Faqs

This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs, about employment in the BC Public Service. You can also visit the Career Advisor Blog where we have instructional videos for further information. These questions and answers are organized under the following sections:  

Applying for a job
In Service/out of service status
Co-op/internships
How do I apply
My profile/resume
Resumes and Cover Letters
Tips
Researching the job
The Hiring Process
Overview
Pooling
Evaluation
Selection
Interview
Offer/On-boarding
General/Miscellaneous
Troubleshooting
System access
Profiles/Resumes
Job Alerts


APPLYING FOR A JOB

In-service/out-of-service status

I have in-service status, but I don’t have an IDIR (government issued login ID).  How do I apply for internal competitions?
If you are currently employed by a BC Public Service agency, board or commission; are a laid-off employee with recall rights; are on long-term disability; have bridged service under “Care to Raise Family”; or have Project Employee status (in-service status for 6 months) following employment as a “Project Employee”, you will likely not have an IDIR, but are eligible to apply to internal competitions. 

I am an employee of the BC Public Service and my family member would like to apply on positions?  Can you describe how that is done?
Individuals outside of the BC Public Service must create a profile and submit their application through their profile. Applicants will need to log in as a non-public service employee, add their resume then apply for postings.  For more information, see “How do I apply?” below.

I am a new auxiliary employee working for the BC Public Service. When can I begin applying for an internal job?
Auxiliary employees who have worked in excess of 30 days (210 hours) are recognized as in-service applicants and are then eligible to apply for regular positions.

I am a person with a disability, can I apply for a position?
The BC Public Service is committed to removing barriers that restrict or inhibit the employment of groups identified under the Human Rights Code. This commitment includes reasonable accommodation so applicants with disabilities can fairly compete for positions in our organization.

There are more than 200 occupations in the BC Public Service, each with unique requirements. Because of the variety of requirements, reasonable accommodation of an applicant's disability in the screening and interview process must be considered on an opportunity by opportunity basis.

Some examples of accommodation during the recruitment process include:

• Alternate formats for written materials
• Physical adjustments (chairs, workstations, keyboards, etc.)
• Technical aids/assistive devices

I have been invited for further testing or to participate in an interview and require the use of an assistive device or adaptive technology. How do I make arrangements to have this need accommodated? 
After you receive your invitation for testing or to an interview, you will need to make accommodation arrangements directly with the individual who has contacted you. This person will advise you of the specific screening, testing and/or interview process that has been planned and ascertain what accommodations are required. He or she will then discuss the requirements with the Hiring Manager and inform you of the options available to accommodate.

Co-op/Internships

How do I apply for a co-op position?
You can find co-op positions posted on our employment site with other external jobs.  For more detail on how to apply, see “How do I apply?” below.

Who can apply for co-op positions?
The only requirement to be considered for a co-op position is registration in a recognized co-op program with a college or university.

I am interested in doing an internship with the BC Public Service.
Internship programs are created and managed at the ministry level.  Therefore, openings for internships are posted on the employment opportunities site or directly with academic institutions when they arise. 

HOW DO I APPLY?                                                                                                                                                                         

How do I apply for a job with the BC Public Service?

Step 1: Create your profile
Begin your search by creating an online resume profile. If you are a BC Public Service employee, your profile has already been created for you, you just need to complete it. You can edit your profile at any time and use it to apply to multiple jobs with the BC Public Service.

Step 2: Adding your resume
Using the copy and paste function is the easiest way to add your resume into your profile. You can also type a summary of your employment history, job skills, qualifications and education directly into your profile. It’s that easy!  Before completing your online profile, be sure to tell us if you’d like to be considered for other career opportunities which match your qualifications.

Step 3: Search for jobs
Once you have created a resume profile, you are ready to search for opportunities at the BC Public Service. Simply go to www.employment.gov.bc.ca to access career opportunities. You may choose to view all opportunities or narrow your search using a number of criteria. You may also want to consider using our automated job search agent, to do your searching for you. Choose “My job search agents” on the Career Centre page to create a search alert which will notify you when a position matching your pre-defined criteria becomes available.

Step 4: Apply
Once you have searched our employment site for available jobs and found one for which you want to apply or you have used the job search agent, simply click on “Submit your resume” on the job posting page to start the application process. For internal applicants, you would click on "Submit Your Profile".

If a particular posting contains instructions to attach a cover letter, you have the option of attaching a cover letter to your application by copying and pasting it into the required field. Your cover letter and resume should be copy and pasted into your profile as one document. 

You will receive an email notification to confirm your application to the position has been received.  This is your verification that we have received your electronic application. If you want to verify that your application has been approved, simply go to your Career Center, Submission History and it will show you the positions you have applied on.

Submit your profile for each job to which you want to apply. Ensure you submit an up-to-date resume profile whenever you apply for a position, as only your most recent resume profile is kept in the system.

How do I apply to internal positions without an active IDIR (government issued login ID)?
If you are currently employed by a BC Public Service agency, board or commission; are a laid-off employee with recall rights; are on long-term disability or any other kind of approved leave (eg. Maternity leave); have bridged service or have Project Employee status (in-service status for 6 months following employment as a “Project Employee”), and do not have an idir, you are still eligible to apply to internal competitions. If you do not meet any of the above criteria and are not an employee of the BC Public Service, you are not eligible to apply for internal competitions.

How do I create job alerts?
Under “Career Centre”, click on “My Job Search Agents”.  Put in the key words of positions you are looking for.  For example, for social media, you can type in “social media”, “director”, “Media”, etc.  This will enable you to capture all opportunities that may be run simultaneously.
 
My Profile/Resume                                                                                                                                                                             

When I set up my profile I am asked if I want to be considered for other positions.  Is there a way to limit my interest to specific Ministries?
There is not a way to limit your availability to specific ministries.  Although, we recommend that you review the career opportunities on a regular basis so that you can identify vacancies that you wish to apply for in your chosen Ministries. 

If I am interested in applying on more than one job posting, do I need to submit more than one resume?
You do not need to submit more than one resume, but you do need to apply for each position in which you are interested.  Although you have one resume in your profile which you will use to apply to jobs, you will want to tailor that resume to clearly communicate you meet the selection criteria for each position.  For that reason, you are encouraged to ensure your resume is just the way you want it to look before you click “Apply”. Please note that anything typed directly into your profile will be what is included in your application when you hit “Submit”.  There is not an opportunity to change this once you have applied, so take extra care that the resume in your profile is the one you want to include before you hit “Submit”.

How do I create a profile – BC Public Service Employees?
Basic Profiles have been created for all BC Public Service employees. The Recruitment System is linked to the HR/Payroll system and will automatically import standard demographic information from the HR/Payroll system to create a base profile for every employee. The profile contains such information as name, address, phone number, work site, department, union, and seniority hours/ date.   You will want to go to your profile and add your resume.

How do I create a profile - not an employee?
Your Profile is accessed from a link on the Careers homepage that takes you to the main page of the Career Centre. Log in with your email address and password that you created.

Copy and paste is the easiest way to add your resume, and cover letter if required, into your profile. You can also type a summary of your employment history, job skills, qualifications and education directly into your profile. It’s that easy!

Before completing your online profile, be sure to tell us if you’d like to be considered for other career opportunities which match your qualifications.

When I update my resume, will this change the resume I submitted to past job postings?
No, the resume you have in your profile at the time that you apply for a specific position is the resume that is submitted for that application.  The system does not allow for more than one resume to be saved at a time.  Given that, each time you apply for a job, ensure your resume is tailored to that job so when you hit “Submit”, it is that resume that will be received.  Think of it like a screen shot – whatever your resume looks like when you hit submit is exactly how the resume will be visible in your application.  Prior to submitting your profile, ensure that all information is correct and exactly how you want it to be before you hit submit.  This allows you to tailor your resume to specific postings without worrying that a different version submitted earlier will be lost. 

How will I know that you have received my online application?                                                                                                

When you apply online and provide an e-mail address at the time of your application, you will receive an e-mail that you have successfully applied online. Only those candidates invited to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.  You can also check your Career Centre to verify that your application has been received.  Here are the instructions: 

• If you are a BC Public Service employee, go to employment.gov.bc.ca, click on “I am currently a BC Public Service Employee, then “Employee Access”, then “Position Submission History”.
• If you are not a BC Public Service employee, go to employment.gov.bc.ca, click on “I am currently not a BC Public Service employee”.  You will then be asked to enter your login id and password. 
• Then click on “Resume Submission History”.

Can you give me feedback on my resume and cover letter?
Due to volume within the Hiring Centre, our recruiters are not available to provide individual feedback on resumes and cover letters.  We suggest you utilize the videos found on the Career Advisor Blog and information provided in these FAQs to guide you in crafting a successful application.

I am an employee of the BC Public Service and was not successful on a competition.  How can I get feedback?
The individual who sent your regret notification can provide feedback to you.  If you are an employee and would like more information on your right to request a review, see our requesting feedback instructions on our employment website. 

How can I view my cover letter and resume once I have applied online?
You can view your cover letter and resume in the “Profile” section of the Career Centre once you log on.

What should I do if my resume information has changed and I’ve already submitted my application for a particular competition?
All documentation sent in an application is final, so you must take the time to ensure all your information is current and accurate.

Do I have to apply my Profile to each job that I am interested in?
Yes. Once your profile has been completed, you simply click on the Apply Now button on any position you want to apply to.

Should I customize my resume to each job posting?
Yes. Your application will be assessed based on how strong your outlined qualifications meet the ones outlined in the job posting. Only the top candidates will be contacted to participate in the evaluation process. You should customize your application to ensure that it clearly demonstrates how you are the best candidate for the job and meet the qualifications advertised.

Do I need a cover letter?
No you do not need to submit a cover letter, unless the posting clearly indicates that it is a requirement. 

I want to apply on a posting that indicates I need a cover letter.  How do I include one?
You will need to upload your cover letter and resume as one document in the profile box.  Please do not use the attachment feature as we cannot guarantee that the Hiring Manager will see the attachments.  Your complete application needs to be put into the profile box.

I don’t have the specific degree or experience specified in the posting.  Should I even apply for the job?
Some positions require highly specific academic and professional credentials. There are other vacancies that require more transferable skills and a broader range of academic experience. If you feel your professional and academic background comprise an equivalent combination equal to that which is required by a particular position, we encourage you to apply. It is important, however, that you clearly articulate in your resume how your combination of skills, experience and education is equal to what is required.

Resumes and Cover Letters

Should I customize my resume to each job posting?
Yes. Your application will be assessed based on how strong your outlined qualifications meet the ones outlined in the job posting. Only the top candidates will be contacted to participate in the evaluation process. You should customize your application to ensure that it clearly demonstrates how you are the best candidate for the job and meet the qualifications advertised. Your resume should include detailed information about your education and experience as it relates to the screening criteria, including your position title, organization, responsibilities and dates of employment. 

I don't quite meet the requirements. Should I adapt my resume or answer a questionnaire so you look at me?
It's absolutely critical that you be accurate and truthful in describing your experience, qualifications and in answering questions. Misrepresentation is grounds for disqualification and dismissal if you obtain a position on the basis of a false statement. A truthful and complete statement is always best: there may be situations where there are not enough candidates who fully meet a requirement and we may look at people who are 'close' - this case your truthful description could get you considered, whereas a false statement would disqualify you.

How much should I format my resume?
When formatting your resume, remember to keep it simple. Our focus is on content, not format. The less elaborate formatting you have, the easier it is for the system to grab the text and the easier it is for us to review the resumes. The appearance of a resume (apart from issues like spelling and grammar) is not a consideration in assessing applicants.

What type of resume should I use?
We're looking for a targeted, relevant resume that articulates your experience as related to the position to which you are applying. That means, we want to know what you've done, how you did it, where and when. Your resume should clearly outline your education and experience as it relates to the selection criteria.

How long should my resume be?
We recommend that your resume be one to three pages in length. Generally speaking, we recommend that you detail your experience for the last 10 to 15 years. If you wish to include experience prior to this, it should be brief. Ensure the information you include is relevant to the position. There is no need to include references at this stage.

Do I need a cover letter?
No. Please do not submit a cover letter unless the posting clearly indicated that it is a requirement. If you do submit a cover letter when it has not been requested, please note your cover letter will not be reviewed or considered.

What information should I include in my cover letter, if it is required?
A cover letter is your introduction to the hiring manager. It should be a brief summary of your education and experience and any other information you would like to emphasize. Details however must be clearly shown in your resume. Do not put something in your cover letter that is not already in your resume.

How long should my cover letter be?
Keep it short and concise. One page is more than enough to highlight your key education and experience.

Tips

What tips are available for a good application?
Read the posting information carefully.  If there is a questionnaire (it will be stated in the posting), take the time to ensure that all your application information is ready to complete it as you will not be able to go back and change this once you’ve started.

Check your resume in your profile. You may want to add additional detail or emphasize certain parts of your experience to help make it easier for the hiring manager to see how you meet the requirements of the position.  If you would like to add a cover letter, do this as a piece of text with your resume.  This ensures it will be part of the application and there will be no mistakes.

The format of the resume and any additional text in your profile does not matter.  Because this system is a database, the focus is on the words and content, not the format.  You may want to remove elaborate formatting from your resume to make it very simple and easy to read in this format.  The appearance of a resume (apart from issues like spelling and grammar) is not a consideration in assessing applicants.

Review all the information about ‘how to apply’ BEFORE you start the process – and make sure you have given yourself uninterrupted time to focus on this task. 

Once you’ve applied for the position, you may want to re-set your resume to a more generic version, without any specific covering material intended for one job.  This will ensure you don’t inadvertently apply to one job with a resume tailored for another.

Researching the Job

I would like more information about a particular job such as “Is there flex time available” or “Where is the office located?”.

THE HIRING PROCESS                                                                                                                                                      

Overview

What is your hiring process?
There are five main steps in the recruitment process: 

1. 1.  Jobs are advertised on our employment site and resumes are accepted electronically until the closing date indicated in the job posting.  All postings close at midnight, PST.
    
2. 2.  Applications are reviewed to identify those applicants whose qualifications meet the selection criteria that were outlined on the job posting.  
    
3. 3.  These applicants are invited to participate further in the selection process which typically includes an interview and may also involve additional assessment methods such as written assignments or presentations.  
    
4. 4.  After the interview/assessment process, past work performance checks are conducted on the top candidates.  
    
5. 5.  After the selection decision has been made by the interview panel, all interviewed candidates are contacted either to offer the position or to let them know they weren’t successful on the competition. 

The average timeline for the recruitment process is around 30 working days (from the closing date of the competition to the date a position is offered to a candidate). This timeline may vary depending on the situation.

Pooling

What is pooling?
Pooling is the process of grouping pre-screened or pre-assessed applicants to be considered for specific occupations or job streams (eg. Employment Assistance Worker or Clerical). This allows applicants to go through the application and testing process one time and be considered for future vacancies as they become available.

Why are we pooling?
The BC Public Service is moving to a recruitment strategy that will allow for more efficient and effective hiring of high demand/high supply positions. Pre-assessed or pre-screened applicants allows us respond to hiring demands and to expedite the hiring process as well as create a better experience for applicants.

How does it work?
Applicants are invited to apply through a posting. Using standard criteria, applicants are screened or assessed. Those applicants who are successful in the screening process are notified that they are now in a pool to be referred as available positions arise. Those applicants who do not meet the minimum selection criteria are notified and are not considered further in the pool. 

Is an applicant notified before being referred to a position?
Yes, applicants are notified before they are referred to the Hiring Manager. When positions become available, applicants are notified and asked if they would like to be considered for the vacancy. If the applicant agrees, their information is forwarded to the Hiring Manager and the assessment process begins which may include an interview. If an applicant does not wish to be referred for a particular position, they will remain in the pool for future positions. If an applicant wishes to be taken out of the pool, they may do so at any time.  

Evaluation                                                                                                                                                   

What is the Evaluation Process?
The evaluation process consists of a variety of assessments, usually including an interview. This is the step in our hiring where we evaluate the applicants selected from all the applications received during the job posting. Applicants whose resume best demonstrated how they met the selection criteria listed in the job posting will be invited to participate in this step. The evaluation process gives you the opportunity to show why you are the best person for the job.

Besides the interview, what other types of assessment are there in the evaluation process?
We develop assessment based on the qualifications of the job. Assessments could include a written test, a presentation or other methods to identify the best qualified candidate for the job. For example, some positions may require good written, communication and analytical skills in an environment where there are tight time pressures. Candidates for this job will most likely be given a written test.

The Job Posting that I am looking to apply to says “To be considered for this position, applicants must clearly indicate that they have the following.” What does this mean?

This means that you must meet the minimum requirements outlined in the posting and you must demonstrate this clearly in your application.  For example, if a position requires “5 years project management experience in an IM/IT environment”, your work experience must clearly state that you have “5 years project management experience in an IM/IT environment”, perhaps 2 years in one job and 3 years in another.  Do not make assumptions that your experience will be clear simply by position titles you have held in the past. 

What is the questionnaire used for?
The questionnaire is your opportunity to identify your education and experience.  We use the questionnaire to identify applicants who meet the selection criteria.  Applicants will be advised, in the posting, that there is a questionnaire and to allow 20 minutes to complete.  You will only have one opportunity to answer the questions and you will not be able to go back later and complete or amend your answers.  You will notice that there is this statement in the posting: “Inaccurate answers will result in removal from this competition”, so please take your time answering the questions so that it is accurate.

How is my application assessed or screened?
You will notice in all of the job postings that there is this phrase – “In order for applicants to be considered, you must clearly demonstrate you have the following”.  This information is the basic education and experience you must bring in order to screen into the competition. You must clearly demonstrate, in your resume, how you meet this criteria in order for you to continue in the assessment process.

Selection                                                                                                                    

How are people chosen for BC Public Service jobs?
The BC Public Service hires and promotes employees based on the principle of merit. This means that appointments are non-partisan and made on the basis of a process to assess an applicants' qualification, competence and ability to do the job. Applications are screened and qualified applicants are invited to participate in an evaluation process that is based on the requirements of the job. Evaluation may involve several stages and/or a variety of assessments usually including an interview. Applicants are given an opportunity to demonstrate why they are the best person for the job. Applicants are assessed so that those who are successful are the best qualified.

I have applied on a position, when will I be contacted?
Applicants who are being considered for the position will be contacted by telephone or email once the Hiring Panel has had a chance to review all applications.  Due to business and operational timeframes, it is difficult to predict when an applicant will be contacted.  We strive to connect with applicants within 15 to 30 days from the competition closing date. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The competition is closed and I want to review the job posting and Job description.  How do I find it?
Please go to www.employment.gov.bc.ca and click on ‘career centre’. Once you are at the career centre you will have many options, one of them being to ‘view your resume submission history’. Once at this screen it will show you all positions you have applied for. Simply click on the job title to view the job and attached job description.

 

For further clarification on the process please review the video about Submission History on the Career Advisor Blog.

Interview                                                                                                                                                

Are all interviews competency based?
More and more, the BC Public Service is not just looking to fill positions based on your knowledge, skills and abilities, but is looking for the right people to fit the role. This is why we often use competency-based questions or, what you may have heard referred to as behavioural interview questions, as part of the interview process. Relax. This is your opportunity to share your experiences and let us really get to know you.

Interview videos

Watch the following videos to learn more about how we use competency-based questions in our interviews.

What to Expect at the Interview

Preparing for the Interview

Sharing Your Experiences

Closing the Interview

What can I expect from the interview?
You will be interviewed by a panel of people. Panel interviews are efficient, and support a fair and transparent recruitment process. Conducting one interview allows the candidate to be assessed for the position by more than one person at a time and requires the candidate to answer one set of questions. Panel interviews also allow for all candidates to be given the same time and respect by the same interviewers.  Please watch the videos found in the links above for tips on preparing for your interview. 

If I am requested to travel to attend an in-person interview, will I be reimbursed for my travel expenses?
While travel expenses are covered for employees of the BC Public Service, the decision to reimburse travel expenses for out-of-town or province non-employee applicants attending an interview is made on a case by case basis and is subject to approval.

Why didn’t I receive an interview?
Quite often we receive resumes from many well-qualified applicants. It is important that applicants ensure their resume is tailored to each position they are applying for and provide evidence of the education, experience, and competencies identified in the job posting.

Offer/On-boarding                                                                                                                                              

How do I accept my offer letter?
Click on “Career Centre”, then “My Offers”.  You are then able to view your offer letter and accept or decline.  We also suggest watching the How to Accept Offer Letters video on the Career Advisor Blog.

How do I access and complete my on-boarding documents?
Click on “Career Centre”, then “My on-boarding documents”.  To access each document, click on the name. A page will open where you can indicate you have reviewed the document. Another window will open to display the actual document.   As you review and sign off on each document, a  will be displayed in the "Completed" column. To download and save the documents, check the box beside each or you can select all by clicking the first checkbox. Then, click "Download" at the bottom of the page.

Return documents to the corresponding addresses provided.  We also suggest watching the On-boarding video on the Career Advisor Blog. 

General/Miscellaneous                                                                                                                                

Am I eligible to work for the BC Public Service?
To work in the BC Public Service, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or authorized in writing to work in Canada under the federal Immigration Act.   For more information on obtaining a work visa in Canada, go to www.cic.gc.ca.

Are all vacancies in the government posted on the employment opportunity website?
No. If you are not currently an employee (or have this status) you will not be able to see all vacancies as some are limited to current employees only.  In addition, some opportunities are limited to current employees of a Ministry or branch within a Ministry and are available only to those employees. 

Making your profile searchable (tick box in profile) gives the Hiring Center an opportunity to contact you about opportunities that might be of interest.  Also, setting up a search agent will inform you of all positions that you are interested in. To set up Job Search Agents, click on “My Job Search Agents”.  Put in the key words of positions you are looking for.  For example, for social media, you can type in “social media”, “director”, “Media”, etc.  This will enable you to capture all opportunities that may be run simultaneously.

How can I contact the Hiring Center?
Due to the volume of the Hiring Centre, we are unable to provide one-on-one assistance to applicants. Individuals who are shortlisted will be contacted.  We encourage you to utilize the videos available on the Career Advisor Blog and these FAQs to provide guidance to you in your job search.

How can I contact the hiring manager responsible for a position in which I am interested?
We appreciate your interest in employment with the BC Public Service, but due to the high volume of applicants, hiring managers are rarely able to discuss the job with all applicants.  The information you need to know to apply for a position is in the posting; you can find out a lot from checking out the Ministry’s website, publications and other sources.  Informational interviews with an area of work you are interested in, before any vacancies are posted, is also a good strategy.   If you do have an opportunity to be interviewed, we encourage you to ask the hiring manager any and all questions about the position to determine whether it is indeed a fit for you.

How do I find out more about a particular ministry to which I am applying?
You can go to the ministry website from the home page of the provincial government at www.gov.bc.ca.

I don’t like how my resume is formatted in the system.  Can I apply to a job posting by sending in a hard copy of my cover letter and resume?
Applications are only accepted electronically through the recruitment system. 

Job Alerts                                                                                                                                                       

I am getting multiple notices of the same job.  How can I stop this?
If you receive more than one notice about the same job through your search agent, it is because the posting information has been updated. Please check the posting again so as not to miss out on important updates.

My colleague and I both entered job search agents, but do not receive emails when a new job meeting the criteria is posted.
The easiest way to maximize the search engine for the employment opportunities website is to create a search agent within your profile. Put in the key words of positions you are looking for.  For example, for social media, you can type in “social media”, “director”, “Media”, etc.  This will enable you to capture all opportunities that may be run simultaneously.   While you may get a little more than you would like sent to you, you will capture all in the genre for which you are looking.

I have a technical question that has not been addressed in the FAQs
If you are having technical challenges and your answer is not found in this document, please email BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca.