How To Find Canada Government Jobs At All Levels

Canada has a large and diversed immigrant population. If you are an applicant with bilingual or multilingual skills, you have an advantage.

The bad news is - you have lots of competition. That's why knowing how and where to look for such a job is important.

As someone who has had a government job and who has been through the hoops of looking for government work, I want to share a few basic tips here with you.

1- Get familiar with the websites

Usually government job postings are listed on a few designated websites. Check often and respond before the deadline.

Canadian federal government jobs

BC government jobs

You can also visit the various provincial government websites for job openings:

Check out the Canada government jobs at municipal level

Find municipal level employment

Canadian government jobs at federal and provincial levels

2- Prepare your resume and cover letter

Read employment requirements carefully. Be honest and upfront about your situation – explain exactly what you are looking for, and what you can do for them. Try to gear your resume towards the job description as much as possible and make sure you use certain positive keywords.

While it’s ok to use general terms in your resume, try to customize your resume and cover letter to each application – avoid ‘copy and paste’ syndrome! Some people have used the same outline for each job, and occasionally forget that the original mentioned something specific doesn’t apply to the next job.

3- If you are asked to take a test, be well prepared

Many Canada government jobs require applicants to write a test as a prequalification screening process. These tests are often ethics related. That means you will be given a scenario and asked to answer spontaneously what you are going to do about it. It is to see if you will make the required decisions that they expect as part of a government employee.

Talk to people who have taken such tests and try to find practice exams if possible to study.

4- Network, network, network

Networking with friends or contacts who currently are working Canada government jobs is also a plus. Not only will they give you inside information when a new position comes up, but also they will help you with everything you need to know when you apply for such a job. That can be a huge time saver and allow you to prepare appropriately.

5- Volunteer at a community office near you

Many community-based social services organizations and regionally elected officials run their own community offices. For communities with large immigrant population, bilingual skills are a huge plus for these office employees.

As a volunteer, you will have a great opportunity to assist those who need your talents, expand your skill set, expand your network, and meet new people.

Most community-based social services organizations rely upon municipal and regional government funding. They may also provide support to agencies that are also connected to municipal, provincial and federal government departments. Those connections may be useful for your search for Canada government jobs.

If you are politically inclined, regional elected officials often have volunteer opportunities in their offices. You may not know this, but constituency office workers are also considered government employees. But the hiring is usually more flexible than regular Canada government jobs.

These jobs include positions at the offices of MPs (member of parliament) and elected members of the provincial legislative assembly. There is just one difference -- constituency assistants don’t have the job security other government employees enjoy. This employment solely depends on how long the elected official stays in that office, and is subject to change at every election. If you don’t mind politics and that uncertainty, it can be a nice addition to your resume!

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