How do/did you get a job with the government?

[elliotforgames]

A provincial or federal job, what do they look for in their candidates?

I know it depends on the job, but say you meet the requirements, what else are they looking for?

[insurance1]

Generally you'll need a Master of Public Policy/Administration to get a policy analyst job these days. But there are exceptions, of course, and most people got hired when this wasn't THE degree to get.

[fratello25]

Based on the last few threads on this topic, I can't help but feel that people think the government is some mystical secret society where you need to know the secret handshake before you are allowed inside.

In terms of getting a job, it's much like any large business, except that it is probably more bureaucratic (to avoid nepotism, maintain language and security requirements, etc).

First of all, you need to meet all the mandatory requirements of the job: experience, education, etc. There is no one degree that gets you through the door.

After that, they look for everything else any company would: are you responsible? Are you well-spoken? Are you pleasant to be with? Can you communicate well?

This will all vary with the specific position, but the general guidelines are the same.

Good luck!

[elliotforgames]

Thanks for the replies. Some say it's all about tailoring your resume, but isn't that something you do for all job applications?

Sometimes when you apply for a job you are overqualified for, like a clerk, it's still very difficult. It's just confusing at the low success rate.

[wewillsee]

Thanks for the replies. Some say it's all about tailoring your resume, but isn't that something you do for all job applications?

Sometimes when you apply for a job you are overqualified for, like a clerk, it's still very difficult. It's just confusing at the low success rate.

I have heard that when you "tailor" resume at the federal level, you copy paste the exact requirements of the job into your resume and tailor the wording exactly. If they see what they ask for just how they wrote it, you might have a better shot.

Even if they filter by keywords, the department uses the posting to input keywords, so using the exact keywords in the posting will definitely help.

[oasis100]

I got a job with federal government online. But it took about a year from the time I applied to getting an offer.

[rdx]

Not sure why it is a highly desireable job for lot of people, maybe the job security and pension. The pay is ok, but no bonus like other for profit organizations, and in general people (especially new hire) are highly educated like the other post said, a master degree to start with, at least for the manager level, yet their pay is not really compatible to their education. I personally think jobs at bank are even better, more opportunities move up and around, and the competition there is not that high. I know so many directors in the banks (as they really have lot of director positions) only have a college degree as long as you stay there long enough, and MOST IMPORTANTLY is who you know. It is all about connection, this rule applies to every where.

[Crawsby]

I started as a student. Do NOT believe what people say when they tell you applying via jobs.gc.ca does not work...it does, for the right people, with the right background. (and no, it does not have to be an MA in Public Administration as a PP mentioned but one of degrees mentioned in the job posting). I have had offers vi the external system, it does work.

Advice: do NOT apply for jobs that you are not qualified/have the experience for. If during the screening questions on jobs.gc.ca you find yourself thinking "I don't meet this criteria", then that particular position is not for you. Otherwise, they are looking for people with like-minded experiences. Unfortunately this results in many people with government experience obtaining government jobs. But that is not to say that you cannot obtain similar experience in NGOs, Not-fot-profits, or private sector as well.

And if you do not get an offer, request feedback. Most managers will give you advice on how to improve.

[Syne]

Not sure why it is a highly desireable job for lot of people, maybe the job security and pension. The pay is ok, but no bonus like other for profit organizations, and in general people (especially new hire) are highly educated like the other post said, a master degree to start with, at least for the manager level, yet their pay is not really compatible to their education.

Give me a merit-based institution with steady, average pay and educated co-workers who aren't trying to stab me in the back over bonuses and high pay any day of the week.

[Pho6]

If you're a student or new grad, the Ontario Summer Experience Program and the Ontario Internship Program gives you a good "foot in the door" to get into the Ontario government.

The chances of you getting a position through the external job posting is close to none. You're basically competing against hundreds / thousands of other applicants applying for the job, which include candidates who might already be in the government already (obviously will have preference over others).

I see a lot of people get into government through contract positions from temp agencies such as HR Associates or Adecco etc... If you really want to get in, either get an internal referral for contract or apply through the temp agencies.

[ashgotti]

I got a permanent job with a crown corp after temping for 2 weeks, which was extended to 5. While I was working there, I applied a position with the company for a 1 year term. Because they knew me and liked me, and I was qualified, I got hired. My term got renewed after the first year. The year after, my position was made permanent. A year after that, I left.

There was no secret to it, just a matter of getting my foot in the door.

[elliotforgames]

When you are hired as a temp, are the chances pretty high they will extend you barring an epic failure? And in the event they don't extend you or make you permanent, do you get placed in a pool of candidates or do you have to go through the entire application process again?




And if you do not get an offer, request feedback. Most managers will give you advice on how to improve.

How do you know who to ask for feedback?

[chevron]

Give me a merit-based institution with steady, average pay and educated co-workers who aren't trying to stab me in the back over bonuses and high pay any day of the week.

So now they're just trying to stab you in the back over promotions. Sounds lovely.

Oh and "merit-based institution". :lol: Thank you for the laugh.

[Crawsby]

When you are hired as a temp, are the chances pretty high they will extend you barring an epic failure? And in the event they don't extend you or make you permanent, do you get placed in a pool of candidates or do you have to go through the entire application process again?



How do you know who to ask for feedback?

This really only applies if you pass the screening stage. If it is the testing stage you are unsuccessful with, ask the individual who sent you the testing invitation. If it is the interview stage you do not succeed at, ask the individual who interviewed you (email via GEDS etc.)

[bltc]

I started off as a temp focusing on an agency that specialized in Government Jobs in my final year of university. I didn't really care what level of government, but rather anything in the government. Soon after I applied to the Summer Experience Program from the Ontario Gov (which is now called the Summer Employment Opportunity) and got the job from the variety of government experiences I gained as a temp.

While I was a Summer Student, I applied to all the restricted entry positions since I was considered an employee. 6 Months later after my summer position was over I got called in for an interview.

Ever since then I worked my way from contract to contract until I scored a permanent position.

Its a long process, but in the end if it's what you want, then you have to work for it.

OP, I know this may be a tad be convenient, but I started a website just on how to get into the government. LOL

I've been on RFDs for a few years so I assure you this is not a spam post. =)

http://www.ontariogovernmentjobtips.com/for-current-studentsgrads/

So yeah, if you or any one else have questions feel free to PM me or send me an email. I've been in the OPS for the past 5 years in the HR area so a lot of my friends ask me the same questions, "How the hell did you get in?"

I know some people do get in because they know someone, but it is possible to get in without, it just takes patience and being realistic with what your options are.

Good luck, and really I am not a spam bot. =)

[Kappa21]

I had a job at a government position for 5+ years. I got that through someone.....so you can say it was the network I had. I didnt apply online or put my resume in some database. Infact, I emailed the person and had a one on one interview and got the job like that. The day I got interviewed was the day I got hired and I met my coworkers and most of the interview was filling out paper work rather than trying to quiz me on what i know and stuff.

Overall, the job was good...pay was amazing and i did it while going to school.
It didnt materialize to any full time job and I left. I do regret. There was opprotunities, but it seemed that they wanted me to go through the door where it usually gets shut for a job while there was a few doors that were open.

In any case, I left them, but seeing how people get abused out there, i do regret leaving them. I miss the people I worked with. Everyone was pissed off that the Union and top top management rather then themselves....... I remember how close everyone was in my department and it felt like family and everyone was really nice and a baby birth and or a death meant so much to co-employees.

Today, I seen a lot of cruel people who work for the sake at making other peoples lives miserable...

but for the OP.........It was Network!

[elliotforgames]

I started off as a temp focusing on an agency that specialized in Government Jobs in my final year of university. I didn't really care what level of government, but rather anything in the government. Soon after I applied to the Summer Experience Program from the Ontario Gov (which is now called the Summer Employment Opportunity) and got the job from the variety of government experiences I gained as a temp.

While I was a Summer Student, I applied to all the restricted entry positions since I was considered an employee. 6 Months later after my summer position was over I got called in for an interview.

Ever since then I worked my way from contract to contract until I scored a permanent position.

Its a long process, but in the end if it's what you want, then you have to work for it.

OP, I know this may be a tad be convenient, but I started a website just on how to get into the government. LOL

I've been on RFDs for a few years so I assure you this is not a spam post. =)

http://www.ontariogovernmentjobtips.com/for-current-studentsgrads/


Good luck, and really I am not a spam bot. =)

Thanks for the link. Yeah, you mentioned going from contract to contract, but do you have to go through the entire application process after the contract expires or does your employer refer you to another job?

[bltc]

Thanks for the link. Yeah, you mentioned going from contract to contract, but do you have to go through the entire application process after the contract expires or does your employer refer you to another job?

The employer can refer you to another job, or offer you a 5 month and 29 days contract. the reason why it is so particular is that any contract over 6 months must be posted for the rest of the OPS to apply to. So this is sort of a way for managers to get people that they like into a position without them going through the application process.

[warrenbuffet]

What are some staffing agencies for OPS jobs to check out?

[bltc]

What are some staffing agencies for OPS jobs to check out?

Hi, I just responded back to your pm about this. I'm not sure what the policy rfd has about mentioning job agencies so I'd rather not advertise for them. But I did mention them in the pm. Good luck!

[sk1d]

When applying, look at the qualifications they ask for, then in your cover letter, write a couple sentences about how you meet that qualification. If they ask for Post secondary education, write about your degree, and what courses you took. If they want someone who can work in teams, write about a time your worked on a team and what the team accomplished. If they want Excel skills, write about what data you used, how you conveyed the information and vlookups, pivot tables, etc..

Yes you'll end up with a 10 page cover letter, but if there's anymore than a couple qualifications not clearly articulated on your resume alone, it's going in the bin.

Also, try to find departments starting a new program, they'll be hiring for multiple positions and will be much more indiscriminate in who they hire.

[bltc]

When applying, look at the qualifications they ask for, then in your cover letter, write a couple sentences about how you meet that qualification. If they ask for Post secondary education, write about your degree, and what courses you took. If they want someone who can work in teams, write about a time your worked on a team and what the team accomplished. If they want Excel skills, write about what data you used, how you conveyed the information and vlookups, pivot tables, etc..

Yes you'll end up with a 10 page cover letter, but if there's anymore than a couple qualifications not clearly articulated on your resume alone, it's going in the bin.

Also, try to find departments starting a new program, they'll be hiring for multiple positions and will be much more indiscriminate in who they hire.

This true, the OPS is a little bit more lenient on how they review their applications. Prior to this year for all OPS applications there was technically no limit to how much you can write. I have submitted 10 page applications in the past and it has been successful for me. However for the full-time (non-Summer Student Positions) the new standard is only five pages long.


But as Sk1d mentioned. It's all in the details of the job ad, and your ability to tailor it.

[nikita4]

My experience: I'm 32 yrs old and I work for the fed gov since I'm 20. When I applied online in 2000, I thought that it was impossible to get hired, I was very young. Here are some tips:

1- Go to jobs.gc.ca EVERYDAY. Some positions (especially entry-level positions) are posted on the website only for a few hours.

2- Read the criterias. If the job posting says that a bachelor is required, you HAVE to have one (or will get one very soon). Same thing as for work experience. Also, if a high school diploma is required, MENTION it. A lot of people mention their bachelor or master, but forget to mention about their high school...they might be rejected.

3- If you do not meet the asset qualification, it doesn't matter. The ESSENTIAL qualifications are the most important .

4- Learn French if you don't speak French. It will increase your chances to get hired, especially if you are in an English province (unless the position is an "English essential"). As for me, I'm a French Canadian and speak both languages since I'm a teenager.

5-When you apply, make your résumé to clearly demonstrate that you are meeting the essential criterias. Don't just put your previous work positions, EXPLAIN what were your responsibilities.

6-Carefully READ every question in the question form and make sure you understand it. Do not lie.

7-Forget about writing that you are "team player" or "detailed oriented". They don't really care as the will verify the qualifications during the interview. They will only look at your experience/education at the first step of the selection process.

8-Do not hesitate to apply for entry-level positions. There are the best way to start a career with the gov. If you are competent, you will move up for a better position.

9-Exams (GAT, Examen de compétences générales, situational judgment, etc.) are hard for those who only have a high school diploma. If it's your case, prepare yourself well before the exams. Sample questions are available online. Try to hit a high score to make sure you'll go through the next step of the selection process.

[alpharius]

Many people have already mentioned some valuable tips - but an astute observer will quickly see that they are coming from people in two groups - recent students or were hired a while ago.

When it comes to the provincial hiring in ontario - the best way to get in is through under 6 months contract as this is up to the discretion of the manager - as this bypasses most of the criteria used to screen out people. For jobs greater than 6 months, there are few consistent hiring rules as each unit is different. From my friends who actually work as HR staff, the pattern is usually like this.

Director/Manager informs the HR manager what type of person they are looking for - gender, skills, race - and in that order. The job gets posted, and only those with 80% or so keyword match gets pushed on to the HR staff. These people then casually look at the person's resume to see if they just copied and pasted the job ad or really do have the skills - and will then look up the persons social media info to learn more about them. To be honest, however, despite going through all of that sometimes the unit manager will drop off a resume and indicates that this person should be given special attention (ie. hired).

It really is hard for outsiders to get into the government and infact, especially if they do not belong to the preferred classes. I would probably say that people without connections have a very, very remote chance of getting in. I can't even get in and I've got 3 degrees + friends in HR!

[cutesnoopydoll]

I don't know why there is such a hype to get into the government. It is not as secure admit used to be. With the situation with reducing the debt. They don't hire a log people anymore. Private sector even at the bank pays better and easy to get promoted.

[rdx]

I don't know why there is such a hype to get into the government. It is not as secure admit used to be. With the situation with reducing the debt. They don't hire a log people anymore. Private sector even at the bank pays better and easy to get promoted.

Agree. Pay could be similar but bank jobs get bonus and stock purchase discount. Most importantly there are more opportunities and easier to move up in banks vs you could be stuck in the same role for life in a govt job.

[nikita4]

I don't know why there is such a hype to get into the government. It is not as secure admit used to be. With the situation with reducing the debt. They don't hire a log people anymore. Private sector even at the bank pays better and easy to get promoted.personally, I work for the gov (federal) since 11 years. Actually, I wouldn't leave my job for anything else or almost.

Good pay (over 65K), good benefits (pension, insurance, etc), good work and family balance (days off for family reasons, 4 week vacation, etc.) and the possibility to move in the gov. You don't get stuck in the same job unless you want so. It is true that the job is not as secure as it used to be, but it still a good place to work. I see a lot of people who struggle with their jobs in the private sector. A lot of employees in the fed gov used to work for banks and none of them would go back there.

[thestar99]

Hi, I just responded back to your pm about this. I'm not sure what the policy rfd has about mentioning job agencies so I'd rather not advertise for them. But I did mention them in the pm. Good luck!

Hi if possible can you pm me the agencies as well. appreciate it. love your website

[alpharius]

Government jobs are highly lucractive - thats why they are in such demand. If one takes the total salary divided by hours worked, include the pensions, paid days off, benefits, automatic index pay increases, and finally the merit bonuses there are very few private sector jobs that are comparable. Especially provincially in ontario. Throw in the fact that you're actually doing work that benefits the citizens, huge room for vertical and horizontal transfers, and job security and the comparison is even more unfair. Plus its even 9-5 (standard hours)

Two examples that I can give without revealing too much about them are two friends at mine that started in the OPS (one 5 years ago, the other 6), they are both now making 85,000 to 90,000 for intermediate level analyst positions. Throw in all of the non taxable benefits and bonuses which aren't reportable, and they are easily making 100,000! The thing is - those salaries are roughly the same as what all of my other friends in the government make, so they are not outliers.

The big banks in toronto do not come even close to offering the same level of compensation for the same level of work. The only benefit that the banks have over the government jobs are that they are not so politicized - but I would counter that many banks suffer from group think and ossification of decision making processes.

[bltc]

Hi if possible can you pm me the agencies as well. appreciate it. love your website

Hello, I just sent you a pm.

Also thanks for checking out my site, it's been up for two weeks and I'm getting some positive responses. So check in often as I will be constantly tweaking and updating content.

:D

[alpharius]

Just to save people some time and to save BLTC from getting a hoard of Pm's - I've included the official list for temporary service providers for Vendors of Record in Ontario.......

*Altis Human Resources Inc. - Toronto
* Ant & Bee Corporation
* Arrow Professional Services Inc.
* Audmax Inc.
* Dean Group (PED Holdings Ltd.)
* Drake International
* Excel Human Resources Inc.
* HR Associates Inc.
* Hunt Management Group Synergy Inc.
* Kelly Services (CANADA) Ltd.
* Manpower Services Canada Limited o/a Experis (formerly COMSYS IT Canada Inc.)
* Maplesoft Consulting Inc.
* Marberg Limited
* Quantum Management Services Ltd. - Toronto
* Randstad Interim Inc
* Robertson and Company Limited
* The 500 Staffing Inc. - GTA/Hamilton/Oshawa/Durham
* Staffworks Ltd.
* Keith Bagg Staffing Resources Inc.

For the full list (for all services such as consulting, security, etc). For IT, just switch from non IT to IT in the drop down menu

http://www.doingbusiness.mgs.gov.on.ca/mbs/psb/psb.nsf/vorsearch?OpenForm&Seq=1#_RefreshKW_VORType

[bltc]

Just to save people some time and to save BLTC from getting a hoard of Pm's - I've included the official list for temporary service providers for Vendors of Record in Ontario.......

*Altis Human Resources Inc. - Toronto
* Ant & Bee Corporation
* Arrow Professional Services Inc.
* Audmax Inc.
* Dean Group (PED Holdings Ltd.)
* Drake International
* Excel Human Resources Inc.
* HR Associates Inc.
* Hunt Management Group Synergy Inc.
* Kelly Services (CANADA) Ltd.
* Manpower Services Canada Limited o/a Experis (formerly COMSYS IT Canada Inc.)
* Maplesoft Consulting Inc.
* Marberg Limited
* Quantum Management Services Ltd. - Toronto
* Randstad Interim Inc
* Robertson and Company Limited
* The 500 Staffing Inc. - GTA/Hamilton/Oshawa/Durham
* Staffworks Ltd.
* Keith Bagg Staffing Resources Inc.

For the full list (for all services such as consulting, security, etc). For IT, just switch from non IT to IT in the drop down menu

http://www.doingbusiness.mgs.gov.on.ca/mbs/psb/psb.nsf/vorsearch?OpenForm&Seq=1#_RefreshKW_VORType

Thanks alpharius.

Just a small tip with dealing with temp agencies, once you develop a good rapport with them through working a few of their contracts. You can start negotiating your wage rate. If you do your job well enough to have the placement give you positive feedback, it lets the temp agency know that in your next placement they won't have to worry about you making them look bad.

[rapashoo]

Hello, I just sent you a pm.

Also thanks for checking out my site, it's been up for two weeks and I'm getting some positive responses. So check in often as I will be constantly tweaking and updating content.

:D

Just checked out your website. God bless you. :)

[rdx]

Not sure other OPS positions but for hospitals, there is no "bonus" for majority of the staff, even for the group they call Senior professional/management, the max is only 2% which is nothing. (except for those people who are in senior managment, VP or above).

There is indeed step increase (before you reach the max salary range in your grade) and annual inflation adjustment though.



Government jobs are highly lucractive - thats why they are in such demand. If one takes the total salary divided by hours worked, include the pensions, paid days off, benefits, automatic index pay increases, and finally the merit bonuses there are very few private sector jobs that are comparable. Especially provincially in ontario. Throw in the fact that you're actually doing work that benefits the citizens, huge room for vertical and horizontal transfers, and job security and the comparison is even more unfair. Plus its even 9-5 (standard hours)

Two examples that I can give without revealing too much about them are two friends at mine that started in the OPS (one 5 years ago, the other 6), they are both now making 85,000 to 90,000 for intermediate level analyst positions. Throw in all of the non taxable benefits and bonuses which aren't reportable, and they are easily making 100,000! The thing is - those salaries are roughly the same as what all of my other friends in the government make, so they are not outliers.

The big banks in toronto do not come even close to offering the same level of compensation for the same level of work. The only benefit that the banks have over the government jobs are that they are not so politicized - but I would counter that many banks suffer from group think and ossification of decision making processes.

[alpharius]

correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't hospitals public sector while government is public service?

Or to put it another way, hospitals are paid by the government but aren't considered government jobs.

[rdx]

correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't hospitals public sector while government is public service?

Or to put it another way, hospitals are paid by the government but aren't considered government jobs.

You are probably right. Maybe that's why hospital staff do not get paid as well as staff in OPS.

[JSz]

Just to save people some time and to save BLTC from getting a hoard of Pm's - I've included the official list for temporary service providers for Vendors of Record in Ontario.......

*Altis Human Resources Inc. - Toronto
* Ant & Bee Corporation
* Arrow Professional Services Inc.
* Audmax Inc.
* Dean Group (PED Holdings Ltd.)
* Drake International
* Excel Human Resources Inc.
* HR Associates Inc.
* Hunt Management Group Synergy Inc.
* Kelly Services (CANADA) Ltd.
* Manpower Services Canada Limited o/a Experis (formerly COMSYS IT Canada Inc.)
* Maplesoft Consulting Inc.
* Marberg Limited
* Quantum Management Services Ltd. - Toronto
* Randstad Interim Inc
* Robertson and Company Limited
* The 500 Staffing Inc. - GTA/Hamilton/Oshawa/Durham
* Staffworks Ltd.
* Keith Bagg Staffing Resources Inc.

For the full list (for all services such as consulting, security, etc). For IT, just switch from non IT to IT in the drop down menu

http://www.doingbusiness.mgs.gov.on.ca/mbs/psb/psb.nsf/vorsearch?OpenForm&Seq=1#_RefreshKW_VORType

This is a good list. Thanks.

[elliotforgames]

Good list, I am trying to find some BC ones.

Are Ranstad and Adecco good temps to work for if you want to bridge into government sector? I had a call from Adecco a while back

[gst4r]

I started off as a temp focusing on an agency that specialized in Government Jobs in my final year of university. I didn't really care what level of government, but rather anything in the government. Soon after I applied to the Summer Experience Program from the Ontario Gov (which is now called the Summer Employment Opportunity) and got the job from the variety of government experiences I gained as a temp.

While I was a Summer Student, I applied to all the restricted entry positions since I was considered an employee. 6 Months later after my summer position was over I got called in for an interview.

Ever since then I worked my way from contract to contract until I scored a permanent position.

Its a long process, but in the end if it's what you want, then you have to work for it.

OP, I know this may be a tad be convenient, but I started a website just on how to get into the government. LOL

I've been on RFDs for a few years so I assure you this is not a spam post. =)

http://www.ontariogovernmentjobtips.com/for-current-studentsgrads/

So yeah, if you or any one else have questions feel free to PM me or send me an email. I've been in the OPS for the past 5 years in the HR area so a lot of my friends ask me the same questions, "How the hell did you get in?"

I know some people do get in because they know someone, but it is possible to get in without, it just takes patience and being realistic with what your options are.

Good luck, and really I am not a spam bot. =)

Awesome site and very informative, it has really relieved alot of my job searching stress. Thanks!

[Beachdown]

You might also want to check out consulting companies that have standing offers with the federal government. For professional services contracts they almost always have an administrator along with the senior consultants. Pay is about $200-$300/day.

http://soi.pwgsc.gc.ca/app/index.cfm?Fuseaction=sim.search&altlang=-e

[wordisbond]

Most bank jobs DO NOT pay well. Upper management and commission based jobs are the few that do. Banks are stingy!

As for gov, I've heard being a visible minority is a big asset

[nikita4]

I applied via jobs.gc.ca (http://www.jobs.gc.ca). I was 20 (easy to remember, it was in 2000....). I didn't know I could get in. And I got in 7 months later!

The position required at least high school diploma (I had my CEGEP) and experience with customer service (which I had). Also ability to type and use a computer and of course, bilinguism.

After I applied, I received an invitation letter to write 2 exams (General Competency (http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ppc-cpp/test-examen/gct2-ecg2/index-eng.htm)) and Office Skills test (http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ppc-cpp/psc-tests-cfp/ost-ectb-203-eng.htm).

I passed, but just the minimal score. Got a call to invite me to a Windows exams and typing test. I passed.

Got a second call to set up the interview. I was very nervous that day, 3 people were sitting in front of me in a huge office. Before the interview, I was asked to write a one page letter describing a real situation where I showed that I was a team player. I write some high school stuff that I did.

Then the interview. No big deal, it was a roles play and another scenario. Then I was asked to give a résumé of the second scenario (hard to explain without giving details about the scenario). That step was to verify my ability to communicate information.

The interview was at 5 pm. The next day, at 10 am, I got a voice message on my cell saying that I passed the interview and I had to go through 3 evaluations for my ESL (English as a Second Language) as soon as possible because of the holidays coming (it was on July), they were very late in their selection process . I went and I passed.

Then, I got another call a few weeks later saying that I was qualified for the position, the only thing was to get my security clearance. I was very confident about that (no criminal background, no bad credit history, etc.)

And FINALLY, I got a call asking me if I was ready to start my 4 weeks training for the job...I said: OH YES!!

The training was very difficult, though, but I survived.

Hope this helps!

[inspireme92]

what kind of government jobs are there? are there some sort of administration jobs available within the government?

[nikita4]

what kind of government jobs are there? are there some sort of administration jobs available within the government?There is everything: administration, programs, IT, sciences, accounting, public relations, etc.

Once, they were even recruiting to work for Tim Horton's in Afghanistan! LOL

[king_george]

I was lucky enough to get two co-op positions with the provincial gov't while attending York as a mature (HAH!!) student.

When I graduated I contacted the people I worked for and them applied with the province, get accepted and had to write a technical, english, math and personal details written exams and had to provide 4 valid references. Then I got a contract for a year which was extended for another year. After the second year, the union insisted I either be hired or let go permanently and luckily enough, I got a permanent job in 1996.

This is my last job and I love it, the people I work with and the whole corporate environment. Even though I could theoretically make about 10% more in the private world, money isn't everything to me.

I may not get bonuses, office parties or christmas parties but hell I would never go to them anyways. Plus free public transit is a huge perk. :)

[Sanyo]

I was lucky enough to get two co-op positions with the provincial gov't while attending York as a mature (HAH!!) student.

When I graduated I contacted the people I worked for and them applied with the province, get accepted and had to write a technical, english, math and personal details written exams and had to provide 4 valid references. Then I got a contract for a year which was extended for another year. After the second year, the union insisted I either be hired or let go permanently and luckily enough, I got a permanent job in 1996.

This is my last job and I love it, the people I work with and the whole corporate environment. Even though I could theoretically make about 10% more in the private world, money isn't everything to me.

I may not get bonuses, office parties or christmas parties but hell I would never go to them anyways. Plus free public transit is a huge perk. :)

No offense, this needs to stop. Nobody should be getting free anything with government jobs, as essentially you work for us. If your getting it, every other living breathing resident of this province should too. Again not a personal attack, more so on the government for giving perks that should not be given...

[king_george]

No offense, this needs to stop. Nobody should be getting free anything with government jobs, as essentially you work for us. If your getting it, every other living breathing resident of this province should too. Again not a personal attack, more so on the government for giving perks that should not be given...

It's needed for my job. I can expense it or they can let me ride for free or the tax paying public can pay for dozens of taxi rides. Either way it's no cost to me personally. It's my only perk. The province isn't overly generous to the workforce at my level. :(

[Lemina_Ausa]

I also got in by applying online at jobs.gc.ca so my advice is based on federal government jobs.

- It takes perseverance. You will probably not get in on your first application, but look at it as a dry run and you will learn more about the application process. Next time you will get a better score. Every competition is different, you could get rejected from one competition and then ace another because that job is a better fit for you. Even if you keep getting rejected, keep applying to as many positions as you can and don't give up.
- Get your foot in the door. Lately, I've been seeing a lot of positions in remote areas. If it's not your ideal location, you can transfer later on. If it's not your ideal job, you can keep applying to internal positions. Even if you get a term position, you still get access to the internal postings.
- Check for new postings every day. Sometimes the job posters are up for only a couple days.
- Read the job poster carefully. Always click the "Statement of Merit Criteria" link. The criteria on the job poster is how they will evaluate you on exams / interviews.
- If the ad says "English Essential, Bilingual Imperative" that means there are both English and bilingual positions (I've had acquaintances almost screen themselves out because they thought they had to be bilingual).
- If you are a student, make sure you apply for FSWEP, you could get bridged into an indeterminate position.
- Save your vacation time for your job search. You'll want the time to study for exams and attend interviews.

Hope that helps.

[cutesnoopydoll]

Job security are big issue now at OPS. Lucky the liberal is still in power at Ontario. Other than that, there will certainly like the " Ha**is " says. So the security of OPS jobs certainly related to who's in power!

[Wilmega]

I first got a job with Service Canada through FSWEP. Had one interview (CPP) and got hired for the summer (extended til next summer). After I wasn't eligible to for FSWEP (graduated) I just applied on jobs.gc.ca - wrote a test (IQ type of test 100 MC) then interview and got hired with EI. The whole process took 6 months for me.

[bellagirl]

I applied for my position last June, did an essay in July, exam & interview in Sept, they called my references in Oct then put into the hiring pool, was called at the end of November and offered the job, security clearance came through in January and started in February.
The whole process took 9 months.

[onesong10]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone here knows how long it takes for the government (Ontario government job that was posted and applied for via my school's career posting board) to respond to your application? The deadline for submission was Monday March 11. It's a legal field-related administration job and my first time applying to a government job. Will I be required to take all those tests some of you have mentioned?

Thanks~

[clseea]

No offense, this needs to stop. Nobody should be getting free anything with government jobs, as essentially you work for us. If your getting it, every other living breathing resident of this province should too. Again not a personal attack, more so on the government for giving perks that should not be given...

So government employees shouldn't get health benefits or pensions? They shouldn't be able to belong to a union and negotiate collective agreements? Interesting

[smil3yy]

If you're going to apply, you should make full use of the 5 page limit they give you for resume + cover letter. It's totally absurd, but they work on a point system and you can never lose points, so the more (relevant) things you include, the better chance you have at an interview. And include something for each of the points in the job spec (you'll *roughly* get 1 point each for situation, action, result X #of job specs/qualifications).

But good luck! Becuase there aren't any permanant jobs in the OPS right now, and the collective agreements force them to make people permanant after 18 months of service, so a lot of departments will let you go at around 17 months while the older, less competent people with seniority gets to stay.

I used to work closely with HR at the OPS, and left 3 months ago for a better opportunity at the Municipal level (which is so far, much much better). Applied for both jobs through their external careers sites, did written tests, and panel interviews where they never look at you. The process took several months both times, haha...

[inspireme92]

anyone know any good government administration jobs?

[nikita4]

anyone know any good government administration jobs?What do you mean exactly? What kind of administration?

[inspireme92]

clerical administration jobs for companies

[nikita4]

There are a lot of those jobs in the government . Check out their website, in a daily basis if possible.