Who the Hell Am I…..?

As I launch this blog and start writing about the Government of Canada as a career and how to navigate the hiring process, my first question I had to answer was “why would anyone want to listen to me”?

The hiring process in the federal government is hard and can be very intimidating. And if you don’t understand the process or the expectation of hiring managers you will either be crushed by the process itself or crushed by the competition who better understand how to be successful and who consistently hit the mark that hiring managers are looking for. 

Until recently, I was in the federal government for over 25 years competing in the hiring process:

• for jobs when I first graduated from university;

• as an employee trying to move my career forward;

• for years trying to break into management; and

• most recently at the executive level.

But I have also been on the other side as a hiring manager trying to find the ideal employee for the position I needed to fill. And I have often been frustrated knowing that the perfect candidate is right in front of me, but isn’t able to get through the process successfully. And some of my biggest disappointments are with external candidates who clearly have all the skills I am looking for, but don’t understand the process and have no idea how to approach a federal government application or interview. 

I know the hiring process from both sides, but there are many people who do….

 What sets me apart are two things: 

• Over the years, I have given a lot of thought on what it takes to be successful on these hiring processes and have it down to a formula; and 

• I am willing to share what I have learned and help people be their best when applying for a federal government job. 

Think of me as an experienced coach who has been around and knows a thing or two about competition, has advice to offer about how you can be your best and has a few tricks up their sleeve that I am willing to share. 

So if you are thinking about applying for a federal government job, or are in the federal government already, but can’t seem to get that next job… 

Watch this space…. 

I will be tackling all of the basics:

• Where to find federal government jobs

• The hiring process

• The application process

• The written exam

• The interview

• Reference checks 

Plus I will be digging deeper into: 

• What to do before you apply for a federal government job 

• Interpreting the job poster 

• Resumes 

• Cover letters 

• Interview Preparation 

• Core competencies 

• Leadership competencies

But as I get started, I am also interested in hearing from you and want to respond to your questions and the challenges you have with the federal government hiring process. So leave a comment below and let me know what you want to read about. 

I look forward to hearing from you.