Would learning french boost one's chances of finding employment with the government?

[blackestnight]

Is this true for anyone? Has anyone found that they got call backs just because they are bilingual?

Really appreciate any feedback.

[deep]

Depending on the position, it could boost it INFINITELY. From 0% to >0%, as many positions require bilingual candidates.

What area are you looking to work in?

[blackestnight]

Well, I would ideally like to work for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Passport Canada or the Immigration and Refugee Board. I know there are many positions that require being bilingual, but what if one applies for non bilingual positions? would it still help?

[CanuckGreg]

Well, I would ideally like to work for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Passport Canada or the Immigration and Refugee Board. I know there are many positions that require being bilingual, but what if one applies for non bilingual positions? would it still help?

The answer varies quite a bit. If you're looking for any kind of work that's public facing, being bilingual is will often be mandatory or considered a highly rated criteria. For clerical/ back office work, it gives you a smaller advantage but having a bilingual certification isn't usually a mandatory requirement. For managerial or exec positions, usually it's mandatory.

[Parth]

Yes, it will definitely boost chances.
It is our countries second official language, a cool sounding language too.
I'd say if you can dedicate the time and effort, go for it!

[clseea]

It will definitely help, especially since alot of jobs have Bilingual Essential requirements. If you're not bilingual, you won't be screened into those competitions.

[jmatheson64]

Answer: Yes.

[nikita4]

Is this true for anyone? Has anyone found that they got call backs just because they are bilingual?

Really appreciate any feedback.

Yes, learning French will increase your chances to find employment with the govt. Especially if you are interested to work for CIC, Passports and Immigration & Refugee Board. Those places have entry level positions that requires (most of times) knowledge of French.

You can get a job without being bilingual. But if you want a career in the federal govt, learn French. Most of the assignments (special projects, working abroad for a certain time) require to speak French. You are going to be frustrated to see those postings without being entitle to apply.

Just try to learn enough to get a B level, which is intermediate level. B level doesn't require to be 100% fluent. You are allowed to make grammatical mistakes.

Around 30%-40% of English words are of French origin. It is not that difficult to learn. The most difficult is how to write it, but to speak it it is quite easy.

Good luck!