Applying for Government of Canada jobs: Testing and accommodation measures
We want to make sure that you have the support you need to fully demonstrate your abilities.
After you’ve applied, if you’re screened in, you may be asked to write a test or series of tests. You may also be invited to an interview.
Let the person who invites you to the test or interview know, as soon as possible, if you think that assessment accommodation measures could make tests or interviews more accessible to you. This information will be kept confidential.
Accommodation measures during testing will be tailored to your own situation, and could include working with sign language interpreters or reader services, using alternative formats, technical support or attendant services.
Learn more about accommodation measures, how to request them and how they work.
More information about public service testing:
- tests commonly used to assess candidates, with some sample questions and practice tests
- information on unsupervised internet testing
- information on writing online tests
- second language testing and language requirements
Tips and tricks
Before the test or interview
- Prepare by focusing on the qualifications being assessed (your test/interview invitation will list them)
- Use the STAR method to think about examples drawn from your experience that could demonstrate these qualifications
During the written test
- Take the time to read the questions carefully to make sure you understand them
- Manage your time
- Leave time to review and edit your answers
- Save your work often: if you lose your work, you won’t be given more time
During the interview
- You may be asked about yourself at the beginning: this is usually just an icebreaker and not part of the formal interview process
- Check your flow and speed as you talk (don’t talk too fast) and structure your ideas
- Provide answers that focus on tasks that you performed
- Instead of referring to “we” (you and your team), talk about yourself and your specific role in a situation or project
Other resources
- Take a look at Fisheries and Oceans Canada's web page: Understand the job advertisement
- Want to work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency? Learn about their hiring terminology and process
- Read these tips from the National Research Council on behavioural and technical competencies
- The Privy Council of Canada’s Communications Community Office page has more résumé writing, exam and interview tips
Tips and tricks
Top 3 interview tips
Prepare in advance
- Practise a short introduction
- Using the evaluation criteria from your interview invitation, prepare examples that demonstrate times when you met each of the criteria
- Use the STAR method
- Read the interview section on this webpage
Demonstrate your knowledge of the job and department
- Read the department’s website to learn about their mission and priorities
- In the interview, talk about some of these priorities and how your skills can help achieve them
Crush those competencies!
- Interview questions will assess if you meet competencies listed in the job advertisement
- All public servants must demonstrate key competencies that will help them in their work
- Competencies can be behavioural, like adaptability or showing initiative, or technical, like data analysis or project management
- Watch this video to learn about competencies
- Read these tips on how to demonstrate behavioural or technical competencies in your interview
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