Frequently asked questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about jobs in the public service.
- Employment opportunities
- Programs
- Application process
- Screening process
- Assessment process: exam / interview
- Employment equity
- Travel
- Miscellaneous
Employment opportunities
Job opportunities with the federal public service
1. How do I search for jobs on jobs.gc.ca?
Initially, you can use the ‘Quick Search’ feature on the home page of the jobs site and search advertisements by job title key words and / or by region.
For a more detailed search, use the ‘Advanced Search’ feature which allows you to refine your search through a series of criteria such as work location / city, organization, job category / classification, salary, education and language requirements.
2. Are all jobs in the public service advertised on the Jobs Web site?
No. Given that certain governmental organizations are not governed by the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA), they are not obligated to advertise their employment opportunities on the Jobs site. Always be sure to check the job listings of each organization that is not governed by the PSEA in order to not miss out on any employment opportunities.
Please contact those organizations directly with your questions or comments.
3. In December 2008, the Public Service Commission (PSC) announced the full implementation of a national area of selection for public service jobs open to the public. What does this mean?
Over the past few years, the PSC has been committed to gradually reducing the use of geographic limitations in job opportunities open to the public and has amended its policies accordingly. More and more, advertised job opportunities are open to all persons residing in Canada and to Canadian citizens residing abroad. This is known as a national area of selection (NAOS).
Since December 31, 2008, NAOS has been used for all advertised job opportunities open to the public that are for permanent (indeterminate) or term (specified period) appointments with a duration of more than six months. This policy applies to all organizations whose authority to appoint individuals to jobs in the federal public service is governed by the Public Service Employment Act.
Consult the PSC's Policy on Area of Selection, for more information.
4. Are there public service employment opportunities open only to persons within a more limited geographical area?
Yes. For certain employment opportunities, the use of a local or a regional area of selection can be used. Here are the most common circumstances:
- Term (specified period) appointments of six months or less;
- Jobs limited to members of designated Employment Equity groups;
- Employees performing duties of a seasonal nature; or
- Employment of persons not ordinarily required to work more than one third of the normal period for persons doing similar work.
5. In addition to geographical limits, what other factors do organizations use to determine who is eligible to apply for public service jobs?
When recruiting for public service jobs, organizations consider a number of factors including:
- The nature of the position to be filled, the group and level;
- The qualifications required for the position;
- The duration of the work;
- The need to identify a sufficient pool of prospective candidates, including a representative number of employment equity–designated group members to reflect the Canadian workforce; and
- The need to be accountable to Canadians for the judicious use of public funds.
To be eligible to apply, potential applicants must reside and / or work in the area of selection that the organization has defined in accordance with their own policy as well as the PSC's Policy on Area of Selection.
6. I am a public service employee. How do I access internal job advertisements?
Internal job advertisements are posted on Publiservice, the Government of Canada's Intranet site. These jobs are restricted to public servants and / or persons employed in the Public Service of Canada.
As a public service employee, you can access the Publiservice job postings using most government computers.
PSC-led Pools and Inventories
1. What is a Public Service Commission-led pool?
A Public Service Commission (PSC)-led pool is comprised of numerous candidates who applied to a corresponding advertisement on jobs.gc.ca and met the necessary minimum criteria, by way of some form of assessment, to be included in the pool. The PSC creates these types of pools to meet the needs of various federal government organizations in staffing similar positions and to make the hiring process more efficient.
2. What is a Public Service Commission-led inventory?
Unlike a PSC-led pool, a PSC-led inventory is comprised of a large number of applicants who only need to meet the minimum requirements (e.g., be within the advertised Area of Selection) to be included in the inventory. When a hiring organization requests referrals from an inventory, the assessment process begins.
3. What does my placement in a pool of candidates mean?
Being a candidate in a partially assessed PSC-led pool implies that you meet the established minimum criteria for that pool. If you are selected for referral for a job opportunity, the hiring organization will continue with further assessment to determine if you meet their job criteria to be considered for employment.
Please note that the PSC cannot guarantee that being in a PSC-led pool will lead to you being referred to a hiring organization for a job as these pools often have a large number of candidates.
4. How does the referral process work?
If a hiring federal government organization chooses to use a particular PSC-led pool or inventory to fill one or more positions, they submit a request to the PSC. The request identifies, at minimum, the tenure (temporary or permanent), duration (if applicable), work location and the job criteria of the vacant position(s). Based on this information, the PSC conducts a search* and then contacts selected candidates to confirm their interest in and availability for the particular position(s). Once the confirmation process is complete, the PSC refers the interested and available candidate(s) to the hiring organization. The hiring organization then reviews the information provided by the PSC and conducts any further assessment necessary to select the successful candidate(s) from among those referred.
*Random selection may be used – for additional information, please refer to the random selection FAQs.
Application process
Applying for a position and your application status
1. How do I apply for a job in the federal public service?
You should consult the Federal Government Jobs pages regularly to find job opportunities open to members of the general public.
If you find a position of interest, you can apply by using the Apply On-line button found at the bottom of each job advertisement.
You will then be asked to create your personal account. This may take a bit of time, but is worthwhile in order to avoid repeating the same steps every time you apply to a position.
Once you complete your personal account, you will be able to submit your application.
If you are a student or recent graduate, you may also wish to consult Job opportunities for students or Job opportunities for graduates.
You should also check the job listings of each organization that is not governed by the Public Service Employment Act in order to not miss out on other employment opportunities.
2. How do I know if my application was received?
To verify that your application was received, you need to log in to your My Jobs account. Once logged in, click on View My Jobs File, and then look under Job Opportunit(y)( ies) Submitted to view any application in process. If the job to which you applied is listed on the results page, your application was received.
As indicated on the advertisement, hiring organizations will communicate, at their earliest convenience, only with the candidates who were screened in. Depending on many factors, including the high volume of applications, this process can be lengthy.
Eligibility to apply
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone within the area of selection listed on the job advertisement is eligible to apply.
2. I am a permanent resident (landed immigrant), waiting to become a Canadian citizen. Can I get a job with the public service?
While the Public Service Employment Act does not exclude non-Canadians from applying to positions in the federal public service, it clearly specifies that preference for appointment is to be given in the following order, among the qualified candidates in a selection process:
- Canadian who is in receipt of a pension by reason of war service;
- Canadian war veteran or a survivor (widow/widower) of a Canadian war veteran;
- Canadian citizen; and
- Other qualified individuals.
3. I want to immigrate to Canada. Can I apply for federal public service jobs?
To be eligible to apply, potential applicants must reside and / or work in the area of selection listed in the job advertisement. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.
4. Why is my place of residence important, and how is it defined?
Place of residence (current or permanent address) or work location are criteria of eligibility for jobs open to the public.
Generally, people are eligible based on their current address or work location at the time of applying. In certain instances, however, people are eligible by virtue of a permanent address, from which they are temporarily absent. Individuals must have the firm intention to return to the permanent address at the end of the temporary absence. An example could be that a person owns two homes, one in Toronto and another in Prince Edward Island and uses the second location as a summer retreat.
Students have dual eligibility based either on their permanent address or their current address (the location of their residence while attending the educational institution in which they are registered).
5. I am a Canadian citizen residing abroad. Can I apply for job opportunities in the federal public service?
Yes, as long as you are willing to return to Canada. Jobs open to the public, which uses a National Area of Selection, includes persons residing across Canada as well as Canadian citizens residing abroad.
6. When residing abroad, is there a time limit for when one must be back in Canada once selected for appointment?
This decision is at the discretion of the hiring manager / organization in accordance with their internal procedure and their particular organizational needs, including urgency in filling the position.
7. Are candidates residing abroad during the selection process expected to return to Canada to be assessed?
This is at the discretion of the hiring manager / organization. Generally speaking, there are different ways to assess candidates, such as via video conference and assistance from other departments or agencies. Special arrangements in the country of temporary residence are usually possible through the Embassy and would be arranged by the hiring organization.
Creating an account
1. Where do I go to create an account in order to apply for a job?
You can create an account at any time by going to the My job account page or when you apply on-line for a job. Please note that you do not need an account to search and browse the job advertisements.
Password security
As part of the process of applying electronically to job opportunities in the federal public service, an applicant must have an account in the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS). When creating an account in PSRS, the applicant must enter personal information and is required to create a password for future access to the account.
PSRS passwords serve to protect applicant accounts and personal information. The Public Service Commission complies with the Government Security Policy and supports practices that reduce the risk of information breaches and inappropriate handling of personal data. If a password is compromised, the entire network could be put at risk. Applicants are required to create a strong and secure password that should be safeguarded at all times.
1. Is my Public Service Resourcing System password secure?
The Public Service Commission has adopted a strong password policy in accordance with the Government Security Policy. The password format ensures that all applicant account information is safeguarded and kept strictly confidential.
2. What are the requirements for creating a strong Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS) password?
The PSRS' requirements for a strong password are as follows:
- Must contain a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 characters;
- Is case sensitive;
- Must begin with a letter;
- Must contain a minimum of one uppercase and one lowercase letter from a to z;
- Must contain a minimum of one number between 1 and 9; and
- Must contain a minimum of one of the following characters:
! @ # $ % ? & * ( ) ^.
3. Am I required to change my password?
The Public Service Resourcing System does not require you to change your password. However, you are encouraged to change it on a regular basis to further safeguard your information.
4. I've forgotten my password to access My Jobs. Can you help?
To retrieve your password and access your My Jobs account:
- Click on the Find Account button;
- Enter the required information, click on the Search button;
- When your account is found, follow the instructions to accept the information;
- Enter the answer to your secret question; and
- Click on the Get password button. This will bring you into your account.
Due to security and privacy concerns, we are unable to access directly, reveal or modify applicant information.
Questions about your résumé
1. Why can't I submit my résumé in the form of an attachment?
We only accept applications submitted via the Apply On-line button:
- To reduce the risk of virus infection;
- To ensure consistency of presentation and assessment of applications; and
- To accelerate the application screening process.
2. How do I include my work experience with my application?
You can include your work experience with your application when you paste your résumé into the résumé section of your My Jobs account.
3. Can I submit my résumé to a general inventory for future employment or directly to the Public Service Commission?
You may apply to positions advertised on Jobs Web site Some of these external staffing processes are advertised for the purpose of creating general / specific inventories.
Screening process
Application and résumé screening
1. How is the screening of my application done?
The initial screening is done electronically as soon as you submit your application on-line. The Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS) is set up in such a way as to screen on different factors, at the hiring organization’s discretion.
The criteria to screen candidates can be those listed on the Advertisement and the Statement of Merit Criteria Area of Selection, Citizenship, Education, Occupational Certification, Assets and Experience factors being the most common ones.
It is important to take the time to apply properly by tailoring your application and résumé to each employment opportunity you are interested in. You must always clearly demonstrate how you meet each essential and sometimes asset qualifications with concrete examples and follow the instructions on the job advertisement carefully. Your résumé must also reflect the information provided on your application. All information provided may be verified.
The applications screened in by PSRS are then forwarded to the hiring organization for a more in-depth screening.
2. How will my job application and résumé be assessed and / or screened?
Organizations evaluate candidates against the criteria listed in the Statement of Merit Criteria (SMC) and Conditions of Employment, using various methods. These may include the verification of the information in the application and résumé, references checks and verification of the credentials (requesting proof of education, certification, etc.), followed by interviews and written tests. The order in which these steps are conducted is at the discretion of the hiring manager.
The SMC and Conditions of Employment document is generally included as a direct link on the job advertisement.
Random selection
1. Some advertisements state that random selection may be used to identify which applicants will be assessed during the appointment process. What is random selection?
Random selection is a strategy that is sometimes used to manage applicant volume. It identifies a sub-sample of applicants by applying the element of chance at some point during the appointment process, using criteria identified by the hiring organization.
2. How is this sub-sample of applicants determined?
To determine the sub-sample of applicants, the hiring organization identifies the following:
- Criteria that qualified candidates must meet; and
- The number of candidates to be selected.
With the assistance of an electronic system that contains information on all applicants, candidates who meet these criteria are identified and the sub-sample is randomly selected from that group. The Public Service Resourcing System – the electronic system used to advertise, receive and select applications – performs the random selection function.
3. When would random selection be used?
Random selection may be suitable for use in appointment processes where a high volume of applicants are expected or have been received. Some examples include the following:
- There is a high labour market availability of candidates;
- There is a high ratio of promising candidates relative to the number of vacancies; or
- The process will staff entry-level positions that do not require specialized qualifications.
Assessment process: exam / interview
Public service exams and testing
1. How can I write the public service entry exams?
Exams are administered by invitation only.
You must first apply for a job opportunity that requires testing. In order to be invited to write an exam, you must complete all of the requirements listed in the job advertisement and then be chosen for further assessment.
For more information about tests, please visit the Test Information site.
2. What types of tests are used?
The Public Service Commission’s Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) makes available to its federal government clients a broad range of tests that assess different qualifications at various levels. Basic information on these assessment instruments can be found by visiting the PPC Test page.
3. Can I re-write a test?
Yes; however, you must wait until the retest period has elapsed. If you then choose to re-write the test, your most recent score, whether higher or lower, will be used.
Please note that if you choose to re-write the test before the retest period has expired, the results will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed.
4. How can I obtain information on my test results?
To obtain a copy of your test results, go to Test Results and complete the on-line form.
5. Is there a specific pass mark for each test?
Each test has a minimal pass mark set by the Personnel Psychology Centre. Individual hiring organizations may establish a higher pass mark for a particular appointment process where testing is required.
If there is any question about the pass mark, it should be addressed to the hiring organization.
6. How can I prepare to write a test?
The Personnel Psychology Centre provides practice tests for some of the more frequently used tests on their Practice Test Web page.
Preparing for exam / interview / Second Language Exam
1. How do I prepare for my interview and / or exams?
You should focus on the Statement of Merit Criteria and Conditions of Employment documents, which are generally included in the job advertisement. Interview and exam assessments are based on the criteria outlined in this document.
2. When can I write the Second Language Exams (SLE)?
You must first be a screened-in candidate in order to be invited to write the exams during the selection process.
3. Can I take the Public Service Commission tests and have my second language skills tested in advance so that the results are on file?
You can only write tests and have your second language evaluation if you have been invited to do so as part of a specific hiring process.
4. How can I prepare for the Second Language Exams?
You should review grammar rules and practice reading and speaking your second language. You should also refer to the following links for a sample practice test as well as to get information on these exams:
5. What other types of exams can I expect to have to write during a selection process?
The hiring organization decides which exams they use to assess the candidates who are screened in. The organization could also create their own in-house exam to assess qualifications, such as the knowledge component. You will find the most frequently administered exams on the Public Service Commission Web site.
Employment equity
1. How does the government determine when to conduct recruitment focused on one or more employment equity groups?
Under Part I of the Employment Equity Act (EEA), employers, including the public service, must determine the degree of under-representation of employment equity (EE) designated groups and implement plans to promote employment equity.
Four EE groups have been designated under the EEA:
- Members of visible minority groups;
- Aboriginal peoples;
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Women.
Targeting recruitment efforts towards one or more of these groups gives organizations a better chance of closing representation gaps and developing a workplace that better reflects the diversity of Canadian society.
2. Why are some selection processes only open to one or more employment equity designated group(s)?
The Government of Canada has the legal obligation to ensure that its workforce reflects the communities it serves. When and where it has been determined that an employment equity designated group is under-represented, hiring organizations may decide to open an opportunity only to members of that employment equity-designated group.
3. I do not belong to an employment equity designated group. Will my chances of being selected for a job be reduced?
Not usually. However, from time to time, certain positions may be limited to applicants from members of employment equity-designated groups.
4. I belong to at least one employment equity-designated group. I am consequently concerned that my chances of being selected for a job may be reduced. Should I self-declare?
Self-declaring as being part of one or more employment equity group(s) is voluntary. However, for the reasons mentioned above, we strongly recommend that you self-declare for all the groups you belong to.
Travel
1. Who pays for the travel expenses of applicants in an external advertised appointment process?
When you are selected to participate in an appointment process, the hiring organization may authorize you to travel on official government business and reimburse pre-determined travel expenses incurred on your trip. This would most likely be specified on the advertisement. Should this be the case, consult the Travel Directive and its annexes for more information.
Please note that provisions for you as a traveler will be different from those of employees. Also, not all agencies, boards and commissions are subject to this Travel Directive. In these instances, the hiring manager will provide you with more information.
2. I do not have any money to travel in the course of a selection process. Why bother applying?
As mentioned in the assessment information section of a job advertisement, there are different ways to assess candidates. These do not necessarily involve travel for the candidates. The hiring managers will decide how they wish to proceed. However, you may have to travel and pay for all your travel expenses throughout the selection process.
Miscellaneous
1. Where do I find information about rates of pay in the public service?
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Web site provides information on Rates of pay for the public service of Canada as well as the collective agreements for the core public administration.
2. Where do I find information about job category and job classification in the federal public service?
In the core public administration classification system, we refer to the organization of work and employees as the occupational group structure. The core public administration is made of the departments named in Schedule I and IV of the Financial Administration Act.
3. I have a question or a suggestion for your site. How do I contact you?
Please contact us at jobs-emplois@psc-cfp.gc.ca.
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