No. A resume is part of a current job solicitation and should only be submitted with all other materials that are required based on the job posting. Resumes that are not submitted as part of the application packet will not be accepted.

After a job is posted, how long does it take to hire an employee?

This varies with each position. In general, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 2 to 6 months depending on whether there are internal applicants who meet requirements of the position. Other factors include number of candidates, the availability of panel members or candidates, the length of time for approval, along with reference checks, candidate negotiations and background security check requirements.

What are the basic steps of employee recruitment?

Completed application packages must be submitted prior to the advertised closing date and time to be considered, otherwise they will be excluded from consideration. Acknowledgments are sent to all applicants within a week of the closing date of the application filing period. This will be the only notification for candidates not moving forward to the testing/interview phase of the recruitment.

If a position is part of a union bargaining unit, internal applicants who meet minimum requirements will be interviewed first. External applications will be screened to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for applicable position. The most qualified will be invited to participate in the testing/interview phase of the recruitment. Notification of the time and location of a test and/or interview will occur three to seven working days in advance by phone, e-mail or regular mail.

Reference checks will be conducted after the testing and interviewing for the final candidates.

When the candidate is recommended for selection, approvals from management must be obtained before a job offer is made.

Background/security checks and appropriate medical assessment will be conducted.

Candidates that participate in the testing/interview phase that are not selected are notified upon the conclusion of the recruitment.

What types of test or interview can I expect to encounter when I apply for employment?

Many different methods of assessing candidates for employment are used, including written tests, writing exercises, performance tests, simulation, presentation exercises and panel interviews.

How are my qualifications assessed?

Your qualifications are assessed based on the written documentation that you provide when applying. Panel members use your interview responses, along with other information such as your application packet, resume, references and other exam processes to further assess your qualifications.

How can I do my best in an interview?

Interviewing can be a stressful process. We like to make each candidate feel as comfortable as possible. The following tips may be helpful:

• Provide specific information about your background showing why you are qualified for the job.
  
  
• Listen carefully and respond directly to the question. Ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase a question if it doesn’t seem clear. All questions are job-related.
  
  
• Be concise. Remember you only have a limited period of time during your interview.
  
  
• Be specific and cite examples. General statements do not provide enough information regarding your qualifications. For example:
  
  Education: “I have a BA degree.” Your answer should be more specific – include school name, major, date, area of specialization and any certificate.
  
  Work Experience: “I have five years of secretarial experience.” Again, your responses should be specific – include industry, work assignments such as word processing, mail distribution or screening phone calls. Avoid describing projects or assignments performed by a company, a section or a group only. Specify your role and responsibilities related to that project.
  
  
• Be honest and be yourself.

What is probation and how long does it last?

The successful candidate will serve a probationary period of six months. Upon passing probation, the candidate will be considered a regular employee.