How to apply for a Government of Canada job

• Create one account. You can't merge accounts later.
• Only apply if you have every essential qualification in the job posting.
• Asset qualifications are helpful, not essential. Apply even if you have none of them.
• Save as you go. GC Jobs doesn't save your application for you.

Screening questions ask whether you have each qualification. Don't just say you have the experience or education. Give details and examples.

If a question uses "and", show that you have every skill or experience it lists.

The Treasury Board Secretariat's advice on applying is to explain the what, when, where and how of each qualification. It warns that candidates won't be contacted about missing information.

A STAR answer covers all of that. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result.

If you're screened in, you may be asked to write a test or a series of tests. You may also be invited to an interview.

Read the "Intent of the Process" in the posting. It says whether a pool of qualified people is being created.

Near the end, you give references to the manager and go through security screening.

In an advertised external process, the Public Service Employment Act sets an order of preference. It applies to people who meet the essential qualifications:

1. people receiving a pension because of war service
2. veterans and survivors of veterans
3. Canadian citizens and permanent residents, when someone who is neither is also a candidate

Veterans released for medical reasons attributable to service can get priority over all other people, for a set period.

When a job needs both official languages, it is a bilingual position. It sets a level for three skills: reading, writing and oral interaction.

Each skill is rated A (beginner), B (intermediate) or C (advanced). You may take a second language evaluation to show your level.

Second language evaluation results are valid for 5 years.

Since January 2025, the Treasury Board's Directive on Security Screening sets the rules. Every position needs at least reliability status.

• Reliability status: checks 5 years of your background.
• Secret: checks 10 years of your background.
• Top Secret: only for Canadian citizens.

Here is a made-up answer that explains the what, when, where and how.

The answer says yes, then proves it. The question asks about more than 50 people, so the answer gives the numbers.

Written by Seal the Offer from these pages, last checked on 1 November 2026. Rules change, so check the employer's own page and the job ad before you apply.

• Applying for Government of Canada jobs: Before you apply · Public Service Commission of Canada
• Applying for Government of Canada jobs: How to apply · Public Service Commission of Canada
• Applying for Government of Canada jobs: What to expect · Public Service Commission of Canada
• Understanding the application process: Job opportunities · Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
• Public Service Employment Act · Justice Laws Website
• Language requirements for candidates · Public Service Commission of Canada
• Assessment of official languages in the appointment process · Public Service Commission of Canada
• Directive on Security Screening · Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat