Recruitment Process

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a job profile?
2. What is the "statement of qualifications?"
3. What suggestions do you have for preparing my job application?
4. How do I know if my application has been received?
5. Can I fax my application to you?
6. Who can apply for the jobs you advertise on this website?
7. What are the steps involved in SSHRC's recruitment process?
8. How do I find out if I'm going on to the next stage?
9. What if I require special accommodation measures during the selection process?
10. How do I prepare for the interview?
11. Do I need to provide official transcripts or certificates of my academic studies or training I have completed?
12. Do I have to be bilingual to be considered for a job at SSHRC?
13. What is a second language evaluation?
14. How many references will I need?
15. What are security clearances?

1. What is a job profile?

A job profile is the who, what, where, when and why of the position. It is used to describe the position's role and its placement within the organization, as well as the duties and requirements of the job.

2. What is the “statement of qualifications?”

The statement of qualifications is part of the job profile. It is a list of the basic requirements of a position; namely education, language, experience, knowledge, abilities and personal suitability.

3. What suggestions do you have for preparing my job application?

• Clearly demonstrate in your application that you meet the screening criteria: education, language proficiency and experience required for the position.
• Specify volunteer experiences that have enabled you to develop the essential skills required.
• Make sure that your contact information is accurate so that we can easily get in touch with you if you are invited for a test or an interview.

4. How do I know if my application has been received?

Upon receipt of your email application, an automatic acknowledgement will be sent to you. If you do not receive such a confirmation, your application has likely not been received. Verify the email address and check the size of your attachments. You are responsible for ensuring that we receive your application.

5. Can I fax my application to you?

SSHRC no longer accepts faxed applications. Please submit your application by email or regular mail.

6. Who can apply for the jobs you advertise on this website?

Anyone who can legally work in Canada can apply for a job advertised on the SSHRC website.

7. What are the steps involved in SSHRC's recruitment process?

In broad terms, your application will go through our typical recruitment process which involves seven sequential steps: review of applications; candidate testing; job interviews; language testing; reference check; security screening; and job offers for successful candidates.

8. How do I find out if I'm going on to the next stage?

If your application is being moved to the next stage of the recruitment process, you will typically receive either a telephone call or an email from a human resources representative.

9. What if I require special accommodation measures during the selection process?

If contacted for an interview or testing, you should advise the human resources representative in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

10. How do I prepare for the interview?

Look at the interview as an opportunity to sell the prospective employer on the benefits you can bring to the organization. You must be able to see yourself as a product. Emphasize the skills and strengths you have that match your future employer's needs. You must convince the interviewer there is a match, and that you are the person for the job.

Pre-interview

• Gather as much information as you can about the position, including the job profile. This contains a “statement of qualifications” (list of elements that are needed to do the job). The human resources office responsible for the competition can provide you with the job profile.
• Increase your knowledge of SSHRC by taking a look at our annual report, vision and value statements, and our organizational structure. The SSHRC website is a great source for this type of information.
• Try to anticipate the questions that could be asked during the interview and prepare replies that include relevant examples of how you have demonstrated the required competencies and skills. During your preparation, pay close attention to the elements indicated in the statement of qualifications under the knowledge, abilities and personnel suitability.

During the interview

• Prepare yourself by reviewing the job profile and the statement of qualifications. Familiarize yourself with the competencies associated with the position.
• At SSHRC, we often ask questions that require you to draw upon your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the competencies required by the position. You may wish to review the competencies listed in the statement of qualifications and think of examples where you have displayed the skills in question. You will be asked for detailed examples, so prepare yourself accordingly.
• Answer questions clearly and succinctly, and ask for clarification if a question is not understood.
• Prepare any questions you may have about the position and/or the organization.

11. Do I need to provide official transcripts or certificates of my academic studies or the training I have completed?

Proof of academic studies completed is essential to confirming that you meet the education requirement of the position. Your application should reflect your postsecondary education (college, university) and any relevant training courses successfully completed. You must provide the name(s) of the area(s) of specialization of the degree(s), diploma(s) or certificate(s) granted and the name of the educational institution. Should you be invited to an interview, you will be required to provide proof of education (i.e. official copies of transcripts and/or academic equivalencies).

12. Do I have to be bilingual to be considered for a job at SSHRC?

Most positions require employees to be able to communicate in both of Canada’s official languages. The language requirements of a position are posted in the language profile. A candidate whose first official language is English must meet the French language profile requirements. Language skills are assessed to determine a candidate’s proficiency in reading, writing and oral interaction. Language proficiency levels are defined as A (beginner), B (intermediate) and C (advanced).

If the language requirement is identified as “imperative,” the chosen candidate must fully meet the language requirements of the position at the time of appointment. A “non-imperative” requirement means the candidate may obtain the required language levels after being hired. Positions are classified as English, French or Bilingual imperative or non-imperative.

To familiarize yourself with federal public service language requirements, you may consult the Public Service Commission’s Careers in the federal public service website.

13. What is a second language evaluation?

Many positions at SSHRC are identified as bilingual positions. In these cases, your proficiency in your first official language will be assessed by the selection committee through a test and/or the interview. Your proficiency in your second official language will be assessed through a formal second language evaluation (SLE) which will help determine whether you meet the language requirements of the position.

The SLE assesses a candidate’s proficiency in reading, writing and speaking French or English. Tests for the reading and writing components of the SLE are web-based. The speaking component is a short interview typically done in person. This test assesses the candidate's ability to express himself or herself on familiar issues.

If you have completed public service language tests within the last five years and have valid results, you may submit these for consideration during the pre-screening process.

14. How many references will I need?

If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to submit a minimum of three references to the hiring manager. The manager will ask your permission to contact these references following the interview. People who have limited work experience—e.g., students or recent graduates—can provide personal and academic references as well.

15. What are security clearances?

As a Canadian separate employer, SSHRC is subject to the federal government's security policy. The reliability and trustworthiness of employees is the foundation for any security program. For this reason, security screening is a condition of employment at SSHRC.