Let’s face it, there is just a flex that comes with working for the government.
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When you work in the government sector and public service, you not only enjoy tons of benefits, but also get to experience the stability, work-life balance and good pay that comes with government jobs.
And if you are currently living in Canada, the good news is, there are many job vacancies available in the Canadian government!
The government of Canada is always looking to hire talented people from all backgrounds and cultures.
So if you are looking for a job position in the government, rest assured you can find just the right spot and office for you there!
However, with hundreds of people applying for these government jobs everyday, job search in this field has become even more competitive.
Therefore, if you are to succeed in your search for a job, you need to go the extra mile in your application process.
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In other words, you need to make your application stand out from the thousands of other similar applications that are received by the hiring team.
But how exactly can you do so?
Well, read on this article to find out the different career opportunities available in the government of Canada and how you can improve your chances of landing these job positions.
The government of Canada offers a wide diversity of career paths that you can pursue.
Below are the main departments that you can apply different jobs for:
The government of Canada also offers student and graduate programs that give newbies in the field more experience in the public service.
For example, there is the Research Affiliate Program where students and new graduates can fill for job positions, such as in the Land and Minerals sector, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada, just to mention some of the few departments.
And the best part about employing students and graduates is that the government tends to re-employ them after their internships.
This means that, if you apply for an internship program with the government of Canada, you will increase your chances of getting a permanent job in the government sector.
Most government agencies in Canada look for what they call the “Skills for Success” in job seekers.
The “Skills for Success” encompass core qualities, such as creativity and innovation, communication, adaptability, problem solving skills, collaboration, numeracy, digital skills, reading and writing skills.
Besides the skills, more qualifications may also be needed as per the specific job position.
For example, to be an executive assistant at one of the government research centers, you need to have a college diploma in administration or another similar field.
Being proficient in both French and English will also put you in a better position to land the job.
Also, students and new graduates applying to work in the government’s Research Affiliate Programs are expected to have full-time student status at any post-secondary academic institution in Canada.
And it goes without saying that all job applicants must have attained the minimum age required to work in the territory or province where the job is.
The government of Canada announces all its job openings through the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC).
To find out all the career opportunities available at the agency, visit the official website of PSC.
If you do not have an account, create one then begin searching for jobs.
Click on the “Refine Search” button to narrow your search and find only those job positions that you have passion for or have specialized at.
Once you have identified the specific job position you want, go through the requirements and understand all that is required of you.
Then, attach all the necessary documents and submit your application.
The good thing about applying online via the PSC website is that you can always edit your application, as long as the closing date has not yet been reached.
After application, you can then patiently wait for feedback from the hiring team.
To improve your chances of landing a job in one of the government agencies, you need to submit a good application and prepare well for the interview.
Write a professional resume and cover letter, if the job position requires both.
Be detailed and explain all your skills and qualifications that meet the individual requirements of the job.
If you are called in for a job interview, do your research first about the firm and the job position you are applying for.
Get to understand the values, goals and ambitions that the firm promotes.
Then, when you go for the actual interview, tailor your responses so that they align with the company’s values.
Sometimes, you may be required to take an assessment test, either online or via video conferencing.
Prepare for these tests by imaging situations that you might be presented with and taking aptitude tests online to assess and improve your performance abilities.
When done with the interview or online exam, send a follow-up email.
In the email, you can even thank the hiring team and manager for considering you and setting time aside to meet you.
Sending such an email would show your interest and enthusiasm in the job position, increasing your chances of getting hired.
As mentioned in the introduction bit, working for the government of Canada has numerous perks.
For example, all public service workers get to enjoy benefit plans, such as health and dental care benefits, life insurance, pension plans and disability insurance.
And for those who enjoy participating in meaningful careers, working for the government provides you with numerous opportunities to contribute to the greater good of the community and the country as a whole.
However, just like any other job, the government sector has several disadvantages, with the main one being that the hiring process takes quite long.
More so, jobs in this sector are subject to change due to politics and elections.
And compared to private sectors, government jobs have a significantly lower growth rate, which may not be ideal for those looking for more career growth.
However, if you are patient and want to invest your time and energy in a stable field, then seeking employment in the government of Canada would be the best decision you could ever make.