This is my guide to succeeding in Canadian Federal Government Competitions, part of a series of guides to government that I have planned. I have developed multiple versions of the guide over the last 18 years and I still consider it to be a work in progress.

Cover page - Be the duck
PolyWogg's HR Guide

The Guide has evolved over the years:

  • 2004: A PDF version that I used for presentations;
  • 2005: The first prose version on my site and only included a subset of the full list of topics;
  • 2006: Update of some sections;
  • 2007-2012: Updates of some sections;
  • 2014: Complete update and expansion;
  • 2017: Targeted updates and expansion;
  • 2020: Partial update of some sections;
  • 2023: Partial update of some sections.

For 2025, I’m beginning a full update of the Guide, and until it is “done”, the latest versions will be available on the website and as individual downloads; the slide deck and the full Guide will not be compiled until the end. Click on the links below to get the latest versions of the chapters.

In the meantime, if you want the latest Powerpoint deck, you can click on the file name below to see a pop-up PDF version in your browser or click on the Download button to save a copy to your device.

SECTIONCHAPTERTITLEYEARDOWNLOAD
SLIDES
PROSEDOWNLOAD
SINGLE
DOWNLOAD
GUIDE
1. Welcome1Who is PolyWogg?2023HR-Guide-DeckIntroduction
2Be the Duck: A metaphor for success2023(see above)(see above)
3The Right Fit: Is Government right for you?2023Understanding yourself

Types of jobs
2. A formal selection process4Overview2017(see above)Overview of the process
5Searching for government jobs2017(see above)Find jobs
6The application process2017(see above)Applications
7Written exams2017(see above)Written exams
8Interviews2017(see above)Interviews
9References2017(see above)References
10Language tests2017Language tests
11Security clearance
12Pools (including fully- and partially-assessed)(see above)
13Informal feedback
14Best fit interviews
15Letters of offer
3. Other types of processes /
informal situations
16Student hiring (FSWEP, co-op)
17Casual
18Terms
19Bridging / conversion
20Assignments or deployments
4. Specialized topics21Spotlight: Inventories
22Spotlight: Executive processes
23Spotlight: Top 10 competencies for EC
24Spotlight: Top 10 competencies for AS
25Spotlight: Top 10 competencies for PM
5. Congratulations, you’re a duck!26Managing your career

I’ll update the table of contents as I finish the various chapters and sub-chapters.

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Guest
maryam
17 days ago

Hi Paul,
i have an upcoming exam on vidcruiter where i have to answer by recording myself, which seems really stressful considering I probably won’t have a lot of time to prep:
3 “interview” questions, 4 merit criteria assessed:

– integrity and respect
– working effectively with others
– showing initiative and being action-oriented
– thinking things through

since there are only 3 questions, which merit criterias do you think will likely be combined in one question?
in my opinion, thinking things through and showing initiative will likely be assessed separately, while demonstrating integrity and respect could be matched with teamwork? what do you think?
also, they haven’t mentioned if it’ll be scenario-based or direct questions, any advice on how to prep?

Guest
John
1 month ago

Hi Paul,

Ive been in a partially qualified pool for 2 weeks and had a 45 min interview with a manager. From what he told me the next steps would be SLE and security clearance (give or take 6 months). Maybe I’m reading too much into this, but am I fast tracked to be hired ?

Guest
John
1 month ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the insight. I haven’t received yet any news for the SLE test however it’s only been a week. I’m playing things around in my head now and maybe I should have done better.

Is it normal to have only the best fit interview after being placed in the pool ?

Guest
John
1 day ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul,

Is it acceptable to put HR in the previous supervisor information if I don’t recall that information for the secret clearance check ?
I have tried to fill it up to the best of my ability.

Guest
Christian
3 months ago

Hello Paul,

My interview went well and I received the feedback that I have been selected an hour after. I also received my CIDP and now the letter of offer is pending security checks.
What is the probability to be rejected at this stage ? Do you have an idea of security concerns that could affect the process ?

Thank you,

Guest
Christian
3 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Thank you Paul, it’s clear enough.
The level of security for my case is reliability.
I lived abroad, in a single country (Africa) prior to move to Canada. At the time I moved to Canada, I submitted the equivalent of criminal records report from my country to IRCC. Does the Department refer to the IRCC to pull the data, or it goes itself to the foreign government ?

Thank you,

Christian

Guest
Christian
3 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul,

Thank you very much for your valuable inputs.

Best regards,

Guest
Christian
2 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hello Paul,

I got my clearance two days ago. How many times it typically takes for the HR to finalize the LoO and send it out ?

Thank you,

Christian

Guest
Christian
1 month ago
Reply to  Paul

Thank you, Paul. And thanks again for the heads-up.
The admin told me that it typically takes 10-12 weeks. so it aligns perfectly with what you just mentioned.
I’ll keep you posted.
Besides, I received my security clearance (reliability status) in 20 working days despite the fact that I lived abroad. This is to confirm what you said that if there’s nothing to worry about in one’s profile it goes quickly.

Guest
Christian
1 month ago
Reply to  Paul

Hello Paul,

I received the LoO a week a half after the security clearance was issued. My effective start date is set to April 24th, so exactly 8 weeks after receiving the clearance.

Thanks for all your guidance throughout my hiring process.

Christian

Guest
Christian
3 months ago

Hello Paul,

Just wanted to add a detail – maybe not relevant: it is an entry-level job.

Thank you,

Guest
Christian
3 months ago

Hi Paul,

I am enrolled in a EL-03 process. The language requirements in the job posting is not clearly indicating the requirement for that specific position (in Gatineau). It is printed as follow:

Various language requirements
English essential
French essential
English or French essential
Bilingual imperative BBB/BBB

Do you know what could exactly be evaluated when it comes to the SLE ?

Thank you,

Guest
Christian
3 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul,

Your feedback is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Guest
Sam
3 months ago

Hi Paul,

There is a job posting that I am interested in and I am having a hard time fully understanding one of the essential qualifications “Significant experience in managing and developing management frameworks, business processes, procedures, directives and/or standards related to key strategic, operational or business matters.” (The link in case you are interested: https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?poster=2276100).
At first hand it appears to be business planning and management related which is an area I do not have exposure to. I am a researcher who mostly conduct various research and analysis as well as responding to adhoc requests in my day to day. However, the statement reads key strategic, operational “OR” business matters which makes me believe that there are some flexibilities in meeting the qualification depending on how it is interpreted. The issue I have is that I am at a loss trying to understand what it means exactly to have experience in “managing and developing management frameworks, business processes, procedures, directives and/or standards related to key strategic, operational or business matters.” I tried to look for examples or other job postings online but could not find much.

Would you be able to give any insight as to what kind of experience the post is really inferring to and some applicable experience examples in ways one could possibly supplement to the experience without particular business, program managing experience?

If not, are there any resources that you would recommend for interpreting Jobs.gc.ca essential experiences that would give further guidance to what different essential experience means in the GoC context and examples that can assist my situation in any way?

I appreciate your time and assistance in advance.

Guest
Jenna
4 months ago

I have a EC 6 interview coming up for a supervisory position. I love supervising and it is something I am passionate about. I haven’t done an interview in over 6 years, coupled with me wanting to get this job is making my anxiety level go up 10000%.

How would I prepare for an interview like this? I haven’t received the competencies they will be testing in the interview so I don’t even know where to begin 🙁

Guest
Jenna
4 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Thank you for your time in writing this. It was extremely helpful and helped calm my nerves. 🥹

Guest
Ryan
5 months ago

Hi Paul, question, when I’m answering the Essential Qualifications and I put how much time I spent within a particular role, what if my experience for that essential qualification was only for a portion of my time in that role? Or I only had one or two instances during that time where the experience truly applies? Example, I’m applying for a project management 3 position. I worked as a forensics analyst that also oversaw the server room and I worked on IT related projects sporadically as lead, would I include the entire time I worked as an analyst as my experience? Because technically that wouldn’t be true, it wasn’t a main function of the role, I just happened to get assigned the projects.

Guest
Ryan
4 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Thanks Paul, I pulled the trigger on the application. If nothing else comes of it, it was at least good practice and gives me a potential template to work with in the future.

Guest
Myriam
6 months ago

hi Paul,

I have an interview coming up assessing two competencies. One of them is
: Demonstrate integrity and respect.
can you please help me prepare, any advise or guidance ?
thank you a lot

Guest
Kamal
6 months ago

Hello Paul,
I got a written exam coming up for junior compensation advisor role with RCMP and the evaluation is for attention to detail competency using MS word and adobe software. Is there anything i can do to prepare. I have read the definition of attention to detail on google.
Thank you in advance

Guest
Kamal
6 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Thank you for the wish and advice both. The experience required was client service delivery and role duties involved reviewing analysis of documents and responding back to clients. Nothing Technical was mentioned.
Thank you again and I will keep preparing.

Guest
Kamal
6 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hello,
I would do that. I appreciate your help and support

Guest
Georgina
6 months ago

Hello Paul,
I hope your day is going great. I applied for a role and was asked to fill out a Candidate Achievement Record (CAR), which will be used to assess if I fit into the SOMC. The email seemed to have specifications similar to those of exam request emails. The CAR is an assessment tool.

Question 1: Have you ever heard of this? Should I study for it like I would a regular exam? Since it is a tool, should I expect anything different than I would get on a regular exam?

For context, I will be tested on:
K2 – Knowledge of the machinery of Government
PS1 – Demonstrates integrity and respect
PS2 – Thinking things through
PS3 – Showing initiative and being action-oriented
PS4 – Working effectively with others

Question 2: For K2, except for the policy development process, what else could I focus on to learn about the machinery of government?

Question 3: Is working effectively with others (P4) another way of saying teamwork, collaboration, or both, or is it entirely a different competency? Usually, I can find the descriptions on TBS or other government sites, but I have not found them for this. I may also be overthinking this..lol.

Thank you!

I look forward to your reply.

Guest
Georgina
6 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Thanks!

Guest
marielle
7 months ago

Hi Paul,

I am taking an exam in a few days but I can’t find anything on the internet about Judgment and Discretion. Can you help?
thanks in advance for the guidance

thank you

Guest
Layla
8 months ago

Hello,

I news advise and couldn’t think of anyone else rather than the legendary Polywogg.

I suffer from
* Asperger syndrome
* Severe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with impulsivity and emotional dysregulation

Accommodations for exams within central public service have generally been sufficient. Sometimes, I was granted 50% extra time, which is adequate given the initial time allocated. Once, I was given 24 hours.

However, in my current agency, the situation is different. The time allocated for tests is very short, and even with 50% extra time, I cannot produce coherent responses.

Recently, two scenarios assessed planning and organization (planning and organizing a two day event considering all provided information, with precise details and all measures to be taken) and a second scenario that assessed attention to detail.

The time given was one hour to evaluate four skills:
– Attention to detail
– Planning and organization
– Written communication
– Use of Word and adherence to instructions

Given the limited time and the task requirements, I lost my composure. I was unable to think or reason properly. Writing two detailed texts in 1.5 hours is impossible for me. Additionally, my emotional dysregulation completely unsettled me, and I even started to tremble. I believe this exam is absolutely not suited to my limitations, and adding 30 minutes is not an adequate measure since the initial time was not adequate at all. I took 7 exams these past few weeks and even when I was offered 30% it suited my needs and I had enough time to think and write.
I would like to know what my options are. I think something was wrong with that particular exam.

P.S. I do not yet have the results.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Guest
Layla
8 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul, thanks for being honest with me. I forgot to mention I have been acting in that job for 08 months and I do it really well and the manager is more than happy with the work I do. The job doesn’t require to do anything quickly. it’s an AS-01 admin job and my substantive is an admin job as well.
I have been applying to similar jobs and even got qualified in pools at higher levels. This particular process was with the agency I work for (CFIA) and I am almost certain the time allocated for the task was not right at all but who am I to say that. Too bad.
Thanks again

Guest
Layla
19 days ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul,

Update: I was successful, made the pool, and got hired.
On top of my limitations, I am a perfectionist, and it really felt like I didn’t have time to refine every single detail of the scenarios and steps.
I guess that wasn’t what they were looking for!!!

Have a good day! 🙂

Guest
Alice
8 months ago

Hi Paul, thanks for this HR guide.
I was screened out of a process because I didn’t meet the “thinking things through” criterion, and I’m really confused. The question was about how to prepare for a presentation of a project I developed that could benefit other departments, and I was confident that I covered everything necessary. Could it be because I exceeded the recommended word count by 50 words, or might there be another reason? I requested informal feedback but was denied because it’s an external process. I really want to understand in order to prepare better next time because this criterion seems really tricky.

Thank you

Guest
Alice
8 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul,

Since it was a recommendation and not an instruction, I didn’t think much of it. The wording is usually more specific, such as “maximum word count: 500.” Should I assume next time that a recommendation is actually an instruction that was poorly worded?

Thanks a lot for the detailed feedback. It really helps put things into perspective.

Thank you!

Guest
Marielle
8 months ago

Hi Paul,

I wanted to get your opinion on something. I recently took an exam and I wasn’t sure if I fully understood the instructions. I have two more exams coming up that will test the same skills, and I need some advice.

The questions were presented as scenarios, with a main question and a sub-question for each scenario. Each question ends with “what would you do?” The instructions required answering each question in 400 words. I provided a single 400-word response that covered both questions.

My question is: should I have written 400 words for the main question and 400 words for the sub-question?

The instructions did not seem very clear to me, especially given that I an autistic and that complicates things for me. Am I overthinking this ?

here are the instructions :

You must answer nine (7) questions and four (3) sub-questions. For each question, the competencies assessed are indicated.  
3) For each question, we recommend that your answer be between 250 and 400 words.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Last edited 8 months ago by Marielle
Guest
Alice
8 months ago

Hi Paul,

I am curious about something. I will be taking several written exams for six selection processes in the upcoming days, and I would like to know if it’s acceptable to use headlines when answering questions.

I understand that I need to structure my answers using the STAR method. While I am not using headlines for the Situation, Task, Action, and Results sections, I would like to use a few headlines to address the “Action” section specifically. I am unsure if this approach might lead to losing points.

For example:

– To Plan Effectively: [my answer]
– Time Management: [my answer ]
– Tools Used: [my answer]

Thank you for your guidance.

Best regards,
Alice

Guest
Barry Ajay
8 months ago

I went through a Selection Process recently. After several tests and interviews, I was told verbally that I was successful and that I will join others who succeeded to start a special training the following month. Two weeks later I received my PRI, but the hiring manager changed and the new hiring manager then called me and told me that I did not make the list! I want to believe that a PRI is a confirmation that I had been offered a job. Is PRI a confirmation of a job offer or not? Should I contact the Head of HR of the Department to protest this denial? Please advice me. Thank you.

Guest
Barry Ajay
8 months ago
Reply to  Paul

I got a letter of congratulations and I did the security checks as requested. Here is part of the message: “Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to join our ….Academy: …. We believe that you will make a valuable addition to our team. This offer is conditional upon the individual obtaining a security clearance. Now that you have been selected, we would like to initiate the HR paperwork, with the objective of starting the cohort during the first
week of May. If the target date changes, we will advise you as soon as we know.” What do you think? Thanks.

Guest
Ana
9 months ago

Hi Paul, I applied for a PM 5/6 position eight months ago, I was invited to a written examination four months ago and last month I was invited for a role-play/oral interview for a PM 5 position. I was asked to bring references, proof of education and photo ID. When I arrived, the HR assistant got me to complete the screening authorization form before the oral interview. She said it takes 5-7 weeks for a reliability status check to be completed. My oral interview was conducted by three people, two were HR staff who were on contracts (retired folks) hired specifically to help with recruitment and the third person was an Indigenous Manager. I was told the process was to create a pool. I walked away feeling very good about the interview and my references were called shortly after. There seemed to be a rush to get my references completed and they asked me to help facilitate because the contract end date of the HR staff was approaching. That was three weeks ago. I followed up with the HR assistant to find out more about my reliability status check and whether I would need to go in for fingerprinting. I didn’t get a response from her but the following day I got an email from the western region HR recruitment centre notifying me that I have been placed in a pool and that I may be appointed for a position at a future date. HR staff from ISC, Northern Affairs and ESDC were cc’d and I was given the name of a Director at ISC to contact should I have questions. Competencies that I was tested on were experience working with FNMI populations, demonstrating integrity and respect, strong oral and written communication, strong knowledge of FNMI issues and how they connect to broader Canadian society and action oriented/achieves results. Can you provide some insight into my chances? I felt strongly that I would be offered a position immediately after especially because a manager was part of the panel that interviewed me. I know I was expecting to be placed in a pool but I still feel disappointed. Appreciate your insight.

Guest
Ana
9 months ago
Reply to  Paul

I appreciate your response Paul and it certainly puts things into perspective for me. As an external candidate, what suggestions do you have for me in terms of networking to let managers know that I am in a pool. I don’t have access to the Jobs site you mentioned. My application for a PM-04 was retained for a similar position in another department. Should I email the contact and let them know that I am in the pool for a PM-5 position and mention the process #? Or the fact that they are different levels would mean that I shouldn’t bother.

Guest
Ana
8 months ago
Reply to  Paul

Hi Paul, I guess your advice worked. Last night, I cold-emailed a few managers (4 in total) who work for the directorates I am interested under Indigenous Services Canada. I informed them I was in a fully qualified PM-5 pool and this morning I received an invitation from a manager from my second most desired department for a ‘best fit’ chat tomorrow morning. The caveat is that it’s a term position until March of next year with the possibility of extension. In my application I had mentioned a minimum of a one-year contract, but like many applicants who don’t want to see their efforts go to waste if they are never selected from a pool, I responded with a ‘yes’ for the call.

I have been in my current role for six months at a non-profit as a manager (permanent). I have great health benefits but pension matching won’t kick in until I’ve worked for a year and it won’t be nearly as good as a government pension plan which I believe kicks in after two years. The PM-5 step one will pay 10K more than what I make now. The workplace culture is decent and my plan was to stay here for a year (or until I find something more interesting because I’m comfortable) and then move on because I like my colleagues but the work isn’t engaging enough for me.

Some considerations before I get into questions.

1) I have significant medical costs due to a high cost drug ($2200/month) which are fully covered under my current health plan.
2) The contract will be for roughly seven months by the time all the paperwork goes through if I’m offered the position – that sounds really short to me. Why bother?
2) I’m an external candidate with not too much networking power other than cold-emailing managers.
3) I don’t have a ton to lose if my contract isn’t extended beyond six months but I’ll be annoyed that I left a decent workplace culture with great benefits for nothing to show for in the end. And I’m not sure what my options will be at that time.
4) half of my competencies are specialized to work with FNMI populations and that would further limit my options for other offers ( I think)

So my questions to you are:

1) what questions would you ask the manager in the ‘best fit’ call to get more information on job security?
2) should I take the leap not knowing whether the health benefits will cover my medical expenses?
3) are there any negative implications if my contract ends up being less than six months if paperwork is delayed (I read somewhere that less than/greater than six months matters in some way but I’m not sure.)
4) As an external candidate, what are my odds of getting a permanent position offer from another hiring manager, considering I’ve been in the pool for 3 weeks. The managers I emailed last night are from departments that ‘excite’ me (4 out of possibly 8 managers in those departments). I haven’t emailed the managers from departments that I’m less keen on working in, yet (probably another 10 or so).
5) the term position is in my second favorite department and I feel confident that I’ll enjoy it more than my current job but I have no idea what the workplace culture would be like.
6) budget (are they always cutting?), upcoming elections etc – can you provide some insight into whether these should play into my decision.

Apologies for the lengthy email and looking forward to receiving your response.

Thanks,
Ana

Guest
Ram Basco
9 months ago

Hi Paul, I’m going to a new LES interview, and besides the usual abilities and competencies, they listed:
– Demonstrated expertise with social media, such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
– Proficiency in MS-office.
I couldn’t find any references on questions about social media and MS Office. Do you have any guidance on what kind of questions they will be asking for this? Thanks again!

Guest
Sarah
9 months ago

Hi Paul, I am taking a written exam in a few days for an AS-01 position regarding the ability to research, interpret, and apply organizational directives and policies can you advise what kind of questions they will be asking for this? Thank you!