Parks Canada job application tips

There are a number of steps involved in the Parks Canada hiring process. This document will help you navigate the complex world of applying for a job with Parks Canada.

Step 1: The job posting

Once you see a job posted in the newspaper or online, read the job ad carefully. The posting will provide you with the information you need to develop your application package. This information will include:

1) The position

• What is the job? 
• How much the job pays – the annual salary or hourly wage. 
• How long the job will last. The posting will state the type of job: indeterminate, seasonal or term. 
  • Indeterminate: a position with no fixed duration and the employee works year-round; 
  • Seasonal: a position with no fixed duration; however, the employee works only a certain period of time each year; 
  • Determinate (Term): a position with a fixed duration and no guarantee of employment beyond the dates specified.

2) Open to

• Who is eligible to compete on the job
  • Area of selection will be specified if applicable, such as “within a 100km radius of Thunder Bay” or “persons living in Canada.” If you apply for a job, but you don’t live in the area of selection, your application will not be considered; 
  • Employment equity group might be specified. The four employment equity groups are women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority.

The intent of employment equity is to ensure that Parks Canada’s workforce reflects the diversity of Canadian society, particularly the four groups that historically have been under-represented.

If you fall under any of the employment equity groups, you will want to pay special attention to postings that state “Preference may be given to (members of a specific employment equity group).” What this means is that members of that employment equity group who identify themselves, meet all the criteria, and qualify for the position, might be offered positions in advance of others who qualified.

When applying for positions, clearly state in your cover letter and/or resume that you belong to one of these groups. 

3) Closing date 

• When the application is due
  • Make sure you look to see if there is a time provided along with the closing date (i.e. 4:30pm). If a closing time is not specified, the application is due at 11:59 pm on the closing date. Applications submitted after this time are not accepted.

4) Competition number 

• The competition or selection process number must be included on your cover letter.

5) Screening criteria 

• All applicants for a position are screened against the Education and Experience criteria listed on the job poster. Should you clearly demonstrate that you meet all of the criteria, you may be invited to the next step of the assessment process. 
• Level of education required – this is set by Parks Canada for every position in the organization. 
•  What is an acceptable alternative to formal education? 
  • Many competitions will specify that a combination of education, training and experience could be considered in place of a university degree or college diploma. 
• What experience is required? 
  • The screening board will review your application package looking for evidence that you have experience in the areas listed.

6) Conditions of employment 

• Aside from experience, what do you need to be employed i.e. have a valid driver’s license, pass the required security clearance, etc. 
• If the conditions of employment are not listed on the job poster, they can be found on the Statement of Qualifications.

7) How to apply 

• Includes where to submit your application (usually an email address or fax number); 
• Who to contact for the Statement of Qualifications and any other documents applicable to the competition (i.e. work description, Experience Questionnaire)

Step 2: Your application package

The application package is the collection of documents you are required to submit when applying for a position. The package usually includes a cover letter, a resume, proof of education and sometimes a questionnaire.

Contact the person listed on the job posting for the Statement of Qualifications and the questionnaire (if required). It’s a good idea to call and ask for a Work Description, too.

1) Your resume 

• Create a new resume for each job. 
  • Every position has different qualifications, so make your resume suite the job for which you are applying. 
• Review the Statement of Qualifications. The top portion of the Statement of Qualifications will repeat information provided on the job posting, while the bottom portion provides more specific information about the experience and abilities required to do the job. Focus on the top portion while preparing your resume, cover letter and, if required, questionnaire. 
• Structure your resume so it is obvious your experience meets the Experience criteria listed on the job posting and the Statement of Qualifications. 
• Include your name and contact information on every page (top or bottom). 
• Number the pages. 
• Include past employment. 
  • Name of employer (company name and location)
  • Name and contact information of supervisor or manager 
  • Dates of employment (i.e. May-October 2003) 
  • Duties your performed and any accomplishments 
• Limit the level of detail. 
  • List your duties/actions and accomplishments in bullet form 
  • Focus the list on those actions that prove you meet the Experience criteria

Step 3: Pre-screening

The Parks Canada hiring board reviews all applications submitted on or before the closing date (late applications are not accepted). The hiring board screens applications against the education and experience requirements, also known as the screening criteria. You will be screened into the next round of the competition process if you clearly demonstrate on your cover letter, resume and, in some cases, questionnaire that you meet the education and experience requirements.

Your application must clearly indicate how you meet the criteria. The hiring board can make no assumptions on education or job experiences. If the manager can’t see that you meet the basic criteria, you will be screened out at this step. Candidates who meet the pre-screening criteria are notified and given details about the next round of assessment in the hiring process.