Our training has been developed to assist individuals seeking a career with the federal government. How the Public Service competitions work, our services to assist you, and our client success rate are described below.

The Public Service Recruitment Process

Step 1—The Examinations

Thousands of applicants usually apply every year to be hired in the many officer-level job categories available in the federal government. Some of the competitions are for individual openings, and others are national annual or semi-annual recruitment campaigns encompassing many types of positions at once.

Samples of the types of positions offered are: Commerce Officers with Industry Canada; Economists in several departments; Citizen and Immigration Officers working in Canada; Development Officers with CIDA; Management and Consular Affairs Officers with Foreign Affairs; Foreign Service Officers with the Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration Departments; Financial Officers with Treasury Board; and Management Trainees with the Public Service commission.

The written examination for most positions now includes one or more of the following tests:

• Situational Judgment Test (SJT)—a multiple-choice competency test using workplace scenarios to determine job suitability
• Graduate Recruitment Test (GRT)—a multiple-choice cognitive test re-introduced this year
• Written Communicaton Proficiency Test (WCPT)—a multiple-choice language usage exercise
• Written Communication Test (WCT)—a summary writing exercise also reinstated for this competition

Step 2—The Interview

Only top candidates from test-day are invited for an interview. The "oral exam" probes your ability to think on your feet, and evaluates personal suitability for specific positions.

A typical personal interview probes:

• Your knowledge of the government department for which you are being interviewed on-the-job problems and how you would solve them
• On-the-job problems and how you would solve them
• Your reasons for wanting to join or advance in the public service, and your suitability for the position

A typical simulation exercise involves a lengthy session that assesses analytical and communications skills, organizational and interpersonal capabilities, teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and common sense.

Interview boards evaluate overall potential based on various intellectual, verbal and interpersonal skills demonstrated, and on judgment shown in responding to the job-related questions and simulation scenarios.

Our Services

The key to your success throughout the competition is knowing what to expect on the tests, and how to approach the interview exercises effectively.

Our Study Kit provides comprehensive information to help you focus your preparation, save time, and perform efficiently and effectively on the tests. The kit is available for self-study.

For candidates granted an interview, one-on-one Interview Counselling is accessible across Canada and for individuals living abroad. Our proven advice builds skills and confidence by providing strategies to prepare and present yourself favourably. Sample substantive questions, role-playing scenarios and personal questions used in the personal interview are discussed. Guidance is also provided on the objective, dynamics, scenarios, and evaluation of the simulation exercise which you work on, and then present to the interview board.

Who Can Benefit from Our Services?

Our clients range from undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines to individuals already in the work force, including many professionals and government employees interested in switching careers. The success rate of our clients in obtaining jobs through past government recruitment campaigns is more than triple that of the general test-taking group.

Current Information
The study kit and interview counselling are revised for every competition. We provide the only proven resources that focus exclusively on this recruitment process and help you prepare thoroughly.

Informed Advice
Our participation in many Public Service entry competitions since 1984, and annual updates we obtain from government officials and successful clients, ensure the reliability of all our services.

Get the Edge on the Competition

Save time and significantly improve your chances to be selected for a government position. Contact Us today to obtain the Study Kit, or register for our Personal Interview Counselling. The advice and help we can provide to you will be invaluable.

Note
Canadian Public Service recruitment competitions are open to all individuals (including naturalized citizens) who, on entering the government, typically require only a Bachelor's degree. There is no age limit for hiring, and often no need nor credit given for advanced academic credentials. Bilingualism in French and English, while useful for future advancement, is required only if stated in the job posting. Geographic restrictions on who may apply are stipulated in certain recruitment competitions, often those for positions in the National Capital Region (i.e. Ottawa and environs), where bilingualism is also generally mandatory.