This week I’ve received several messages seeking advice on how to navigate career transitions, specifically in the context of joining the federal public service and/or finding new opportunities within it.

The basics

For external candidates, my advice is pretty standard – visit jobs.gc.cafor any external job postings (be sure to turn on notifications) and/or network online by reaching out to hiring managers in departments/teams that interest you to see if there are any short-term casuals (4 month less a day) to help build your experience in the public service.

However, while this is often my short-quick answer, I thought I’d dive a little deeper today in offering some additional food for thought.

The deep dive

Making a leap into a new career path can be invigorating and daunting all at once. Before your search for that new job begins, start by assessing your skills, strengths, and passions. Identify what truly drives you and where your expertise lies. This will help you to not only narrow your search but it will allow you to end up in a role that aligns well with your interests and skills. This assessment shouldn’t only apply to yourself but later to the organization and team you’re exploring. In the federal public service, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the structure, mandates, and priorities of the departments and agencies you’re interested in. This is in addition to understanding the requirements, necessary skills, and potential challenges of the role.

We often hear people talk about the importance of networking, and I would emphasize it’s importance here, especially for those looking to move laterally within the public service networking can open many doors. Reach out to professionals in your desired field or organization. Set up a virtual or in-person coffee and get to know them and the organization better, while inquiring of any possible openings. This can lead to invaluable insights, mentorship, and even open doors to opportunities you might not have considered.

Don’t forget to also participate in government-hosted information sessions and workshops. For external students, keep an eye out for career fairs, FSWEP, and other recruitment programs. Also consider following the Federal Youth Network for great events, resources and advice (check out YouTube).

Finally, if you know what role interests you next, and you’re aware of some gaps in your skills or experiences, it’s important to position yourself where you can invest in upskilling or additional training to bridge any gaps. Online courses, workshops, or certifications can be game-changers.

It’s important to understand that a career transition takes time and effort, this can be especially true in the public service. Stay resilient, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every step forward. Don’t lose sight of your goals and seek out people, organizations and opportunities that will help you achieve them!

Good luck!

Additional tips and advice to keep in your back pocket when applying to job posters in the federal public service: 

🚫 If you stumble across a link and cannot open it, the poster is likely only available to internal public servants. There are, however, many other opportunities you can review for external candidates via jobs.gc.ca.

🔎 Carefully read the job posting to understand the requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications.

📝 Ensure you follow all application instructions and submit the required documents in the specified format.

🪡 Customize your resume and cover letter for each position, emphasizing relevant skills and experience.

🎤 Showcase how your past experiences align with the job requirements, emphasizing achievements and skills relevant to the position.

🔑 Incorporate keywords from the job posting into your resume and cover letter to pass through automated screening systems.

🧐 Familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission, values, and objectives to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

⏰ The federal hiring process may take time, so stay patient and follow up appropriately if required.

💼 Maintain a professional tone and demeanor throughout the application process, including in your communication and interactions.

💬 If you’re not selected for a position, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback to improve your future applications.

🔄 Regularly check the federal job website for new postings and updates that match your skills and interests.