Frequently Asked Questions

Please note the information below. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, don’t hesitate to Contact Careers.

Q1. Are there jobs available in my area of expertise?

A1. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is the federal department that has one of the widest ranges of career opportunities in the Public Service of Canada. We have engineers, translators, accountants, IT specialists, communicators and many others. Our Department is an employer of choice for its commitment to employment equity and wishes to have a workforce that is representative of the Canadian population.

Q2. What does PWGSC do?

A2. Our department covers many central services and government operations. For example:

• We manage government office buildings.
• We do the buying for the whole government: we're involved in huge contracts/purchases.
• We do all the translation across government.
• We're in charge of government publications like the Canada Gazette.
• We manage all government pay cheques and pensions.
• We're in charge of greening of government operations.
• And lots of other really interesting areas of work.

Q3. Do I need to be bilingual?

A3. It depends on the position:

• Public Service positions usually require knowledge of English, French or both English and French. When both official languages are required, the position is designated "bilingual".
• The manager is responsible for determining the language requirements of a position. This determination is based on an objective assessment of the duties and responsibilities of the position. If the position requires the knowledge of both official languages, the manager must also determine the proficiency level, in English and in French, in each of three language skills: Reading, Writing and Oral Interaction. The proficiency levels which can be assigned to each skill are: A (beginner), B (intermediate), C (advanced) or E (exemption). In addition, certain positions requiring specialized training or expert proficiency (e.g. translators) could be assigned Code P (Professional).
• A CBC/CBC profile means that a person whose first official language is French, must possess the CBC level in English and a person whose first official language is English, must possess the CBC level in French.

Q4. Can I join the Public Service at the managerial level?

A4. Yes! There are opportunities for mid-career level professionals in the Public Service, but it largely depends on your experience and competencies. If your competencies are deemed to correspond to a particular level and there is a position for which you are the right fit, then you may be able to begin your Public Service career at the managerial level.

Q5. Will the fact that I am not familiar with government processes be a barrier to my joining government?

A5. We do not expect candidates from outside government to be familiar with specific processes. If you join the Public Service, you will gain experience on the job and have access to mandatory as well as professional training. Over time, you will become familiar with processes and expectations. To consult current job opportunities within the federal public service, please see the Careers in the federal public service website.

Q6. I was educated in another country and I have no work experience in Canada. Do I have any chances of being selected for a position in the Public Service of Canada?

A6.Yes! Opportunities exist for all applicants that have the right education and competencies. An evaluation of your qualifications will take place as in all screening processes. Should you have a diploma or degree that is not recognized here in Canada, you can have your credentials evaluated at the following agency: Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) assists individuals, employers, professionals and organizations regarding foreign credential recognition and the assessment of diplomas and qualifications in Canada.

Q7. I have worked for many years in a specific field and would like to know whether I can make a career change upon joining government. Is this possible?

A7. As you are no doubt aware, PWGSC and the Government of Canada are involved in a wide range of business lines and types of work. Provided that you have the right education, competencies and transferable skills, there may be positions for you that match your skills and career aspirations.

Q8. What salary range should I expect upon joining the Public Service?

A8. Your starting salary would largely depend on your competencies, experience, test results and the availability of the positions that need to be filled. You may wish to consult the document Career Paths for a range of salaries, which include officer-entry level positions to the level below Director, which is also known as the Executive (EX) category for each of the groups of positions PWGSC needs to fill. Typically, mid-career professionals start at a higher salary level than entry level/junior employees.

Q9. Will I be able to transfer my pension fund and my vacation from my present employer to the government?

A9. Depending on who you are presently working for, it can be done. Employees of some provincial governments and government agencies are able to transfer their pension plan and vacation to the federal government. These would be looked at on an individual basis. Some private sector firms may have similar arrangements, but there, again, it would have to be looked at on a case-per-case basis.

Q10. How can I apply for a job?

A10. There are a few ways Canadians from outside and from within the public service can apply:

How to apply for a job in the federal public service: A practical guide for applicants

• Jobs open to external candidates are posted and new positions put up every day on Careers in the federal public service. (Public Servants can also apply to external processes).
• Jobs that are open to Public Servants are posted on the Publiservice Web site.