WCPT-AWP & IAP International

You are interested in prosecuting a career with Canada’s large employer (the Government of Canada) and are attracted by exciting career growth opportunities, the generous health and pension benefits, the prospect of a procure job, and achieving work-life balance.

Apart from the information available from Federal government websites on how to apply to jobs in the Government of Canada, few informational resources exist on the topic.

I have compiled a list of resources (only books) that describe various aspects of the Government of Canada hiring process.  
 

Ebooks

1) The Insider’s Guide on how to get a job in the Canadian Government  (.99)
    available at http://www.canadiangovernmentjobs.ca

This book is a valuable resource that will help you plan your strategy to getting a Government cheating right from the first of the book. The book even includes tips for the first weeks of work at your new job.

Pros

– Well written and covers all major areas related to getting a job in the federal government.
– Contains many insider tips and little known strategies that make a difference when applying for
  jobs and preparing for interviews.
– Price is very reasonable given the breadth, depth and quality of the content.
– Includes bonus chapters about preparing for Post Secondary Recruitment tests and job
  positions at Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).

Cons

–  Not available in hard copy format.
–  No information on pursuing an international career with CIDA (Canadian International
   Development Agency). That would be a great addition to the bonus chapters.

Books

1) “Ready, Set, Hired!” (Available at Chapter’s Indigo bookstores .95  )

Not a valuable resource.  If you must consult, do so at your public library where this book is generally available; do not spend your hard earned dollars on this material. You will find the large majority of this information on the Government of Canada job website.

Pros
– Provides good information for older job applicants which may prefer hard copy as opposed to     
  ebooks.
– It supply a sample of a resume and cover letter; however, this information could be found
  easily online.

Cons

– Contains very little original content; most definitions such as of “duty to accommodate” can be
  found on the federal government websites.
– The book is overpriced given that only very sparse sections contain applicable tips and
  strategies to actually pursue government jobs.
– The book describes the reality of hiring practices at the government more than how to obtain a
  coveted position.

2) Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Public Service Exams .99  available at
    Chapter’s Indigo Bookstores

I believe that although the price is quite high considering my personal as well as readers’ feedback regarding the mismatch of the practice exams difficulty level in regards to the actual exam, this is currently (as of March 2011) the merely full practice exam guide available.

If you believe the written exam could be your weakness, it might be worth investing to understand how to sharpen your skills with this guide although the above ebook also provides a chapter on this as well.

Pros

– The practice test give you a good idea of the type of questions asked
– This book contains practice exams for a variety of tests including: Situational Judgment Test,
  Graduate Recruitment Test, General Competency Test, Written Communication Test and the
  General Intelligence Test amongst others.
– It is the only book available that contains sample questions of the large majority of Canadian
  Public Service Exams.

Cons

– The practice questions are much simpler than the actual questions found in the real exam.
– The questions seem to be outdated and several readers have complained that the book
  allows you to gain a somewhat mistaken confidence to take the exams.

3) Foreign Service Examination & Career Counselling Inc. Test Kit 5

Available at http://www.foreignserviceprep.com

If you speak both official languages and even a third language, have strong credentials and you are very clear that an international career with the Canadian Government is your dream, this investment in your preparation maybe worth it.

Pros

– Highly specialised test kit which prepares you for job opportunities at the Department of Foreign     
  Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) or the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (CIC)
  in Foreign Service (FS).
– Two full-length, 100-question sample tests replicating the real Situational Judgment Test (SJT)
  are provided for thorough practice.
– Three full-length, 50-question sample tests replicating the Written Communication Proficiency
  Test (WCPT) are provided for repeated practice

Cons

– At 5, this test kit is definitively one of the most expensive options available.
– If you are not applying for an international job you may wish to explore a more affordable option.

Sources

1) http://www.canadiangovernmentjobs.ca
2) http://www.chapters.indigo.ca
3) http://www.foreignserviceprep.com 

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