Career Change - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

MJK · 07-06-2009, 06:28 PM

Well right now I am a teacher in Nunavut but am thinking of moving back to Newfoundland in a couple years. I am also thinking of making a career change.

Ideally I would like to land a job with the federal government and would entertain the possibility of taking a job in Nunavut hoping to transfer to NL in the future.

Does anyone have any insight on how I would search for gov't jobs? Has anyone gone through the process before?

Thanks.

Ozy_Flame · 07-06-2009, 06:34 PM

That's kind of a tough transfer to make since both markets are pretty small.

However, just check out the Government of Canada's job site. It should help.

RW99 · 07-06-2009, 06:57 PM

Best of luck to you. Depending on the job, you can be in the applicant process for a long time. It was 11 months for the last job I applied for.

I think they eased their requirements for where you live. Usually they list the postal codes for who can apply. So I guess keep an eye out for the jobs that don't list a specific location of residence?

Bagor · 07-06-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

However, just check out the Government of Canada's job site. It should help.

Yeah, and if applying via that route be aware that for many positions often the initial screening process is computerized. You could be the strongest applicant yet not make it past the initial stage if you haven't got the keywords in. This is from a conversation with someone in HR.

So basically take the keywords from attributes sought, skills, experience etc mentioned in the job description and make sure they're in any application answers (if asked), cover letter AND your Resume.

Phanuthier · 07-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bagor

Yeah, and if applying via that route be aware that for many positions often the initial screening process is computerized. You could be the strongest applicant yet not make it past the initial stage if you haven't got the keywords in. This is from a conversation with someone in HR.

So basically take the keywords from attributes sought, skills, experience etc mentioned in the job description and make sure they're in any application answers (if asked), cover letter AND your Resume.

yup i've heard that one too

something as simple as "skills req'd: windowsXP" and if you just write "windows" it might not go through screening. EIther computerized, or someone from a diff field is manually chugging through a thousand resumes and filters out yours because it says "windows"

blankall · 07-06-2009, 10:54 PM

I'm not trying to discourage you, but if you can't find a job have you considered going to grad school?

Phanuthier · 07-06-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blankall

I'm not trying to discourage you, but if you can't find a job have you considered going to grad school?

I don't know about your specific field (teaching) but when I worked briefly for the military as a civilian employee, I was given a chart saying x many of years and y level of degree gives you this particular "grade" which you can command this position or that salary. I don't know if that helps, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

bcb · 07-07-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I don't know about your specific field (teaching) but when I worked briefly for the military as a civilian employee, I was given a chart saying x many of years and y level of degree gives you this particular "grade" which you can command this position or that salary. I don't know if that helps, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

If he's a teacher, he knows all about the grid.

CaptainCrunch · 07-07-2009, 12:21 AM

isn't there pretty much a freeze on federal government jobs? Pretty tough time to make a career change.

HalifaxDrunk · 07-07-2009, 07:29 AM

Check out Career Beacon for jobs in the Atlantic provinces, here is the NFLD & Lab LINK.

This is where almost all Provincial Gov't jobs are posted and lots of Federal ones as well. Of course you have to search through everything else but it's a starting point.

Peanut · 07-07-2009, 08:11 AM

Did you know the Fed gives 100% salary as mat leave pay for the entire YEAR?!?! That is nuts.

Not a big benefit to you I guess (unless you were interested in paternity leave at some point), but damn... I sometimes wish I worked for the federal government when I hear stuff like that.

awildermode · 07-07-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

isn't there pretty much a freeze on federal government jobs? Pretty tough time to make a career change.

pretty much a hiring freeze across the board because of the economy.

also, economy effects career changes. this is (unfortunately) the time for lay offs. you may find it easier to land another teaching job, since it is summer time.

i feel bad for recent grads, as jobs are hard to come by now and 'seasoned employees' are sticking around because of the economy. might have to settle on being a temp for a while.

good luck!

jeremywilhelm · 07-07-2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJK

Well right now I am a teacher in Nunavut but am thinking of moving back to Newfoundland in a couple years. I am also thinking of making a career change.

Ideally I would like to land a job with the federal government and would entertain the possibility of taking a job in Nunavut hoping to transfer to NL in the future.

Does anyone have any insight on how I would search for gov't jobs? Has anyone gone through the process before?

Thanks.

Probably better to move to Sask or Alberta man. NL is not starving for workers right now.