

6. Transport Canada, for airport related stuff.

As for my perceptions of the job... I would never want to work for the goverment. I was bored out of my mind during the majority of that work term, my supervisor was in meetings 80% of each day. If you wanted to get anything done you had to go through four kilometers of beurocratic red tape, then have meetings for a month with four different departments where they all contributed their ideas and opinions, then couldn't decide on what to do.

My main project for the 4 month term ended up being ~2 weeks of actual work time in the first 3.5 months, followed by throwing **** together to get something out in the last 2 weeks. And that only happened because I pushed hard enough for a meeting with the department we were actually doing it for to finalize what they wanted without the other departments adding in useless crap.

So yes, if you like doing nearly nothing all day but trying to look busy and going to lots of pointless meetings, a goverment job is for you.

[Bullseye]

Unlike what some others say on here, I'm one of the hard-working government employees... so take your comments and shove em! haha

Of course, there are certain government jobs that are anything but cushy and overpaid, but they are the minority, it seems. Nurses, for example. But no one goes into nursing for the 'minimal work and easy money', of that I'm sure.

[michelb]

We all know that getting a permanent job with the government means smooth sailing and minimal work for easy money! Nothing beats a government job and nothing beats being overpaid and underworked! lol

...

Here are some questions to discuss:

1. Is it good to go through an HR agency? (excel HR, etc)

2. Does jobs.gc.ca actually work?

3. What is the best methods or mediums to go through to get good jobs?

4. What type of government jobs pay well?

5. Security clearance, whats that all about?

6. Who does these security clearance?


...
Sincerely
Ali

You gotta to be careful with comments like that ... you never know if it will come back to haunt you (I wouldn't be surprised if any government employees that reads this thread is more hesitant about hiring anybody named Ali for a while ...)

As far as getting a job, I think the easiest way by far is through connections (family, friends, etc) - I suspect that a large portion of positions are filled this way (it's not just favoritism here, as a employer, it's much easier to hire someone if you get a personal recommendation). After that, getting hired as a student and / or right out of school is that way to go then I think temp agencies is probably the easiest way. Jobs.gc.ca does work but you have to realize that for every position you apply for, they probably get several hundred applications for it as well (law of averages says that you need to apply to several hundred positions before you'll get chosen).

As far as the pay, you can just look it up; it's all available on their website. In my opinion, some of the positions pay quite well (probably much better than the employees would be able to get for a similar job elsewhere) but others aren't as good. Personally, I'm in IT and if I were to leave my current position with the private industry to join the government, I'd probably have to take a $15-20k/year cut. Senior management / director salaries are the same, while you can probably make a good $150k/year with the government, the same candidate, could possibly make $300k+/year with a private company. Legal counsels are in the same boat; I think with the government, they can probably make $120-$150k, in private practice they could make 2 or 3 times than that (or even much more) if they are successful. As you mentioned, one of the great pluses of government jobs is the benefits, pension and probably most importantly, job security (once you're in, you are pretty much in for life). Contract rates are generally good and can be great but it really depends on the contract - some of crap.

Security is done by the companies that hold it (e.g. private company, temp agency, government agency, etc) and depends on the level. How long you go back and who else in your family has to do it depends on the level. You can't just do it yourself.

[Anaticus]

.

[Brandon]

The number 1 way that I'm aware of that seems to work (myself included) is if your name gets pulled in the student lottery that is FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program). If you get pulled, you work in 3 month blocks indefinitely until your graduate (assuming your boss likes you of course...if not they can just choose not to renew you at the next 3 month block). Once you graduate you can get "bridged in" to a permanent position with no competition...no nothing. You're permanent right there if they have a position open for you that you can do. Starting pay is usually around 45-50k/year for entry level positions...similar to what you were doing as a student...but with a bit more responsibilities.

The MAJOR downside to FSWEP is that it is a lottery. There are 90,000 students on the service...and there's only about 7,000 jobs available during the summer/year. Your name may never get pulled. Mine did though...twice.

EDIT: Also, under FSWEP...after being there for 6 months you start contributing to the government pension AND you get the health/dental benefits too (which are VERY good...and dirt cheap too!)

I am working a job right now I got through FSWEP, and if your boss(es) like you, you are eligible to get renewed. My bosses must like me because they're talking about having me back part time while I'm in school. And I think FSWEP is in 4 month blocks.

In terms of getting the job, I was offered 4 interviews (Agriculture Canada, Statistics Canada, Office of the Secretary of the GG, Department of National Defence), and ended up going to two interviews (I got offers for two interviews right after I accepted the job I took anyway). The pay for FSWEP is lower than what I was getting in private industry for a comparable job. I think FSWEP pay ranges from $11 to $18 for undergrads (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/compensation/tces1_e.asp#appA). I am in a good pay grade though for my experience and education (relative to FSWEP pay).

I think the starting pay for FSWEP to full-time (after graduation) depends on the position. You can tell if you're FSWEP what you'd get paid by looking at what area and pay grade your co-workers are, and you can see what the pay scale is for that.

http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/coll_agre/rates-taux_e.asp

From what I've heard, if you worked for Federal Government before or other levels of government (or for contractors of the government) and have had a background check resulting in a clearance level (classified, secret, top secret, etc) and/or an ERC (enhanced reliability check), it's a bit easier to get a job. Basically it shows that you've been pre-screened (education, past jobs, background, etc). Keep in mind that ERC lasts for 10 years after you get it, and clearance levels last for 5-10 years depending on what level you are cleared for. My current clearance went through about 1.5 weeks after I submitted my application.

Generally for security check, they as for intermediate relatives, past employment and housing situation for the last 5-10 years, education, references, criminal charges, and I heard for the higher levels they contact your neighbours. A lot of the time, you don't even need the security clearance you get for your job, it's moreso a "just-in-case" you see something you shouldn't precaution. So for example if you're in IT, you probably would need Secret or higher as you may help a high level employee with their computer and have access to their data. Keep in mind that just because you're cleared for Secret doesn't mean you are allowed to see ALL Secret level information, just the stuff you're listed to see.

As for what jobs require a security clearance, all the jobs I received call backs for required at minimum an ERC done, some required a clearance level.

[king_george]

Here are some questions to discuss:

1. Is it good to go through an HR agency? (excel HR, etc)

I got mine through bugging the hell out of the HR manager..:)

2. Does jobs.gc.ca actually work?

Don't know a single person in my area that got one through there.

3. What is the best methods or mediums to go through to get good jobs?

I watched the gov't web sites almost religiously. When I saw something I was qualified for, I was very aggressive in getting my interview. I called and called (politely of course) and basically asked what I had to do in order to be considered.

4. What type of government jobs pay well?

My job in IT probably pays about 10% less than what I'd get elsewhere. That's more than made up by the benefits and pensions. OMERS is a great pension fund. I'm going to retire making a lot of money..:)

5. Security clearance, whats that all about?

6. Who does these security clearance?
[/B][/SIZE]

No idea. I signed a paper for them to check me out. Apparently I passed.

Lets make this as detailed and lively as possible to get the maximum amount of info. I know most of the RFDERS here are good at getting inside scoops and all information will be of great help! I am located in Ottawa so I am assuming that most of the government jobs will be here in Ottawa but feel free to add your input even if your somewhere else!

Sincerely
Ali

I love my job and work hard at it. If it wasn't for me and my cow-orkers there would be a lot of extremely unhappy officials stumbling about even worse than usual trying to do their jobs.

As for the soft and cushy comment, please FO. Thank you for your cooperation.

ETA: Oh yes forgot I'm provincial, not federal.

[lazarus]

Once I am done my MBA, I would love to get into Foreign Affairs as a Trade Commissioner or the likes.


I'd rather be working to serve my country in this regards instead of working in the public sector.

[vistaliving]

As far as the pay, you can just look it up; it's all available on their website. In my opinion, some of the positions pay quite well (probably much better than the employees would be able to get for a similar job elsewhere) but others aren't as good. Personally, I'm in IT and if I were to leave my current position with the private industry to join the government, I'd probably have to take a $15-20k/year cut. Senior management / director salaries are the same, while you can probably make a good $150k/year with the government, the same candidate, could possibly make $300k+/year with a private company. Legal counsels are in the same boat; I think with the government, they can probably make $120-$150k, in private practice they could make 2 or 3 times than that (or even much more) if they are successful. As you mentioned, one of the great pluses of government jobs is the benefits, pension and probably most importantly, job security (once you're in, you are pretty much in for life). Contract rates are generally good and can be great but it really depends on the contract - some of crap.


FYI, as a public servant, if you make more than $100k /year... it's published and will be public knowledge.

[canabiz]

That's precisely why dh contracts for them. We all know the independent contractors get all the work done, while the employees waste taxpayers money and only whine about their next sabbatical!

3weddings, what happens if your dh is offered a term/indeterminate position with his governmetn department ? I hate to say it but there's a chance you will be singing a different tune!

This post is not directed at you per se but all this government employees bashing is getting old and tiresome. I won't go into this any further because this is not the purpose of this thread. I have always been taught to not criticize anyone unless you have walked a mile in his shoes and we"ll leave it at that. You will never see me bash any job/career because everyone deserves to make a buck and each and every single job has its own merits and positive/negative aspects.

But back on topic. I have get hired twice with the government and I didn't know anyone on the inside. I got my first job through jobs.gc.ca with the Passport Office and my current job through CRA's own website, www.cra-arc.gc.ca. I have also been called to do another half a dozen tests/interivews for other competitions so yes the resume/application does get through and you will be called.

Here are a few tips that I could give

- Make sure you read the job description/statement of qualifications from top to bottom, leave no stone unturned. If they are looking for particular skills and if you possess those skills, make sure those keywords are in the resume, it's a no-brainer but worth repeating. HR will scan for those keywords and that could really make it or break it

- Make sure you highlight the *little things* that more often than not apply to government positions, again provided they are applicable of course: bilingualism, security clearance, previous government experience, visible minorities/women/aboriginals etc

- put your cell phone on the resume, if applicable. You don't want to miss that all important first phone call. As you know, there is always more people applying than jobs available when it comes to the government, you certainly don't want to miss any opportunities

- there is a lot of behavioural questions during my interviews, what would you do in this situation and in that scenario, make sure you Google/brush up on those so that you don't panic during interviews

- when it comes times for testings/evaluations, time is a premium (same with other places I reckon), if you don't get a question, skip to the next one and come back to the one you have trouble with later. Remember there's no penalty for guessing, answer all questions to the best of your knowledge. Practice and go over those sample questions that they provide again and again.

Cheers!

[lazarus]

3weddings, what happens if your dh is offered a term/indeterminate position with his governmetn department ? I hate to say it but there's a chance you will be singing a different tune!

This post is not directed at you per se but all this government employees bashing is getting old and tiresome. I won't go into this any further because this is not the purpose of this thread. I have always been taught to not criticize anyone unless you have walked a mile in his shoes and we"ll leave it at that. You will never see me bash any job/career because everyone deserves to make a buck and each and every single job has its own merits and positive/negative aspects.

But back on topic. I have get hired twice with the government and I didn't know anyone on the inside. I got my first job through jobs.gc.ca with the Passport Office and my current job through CRA's own website, www.cra-arc.gc.ca. I have also been called to do another half a dozen tests/interivews for other competitions so yes the resume/application does get through and you will be called.

Here are a few tips that I could give

- Make sure you read the job description/statement of qualifications from top to bottom, leave no stone unturned. If they are looking for particular skills and if you possess those skills, make sure those keywords are in the resume, it's a no-brainer but worth repeating. HR will scan for those keywords and that could really make it or break it

- Make sure you highlight the *little things* that more often than not apply to government positions, again provided they are applicable of course: bilingualism, security clearance, previous government experience, visible minorities/women/aboriginals etc

- put your cell phone on the resume, if applicable. You don't want to miss that all important first phone call. As you know, there is always more people applying than jobs available when it comes to the government, you certainly don't want to miss any opportunities

- there is a lot of behavioural questions during my interviews, what would you do in this situation and in that scenario, make sure you Google/brush up on those so that you don't panic during interviews

- when it comes times for testings/evaluations, time is a premium (same with other places I reckon), if you don't get a question, skip to the next one and come back to the one you have trouble with later. Remember there's no penalty for guessing, answer all questions to the best of your knowledge. Practice and go over those sample questions that they provide again and again.

Cheers!

After starting at the Passport Office, would it be easier to move into different areas of the Federal Government as Job openings come available (i.e internal job postings)

[canabiz]

After starting at the Passport Office, would it be easier to move into different areas of the Federal Government as Job openings come available (i.e internal job postings)

lazarus, the job that I did at the Passport Office was clerical in nature while the job that I am doing at CRA is technical so the 2 of them is not related, although it does help in terms of references check and having security clearances alredy in place

and yes, once you work for a government, you do have access to inter-departmental competitions i.e. job postings at other government departments and you can apply for them because they are usually only open to people employed with the Public Service

In my case, however, i applied for the CRA job as an external candidate via a posting on the CRA website. It took me about 5 months from the time I put in my application to the time that I got an offer (tests/interviews/references check in between). For the Passport gig, it took me about 4 months to get in.

Cheers

[Lebstyle]

Excellent posts so far, I will give a detailed reply and update to the main post based on most people's responses.

So far i've learned that jobs.gc.ca isn't the greatest place to land a government job and that FSWEP is a good place to start.

Besides FESWEP what other methods are available for an average person to get a government job. I know of many well qualified individuals who really want a government job but have NO idea where to start, thats why im starting this. I HOPE government employees look at this so they can give insight! Many well talented individuals are shying away and going to other companies/sectors because they have NO IDEA how to get their foot into the door!

[canabiz]

Excellent posts so far, I will give a detailed reply and update to the main post based on most people's responses.

So far i've learned that jobs.gc.ca isn't the greatest place to land a government job and that FSWEP is a good place to start.

Besides FESWEP what other methods are available for an average person to get a government job. I know of many well qualified individuals who really want a government job but have NO idea where to start, thats why im starting this. I HOPE government employees look at this so they can give insight! Many well talented individuals are shying away and going to other companies/sectors because they have NO IDEA how to get their foot into the door!

Lebstyle, when you edit your main post, it might be worthwhile to include a list of employment agencies/technology consultants that have contracts and recruit for the government

A quick Google search yields this list

http://www.resumecourier.ca/EmploymentDirectory/Recruiters/Ontario/Ottawa.asp

There is still some stigma associated with agencies/headhunters but keep in mind that you want to get your foot in the door first and this is one way to go about doing it. I am a firm believer in making opportunities for yourself and once you get in, it's just a matter of you showing what you are capable of.

Remember to tailor your resume to fit the job descriptions and show that you are adaptable and flexible when it comes to contracts, it could be 10 days, it could be 6 months, it doesn't matter, always have a positive attitude. The experience and the contacts (hopefully you get some numbers/email addresses down) are simply too invaluable to pass on.

Best of luck!

[greg123]

how many years are the vacation/sick/personal days credit good for?

I find that the private sectors pay a lot higher then government, yes you do get good government pension(assuming you can last that long), but there are no bonuse or stock options. A typical IT/engineering grad gets paid $55-60yr with stock options/perks in private, while the CS-01 position starts at $47K(it would take you at least 2-3years straight to move up to the next level)

thing i notice in the government is that, all the high management positions are mid age white folks who started early in their 20's. While the local admin/service positions are held by old folks that are waiting to retire or immigrants who cant speak english.

Just my 2cents from 4 government summer jobs from CR-04, AS-01 02 then CS-01

BTW i hope they willl contract out some clerical positions to save some of our tax money, CRA is paying $18/hr for people to do data entry
:confused: :confused:

canabiz you ever on covers.com?

[canabiz]

how many years are the vacation/sick/personal days credit good for?

I find that the private sectors pay a lot higher then government, yes you do get good government pension(assuming you can last that long), but there are no bonuse or stock options. A typical IT/engineering grad gets paid $55-60yr with stock options/perks in private, while the CS-01 position starts at $47K(it would take you at least 2-3years straight to move up to the next level)

thing i notice in the government is that, all the high management positions are mid age white folks who started early in their 20's. While the local admin/service positions are held by old folks that are waiting to retire or immigrants who cant speak english.

Just my 2cents from 4 government summer jobs from CR-04, AS-01 02 then CS-01

BTW i hope they willl contract out some clerical positions to save some of our tax money, CRA is paying $18/hr for people to do data entry
:confused: :confused:

canabiz you ever on covers.com?

greg You can bank the vacations and sick leave but not personal days. You have to use those *personal days* within the calendar year or you will lose it. I don't know how far into the future you can carry the vacation days but for sick leave, you can certainly bring them all the way until the day you retire. One of my co-worker is calling it a career next year and she has about 1 year of sick leave accumulated. Technically speaking, she can ease into her retirement now with days off anytime she wants but I digress.

Yes nobody disputes that government employees make FAR LESS than comparable folks working in the private industries. However, there are some other *intangibles* that definitely more than make up for the monetary shortcomings. Like i said in a previous thread, I am always on here hunting for deals but I have nothing to complain about! I am forced to be more resourceful and careful with my tight budget but that's the way I like it and I wouldn't trade this for anything else. I continually remind myself: it's not how much money you make, it's how you use and manage it

But again, that is not the purpose of this thread. If you would like to find out more about the pros and cons, i suggest you search for a thread titled *How much you make and what do you do* in the Careers section. It's about 10 pages long and cover quite a few angles.

Yes that's me on Covers. I don't go there as often as before but if you are into sports investing, come over to the Sports forum and we can discuss a few pointers. NFL is right around the corner my friend!

[greg123]

i rarely go on covers as well, all the good cappers left, all we got left are the ones that post a play with no explanation or stats, when they go 0-5 they "disappear"

ok i will let this thread back on track now...

[JC69]

I was educated outside Canada but am a Canadian Citizen....is this a problem for government jobs? I see the government web site does have options for colleges and universities outside canada on the resume builder and job bank sites but there are no options for grade point averages etc (we don't have GPA in the UK).

[canabiz]

I was educated outside Canada but am a Canadian Citizen....is this a problem for government jobs? I see the government web site does have options for colleges and universities outside canada on the resume builder and job bank sites but there are no options for grade point averages etc (we don't have GPA in the UK).

JC, I can't say for certain that your foreign educational accomplishment would be recognized in Canada because frankly it all depends on what type of jobs that you are applying for and different countries have different standards. I would, however, highly suggest you contact the Foreign Credentials Office to find out if that's the case and if not then what avenue you would need to take to get the proper recognitions.

There's a great FAQ right here http://www.credentials.gc.ca/faq/index.asp

Good luck my friend!

[JC69]

Many thanks for that. Education is from the UK so not some backwater, we just don't have GPA etc.

[Simkins]

Just a quick question, if a 6-month term contact @ 37.5 hr/s a week was offered and accepted, what are the odds of this position being extended at the end of the term. Meaning, if you are good at what you do and don't take advantage of certian things, is there a reasonable expectation of being retained at the end of a term.

Thanks.

[DACC]

Just a quick question, if a 6-month term contact @ 37.5 hr/s a week was offered and accepted, what are the odds of this position being extended at the end of the term. Meaning, if you are good at what you do and don't take advantage of certian things, is there a reasonable expectation of being retained at the end of a term.

Thanks.

It usually depends on each department. Some departments will extend 6 months contracts for years. And hopefully during that time, the employee should apply for a competition that is permanent.

You should never just rely on that one job. You should always try to apply on competition where there are permanent job opportunities.

When a permanent position becomes available in a department (increased budget or someone retires) a manager must go thru any available lists (those who have passed a competition). It would bump anyone that's on contract (unless your the lucky next one on the list.) Some ministries (e.g. CBSA) now uses pools.

Though some smaller ministries have been lax in constantly having an eligibility, that's why people can be on contracts for years.

[Octavius]

It usually depends on each department. Some departments will extend 6 months contracts for years. And hopefully during that time, the employee should apply for a competition that is permanent.

You should never just rely on that one job. You should always try to apply on competition where there are permanent job opportunities.

When a permanent position becomes available in a department (increased budget or someone retires) a manager must go thru any available lists (those who have passed a competition). It would bump anyone that's on contract (unless your the lucky next one on the list.) Some ministries (e.g. CBSA) now uses pools.

Though some smaller ministries have been lax in constantly having an eligibility, that's why people can be on contracts for years.

Just a side note...if you are on term and your contract is extended X number of times (I believe 4 if I am not mistaken) then after that last time you automatically become a permanent employee for the job that you are currently employed to do.

Obviously, HR knows this and they may do whatever is in their power to avoid this if the manager wishes to prolong your employment while keeping the heat on (although I personally have never seen that happen...they usually want to keep renewing you for a reason...being that they like you and the work that you do...they likely wouldn't be making your life difficult like this)

[Brandon]

Just a side note...if you are on term and your contract is extended X number of times (I believe 4 if I am not mistaken) then after that last time you automatically become a permanent employee for the job that you are currently employed to do.

Obviously, HR knows this and they may do whatever is in their power to avoid this if the manager wishes to prolong your employment while keeping the heat on (although I personally have never seen that happen...they usually want to keep renewing you for a reason...being that they like you and the work that you do...they likely wouldn't be making your life difficult like this)

It depends on the department for the contract limits though, like I think for example DND has different limits and renewal rules for contracted workers.

[helium]

Has anyone else done FSWEP and can tell me more about it?

[Brandon]

Has anyone else done FSWEP and can tell me more about it?

I'm in it now. Any specific questions?

[Octavius]

I'm in it now. Any specific questions?

+1

As am I. I've been Casual, Agency and (currently) FSWEP. I've gotten the best (and worst) experiences of just about all the methods to be employed with the federal government.

[crazypepper]

Anyone ever applied to the FORD/IARD program/inventory? I had my interview last April and received an email in May about my successful interview. They've told me I will be contacted by hiring departments should positions open up that match my qualifications. To this date, I have not received any calls yet. I believe my information will be kept in the inventory only until January 2008.
Does anybody have experience with these types of inventories? What can you tell me about them?

[danny411]

can i get a job with a past indictable offense

I got a pardon for it now

but im sure they know or can find out easily...

I have tried corrections and border and have been dq on both occassions before interviewing

[Brandon]

can i get a job with a past indictable offense

I got a pardon for it now

but im sure they know or can find out easily...

I have tried corrections and border and have been dq on both occassions before interviewing

I'm guessing you won't be able to get a job that requires an ERC or security classification. All the jobs I've heard of through friends or the ones I've interviewed for (and the one I worked for now) all required at minimum an ERC. And on the ERC they ask if you were ever indicted in the past. Maybe there might be a time-frame when your offence won't matter anymore (like 5-10 years after?)? But I don't know.

[Webby]

It's amazing what Google can find:

Government Screening

The Government of Canada requires that its employees and contractors who, in the regular performance of their duties have access to sensitive information or assets, be assessed for their loyalty and associated reliability.

There are three levels of security clearance as defined by the GSP: Confidential (Level I), Secret (Level II) and Top Secret (Level III). The level of security clearance required is determined by the need for access to classified information or assets in the performance of duties associated with an individual's employment. Level I and II security clearances involve checking CSIS databanks. Level III security clearances require a full field investigation, which involves checking CSIS records; interviewing friends, neighbours and employers; consulting with local police; and, possibly interviewing the applicant.

So I guess it's job specific.. although I do remember the screening form says "Have you ever been convicted of... for which you have not been granted a pardon..".. you may still have a shot! :)

[Brandon]

It's amazing what Google can find:

So I guess it's job specific.. although I do remember the screening form says "Have you ever been convicted of... for which you have not been granted a pardon..".. you may still have a shot! :)

It's not just security clearances, but either on it's own or in conjunction with a security clearance, you also may need a reliability status.

As far as I know, there is one common one and it's called an Enhanced Reliability Check (or ERC). I guess you could call it a lower security clearance, but I think most if not all federal government employees and contractors need this as a minimum.

Here is a Canada Forces forum that talks about experiences with people who have had past convictions:
http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,1399.0.html

And the government's security policy:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/gospubs/TBM_12A/gsp-psg1_e.asp

The thing is lets say you get a job that covers finances or you will have access to personal records of other employees, you will need at monomum a reliability check plus either a Confidential or Secret clearance level. Most jobs either require it right away, or if you don't, if you get promoted you will likely have to get a clearance for that higher position.

The best way to find out exactly where you fall is to contact either the HR branch of the area of government you are applying/interviewing for, or contacting this organization:
http://jobbank.gc.ca/contactUs_en.aspx?Student=No

[rborek]

It's not just security clearances, but either on it's own or in conjunction with a security clearance, you also may need a reliability status.

As far as I know, there is one common one and it's called an Enhanced Reliability Check (or ERC). I guess you could call it a lower security clearance, but I think most if not all federal government employees and contractors need this as a minimum.

...

The thing is lets say you get a job that covers finances or you will have access to personal records of other employees, you will need at monomum a reliability check plus either a Confidential or Secret clearance level. Most jobs either require it right away, or if you don't, if you get promoted you will likely have to get a clearance for that higher position.

If all you have access to is personal/personnel records, then you only need an Enhanced Reliability Check (unless you happen to be working for CSIS). All personal information is classed as PROTECTED (with three subclassifications - Protected A is information which is minimally damaging to the person, such as address, phone number, SIN, etc., Protected B is information which is potentially damaging, such as medical records and police investigations, and Protected C is rarely seen, but contains potentially life threatening information and has the same storage requirements as SECRET). Most government employees only have an Enhanced Reliability Check, which is good for access to PROTECTED documents.

Only information which can damage national security or national interests is classified (CONFIDENTIAL (Level I), SECRET (Level II), TOP SECRET (Level III)). If you have to get a Level III clearance, expect them to find out what your dog's name was when you were 4 - they will do a full and complete background investigation.

[canabiz]

Guys and gals, don't forget to check out the different Crown Corporations and Agencies, usually they do their own hirings so you have to visit individual websites and check them out, as opposed to going to one single source like jobs.gc.ca

What I did before was I use http://www.watchthatpage.com to send an email to notify me whenever a particular *Careers* page is updated and I would follow up on that.

Here's a listing of Crown Corps in Canada. I swear there was a link on the jobs.gc.ca website that led directly to the careers site of various Crown Corps but I haven't been able to pinpoint it again.

http://canadaonline.about.com/od/governmentorgfed/a/fedcrowncorps.htm

Cheers!

[Rosico]

For those of you in Ottawa, how does your knowledge of french impact your job prospects and ability to move up?

Also, how many weeks of vacation do you get to start? 3?

[Lebstyle]

how many years are the vacation/sick/personal days credit good for?

I find that the private sectors pay a lot higher then government, yes you do get good government pension(assuming you can last that long), but there are no bonuse or stock options. A typical IT/engineering grad gets paid $55-60yr with stock options/perks in private, while the CS-01 position starts at $47K(it would take you at least 2-3years straight to move up to the next level)


Well i've worked for private companies and they give basic standard days off for vacation and sick days. In the company im with a private company now and there's only 4 paid sick days for the whole year vs my buddies at the government who get 2 paid sick days per month.

[Lebstyle]

For those of you in Ottawa, how does your knowledge of french impact your job prospects and ability to move up?


French is big, if you do not know french you will be ignored from many...many very good positions within the government. I have seen many friends who have landed very nice positions without speaking french and i've seen even more friend who landed even nicer positions just because they were bilingual. Speaking french is a big asset with the government. I have personally seen two friends apply (one was much more qualified, smarter, more experienced but did not speak french) and the one that spoke french was selected for the job.

I personally do not like the high degree of bias towards francophones, but thats politics! lol Learning french is so dam hard, anyone know of a good easy way to learn french and get certified? FAST, easy and preferably cheap?

[DACC]

....my buddies at the government who get 2 paid sick days per month.

In general, it depends the number of years you have worked for the government. There are quite a few collective agreements in the Federal Government. The biggest one is being Table 5 of PSAC.

1-8 years = 3 weeks of vacation + 3 weeks of sick leave.
9-17 years = 4 weeks of vacation + 3 weeks of sick leave.
18-30 years (I think) = 5 weeks of vacation + 3 weeks of sick leave.

This does not include 2 days of personal leave, 5 days of family obligation leave, and every type of leave that is available.

French is big, if you do not know french you will be ignored from many...many very good positions within the government. I have seen many friends who have landed very nice positions without speaking french and i've seen even more friend who landed even nicer positions just because they were bilingual. Speaking french is a big asset with the government. I have personally seen two friends apply (one was much more qualified, smarter, more experienced but did not speak french) and the one that spoke french was selected for the job.

I personally do not like the high degree of bias towards francophones, but thats politics! lol Learning french is so dam hard, anyone know of a good easy way to learn french and get certified? FAST, easy and preferably cheap?


In Ottawa it is big as it is considered "National Headquarters". They want people to write and read in French. But when I'm in Ottawa on meetings representing Quebec, the meetings are always in English anyways. Though it's fun to speak in French to those that are billingual and the others don't understand.

I alot my colleagues from Quebec are in Ottawa on different assignments because they are fully billingual.

There are different levels of French that exists within the government. Most jobs are "B" level which is a working knowledge of French. Management is usually "C" which is the highest. And for those with a billingual job, it's an extra $800 bonus per year, no matter what level you're at.

[Brandon]

French is big, if you do not know french you will be ignored from many...many very good positions within the government. I have seen many friends who have landed very nice positions without speaking french and i've seen even more friend who landed even nicer positions just because they were bilingual. Speaking french is a big asset with the government. I have personally seen two friends apply (one was much more qualified, smarter, more experienced but did not speak french) and the one that spoke french was selected for the job.

I personally do not like the high degree of bias towards francophones, but thats politics! lol Learning french is so dam hard, anyone know of a good easy way to learn french and get certified? FAST, easy and preferably cheap?

I dno't speak/read/understand French really and I'm working at the federal government level (FSWEP). Pretty much I think that if you only understand English and someone else who applied for the job who is just as qualified and experienced as you, but knows more French than you, they will have a better chance. That being said, unless it's a necessity for the job (explicitly says on the posting), if you are more qualified and experienced, you will have a better chance.

That being said, if you land a full time job, you will probably in your course of working for the government be nominated or volunteer yourself to take French courses (paid by the government, and during work hours). Where I work, many people are either taking courses or are already at the B level as others have mentioned. Unless you get higher or you are really ambitious (or already know the language well), most people stay at this level and don't try and upgrade to a C (and you have a different 'grade' for written and oral). Pretty much I think you only need a C if you are management or higher, or if your job requires French on a daily basis.

For the most part, most communication is done in English (I'm in Ottawa). In a lot of official communications, there is both English and French, but even then when you reply or talk about it, usually it's in English. Day to Day, I myself never have to try and use my high-school French, nor do I really hear others use it other than for salutations or greetings (then they change back to English).

The had three interviews, and I got two job offers. I was asked if I could speak/write in French for all of the interviews, and I truthfully said no. I still got two job offers. After I didn't hear back from the interview where I didn't get the job, I asked why and they said that the candidate they hired was more bilingual than me, plus they were just as experienced/qualified as me. This job was at the Office of the Secretary of the Governor General (I think she speaks more French than English, and therefore her staff does as well). The other jobs with Department of National Defence and Agriculture Canada didn't need French as much I guess, well as I said, I've never had to speak/write a word of it so far.

[canabiz]

Here are some of my quick takes regarding French requirements within the federal government

- You will find more *English essential* gigs in Computer Systems (CS), Engineering (ENG) class compared to the more *administrative* and *clerical* streams like AS, PM, or even CR. It's somewhat a no-brainer there, you certainly don't need to know French (although it always helps) if all you do is mainframe/database/programming. English has been and will always be the official language in the computer world.

- For management posts, bilingualism is the name of the game.

- If you are serious about getting that B/B/B or C/C/C language designation, consider spending time and money (whether you will get re-imbursed 100% depends) in enrolling in classes at Algonquin College (or maybe La Cite Collegiale).

Sometimes you really have to wonder whether those *instructors* that the government brings in to the office to teach French are really qualified to be instructors. I consider having a good teacher essential to learning any new skills, foreign language is certainly one of them.

[cwb27]

5. Security clearance, whats that all about?

6. Who does these security clearance?
[/B]




5 - There are 3 different levels, Enhanced Reliability, Secret and Top Secret. Generally speaking all government employees have a minimum Enhanced Reliability which is generally a financial and criminal check. Secret/Top Secret can involve interviews with friends/neighbors/family members, finger prints taken, often it takes many, many months to be cleared.

Each level is "Need to know", which means just because you hold Top Secret it does NOT entitle use to see everything that is marked Top Secret.

6 - Usually RCMP and CSIS.

[torpdude]

First off, I'd like to thank OP for bashing government employees. Being a public servant / military for the past 20 years, I feel quite offended by your post. Contrary to what you might think, the majority of government employees are very proud to serve their country and work accordingly. Try coming to work in my shoes dealing with layers of bureaucracy (and the associated frustration) and see how long you last.
Second, and back to the original intent of this post. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember when applying for a government job is to 100% match the essential criteria listed in the job posting to somewhere in you cover letter or resume. If not, you WILL be screened out.

[alysomji]

If you ever plan to be in a $100K-plus position in the federal government, make sure you throughly know French - as it is a requirement (usually in the form of CBC) for any such position.

The letters following "Bilingual Imperative" or "Bilingual Non-Imperative" on a notice represent the level of language skills required in each official language, as a second language. The first three letters represent the level of English language qualifications while the second three represent those for French. The first letter in each group refers to Reading, the second to Writing, and the third to Oral Interaction.

Letters C, B, A indicate a skill level as follows:

C - Superior
B - Intermediate
A - Minimum(-) No requirement

[CSR]

Does working with a Ministry of XXX (Ontario) count as getting a job with the government?

I secured a position in one of the Ministries through co op.

[Brandon]

5 - There are 3 different levels, Enhanced Reliability, Secret and Top Secret. Generally speaking all government employees have a minimum Enhanced Reliability which is generally a financial and criminal check. Secret/Top Secret can involve interviews with friends/neighbors/family members, finger prints taken, often it takes many, many months to be cleared.


And ERC isn't really a level, as you will probably get an ERC done plus a security clearance level check.

You forgot Confidential which is between ERC and Secret. For ERC, they look at your employment history and residence history for the last 5 years.

For Secret and Top Secret, the information they require (I have my security clearance forms in front of me):

Biographical info (name, address, DOB, any name changes)
Marital status (including past marriages)
Immediate relatives (parents, siblings)
Criminal Convictions
Citizenship information
Residence history for the last 10 years
Employment history for the last 10 years (no gaps, if unemployed you have to state why)
Foreigh employment history (for foreign governments or contractors/consultants)
Travel history (for non Canada, Mexico, USA) *for Top Secret only
Foreign assets
3 Character references in Canada (that you have known for a certain amount of time, can't be people you know through work or family)
Education history
Military service history


For Secret, it takes about 1-3 weeks to get a clearance check completed (it took me 1.5 weeks, it was 'accelerated' for me). For Top Secret, you may be fingerprinted, and your friends/family/neighbours/coworkers may be interviewed. I don't know how long it takes for you to get a Top Secret clearance check completed.

A Confidential and Secret clearance will last 10 years before you have to be checked again, and Top Secret will last 5 years.

Also as another tidbit, on the security clearance forms, there is a level of "Other (to be specified)" so I'm guessing this is for some clearance level in which the names themselves are classified. :lol:

EDIT: I found the form online here http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/330-60_e.asp

[rborek]

For Secret, it takes about 1-3 weeks to get a clearance check completed (it took me 1.5 weeks, it was 'accelerated' for me). For Top Secret, you may be fingerprinted, and your friends/family/neighbours/coworkers may be interviewed. I don't know how long it takes for you to get a Top Secret clearance check completed.

A Confidential and Secret clearance will last 10 years before you have to be checked again, and Top Secret will last 5 years.

Also as another tidbit, on the security clearance forms, there is a level of "Other (to be specified)" so I'm guessing this is for some clearance level in which the names themselves are classified. :lol:

EDIT: I found the form online here http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/330-60_e.asp

I read somewhere that it takes on average 120 days to process a Top Secret clearance, due to the mandatory field investigation. It'll definitely take longer if you've been out of the country for any extended period.

The "Other" is probably for stuff like site access clearances (ie Transport Canada airport security clearances), and special access clearances (like signals intelligence).

[Webby]

What does it mean when one's placed in a "pool of qualified candidates...
As positions become available, the manager will select candidates from this pool."

Are the original posted positions no longer available? Thanks.

[DACC]

CBSA runs by pools.

For a regular job (not upper management), the agency will constantly run competitions. There's usually more than one job available (in CBSA's case, hundreds). It's never worth it to run a competition for one position. We'll run a competition for clerical staff, let's say, when we realize there's so much people, not in their permanent job or we have too many contractual employees.

If the candidate makes it thru all the steps of the competition, he or she will be notified that they're in the pool of candidates.

A manager will know who is in the pool but will not know what score the candidate received. Only HR is supposed to know.

When we run a competition, you will notice in the competition description that we are looking for people with such and such a quality in a candidate. We'll usually name like five or six qualities: such as leadership, able to work independently, integrity, etc. During the competition, you will be tested on these qualities. And you will receive a score for each of the quality.

Once the competition is over, everybody who passes, stays in that pool. There's no list of who's on top, but there is a smaller "list" within of all the different qualities.

A manager, will ask HR, when he's looking to fill a position, ask for specific qualifications: He might say I want the person with the highest score in leadership. HR will refer him the candidate with the highest score in "leadership". The manager can ask for any qualifications he wants. In the case of CBSA looking for border service officer, they might just ask for the person, who is in the pool, that lives in that area (don't have to pay for moving costs).

So to answer your question: the job is definitely available. I hope I'm clear. This is the layman's version of the course I received as "stupidvisor".

[Webby]

WOW. Thanks for the reply, DACC.

I guess there's no way figuring out WHEN positions become available, other than waiting to be contacted? This is a clerical position in one particular department (various locations in a greater metropolitan area).

In the same notification email about the pool, there's also this message:
"If you wish to obtain more information regarding this decision, please contact XX to make an appointment."

What would be the purpose of "obtaining more info" when it's fairly clear that qualified applicants are in a pool waiting to be picked by hiring managers? Perhaps by "making an appointment", one could possibly increase his/her chances of being picked, or to be included in an upcoming scheduled training session? :confused:

Just trying to figure out if "being in the pool" = "I got the job!" ;)

[DACC]

In the same notification email about the pool, there's also this message:
"If you wish to obtain more information regarding this decision, please contact XX to make an appointment."

What would be the purpose of "obtaining more info" when it's fairly clear that qualified applicants are in a pool waiting to be picked by hiring managers? Perhaps by "making an appointment", one could possibly increase his/her chances of being picked, or to be included in an upcoming scheduled training session? :confused:

Just trying to figure out if "being in the pool" = "I got the job!" ;)

If you're in the pool, you'll eventually be called for a job. This pools are valid for an "X" amount of time. Either like 6 months or up to two years or until there is no one left in the pool.

They usually don't hold a new competition until the pool is exhausted. So you'll be called. It might not be a permanent job right away but at least on a contractual basis, which will most likely be renewed.

You should ALWAYS go for a post-interview. I always tell my employees to go to their post-interview. Someone on the jury selection will meet you and tell you how you did. They'll give you pointers where your strength was and your weakness during the process. It will always help you in future competition.

[Webby]

You should ALWAYS go for a post-interview. I always tell my employees to go to their post-interview. Someone on the jury selection will meet you and tell you how you did. They'll give you pointers where your strength was and your weakness during the process. It will always help you in future competition.

Great advice! Thanks again DACC.

[We'reGonnaWin]

No offence!

I am SURE most are very proud LOVE serving their country. My point was a joke and it was to say government jobs are overpaid and underworked. I've got many friends and yes they do BRAG to me about how little they have to do! lol Especially against my corporate slave driven IT job! haha Having said this, i am sure there are plenty of positions that are very difficult and totally blow my comical perspective of a typical government job. This is all done in good humor and to create discussion.

NOT ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ARE LAZY AND OVERPAID!!!... some are OVERPAID AND NOT LAZY! loool (j/k)

I hope this post is as educational for others as it was for me. We all want to provide our services to our glorious nation...to the glory of CANADA! :lol:

What a d-bag.

[destro88]

how long does a security check take?? after the security check how long does it take for them to offer you a position? i've been waiting for almost a week since they called me about the security check. Should i write to them and ask them an update status on the competition? if so how would i go abouts in writing an email to them thats not too pushy??

[DACC]

how long does a security check take?? after the security check how long does it take for them to offer you a position? i've been waiting for almost a week since they called me about the security check. Should i write to them and ask them an update status on the competition? if so how would i go abouts in writing an email to them thats not too pushy??

Hold your horses! Takes more than a week for a security check (also, it depends on the level of security required). It must go thru RCMP and/or CSIS as a previous poster has mentionned. Candidates will not generally be informed of their security results. It goes to the RH department. From there, they will tabulate the competition scores of everybody. They will also ensure all requirements for the competition is met. Once all this is done, they will then inform you if you've made the pool.

From what I gather from your post, it's sitting with RH. Depending on how big the competition is and if the RH is on vacation or not, sometimes it does take a few weeks before the official results are out.

[destro88]

hey thanks, i wasn't too sure. Some people were telling me it only took a week, but since you clarified that to me, i just got to patiently wait. The security clearance that they're looking for is reliability status.

oh yeah, btw, if you don't get the position will you still get a rejection letter? and how will they contact you? through email? phone? or postal mail for a job offer?

[Brandon]

hey thanks, i wasn't too sure. Some people were telling me it only took a week, but since you clarified that to me, i just got to patiently wait. The security clearance that they're looking for is reliability status.

oh yeah, btw, if you don't get the position will you still get a rejection letter? and how will they contact you? through email? phone? or postal mail for a job offer?

It took me about a week for my security check (for reliability check). It was expedited a little, as my supervisor knew somebody who could rush it. She really wanted me to start earlier, as you can't get a computer account til you have a enhanced relibility status.

It takes longer though for Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. I should be getting my Secret, and I was told it would take approximately 1 month.

And on another note, I just got approved by my supervisor and director for an extension of my position! :) :) :)

[Octavius]

It took me about a week for my security check (for reliability check). It was expedited a little, as my supervisor knew somebody who could rush it. She really wanted me to start earlier, as you can't get a computer account til you have a enhanced relibility status.

It takes longer though for Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. I should be getting my Secret, and I was told it would take approximately 1 month.

And on another note, I just got approved by my supervisor and director for an extension of my position! :) :) :)

It all depends on the department and how busy they are. Mine for example took 2 days O_O

Even my supervisor was impressed, he said it was the fastest enhanced security clearance he ever heard of - let alone saw.

Mine was done during the month of February...I can only assume it was the "quiet time" for all of the agencies and departments involved. Summers usually take longer since there are fewer people working (vacation) and students are being recruited via FSWEP for employment.

[Brandon]

It all depends on the department and how busy they are. Mine for example took 2 days O_O

Even my supervisor was impressed, he said it was the fastest enhanced security clearance he ever heard of - let alone saw.

Mine was done during the month of February...I can only assume it was the "quiet time" for all of the agencies and departments involved. Summers usually take longer since there are fewer people working (vacation) and students are being recruited via FSWEP for employment.

I heard right now that DND is getting a lot of Secret/Top Secret clearances processed for contractors now for a big project, so that's why the timegrame was estimated around 1-1.5 months for Secret for me, usually it's less (that's what I was told).

And for my ERC, I think I submitted it on a Tuesday and I got it processed for the following Monday.

[destro88]

well the job that i applied for was in kitchener, so i'm not sure if it would go faster cause its a smaller city, but the test results came back pretty quick and the interview was scheduled just as quick. So i'm only going on the assumption that reliability security clearance would take one week as well. I just want to know if i got the job or not, if not then i can move on. I guess i don't have the patience.

[padfoot]

I recently had an interview with one of the federal government agencies. The salary range stated in the job posting is $70-90k. If they decide to pick me, how much would they usually offer as starting salary - low70k/around 80k/above 80k? BTW, my expectation is about $85-90k i.e. near the maximum.

Also is they any chance of negotiating for higher salary for government jobs?

[Octavius]

I recently had an interview with one of the federal government agencies. The salary range stated in the job posting is $70-90k. If they decide to pick me, how much would they usually offer as starting salary - low70k/around 80k/above 80k? BTW, my expectation is about $85-90k i.e. near the maximum.

Also is they any chance of negotiating for higher salary for government jobs?

Don't assume you'll get the highest. The pay scale goes by position (IS, EX, etc) and there is a reason why they have that "buffer" room.

Unless you've got a PhD and have LOADS of experience in the area you'll likely start off near the bottom or middle.

[rainyday]

Hello. I just had a question about security clearance. I am applying for a job that needs a "reliability status." My concern is that I have been in Canada for 3 years only . But I need to provide employer information back to the last 10 years and some employers are actually in a foreign country. What if I lost contact with my former supervisers in another country and the people now working there don't even know me? How do RCMP contact employers in a foreign country? Anyone has an idea what I should do with this situation?

Thanks.

I heard right now that DND is getting a lot of Secret/Top Secret clearances processed for contractors now for a big project, so that's why the timegrame was estimated around 1-1.5 months for Secret for me, usually it's less (that's what I was told).

And for my ERC, I think I submitted it on a Tuesday and I got it processed for the following Monday.

[Brandon]

Hello. I just had a question about security clearance. I am applying for a job that needs a "reliability status." My concern is that I have been in Canada for 3 years only . But I need to provide employer information back to the last 10 years and some employers are actually in a foreign country. What if I lost contact with my former supervisers in another country and the people now working there don't even know me? How do RCMP contact employers in a foreign country? Anyone has an idea what I should do with this situation?

Thanks.

You should be able to put a reference from HR to confirm your employment with that company. And reliability status is the lowest level.

[rainyday]

Do they actually go to meet the references or just call? So I have to contact every single employer back to 10 years before submitting the secutiry form?

[Wilmega]

bbump

[fratello25]

My experience comes from working as legal counsel for the past 4 years. I'm not with Justice, but with a semi-independent agency.

The vacation scheme for lawyers is a little different:
0-4 years: 15 days
5-14: 20 days
15-16: 22 days
17: 23 days
18-24: 25 days
25-27: 27 days
28+: 30 days

Also, in terms of pay, you usually start at the bottom of the salary scale UNLESS you can show that you were paid more than that at your previous job. Otherwise, it's very hard, if not impossible, for the manager to justify paying you more than the minimum.

As to job prospects, I would say that the legal field is not too hot right now. Our agency, although small, hasn't hired any new lawyers in over 2 years. Justice is much bigger and will have hired more, but none of my colleagues have been particularly raving at the legal job prospects in the government.

Hope this helps.

[beerbaron105]

anyone working for Dept. of national defence? or CSIS?

[thakkar2000]

hey guys....you guys are providing EXCELLENT insights into this topic...as a new graduate and someone looking to land a job in this field i cant tell you how much i appreciate it!

I applied to couple of jobs posted on jobs.gc.ca and the status is at

"# Your file has been referred to the organization for a more in-depth review. Should the organization wish to invite you for an assessment, they will contact you directly."

how long should i wait before i hear something from them? and would it be okay to start calling them? (Its been about 2 weeks).

Thanks for your help guys

[Octavius]

hey guys....you guys are providing EXCELLENT insights into this topic...as a new graduate and someone looking to land a job in this field i cant tell you how much i appreciate it!

I applied to couple of jobs posted on jobs.gc.ca and the status is at

"# Your file has been referred to the organization for a more in-depth review. Should the organization wish to invite you for an assessment, they will contact you directly."

how long should i wait before i hear something from them? and would it be okay to start calling them? (Its been about 2 weeks).

Thanks for your help guys

You may never hear anything back from them. All that this says is that you've met the minimum requirements and it is now up to the manager doing the call up to determine if you go on and get invited to write an exam or not.

I've applied to countless jobs...just about ALL of them have said that. I haven't heard anything back yet from most of them (and it's been about a year). Don't bother calling them, if they're interested in you, they'll contact you. I know this from personal experience - I've seen exactly how this process works.

If they are interested, they'll send you an email to invite you to write an exam. You'll have a short time to reply stating you are interested and you'll have less than a week to study for the exam.

Best of Luck.

[thakkar2000]

You may never hear anything back from them. All that this says is that you've met the minimum requirements and it is now up to the manager doing the call up to determine if you go on and get invited to write an exam or not.

I've applied to countless jobs...just about ALL of them have said that. I haven't heard anything back yet from most of them (and it's been about a year). Don't bother calling them, if they're interested in you, they'll contact you. I know this from personal experience - I've seen exactly how this process works.

If they are interested, they'll send you an email to invite you to write an exam. You'll have a short time to reply stating you are interested and you'll have less than a week to study for the exam.

Best of Luck.


yes thats what i thought....i guess i will continue applying

[destro88]

so where do you find the phone # on the test results to see if the pool has expired??

[lazarus]

You may never hear anything back from them. All that this says is that you've met the minimum requirements and it is now up to the manager doing the call up to determine if you go on and get invited to write an exam or not.

I've applied to countless jobs...just about ALL of them have said that. I haven't heard anything back yet from most of them (and it's been about a year). Don't bother calling them, if they're interested in you, they'll contact you. I know this from personal experience - I've seen exactly how this process works.

If they are interested, they'll send you an email to invite you to write an exam. You'll have a short time to reply stating you are interested and you'll have less than a week to study for the exam.

Best of Luck.

So how does the testing work? If you are invited by the manager, and you don't get the highest score, but have good qualifications, is it still possible to get a job offer?

[Octavius]

So how does the testing work? If you are invited by the manager, and you don't get the highest score, but have good qualifications, is it still possible to get a job offer?

It varies - a lot of it is discretionary but I believe you're required to get a certain percentage on the exam.

On an exam that I wrote in the summer, it asked me questions about the department that I would be employing me if I got the job, the legislation that pertained to its activities and existence, its' mission statement, risk management, case scenario's, etc.

If you don't pass the exam though - you're out of the running. The ENTIRE PROCESS is intended to slowly (but surely) whittle down the number of successful applicants that make it to the end of the process.

Example:
- Initial online application filters out the most people
- Email is sent to remaining applicants that are invited to write an exam, anyone that fails to respond confirming their attendance within a certain amount of time is disqualified.
- Anyone that fails to show up to the exam without a good reason is disqualified
- Anyone that doesn't achieve the minimum % that is required is disqualified
- Email is sent to those remaining applicants that passed the exam and are invited for an interview, anyone that fails to respond confirming their attendance within a certain amount of time is disqualified.
- Anyone that fails to show up to the interview without good reason is disqualified
- Email is sent to those remaining after the interview and a final decision is made: A job offer is given immediately, you are placed in a pool of candidates, or you are removed from the running due to the discretion of the manager.
- If offered a job or placed in the pool, you are required to submit proof of citizenship and credentials within a certain amount of time, otherwise you are disqualified and the job is offered to someone in the pool (or if you are in the pool, you are removed from the pool).
- Pool stays open for X amount of time, once it expires, it expires.

[R8247]

Reading this thread, makes realize just how lucky I am. So far I'm 2 for 2 when it comes to the public services :D

I do agree it is a pain in the ass, with all the testing, multi hour interviews, relentless paper work, and the length of the process.

Good luck everyone.

[DACC]

So how does the testing work? If you are invited by the manager, and you don't get the highest score, but have good qualifications, is it still possible to get a job offer?

Qualifications are usually used to screen you thru for the next step, which is either the interview and/or tests. If you don't qualify, you're not invited for the next step and you've been screened out.

Once you've gone thru the interviews and tests; qualifications don't count for scoring.

And yes, there is a minimum pass for EACH section of the exam.

[Wilmega]

So has anybody recieved an email for a FSWEP job yet? i just got an email for a position with Human Resources and Social Development asking for a yes or no reply.

What is the next step in the process?

[Octavius]

So has anybody recieved an email for a FSWEP job yet? i just got an email for a position with Human Resources and Social Development asking for a yes or no reply.

What is the next step in the process?

Respond back immediately stating you are interested. After this step, you will either hear NOTHING back...or you will be contacted to have an exam/interview set up for the position.

If you don't respond back within the time limit (usually 24 hours) you are disqualified from the running.

[Azxster]

I have never had a 24 hour deadline.

When I responded I was interested in a position, they acknowledged it. A couple months later, they invited me to write some test next week. After a few months, they invited me for an interview. After a few months, they called me to work.

[Wilmega]

this position had a deadline but it wasnt 24 hours. the deadline was feb 18. And i think they may call me sooner than a few months since the job starts march 3.

[Brandon]

this position had a deadline but it wasnt 24 hours. the deadline was feb 18. And i think they may call me sooner than a few months since the job starts march 3.

I think all of my FSWEP job emails (4 or 5) have had a deadline of 24 hours to reply "yes" or "no". That was last year, I'm still PT at the job I got last summer... in fact, I'm at work right now. ;)

[R8247]

I think all of my FSWEP job emails (4 or 5) have had a deadline of 24 hours to reply "yes" or "no". That was last year, I'm still PT at the job I got last summer... in fact, I'm at work right now. ;)

Damn:mad:

You have internet access @ work? What department is this ........ ?

[Brandon]

Damn:mad:

You have internet access @ work? What department is this ........ ?

Don't most people with a computer have access to the internet? I have my own computer (actually I have two :lol:) and cubicle at work. I know some people have limited access, but I don't know anyone who has no internet access.

[R8247]

Don't most people with a computer have access to the internet? I have my own computer (actually I have two :lol:) and cubicle at work. I know some people have limited access, but I don't know anyone who has no internet access.

Everything is blocked .... lol

I have to run home at lunch to surf the web. They took disabled the modem and wireless card on my laptop.

[Azxster]

I have limited access...

No FS/BB, Forums, Cars, Food,

Only news, weather, travel, and RFD.

[canabiz]

Don't most people with a computer have access to the internet? I have my own computer (actually I have two :lol:) and cubicle at work. I know some people have limited access, but I don't know anyone who has no internet access.

Some departments that deal with sensitive and confidential information on a daily basis do not allow access to the Internet on their network workstations. You can access the Internet during your breaks or lunch hours at one of the available Internet *kiosks*

[Brandon]

Some departments that deal with sensitive and confidential information on a daily basis do not allow access to the Internet on their network workstations. You can access the Internet during your breaks or lunch hours at one of the available Internet *kiosks*

Oh, I have two computers. One for 'that' stuff, and the other for email and internet, and other general use.

[ahujie]

Cna anyone comment on this?

I had an FSWEP interview and they asked for my official transcripts a few days later.
However, I worked under FSWEP for a different Dept last summer and they never asked for marks.
Does anyone know how marks factor into the screening process?

[Brandon]

Cna anyone comment on this?

I had an FSWEP interview and they asked for my official transcripts a few days later.
However, I worked under FSWEP for a different Dept last summer and they never asked for marks.
Does anyone know how marks factor into the screening process? It seems a bit backwards, asking for marks after the interview.

The department you're interviewing is a bit more rigourous in their screening process? I haven't been asked for a transcript for my two FSWEP positions, but some friends had to provide a transcript.

[ahujie]

Brandon: for your friends who had to provide transcripts, do you know if marks were used to screen out candidates? Do you have any idea if anyone was rejected for FSWEP on the basis of their marks?

Yeah I guess this Dept is a bit more rigorous. I know one other person who was interviewed by them. It seems like they're selecting students with a specific educational background, I think Econ and Poli Sci. I'm guessing they want to see how my marks measure up to other students in the same field.

Also, this year's new PSRS/FSWEP application system has a section where they ask you to state your CGPA and GPA for the last year. So maybe marks are beginning to factor into the process.

[Brandon]

Brandon: for your friends who had to provide transcripts, do you know if marks were used to screen out candidates? Do you have any idea if anyone was rejected for FSWEP on the basis of their marks?

Yeah I guess this Dept is a bit more rigorous. I know one other person who was interviewed by them. It seems like they're selecting students with a specific educational background, one that relates directly to the Dept's line of work (Economics). I'm guessing they want to see how my marks measure up to other students in the same field.

Also, this year's new PSRS/FSWEP application system has a section where they ask you to state your CGPA and GPA for the last year. So maybe marks are beginning to factor into the process.

I don't know if it was marks, or just to check the courses taken. But it makes sense to use marks as a screening factor, just like searching for a job that recruits recent grads: they use marks to screen out. But interviewing skills are most important anyway.

Are you applying for a post grad or under grad economics position? And what department of government?

Also, maybe they use the transcripts to confirm that applicants aren't lying on their applications. I believe for FSWEP you're supposed to enter in the courses you've taken plus your marks in the courses (I did this for my application). So maybe it's just to double check?

[ahujie]

Brandon:
I'm an undergrad.
I didn't apply directly to it, my name got pulled through the FSWEP lottery.

As for the fswep application, I listed some classes I've taken, but not my marks. I did not state my CGPA on my resume either, but I did have to put it on another section of the FSWEP application.

[Moogleknight]

DFAIT is pretty rigorous when it comes to hiring people, so it wouldn't surprise me if they were more rigorous in their FSWEP hiring.

Having said that, I doubt that low marks would eliminate you. I concur that they probably want to ensure that you're actually a student and that you haven't lied in your application.

[supergid]

I just received an email today stating that I need to participate in the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) for the Canadian Government. Just some background, I applied to this position as part of the Post Secondary Recruitment campaign in September 2006. I passed the interview and was put in a pool of candidates last fall. I did an SLE Test in the fall and did not make the standard and I have received my security clearance. Talk about a long process.

Anyways, my question is if anybody has written the MLAT for the Canadian government before. What is it like? How do we prepare?

Also, what are my chances of being selected from the pool?

[iheartdeals]

what do they check when they're checking for security clearance? I guess it would encompass a criminal record check as well etc?

[ahujie]

iheartdeals:

what they check depends on what level of clearance you require.

For my secret level last summer:
- criminal record check and credit check
- they asked me to list all the schools and jobs I'd attended for the last 10 years and contact info for someone to verify each activity

[MacGyver]

More info on security clearance for those interested:

For government jobs with Public Works (PWGSC), CSIS will do your security clearance. For jobs with RCMP, they do their own security clearance. And CSE also does their own security clearance. I have varying levels of clearance with all three as a contractor. The bad news is that if you have clearance with one of these outfits, it's not recognized by the others. So you have to repeat the process. :(

The good news is that they all use the same forms. So by looking at the form, you'll see what information you need to disclose.

The "short" authorization form used for Reliability Status:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/dwnld/330-23_e.pdf

The "long" form used for Enhanced Reliability, Secret and Top Secret:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tbsf-fsct/dwnld/330-60_e.pdf

The short form is also required along with the long form if the long form is being submitted.

If you're applying for government jobs, I highly recommend that you take the time to fill out both forms in advance, so when you're asked to complete the form you can just give it to them. The long form can take a considerable amount of time to complete, as you need to get info from all your immediate family members, personal references, neighbourhood references, countries you've visited, if you hold investments outside the country, criminal and military records, remembering all the places you've lived for the last 10 years, etc. Be completely honest, because they will find out quickly if you're not being truthful and that would seriously jeopardize your employment and trust.

I've been told that getting secret clearance can take one month or more and costs $10k. Top secret can take over three months and can cost $30k depending on how much leg work they need to do to verify. There are few jobs that actually require these levels and they don't grant them unnecessarily.

BTW, if these forms don't have enough room for you, I have PDF versions with additional pages - if anyone wants them, send me a PM (I can't find them online)

Also keep in mind that in some jobs, you will need to be security cleared but you might be able to start right away even if you don't have the clearance.

[iheartdeals]

^ Thanks for that! I had to complete the short form. I got the job offer but it's pending upon security clearance (which should be fine, I have no skeletons in the closet :lol: )

[Octavius]

^ Thanks for that! I had to complete the short form. I got the job offer but it's pending upon security clearance (which should be fine, I have no skeletons in the closet :lol: )

Me neither - it's much too sloppy and they're more likely to be found out if you're careless and leave them in the house. They ALWAYS check the closets.

The bottom of the Ocean on the other hand...well...you can probably figure that one out ;)

(kidding, kidding)

[Brandon]

Me neither - it's much too sloppy and they're more likely to be found out if you're careless and leave them in the house. They ALWAYS check the closets.

The bottom of the Ocean on the other hand...well...you can probably figure that one out ;)

(kidding, kidding)

Remember that the long form can't have any gaps in time, and if you were a student or unemployed you have to list that in your job history as well... no gaps in between anything!

[hellohi]

Does anyone know if they will contact you after the security screening? I am at the last stage and it's been a month for the secret level. Do they contact you through phone? Maybe I should just move on...

[Brandon]

Does anyone know if they will contact you after the security screening? I am at the last stage and it's been a month for the secret level. Do they contact you through phone? Maybe I should just move on...

Did you get the job? Usually they only screen you if you got the job (well, it's the last condition of getting the job). I'm guessing you were asked to submit filled in security clearance application documents after your final interview? Call them and see. You either didn't get the job and they just destroyed your clearance application, or the application is still being processed.

[ppdw]

Does anyone know if they will contact you after the security screening? I am at the last stage and it's been a month for the secret level. Do they contact you through phone? Maybe I should just move on...

I have the similar situation here (only reliable level needed for my application), still waiting the response...

[Moogleknight]

From what I've heard, secret level can take up to 6 months for screening - so I wouldn't be worried quite yet.

Otherwise, I don't believe they contact you after screening unless they're going to make you an offer.

[ahujie]

don't know if this helps, but my secret level last year took about a month/5 weeks.

[Wilmega]

secret level... sounds like some espionage talk... you guys work for the FBI or something

[ahujie]

secret level... sounds like some espionage talk... you guys work for the FBI or something

lol..the FBI is an American agency

in Cda..we have CSIS, CBSA and the RCMP doing intelligence related work ;)

from what I've seen, Secret level clearance is common for summer student positions, especially at a Dept's headquarters in Ottawa

[Moogleknight]

Secret level clearance isn't all that common in the regions though =(

[Sheek]

this is a great resource, thanks! :)

[Brandon]

from what I've seen, Secret level clearance is common for summer student positions, especially at a Dept's headquarters in Ottawa

In my past job possibilities, pretty much you require a Secret level clearance for any IT position, as you can potentially see classified information on client's computers, etc... not that you would get access to any that information directly.

I think ERC is the most common classification (it's not even a real class) required. I haven't seen any job opportunities requiring a Confidential or Top Secret clearance. I'm guessing Confidential would be required for jobs where you see personel data, but no technical info (like maybe CRA/StatsCan/HR, etc jobs). There were a few jobs I saw that require higher than Top Secret though (like security clearances for other countries like the US).

[valentinabear]

I applied for a job as an Administrative Assistant and took the General Office test, checking and filing test. I have received my results and passed all 3 tests. I know that they go by the top scores and was wondering when they will proceed to the next hiring process. What is the next process? Thanks.

[Jayda]

For a couple of positions, I was contacted about 3-4 weeks after receiving my test results, for an interview invite, and additional testing. However, it totally depends. If you didn't score high enough, you may never be contacted, nor will the government really tell you that you are out of the running.

[Moogleknight]

The process varies for every position/competition. It really depends what the hiring organization wants the test to be, and how productive they want the process to be.

As for passing, sometimes, it's not enough that you 'passed' a test, the cutoff mark may be MUCH higher than the pass mark.

Finally, you should get an invitation for the next part of the process (probably the interview) within 1-4 months of your last evaluation. If you're worried, you can always ask the organization through the email they have provided you throughout the competition.

[alkaseltzer01]

I've heard that Ottawa is really the best option if you really want to get into the fed government.

I have a friend who work in IT. He says that someone doing the same job as him in Toronto but out of Ottawa, are at a higher level even though it's the same job. I guess that's one way they try to attract people to Ottawa.

[fatpig]

I just got a letter from the CRA today saying I've been placed in a pool of qualified candidates for a Tax Auditor position. It says the pool is valid until March 31, 2010. How good are my chances of being offered a job?

[Moogleknight]

between now and 2010, pretty good.

Any time soon, when those notifications go out, initial offers have usually already been made, and hired.

[fizzerd]

I just got a letter from the CRA today saying I've been placed in a pool of qualified candidates for a Tax Auditor position. It says the pool is valid until March 31, 2010. How good are my chances of being offered a job?

So you mean you were not offered a position but you were placed in the pool for future consideration?

I applied to them but wasnt offered a position after the interview. When I graduated, I sent my final transcripts to them but have not heard anything from them yet about being placed in the pool? Any ideas?

[canabiz]

I've heard that Ottawa is really the best option if you really want to get into the fed government.

I have a friend who work in IT. He says that someone doing the same job as him in Toronto but out of Ottawa, are at a higher level even though it's the same job. I guess that's one way they try to attract people to Ottawa.

No surprise there, Ottawa is our capital and most if not all of the government departments have their headquarters here. There are some regional offices in Toronto but they all pretty much report to the big offices here.

If you want to work for the government, your best bet is to relocate to Ottawa first to get your foot in the door and then a few years down the road, look for opportunities to move back to your hometown further down the 401. It is possible to stay in Toronto and get hired with the Fed but you severely limit your chances.

[canabiz]

So you mean you were not offered a position but you were placed in the pool for future consideration?

I applied to them but wasnt offered a position after the interview. When I graduated, I sent my final transcripts to them but have not heard anything from them yet about being placed in the pool? Any ideas?

If you still have the contact names for the interviews, it never hurts to call/email them and ask them for feedback. They don't have to reply but you never know. If you haven't received a letter about being placed in a pool, chances are you didn't make the cut for this competition. Hopefully, you picked up a few pointers and best of luck for the next one.

[ppdw]

I just got a letter from the CRA today saying I've been placed in a pool of qualified candidates for a Tax Auditor position. It says the pool is valid until March 31, 2010. How good are my chances of being offered a job?

fatpig. Similar story here,but I only got 1 year valid period.
Good luck!

[flamingo]

Hello, my wife received an invitation to write an exam for a CR-05 position: Customer Relations/Canadian Forces Pension Specialist

Just wondering if any of you has done this kind of test before and if you can give us any tips. I tried to go to the Canadian Forces website to look for some sample exams to get some ideas but I couldn't find anything.

The only detail that we got from the email invitation is this exam wil be used to evaluate your ability to calculate and my wife needs to bring a calculator

Perhaps an exam on pension calculations ??

Thanks.

[Muncher]

Hate to be dumb, but where is the page that tells you the salaries for the various positions?

[Brandon]

Hate to be dumb, but where is the page that tells you the salaries for the various positions?

http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/RatesofPay/siglist_e.asp

[Octavius]

fatpig. Similar story here,but I only got 1 year valid period.
Good luck!

I'm in a pool of candidates for a Parole Officer position as of this past December. Pool expires this August, I have yet to hear anything back.

Meh, yay for bridging via FSWEP.

[tataynik]

fatpig. Similar story here,but I only got 1 year valid period.
Good luck!

Each CRA office handle their own competitions/pools/hiring that is why some pools have longer validity periods than others. Not to be negative or anything, just for information, a lot of provincial auditors have joined CRA early April 2008 at various levels (mostly AU's) and this merger created a bottleneck of sorts as far as promotions and hirings for the near future.
Not a guarantee but at least you are in the pool, no one can say what the agency's or a particular TSO's need will in the future.

[Reboot001]

Hello all,

I have a question about getting a job with the government (CRA). If there is a position available in a specific city ie. Calgary, and I live in Toronto, is it possible for me to apply for that position, if so, how would I go about with doing that? I have no problem of moving and would be willing to relocate there. Is there someone I can speak to regarding this, I have tried getting contact info from the CRA website but they only have fax numbers for the information they require in the selection process. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Reboot

[Moogleknight]

If the area of selection on the poster includes where you live, then you can apply. Otherwise, you can apply but you probably won't get testing or an offer since you don't qualify.

[Muncher]

Thanks for the salary website. What do the bands mean - A, B, C, D?

Seems like even the D bands max out at $90-$95k. And bonus is only 5% for meeting expectations? Even the banks pay more in some areas? Or am I out to lunch about this?

[tataynik]

Thanks for the salary website. What do the bands mean - A, B, C, D?

Seems like even the D bands max out at $90-$95k. And bonus is only 5% for meeting expectations? Even the banks pay more in some areas? Or am I out to lunch about this?

X) Effective June 22, 2003 - Restructure
A) Effective June 22, 2003
B) Effective June 22, 2004
C) Effective June 22, 2005
D) Effective June 22, 2006

That is the rates of pay as of a specific date. The increase are based on what the union was able to negotiate for the group. Everyone moves from A to B to C to D on the every June 22 in this example.

The rates read from left to right are the "anniversary" increases. You move from left to right every year on your anniversary day.

Left .......to..... Right, every year on anniversary date
58371 60377 62385 64392 66398 68405 70411

[Muncher]

Great - thanks! Is everyone unionised? Or are some positions not? It'd be nice to belong to a union and have them fight for my increase!

What are the salaries for a senior IT manager or IT director?

[Moogleknight]

everyone except some classes where it'd be conflict of interest like PE and EX.

Otherwise, pretty much everyone is unionized.

IT manager is a CS-4 and director would be EX-01. Usually.

it does vary from dept to dept though.

[Brandon]

everyone except some classes where it'd be conflict of interest like PE and EX.

Otherwise, pretty much everyone is unionized.

IT manager is a CS-4 and director would be EX-01. Usually.

it does vary from dept to dept though.

http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/coll_agre/cs/cs08_e.asp

Yea, it depends on the department. For mine, the director is a CS-5 (and manager a CS-4), but it's a pretty small department (5 people).

As long as you're full-time or part-time (non-contract) you should be unionized.

EX rates of pay are here:
http://www.psagency-agencefp.gc.ca/hr-rh/eg-gd/eg-ce-ugl_2007_e.asp

[Impala]

I'm on the FSWEP Website for students attempting to create an account. Can someone tell me what the "PRI:" field is asking for? This Box appears below Last and first name.


here is the link


https://psjobs-emploisfp.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psr/applicant/1208699693973/applicant.enterPersonalData;jsessionid=lYzcLLLNhhJ jphQm4Ql8VxPxpV1LJGtPmX0DxjQFpNs2FhnKqX09!-996125236

Thanks

[Brandon]

I'm on the FSWEP Website for students attempting to create an account. Can someone tell me what the "PRI:" field is asking for? This Box appears below Last and first name.


here is the link


https://psjobs-emploisfp.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psr/applicant/1208699693973/applicant.enterPersonalData;jsessionid=lYzcLLLNhhJ jphQm4Ql8VxPxpV1LJGtPmX0DxjQFpNs2FhnKqX09!-996125236

Thanks

It's your government employee number. If you haven't worked for the federal government, you probably don't have one. It's not a necessary field.

[iheartdeals]

I'm working for the CRA over the summer for co-op. Will this work experience make it easier to land a full time government job upon graduation? Or even entering the AAP program?

Thanks.

[Muncher]

Do they hire immigrants? Does one need to have full transcripts of university degrees, etc? Would I need my university degrees certified? I've been working in Canada 2 decades and no one has asked for these so far.

Thanks!

[Brandon]

Do they hire immigrants? Does one need to have full transcripts of university degrees, etc? Would I need my university degrees certified? I've been working in Canada 2 decades and no one has asked for these so far.

Thanks!

I'm assuming that people with citizenship would get more preference than those without it, but otherwise there should be no issues. As well, depending on your ethnicity, you may get preference under their employment equity programs (especially if you're female too).

[Moogleknight]

The hiring priority for the Federal government is as follows:

War veterans
survivors of war veterans (eg. widow)
Canadian Citizen
Permanent Resident

ie. if there are no qualified citizens, then the job will go to a PR.

As for the visible minority bit, it does give a very slight advantage, and only if the poster asks for it.

[iam_immigrant]

Can a federal level PRI number be used on a provincial or municipal level?

Or is there even a difference which level you get your PRI number from?

[Moogleknight]

Your PRI in the Fed is completely different than an Ontario or municipal employee number.

[iam_immigrant]

Does it "look" good if you've got a PRI number regardless which level it's from???

ie. if applying to a municipal position and you have federal PRI number or vice versa

[Moogleknight]

No one is really going to care if you have a PRI.

Students and temp workers have PRIs. They are absolutely no indication of your competence, ability or experience.

The only thing a PRI is good for is for HR to keep track of your pay, and maybe get you a cell phone corporate plan.

[iam_immigrant]

Well if it's down to 2 people, one having a PRI and the other doesn't, would the person with a PRI given preference??
This is of course if both people are equally qualified.

[Moogleknight]

If both candidates are equally qualified, the PRI would and should have absolutely nothing to do with it. The hiring manager should look at the most important qualification, and should base their decision on that. Failing that tie-breaker, go to the next important qualification, and continue until a decision is made. The next tie breaker after qualifications might be employment equity or organizational need, depending on the poster.

[iam_immigrant]

Thanks. Good to know.

[lekkel]

The hiring priority for the Federal government is as follows:

War veterans
survivors of war veterans (eg. widow)
Canadian Citizen
Permanent Resident


What you said is not accurate. You cannot mix in the priorities with the consideration of whether someone gets hired because of citizenship. In terms of priorities that must be considered in an external selection process, there are many types of priorities, such as relocation of spouse, returnee of absence, etc. Even then, not all staffing processes requires priority clearance. There is a lot in the Public Service Employment Act and it can't be summarized the way you did.
Are you in HR?

[Morphius909]

When does the current collective bargaining agreement expiry?

[Moogleknight]

What you said is not accurate. You cannot mix in the priorities with the consideration of whether someone gets hired because of citizenship. In terms of priorities that must be considered in an external selection process, there are many types of priorities, such as relocation of spouse, returnee of absence, etc. Even then, not all staffing processes requires priority clearance. There is a lot in the Public Service Employment Act and it can't be summarized the way you did.
Are you in HR?

If you take my answer in the context it was given, which was in response to someone asking if the government hire immigrants, then I provided all the relevant 'need to know' information.

I didn't particularly want to get into the actual "priority" system (poor wording on my part), since I don't like providing information that isn't requested or relevant.

Also, I am aware of what's in the public service employment act to a certain degree in that I've read it, and have had a love-hate relationship with it (in that I love the concept, but have hated it's application ;p). As for HR, I guess you could say I was very briefly in HR. However, at the moment, I'm somewhere in the middle of the PM category.

When does the current collective bargaining agreement expiry?
Depends on the agreement. It should tell you on the agreement you're reading on the tbs site - and yes, some of them have expired (like mine for example), but you still work under it, because unlike the TTC we're just not that mean =p.

[blizzack]

Depends on the agreement. It should tell you on the agreement you're reading on the tbs site - and yes, some of them have expired (like mine for example), but you still work under it, because unlike the TTC we're just not that mean =p.

And the last time we walked off the job it didn't get us much :)

[Trooper8111]

I was invited to write an accounting test. I applied through the website. Guess I shouldn't get my hopes up.

[canabiz]

Do they hire immigrants? Does one need to have full transcripts of university degrees, etc? Would I need my university degrees certified? I've been working in Canada 2 decades and no one has asked for these so far.

Thanks!

Muncher, if you have a foreign university degree, it's a good idea to go through the process to get it recognized in Canada

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) has some good information

http://www.cicic.ca/404/Recognition_of_Professional_Qualifications.canada

I kept all of my university degrees and transcripts in a safe and always have them ready in case somebody asks, current or future employers.

and yes the Fed will hire immigrants.

[firetrainer]

Does working for the Ontario govt (Ministry of xxx) have the same benefits as working the fed government? Once you have a job at the at the federal/provincial level are there many oppurtunities to move up or transer to another department?

[ppdw]

Does working for the Ontario govt (Ministry of xxx) have the same benefits as working the fed government? Once you have a job at the at the federal/provincial level are there many oppurtunities to move up or transer to another department?

IMHO,
1. Yes, sometimes even better.
2. Yes, since you are eligible for internal opportunities.

[firetrainer]

Thank you for the quick response. I have another question. I am a temp at one of the Ministries in Ontario and contract will end in a few weeks. How do I go about asking for a permanent position? Or will they approach me at the end of my contract is they want to keep me?

[Moogleknight]

Ask your manager about staying. If you don't show you have interest in staying, they'll have no reason to go to bat for you.

[valentinabear]

I applied as an Admin Assistant from a pool of people in Feb. I took the test in Mar and they gave me a call yesterday to come in for a communications test and interview.

What should I expect from this interview? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[chen0289]

does anyone here know if we can apply for jobs in other cities? most of the people just tell me to get a local po box and apply, but wouldn't know when they look at my resume? or does it really matter?

[chen0289]

I've heard that Ottawa is really the best option if you really want to get into the fed government.

I have a friend who work in IT. He says that someone doing the same job as him in Toronto but out of Ottawa, are at a higher level even though it's the same job. I guess that's one way they try to attract people to Ottawa.

not when your a collection officer
Ottawa = SP04
everywhere else in the country sp05

[Moogleknight]

does anyone here know if we can apply for jobs in other cities? most of the people just tell me to get a local po box and apply, but wouldn't know when they look at my resume? or does it really matter?

Obviously, you change the address on your resume. Make sure you've got someone who can forward you mail.

[chen0289]

Obviously, you change the address on your resume. Make sure you've got someone who can forward you mail.

Would the hiring manager care though? since most of the jobs do say only locals can apply.... lets say I'm in Ottawa and applying to jobs in Vancouver, and all my references are in ottawa along with my previous jobs? Specially when they put in my PRI and see that I was working in a department in another city just days before?

[Moogleknight]

Would the hiring manager care though? since most of the jobs do say only locals can apply.... lets say I'm in Ottawa and applying to jobs in Vancouver, and all my references are in ottawa along with my previous jobs? Specially when they put in my PRI and see that I was working in a department in another city just days before?

You just won't get an offer of relocation. Otherwise, I'm thinking they just want to fill their position(s).

Also, if you're going to fib about your address, I wouldn't apply for positions requiring top secret clearance =p

[lekkel]

You just won't get an offer of relocation. Otherwise, I'm thinking they just want to fill their position(s).

Also, if you're going to fib about your address, I wouldn't apply for positions requiring top secret clearance =p


The hiring department would request proof of address, such as a driver's licence that has your address on it. Also, if you are a transfer from one department to another, it's basically impossible to lie about your address if you think about it...since your pay file and everything is going with you from one dep. to the next....I would suggest that you do not lie. Don't listen to Moogleknight, I find that his "advice" is common knowledge at best. Even if a job doesn't require Top Secret, they do address confirmations even for Reliability or Secret. Anyhow, you can apply to any cities that you work in or has a permanent home in. It's a risk you take to go through the whole process and then have them eliminate you from it because you lied.

[Brandon]

You can apply for jobs in other cities no problem. You just put in your real address, and then select whatever region you wish to be considered for (like NCR for Ottawa).

I'm an FSWEP student and my address is in Mississauga (parent's address), and I only selected visibility for jobs in the National Capital Region. I got interviews for jobs in Ottawa, and am now working in Ottawa (for federal govt)... and my profile address associated with my PRI is my Mississauga address.

[Moogleknight]

The hiring department would request proof of address, such as a driver's licence that has your address on it.

Considering the two competitions I've been successful at haven't asked for proof of address, I'm going to say you're not quite on the ball with that one.

That being said, I haven't misrepresented myself in any of my competitions either.

However, I have known of more than one person who was able to get around the area of selection, by getting a mailbox in the Ottawa area.

Anyhow, you can apply to any cities that you work in or has a permanent home in.
If you read the internal postings, no you can't. It all depends on the poster's specific area of selection - which could restrict by department, branch, or even restrict by the physical building (which I've seen).

[lekkel]

Considering the two competitions I've been successful at haven't asked for proof of address, I'm going to say you're not quite on the ball with that one.

That being said, I haven't misrepresented myself in any of my competitions either.

However, I have known of more than one person who was able to get around the area of selection, by getting a mailbox in the Ottawa area.


If you read the internal postings, no you can't. It all depends on the poster's specific area of selection - which could restrict by department, branch, or even restrict by the physical building (which I've seen).

I'm sorry to bring this up again, but "competition" is an incorrect term to be used for hiring processes now as they are now called "Selection processes", since Dec 2005 actually. Just because you know someone who made up a lie to deceit others and was successful in doing so, doesn't mean you should encourage others to do the same. Sure, if he listens to you and it doesn't work, he can only blame his stupidity for listening to you but can't do anything else but to make himself look like a dumbass, correct?

As for the proof, I have asked for the proof myself so I know exactly what the process is for in my department and how careful we are. However, I cannot say that all HR across the Federal Public Service follows the same procedures. If you are not asked for it, maybe it was perhaps they were not planning to hire you. Or perhaps it was missed. Each departments have different policies so just because one doesn't do it, it doesn't mean that all the others won't. If an audit was ever to be done or should complaints be sent to the Tribunal, appointments could be revoked if misrepresentations were made.

As for the area of selection, you are right when you say internal postings tend to be more restrictive in terms of area of selection. However, what I said pertains more to the external postings that are open to BOTH internal and external applicants. The original posters didn't really indicate if the posting was internal or external in the first place. So, what I said is not untrue.

[Moogleknight]

I'm sorry to bring this up again, but "competition" is an incorrect term to be used for hiring processes now as they are now called "Selection processes", since Dec 2005 actually. Just because you know someone who made up a lie to deceit others and was successful in doing so, doesn't mean you should encourage others to do the same. Sure, if he listens to you and it doesn't work, he can only blame his stupidity for listening to you but can't do anything else but to make himself look like a dumbass, correct?

As for the proof, I have asked for the proof myself so I know exactly what the process is for in my department and how careful we are. However, I cannot say that all HR across the Federal Public Service follows the same procedures. If you are not asked for it, maybe it was perhaps they were not planning to hire you. Or perhaps it was missed. Each departments have different policies so just because one doesn't do it, it doesn't mean that all the others won't. If an audit was ever to be done or should complaints be sent to the Tribunal, appointments could be revoked if misrepresentations were made.

As for the area of selection, you are right when you say internal postings tend to be more restrictive in terms of area of selection. However, what I said pertains more to the external postings that are open to BOTH internal and external applicants. The original posters didn't really indicate if the posting was internal or external in the first place. So, what I said is not untrue.

You know what, before I write something I'm going to regret, I'm just going to back off this thread. Clearly, you have some sort of issue with my perspective and my antiquated terminology. But you know, terminology changes, and things still get called their old names. Take Service Canada. It's still called HRSDC. Okay, sure, ServCan is part of HRSDC, but few people I know outside of Service Canada, actually call it Service Canada.

However I will say this: I have been appointed indeterminately twice: once internally, and once externally. Both times, I was never asked for proof of address at any point during the process. However, lets make this clear, I did not make any misrepresentation on my applications.

[barrist]

Any tips for a first interview I'm about to have with Stats Canada? It is for their recruitment and development program (entry level jobs).

Thanks in advance.

[240sxer]

3 ways to get in to the government, and only these 3 ways:

1) As a student through co-op and FSWEP
2) As a contractor/consultant through hiring agencies
3) Through public competitions.

I've listed them from easiest to hardest. I got in through #1.

#1 might be out of the question for you, but its so easy that it might sometimes be worth it to go back to school just to go to coop or FSWEP in the government an earn a job through there.

#2 is what alot of people seem to be doing, however, it does sometimes require you to have certain skills desirable in the psotion you're applying for. So you go to any hiring agency, give them a souped up resume and they'll tell you whats available and forward the resume off. Most of them are 3-6-12 month contracts but the good thing about them is there are plenty of them and if they like you they keep you. One warning though, don't sign with a hiring agency that makes you sign an agreement that you will not accept a position with the government after you contract is over - make sure u ask.

#3) this is very popular these days as it seems like the government is on a mass hiring rampage.. just the past 3 months there has been well over 5 RCMP competitions.. All through

https://psjobs-emploisfp.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psr/applicant/applicant.helpcareerchoices?toggleLanguage=en&psrsMode=1

Dont get too picky, apply for basic, very intro positions and take what they give you.. alot of them are perminant positions so you have ALOT of time to start moving around inside the government. Once ur in, ur in and its a breeze from there to move up.

Only thing is, the competition process is very long and sometimes has alot of tests, most are easy but you're competing with around 100-300 people sometimes for 20 positions so you gotta know your stuff. This I can help you with once you get the initial call back.

Just make sure when you do apply to these jobs you do it after reading all the instructions and answerign all the questions.. Use key words that are used in the job posting itself so that if the run ur resume/answers through a computer, you get filtered in.

[peterpatch]

Hello,

I am wondering what the "secret" level security clearance entails?

I filled out the security form, and it asked if I had a criminal conviction where a pardon was not granted. My conviction was 11 years ago when I was 14 years old. Do I have to declare a youth offence to the agency responsible for the clearance? And is a youth record something that may get me denied the clearance?

Thanks!

Actus, I am not a lawyer or a legal professional but I was able to find the following info at: http://www.lawyers.ca/sbiss/pages/yoa.htm

"Young persons are never "convicted" but rather are "found guilty" of criminal offences.

After periods of time, Youth Court records are made not available, i.e. they may be purged from the local police or R.C.M.P. databases. The periods are:



alternative measures two years

absolute discharge one year

conditional discharge three years

other dispositions summary offences three years after all dispositions complete

indictable offences five years after all dispositions complete



Dispositions other than alternative measures and discharges will not be purged, however, if there is an intervening offence. Notwithstanding these provisions, fingerprints are transferred to the Special Fingerprints Repository and are destroyed after a further five years. Individuals with records prior to December 1995 should apply to the R.C.M.P. to obtain the benefit of these sections. "

If the information I found is correct then you were not "convicted", rather you were "found guilty". Therefore you would not have to include the criminal deeds of your youth on your application because you said the application asked about convictions and did not mention guilty findings.

[destro88]

does CBSA - Customs Officer test for drugs? ie: urine tests

[CSR]

does CBSA - Customs Officer test for drugs? ie: urine tests

Why? You have somethign to hidE?

[canabiz]

does CBSA - Customs Officer test for drugs? ie: urine tests

destro, I don't think they have a system in place yet but I could be wrong. I know CSIS is quite strict on this. You have to remember that CBSA is a fairly young agency and is still putting things together. I say if you smoke some good stuff a few years ago but haven't done so recently then you should be OK. Don't quote me on this though.

[hjello]

Does anyone know what employment agency they use?

[destro88]

anybody know what type of questions they'll be asking for the border officer position? my interview is at the end of the week.

[a in yul]

anybody know what type of questions they'll be asking for the border officer position? my interview is at the end of the week.


so, how did it go? best of luck to ya...

[240sxer]

I'm still curious how ur stuff went as well.. Keep us updated man. Worse thing is when someone googles what u were looking for and doesnt end up with a solution themself cause the original poster didnt update with a response.

[Zug_Zwang]

Just out of curiosity, how common is movement from one branch of the Civil Service to another?

I imagine the forthcoming retirement rates will influence this.

[Spiderpal93]

I've been rejected twice now after my interviews with the Ontario government. I will keep trying though!!!!! :cheesygri I know one day I will finally land that job!

[e909]

I'm applying for a student position with the Fed Government, I've made it through all the hoops except for the security clearance. The position I'm being considered for is dependent on that. I think the clearance level they wanted to give me was either Confidential or Secret, I forget.

I'm wondering, if I've made it to this stage, am I almost guaranteed a position now? It's kind of weird they don't give a conditional job offer, but I need to know if I should keep looking for work while they do the paperwork.

[Brandon]

I'm applying for a student position with the Fed Government, I've made it through all the hoops except for the security clearance. The position I'm being considered for is dependent on that. I think the clearance level they wanted to give me was either Confidential or Secret, I forget.

I'm wondering, if I've made it to this stage, am I almost guaranteed a position now? It's kind of weird they don't give a conditional job offer, but I need to know if I should keep looking for work while they do the paperwork.

I don't remember, but I think my letter of offer was dependent on receiving a clearance. I'm also a student in the Fed Government. I've had to fill out security application forms after interviews, but didn't get the job (they ask for the forms filled out so that if they offer you the job, it saves a bit of time... so they can submit them right away instead of waiting for you to get back to them).

Did they say you were getting the position as long as you get your clearance?

[Octavius]

I don't remember, but I think my letter of offer was dependent on receiving a clearance. I'm also a student in the Fed Government. I've had to fill out security application forms after interviews, but didn't get the job (they ask for the forms filled out so that if they offer you the job, it saves a bit of time... so they can submit them right away instead of waiting for you to get back to them).

Did they say you were getting the position as long as you get your clearance?

It is. Every employee of the federal government must have valid security clearance for their level of job.

If your job needs Secret and you can't get it, you don't get the job.

Conditional offers are a waste of time. It is my experience that people in HR are either lazy or completely swamped all the time...in either case, it takes them FOREVER to get ANYTHING done. Just getting a REAL letter of offer can take up to two months.

[e909]

They said that getting the clearance doesn't mean that they will offer the job. I'm positive they at least started the security clearance since one of my references was called.

I'm getting kind of anxious here though, the federal government job looks awesome but I don't want to be in the middle of March and have them say "thanks but no thanks".

In any case, do you know what kind of relocation package the Fed will give to a coop student? Will they pay for a hotel for a few days or anything like that while I try to find a place?

[Brandon]

They said that getting the clearance doesn't mean that they will offer the job. I'm positive they at least started the security clearance since one of my references was called.

I'm getting kind of anxious here though, the federal government job looks awesome but I don't want to be in the middle of March and have them say "thanks but no thanks".

In any case, do you know what kind of relocation package the Fed will give to a coop student? Will they pay for a hotel for a few days or anything like that while I try to find a place?

I don't know about your position, but for me my job requires a Secret and I don't have it yet. What my manager was able to do is make the position only require Enhanced Reliability (which only took a few days to get), then put an application in for me to get a Secret clearance later on. It's still been 6 months since my application was officially processed/accepted and I'm still waiting on my Secret clearance.

I don't think you'll get a relocation package as a student. As far as I know, unlike regular employees, students don't have a budget allocation for training or business trips as well.

[leoben]

is it normal to not have received an actual employment offer (in writing) when you are expected to start working in a couple of weeks? i needed a proof of employment to get an apartment in ottawa but i have not received any formal offer yet.

also, does anyone know what kind of relocation assistance fed.gov. gives to its regular employees in general?

[Brandon]

is it normal to not have received an actual employment offer (in writing) when you are expected to start working in a couple of weeks? i needed a proof of employment to get an apartment in ottawa but i have not received any formal offer yet.

For all of my terms (initial hiring and all renewals), I received my letter of offer between 1-5 business days before my term began. This even included times when paperwork started 5 weeks before my current contract ended.

[Electricute]

Just out of curiosity, how common is movement from one branch of the Civil Service to another?

I imagine the forthcoming retirement rates will influence this.

different section have nothing to do with each other, for example some are agencies Stats Can, revenue Can, and therefore there is no interconnection between them. However, obviously past experience at government job looks good, but have to apply through public process

[slowtyper]

Are they picky about what kind of experience you have? I've got some work experience in Engineering but I am looking to get into a gov't job doing something else...not sure what yet.

To get my foot in the door, I'd be interested in any basic job that I can be trained to do. I'm not picky at all about it but what kind of positions would be interested in me? Obviously I have a BSc in Engineering but not my PEO registration yet.

Looking for something in Toronto.

[ngolf]

With the federal government going into a deficit over the next 2 years trying to jump start the economy is it a good idea to start working for the government in a clerical CR-03 or CR-04 position? These types of positions seem to be the first ones to get cut once departmental budgets get tighened. Reason I ask is because I am on two pools for these types of positions and will give up a secure but much lower paying position (in private sector) to get into the federal government which pays better, has better benefits and pension plan. My skills set are of the CR-03 and CR-04 qualifications. Also I may be waiting for up to a year for a possible position to be offered. Any else in the same position now or before getting a job with the federal government?

[CeoOfKFC]

Are they picky about what kind of experience you have? I've got some work experience in Engineering but I am looking to get into a gov't job doing something else...not sure what yet.

To get my foot in the door, I'd be interested in any basic job that I can be trained to do. I'm not picky at all about it but what kind of positions would be interested in me? Obviously I have a BSc in Engineering but not my PEO registration yet.

Looking for something in Toronto.

Canadian Forces need Engineers.

[e909]

For all of my terms (initial hiring and all renewals), I received my letter of offer between 1-5 business days before my term began. This even included times when paperwork started 5 weeks before my current contract ended.
Is there any way to expedite that? Having a contract 1 business day before starting doesn't exactly help me find an apartment or feel comfortable that the offer is in writing lol...

[leoben]

Is there any way to expedite that? Having a contract 1 business day before starting doesn't exactly help me find an apartment or feel comfortable that the offer is in writing lol...

well i kept bugging them (my hiring manager) and i got my offer letter early, after he told HR to hurry up. i felt kind of bad but it needed to be done as i do not live in ottawa and i needed proof of employment for my ottawa home rental applications and stuff like that. plus, i needed to know how they support employees who need to relocate.. maybe you should contact the person who hired you about it too.

[Dustbunny]

With the federal government going into a deficit over the next 2 years trying to jump start the economy is it a good idea to start working for the government in a clerical CR-03 or CR-04 position? These types of positions seem to be the first ones to get cut once departmental budgets get tighened. Reason I ask is because I am on two pools for these types of positions and will give up a secure but much lower paying position (in private sector) to get into the federal government which pays better, has better benefits and pension plan. My skills set are of the CR-03 and CR-04 qualifications. Also I may be waiting for up to a year for a possible position to be offered. Any else in the same position now or before getting a job with the federal government?

The reality is if you haven't got an offer, you have nothing to decide. If you are talking about being already on some lists for hiring, you have to wait and see because they may or may not hire off the list depending on the budgets. They can renew lists or let them expire. There is nothing you can count on unless you have an offer.

Meanwhile, the CR positions are not more likely to be hit than other positions. When I was there, everyone got hit, right across the board from the highest to lowest levels. It depends on the department, what the staffing situation is like (where they are heavy in numbers) and what technology or other methods they bring in that can take over certain roles.

The up side of going in on a CR is at least you are in and that gets you into the system and then you can compete on closed competitions. If you go in as a term position (contract) you will find people who are renewed year after year until they get through an indeterminant board. Others can find themselves gone pretty quick as terms are let go first as they are the easiest to lay off given the union rules.

You also have to watch. From personal experience I can tell you some regions have zero problem with CR's moving onto higher levels, in others once you are a CR you will always be a CR and they are unbending in that snobbery. So that can be something to consider if you think you'll want to move out of the roll at some point.

Meanwhile, as you are waiting anyway, watch the news. See what is happening because everytime the gov't talks budgets or programs, that directly impacts hiring/firing in the departments involved. If you get an offer, ask outright how secure the job is as some will be more secure than others depending on the department because if the gov't goes instituting new programs, they need to staff them. If they are cutting budgets in a dept. they will be cutting staff. If they announce a 2 year program of some sort, the job will be good for 2 years, no longer unless there is some change later. If you want into the gov't keep watching for competitions and keep applying.

When I started I went in as a term CR for a summer program just to get into the system and to have those closed competitions available. I was lucky as in my region, CR was not held against you when you wanted to move up. I ended up competing and going to a much higher professional level and stayed 10 years but I had to work to get my term extended and then work to get out of that classification. It can be nail biting at times when renewals come up, but it can also pay off if you play it right.

[danny411]

can i get a job if i had a criminal record that was pardoned ?

border services keeps bugging me.

They phoned me 3 times last week.

[rocketdan9]

can i get a job if i had a criminal record that was pardoned ?

border services keeps bugging me.

They phoned me 3 times last week.

The government in theory should accept criminal record pardon's better than say the private sector when it comes to hiring people. Unfortunately that does not mean you won't be in a disadvantage position for the job against someone who doesn't have a record.

Best thing to do is do some research online about your status vs getting a job (or having equal chance just like anyone) and go far as to get legal consultation before you call them.

[e909]

can i get a job if i had a criminal record that was pardoned ?

border services keeps bugging me.

They phoned me 3 times last week.

Depends how long ago the crime was and what the crime was.

If you were convicted for smuggling drugs across the border, for instance, you might have a few more problems. :D

[rocketdan9]

Depends how long ago the crime was and what the crime was.

If you were convicted for smuggling drugs across the border, for instance, you might have a few more problems. :D

I doubt such crime would be pardoned and would stay perm on your records.

I get where your going with your example though

[ashgotti]

Are they picky about what kind of experience you have? I've got some work experience in Engineering but I am looking to get into a gov't job doing something else...not sure what yet.

To get my foot in the door, I'd be interested in any basic job that I can be trained to do. I'm not picky at all about it but what kind of positions would be interested in me? Obviously I have a BSc in Engineering but not my PEO registration yet.

Looking for something in Toronto.

www.dcc-cdc.gc.ca

We are hiring every week. Our Toronto site is semi-busy but if you're willing to relocate, there are a lot of opportunities.

[Zug_Zwang]

So I'm practically on the verge of getting a position with the Federal Government, but slightly confused as to the whole term > permanent status which I've heard, but only in passing.

Could anyone explain? This role starts with a 6 month term. Afterward, do I have to go through another formal competition for another 6 month term? If there is a drop in demand at this particular department (which I strongly, strongly doubt), will it be easier to branch out to another one? What about benefits, i.e. when do they kick in?

[Dustbunny]

Unless something has changed since I was there, term is a contract position. So you say you are offered a 6 mos term, you essentially have a 6 mos contract which may or may not be renewed at the end of the term. It depends on what is happening in your job in 6 mos. You normally are just renewed or not, no competition.

You do have to compete if you want a permanent position though (although if memory serves there used to be a clause that you could become permanent after so many years of being term but I don't know if that still exists or the details). While you are term, you can compete on the closed competitions (which means no outside applicants are accepted) so that is the way to a permanent position and each competition outlines who can apply (if they are limiting it in some way by dept. for instance).

Benefits.. I can't quite recall. I think they were about the same whether term or permanent, but I could be off on that one. It may be you only receive some benefits but then again, you don't pay into some things either (like retirement plans). If you are offered the term position, it will all be outlined to you. Where I worked each office could have their own rules too, like no alternate work arrangements (alternate Fridays off) for terms but that was up to each office/manager.

[felix]

For a federal position, would it be easier to get the job if they know you're not currently working? (putting one more person in the workforce in this current economy) Or would the chances be greater if you got a job prior to the interview/application?

[Justine]

3 ways to get in to the government, and only these 3 ways:

1) As a student through co-op and FSWEP
2) As a contractor/consultant through hiring agencies
3) Through public competitions.


Do you know which hiring agencies they use? I worked for a staffing agency and we didn't like to advertise what companies we filled positions for. So how do you know they use these? I am assuming that you meant staffing agencies. Just curious, I'd love to get in.

[Arcturus]

I am a former FSWEP student but I only did one 3 month term the summer before I graduated. Now I think I did a really good job, and my managers like me. However I don't much care for the job I was doing or the department I worked for, uber boring database stuff.

I want to go to someplace cool like the DND and do some engineering, as that is my field. I am now graduated, with my degree and ring, so what can I do.

Can I leverage my FSWEP status in anyway to get bridged in, or am I just like everybody else since I don't really want to do the same stuff as I did before.

[Dustbunny]

For a federal position, would it be easier to get the job if they know you're not currently working? (putting one more person in the workforce in this current economy) Or would the chances be greater if you got a job prior to the interview/application?

It really doesn't make any difference in most cases (can't say all because I am sure someone somewhere may have seen different). Reality is when it comes to union jobs (which most of the gov't is unless it's management) they don't even look at that. It's almost impossible to get into the gov't without going through the process and that includes a system set up to score people in categories like personal suitability, qualifications, etc. I can't ever recall a criteria being whether they were out of work or not but I would bet if they need someone to pull off a list and get working quickly being unable to start when they want could be a factor. Working for the gov't is not charity work, they look for people who can do the job, just like most other employers.

The only time I could see being unemployed making a difference is if you were hired as part of a program for EI and chances are that would not be a job directly for the Fed. gov't but an agency they fund. In other words, you would be working for the agency, not the gov't.

Do you know which hiring agencies they use? I worked for a staffing agency and we didn't like to advertise what companies we filled positions for. So how do you know they use these? I am assuming that you meant staffing agencies. Just curious, I'd love to get in.

For the majority of jobs they do not use agencies. Unless it's senior management (who are often not part of a union) there is no way a union is going to have a private agency involved at all. Most management jobs are not even going to open to the public so why use an agency for them either unless it's a special circumstance? It doesn't make sense for them. If you want to see the openings you go to the gov't sites (be it Fed., Prov., Municipal) and generally all jobs are listed. For the Feds it's sites like jobs.gc.ca. You can probably also check the union sites to find links as well. What you need to know is there are a number of unions involved so you need to check the ones that relate to the positions of interest to you.

[typoprone]

Municipal vs. provincial vs. federal government jobs:

Is there much of a difference between the three? e.g., Is working for the federal government better than working for the provincial government? Or is a government job a government job regardless of which level of government it is?

:confused:

[leoben]

Municipal vs. provincial vs. federal government jobs:

Is there much of a difference between the three? e.g., Is working for the federal government better than working for the provincial government? Or is a government job a government job regardless of which level of government it is?

:confused:

i've interviewed with both provincial gov't (ontario) and federal gov't departments and it seemed the former didn't emphasize on 'learning'/training as much as latter.

pay wise i think they are similar. but my friend got a job with the ontario ministry of finance, an experienced position straight out of school, whereas in the federal gov't i don't think you would see that happening often (recent grads filling non-entry position). consequently she gets paid more than me.

also, if you work for federal gov't you would need to invest some time polishing up your french. many upper level positions have language requirements.

[typoprone]

Ah, interesting. Thanks for the insight!

[sidman]

Municipal vs. provincial vs. federal government jobs:

Is there much of a difference between the three? e.g., Is working for the federal government better than working for the provincial government? Or is a government job a government job regardless of which level of government it is?

:confused:

I've worked for both the OPS and Federal. OPS on average pay much higher than federal on similar positions. The feds have a recruitment program aimed squarely at recent grads so it may be easier to get in. The jobs I've seen for the OPS tend to require quite a bit of experience but again your compensated through pay. I know for the feds, they expect you to be with them for your career and focus on a learning plan, long run goals, VERY bureaucratic.

[reddeals]

X) Effective June 22, 2003 - Restructure
A) Effective June 22, 2003
B) Effective June 22, 2004
C) Effective June 22, 2005
D) Effective June 22, 2006

That is the rates of pay as of a specific date. The increase are based on what the union was able to negotiate for the group. Everyone moves from A to B to C to D on the every June 22 in this example.

The rates read from left to right are the "anniversary" increases. You move from left to right every year on your anniversary day.

Left .......to..... Right, every year on anniversary date
58371 60377 62385 64392 66398 68405 70411

Is there another website for OPS rates of pay? For an Oracle database administrator position in OPS, what's the pay rate? which group should the position belongs (CS or IS)? Thanks.

[e007]

I just got a co-op job with the government. How would I go about getting a permanent positition from co-op?