Applying to the Foreign Service
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has launched the Foreign Service Officer recruitment. The Foreign Service Officer process is advertised on the Public Service Commission, Post Secondary Recruitment web site until 23:59 (Pacific Time) January 25, 2007.
Our Requirements
FS
You must be a Canadian citizen and have completed, by the end of July 2007, a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as a demonstrated interest in world affairs are also desirable.
Before You Apply
If you meet all the requirements and wish to be considered for one or more career areas, you can apply through the Public Service Commission of Canada's Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) Campaign.
- Incomplete or incorrect information WILL affect the status of your application.
Testing
Career areas |
Date |
Type of Test |
| FS |
see note |
The Graduate Recruitment Test (GRT) |
| FS |
see note |
Situational Judgement Test (SJT) |
| FS |
see note |
Leadership Experience Text (LET) |
| FS |
see note |
A Written Communication Test |
Note:
- Once you complete your application you will be invited to write the exams. Please visit the PSR website under test information for test date, time and the location nearest you.
If you are in an overseas location, you must notify the nearest Canadian embassy, consulate or mission of your intention to write the SJT, GRT and WCT. Please confirm the exam date at the same time.
Please arrive in advance as you WILL NOT be admitted to the testing room once a test session has begun.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR PSR NUMBER: Upon completing the online application, you are issued a PSR number. You must record this number. It will be required to write the test and to make any modifications to your application.
How to Apply
You can apply on-line at the PSR Application Centre.
When you enter the PSR Application Centre, click on “Apply” under the Student menu located on the top left hand side.
Please take the time to read the ”Instructions“, at the top of the application form. Do not hesitate to consult the ”help menu“ available in the banner at the top of the page.
The form allows you to complete an application, cut and paste in your résumé, and select the career areas to which you wish to apply.
Please have this information ready when you apply.
Please note: you must complete your application by the deadline. Exceptions will not be made for late applications.
After You Apply
The PSC evaluates applicants against basic criteria as noted in the on-line poster.
The PSC refers candidates who have met these pre-selection criteria, (and who meet or exceed test result cut-off scores as required) to hiring departments for further consideration.
The department will contact you if you have been selected for an interview. If you are called for an interview, reference checks will be conducted. Be prepared to provide three references who know of your work and to whom the department may refer in confidence.
The candidate will be responsible for any and all costs incurred to attend the exams and interview.
If you did not provide an e-mail address to receive your PSR results, consult the PSC's internet site at www.jobs.gc.ca.
Credentials Evaluation Services (Canadian Equivalency)
If you earned your degree outside of Canada, you will need to obtain a proof of Canadian equivalency. Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration website for a complete list of credential assessment services.
Testing and Persons with Disabilities
If you have a disability that may affect your test performance, you must communicate with the nearest Public Service Commission of Canada office at least one (1) week prior to the test date. This is necessary in order to assess your personal needs and make alternative testing arrangements.
Alternate Test Dates
Alternate test dates will only be considered in cases of serious illness, death in the family or religious reasons (a doctor's certificate or other proof will be required). Please contact the nearest Public Service Commission of Canada office to discuss an alternate test date. Requests for an alternate test date must be received within the first week following the original test date.
Overseas locations: Please contact the nearest Canadian embassy, mission or consulate.
Offices of the Public Service Commission of Canada
Click here to find the Public Service Commission office nearest you.
Overseas Locations: Please contact the nearest Canadian embassy, mission or consulate.
Salary and Benefits
For foreign service candidates who do not meet the language requirements, are not hired as public servants initially but receive an allowance of $43,417 while on government-funded language training.
For foreign service candidates who are bilingual and who are hired from outside the Public Service, the starting salary is $54,271 to $58,700.
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