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". 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....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. =)