Your job application

• A clear and concise application helps hiring managers determine if you're qualified for the position
• Always review and update your contact information, resume and cover letter before applying for BC Public Service jobs
• Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Give yourself enough time to update your profile and apply
• Copy and paste your resume
• You can save your application and finish later. All job applications must be received by the deadline indicated in the posting
• Use the 'Finish' or 'Submit' button to complete your action (such as applying for a job). The system will send you a success email if you've applied successfully
• Your account information, resume, cover letters, submission history and job offers are located in your Career Centre in the Recruitment Management System (RMS). Log in to view your information
• Use the preview feature to review your application. Double check your grammar and spelling and that all job requirements are addressed. Return to 'Editing' to edit your application as required
• Consider having a friend or colleague review your application
• If you experience technical difficulty, please visit the Technical Assistance page for support

Create your resume, save it and then follow these steps to convert it to plain text using the Notepad program on your computer.

1. Select 'Edit' then 'Select All'
2. Select 'Edit' then 'Copy'
3. Select 'Start' on your computer, followed by 'Programs' then 'Accessories' and select 'Notepad'
4. This opens the Notepad program
5. Select 'Edit' then 'Paste'
6. Turn on the 'Word Wrap' feature in the 'Format' drop down menu
7. Save the resume as 'yourname.txt'

Use a simple yet professional resume format. The focus is on your background and qualifications and how this relates to the job requirements. 

Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Try to avoid acronyms, but if you use them, state the meaning of the acronym the first time you use it followed with the acronym in brackets.

Your name and contact information

Please include the following:

• An email address
• A primary and secondary phone number
  • Ensure these contact numbers are current and checked regularly

Qualifications

• Describe the link between each education and experience requirement listed in the job and when/where/how you meet the qualifications
• Include other experience or skills, such as a second language, a computer skill, etc.
• Address any willingness statements listed in the job qualifications

Education

• List your attained education, including:
  • The name of the institution(s)
  • Area(s) of study
  • Qualifications obtained (for example: Bachelor's, Master's)
  • The date of completion (or dates if it's in progress)
• Include licenses, certifications or registration if it's relevant

Employment experience

• List your employment history, beginning with your most recent job
• Include job title, date of employment (mm/year), department, organization
• Describe your duties and accomplishments, what you did and how you did it, etc.
• Describe how your responsibilities relate to the job you're applying for

Professional development (training and courses)

• Include training and courses relevant to the job
• Name of the program, institution, date completed
• Include the year completed or if it's in progress

Professional memberships and certifications

• Include information about required memberships and certifications

Volunteer work

• Volunteer work, training and additional information should be relevant to the job

Awards and achievements

• Include related awards and achievements

References

• You do not need to include references at this stage unless they're requested
• Verify your references are willing and available and include their contact information

You may be asked to complete an online questionnaire to show how you meet the job requirements. Your responses must be truthful and accurately reflect your education and experience.

The information you provide should also be reflected in your resume. A questionnaire may take up to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the number of questions.

Questionnaire examples

Example 1: Radio button multiple choice question.

As demonstrated in my resume, my level of education is best described as:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent
• Certificate
• Diploma
• Degree
• None of the above

Example 2: Text sample question.

Please describe when, where and how you obtained minimum two years administrative experience in a legal office.

Example answer: I have four years of experience (2014 to 2017) in a legal office providing secretarial and administrative service to three different solicitors and one paralegal. From January 2014 until December 2017, I worked as a legal secretary at TMC Lawyers LLP. My responsibilities included preparing court forms, such as summons and subpoenas, arranging for filing of court documents, balancing attorney billable time and expenses reports, organizing attorney appointment schedules and monitoring court appearance dates and pleadings. 

Questionnaire tips

• Remember to save your work often or save for later
• You cannot edit your responses after you submit your application
• Never say 'see resume.' A full response to the question is required