Five tips to kick start your public sector career

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) recently launched a multimedia recruitment campaign to fill over 300 posts within the department, and in anticipation of a worker shortage resulting from retiring baby boomers.

PWGSC assistant deputy minister of human resources Diane Lorenzato recently spoke with Intergovworld.com about the campaign. She also offered some valuable tips if you're looking to kick start your career in the public sector.

Do your homework. Check out the job application tips that are available on the PWGSC Web site, Lorenzato said. That section can help you understand how the job selection process in government works.

If you need help writing your resume and cover letter, this section might be worth checking out, as well.

"Every job has identified essential qualifications, and people are being screened based on how well they meet those essential qualifications," she said.

It's who you know. Take some time to speak with people who know what it's actually like to work within the public sector, and to learn about what opportunities exist within government.

The video testimonials of young government workers on the PWGSC site, referred to as "ambassadors", are an informative way to get an insider's view of working for the government.

"Having young people telling you as a potential recruit what it's like working in the government makes it much more relevant because it's not trying to convince you that it's a great place, it's people truly enjoying what they're doing, and telling you why they love working in the public service," said Lorenzato.

Lorenzato said that within the public service is a commitment to continuous learning and the ability to work for one of the biggest employers in Canada.

"When you look at the public service we're talking about more than 200,000 jobs, so you have tremendous room to grow," she said. "The other thing is a true commitment for employees to have a work/life balance - that's a key element."

If career development is what you seek, take heed. PWGSC has developed a series of development programs that involve a dedicated mentor, a development module and some in-class training.

Continued:Know your strengths

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