Oral Interview timeline
Why a timeline?
After searching and reading various resources on securing a job in the federal government, I could not find one that offers an insiders’ guide on how to prepare for interviews in the Government of Canada.
The timeline that I am providing here is exactly how I prepared and got chosen for numerous external and internal Federal Government competitions. It is also how I advise my friends and colleagues to prepare for their interviews.
Fortunately for you, many job applicants do not prepare adequately for Government of Canada interiviews. My approach consists of walking into an interview room and provide government hiring managers with the exact information that they need for their assessment guide. When I am confident that I said more than enough information to secure the position the interview is usually brought to an end. When I reach home, I follow-up and wait for my job offer. I believe in over preparing because this provides one with the confidence and knowledge that is needed to succeed
every time.
1 week prior to your interview
• During this week, aim at condensing all of the research that you have done on the department onto 1 page (front and back). This might sound like a small space but this is the point. You will need to be selective . Think about the 80-20 rule, 20% of the information that you will say in the interview will make 80% of the hiring decision.
• Revisit your cover letter and the statement of merit criteria provided by the Government of Canada for the job position that you applying to. You will want to make a sheet that highlights your skills and work experience for each qualification specified on the job poster. The questions asked in your interview may be behavioural, situational or a combination of both.
• You may wish to prepare and bring a Word version of your submitted resume as it is guaranteed to be more visually appealing than the text version that was required in your online application.
In addition, government hiring managers usually prefer to see a clean word version as it is easier to locate key information.
• Compare the word resume with the one that you submitted in your online application. Are there any discrepancies with your profile at this point of time? Do not change the content of your resume unless it is to add new skills (computer skills or languages only) or graduation from your field of study.
In my book you will find more detailed steps that you will need to follow for success before going to your interview.