I'm not sure if there are actual quota numbers, but many, many Federal Gov't jobs are restricted so that only minorities - that is, anyone who isn't a middle-aged white male - can apply. Very, very common, happens all the time. Personally, I was screened out of a number of Fed. jobs because my profile didn't fit the required screening criteria.
Obviously you've never tried to apply for the Federal public service. Doesn't work like that. (Don't know about the Provincial public service, I never worked for them.) They have to apply like anybody else, and any such "pull" that they may enjoy is specifically screened out.
Did you really think I would let "finding the back door" go unmentioned? LMAO.
No the Feds have moved away from that. Now the final hiring decision is on "best fit". This allows managers a reasonable degree of flexibility in making the final decision. An applicant is still assessed fairly mechanically during the steps prior to the interview, as you describe, however the manager is not obligated to hire the applicant with the highest score. So long as a candidate is deemed suitable for the job, the manager can pick anyone from the final group of candidates who are found suitable. They must be able to defend the hired person as the "best fit", meaning that when all the various considerations on the statement of merit criteria are taken into consideration, the winner is the one deemed most suitable for the job. If any of the losers complain, all the government has to do is outline why the winner was suitable for the job, not why the loser was rejected. This allows people to screen out someone who gets top marks on any written tests but seems to be not so great on the less tangible assessment criteria. Its still fair to all applicants, but not so restrictive.
Yes, everything is graded, and it's crucial to customize your resume for each position. Another point is not always does the best candidate get hired why because it's graded on points and many suffer interview anxiety (human condition). Unfortunately, I don't believe there is a perfect system anywhere on how to hire. OP remember many of the positions are contracts.
Yes it can be a bit stupefying, depending on what you do for a living. You won't get rich working for the government, but you won't get fired either. Job security has an amazingly calming effect on one's psyche!!! If you are working in industry in a non-incentivized job, say a standard issue middle manager, and aren't on the executive track within your company, you can likely have a similar or better career in government - same general working conditions (office wanker) with better job security. If you are a hyper-successful MBA type who is doing really well in the private sector (say $150K and up), forget the government. Executives in the public service work just as hard as executive in the private sector, but for a pittance, and absolute pittance. They are suckers. Best is to peak at one or maybe two pay grades below EX. You will earn six figures or just under, but have a life outside of work.
Just a point about FPS or OPS, you can be fired. It is up to the management to keep proper documentation. What happens to a FPS or OPS employee can be a long drawn out process letters, supervision, suspension, demotion and termination. In 22.5 years, I've seen it done to superintendents, senior management, middle management, and numerous members of the frontlines of government services. It's a paycheque, but really not one that you can live the life of Rielly on. You can live better than comfortable if you manage money well in the household, have good personal financial advisors, good accountant or tax group, and make smart moves. Often renovation can be keep a huge amount of $ in your book as an observation.
Do you know for a fact that you were screened out because of your ethnicity or age? And how do you know?
I spoke to the recruiter who told me right to my face that I would not be considered because I did not fit the ethnic or gender profile required.
This is very true of one guy I know... he's been working in the public service a good 10-15 years. I forgot about him until now. I don't know if he is on my side though, as I banged his step-daughter after meeting her in a 12-step meeting. He was rather cool with me the last time we saw each other.
Interesting indeed. I am surprised this is legal.
I know for a fact that at the City of Toronto it is all about who you're related to and that's simply the culture. Wonder if Ford will ever address that issue head on... I've heard many good things about the Province after they implemented the reforms as referenced earlier in this thread.
