Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Unsolicited Applications

    1. When are unsolicited applications considered?

      Most GNL positions are filled through competition or through the temporary movement of internal employees in accordance with collective agreement provisions. In some cases, it might not be possible to fill short-term, temporary vacancies using these methods – so unsolicited applications from the public may be considered.

    2. How long will my unsolicited application remain active?

      Unsolicited applications remain active for a maximum of six months from date of receipt.

  2. Eligibility for Competitions

    1. How do I know if I am eligible for Internal competitions?

      Internal competitions are open to applicants who are employees of a GNL entity scheduled to the Public Service Commission Act or those holding lay-off status from such an entity, as per GNL Human Resource policies or the applicable collective agreement.

      A list of internal-eligible GNL entities is listed here.

    2. How do I Know if I am eligible for Public competitions?

      These competitions are open to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. This includes Canadian Citizens, persons holding Canadian Permanent Residency status and persons holding valid work visas issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

      To work for the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or have written authorization to work in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. You can obtain more information by contacting the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

  3. About GNL

    1. How do I find out more about a particular department before I apply?

      You can research a specific department by visiting their departmental website. A listing of departmental websites is provided here.

    2. What are the benefits of working with the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service?

      The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador offers many exciting career opportunities. To find information on the types of human resource and employment policies we offer, please visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/exec/tbs/working-with-us.

    3. Where can I find information about a specific employment opportunity after the posting has closed?

      Contact Strategic Staffing Division through the recruitment@gov.nl.ca address, specify "job ad" in the subject line.

  4. Career Centre Technical Questions

    1. I am experiencing difficulty in creating a Career Centre user profile, how can I get some help?

      Contact Strategic Staffing Division through the recruitment@gov.nl.ca address, specify USER PROFILE in the subject line.

    2. I cannot log in to my Career Centre user profile, how can I get some help?

      Contact Strategic Staffing Division through the recruitment@gov.nl.ca address, specify USER PROFILE in the subject line.

  5. Applying for Employment Opportunities

    1. How do I know that my application has been received?

      All applications must be completed through a Career Centre user profile. When you create a profile, you will be asked to provide an email address. When you apply to a competition using your profile, a confirmation email will be sent to this email address.

    2. How long will it take to complete screening?

      Many factors contribute to how long it might take to issue screening results, such as the size of the applicant pool, the availability of Selection Board members and the relative priority of the competition. Normally, screening is completed within a few weeks of the closing date.

    3. How long will it take to complete assessments?

      This is a more difficult to answer. In addition to the factors listed above, the completion of assessments also depends on the availability of candidates and the types of assessment tools used. Normally assessments are scheduled within a few weeks of issuing screening results.

    4. When will I know if I am the successful candidate?

      After completing assessments, the Selection Board has to evaluate candidates, conduct reference checks and issue a recommendation report. After the report is issued to the Department Head and a selection is made, Strategic Staffing Division has to complete the advertised conditions of employment and issue an offer of employment to the successful candidate. If you are the successful candidate, you can expect an offer of employment to follow the conclusion of assessments by two to four weeks. Typically, unsuccessful candidates receive their final status notification a week later.

  6. Career Centre User Profile

    1. How will I receive status updates?

      At the time of application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt to the email address you have provided for your user profile.

      You will be advised of any subsequent status changes via automated email alerts. These generic emails will indicate a change has been made with respect to your status in a competition and remind you to log in to your user profile to view the details.

    2. Can I find out about the status of my application?

      Yes. You can access your account notifications across all competitions through your Career Centre user profile.

    3. How often should I check my profile?

      If you are an active participant in a competition, you should check your profile regularly for account notifications. Checking at least once a week is recommended.

      Each time your user profile is changed, we will send you an email. The email will prompt you to log in to your user profile to view additional details.

  7. Feedback

    1. Can I ask for feedback if I am not the successful candidate in a competition?

      Selection Boards are accountable for all decisions made during the competitive process. Competition participants are entitled to seek out additional information such as explanations and/or performance feedback from the Selection Board Chair.

    2. I have concerns about the merit, transparency or fairness of the competition?

      The Selection Board Chair is responsible for aspects of the competition. If you have concerns of this nature, please arrange an appointment to discuss your concerns with the Selection Board Chair.

      If the Selection Board Chair cannot resolve your concerns or enquiry to your satisfaction, your issue will be escalated through a formal review process.