Winning Government Job Competitions

Overview

Getting into government or promoted within it is not easy, but the ability to succeed in competitions is a skill that can be learned and mastered. This course is a combined job-application and career strategy boot-camp that demystifies the government competition process and career ladder.

The course will give you the practical skills to help you succeed in each stage of the competition process. You will learn how to read and interpret a statement of merit criteria to identify jobs worth applying to and answer screening questions effectively.

You will also learn how to prepare for exams and ace interview questions. Strategies for managing your references and avoiding common interview pitfalls will be shared.

Get strategic advice for your next promotion or your first government job and walk away with the tools to develop an individual career roadmap that suits your current and future goals.

Learning Outcomes

• Determine which competitions are worth applying to and when lateral moves are preferred options
• Get screened-in, prepare for exams, predict and practice interview questions
• Structure your answers
• Manage your stress
• Coach your references
• Understand career pathways that work
• Develop your “experience inventory” so you keep getting screened-in and promoted

Audience

• All public servants (including aspiring executives) interested in career advancement
• Private sector and non-profit employees, and graduating students interested in entering the public

Duration

6 hours

Cost

• $655 (plus tax)

Featured Instructor

Andrés J. Drew (B.A., B.C.L., LL.B., M.Sc.) is a bilingual lawyer with more than 15 years’ experience at the intersection of law, policy, regulation, and economics. He has a strong track record of synthesizing and communicating complex issues, negotiating with stakeholders, briefing, successfully selling ideas in large organizations, and navigating organizational hiring processes. His unique ability to engage audiences provides a rich environment for classroom discussion and learning.

I feel more prepared for future job competitions. The STAR method and TBS guidelines were very useful as I didn't consider using either of them before the course.  

Sessions