Recruitment Process

Economist and Policy Analyst stream

There are three steps in the recruitment process:

• Online application
• First–round interviews (on campus/by phone)
• Second–round interviews (in Ottawa)

Online application

Individuals can apply through our website until October 13, 2009. Applications submitted after this deadline or by other means (e.g., mail, fax) will not be considered.

When applying, you are required to submit your resume, a sample of your written work and a transcript of your undergraduate or relevant graduate school marks. You will also need to complete a written assignment that tests some of the competencies required for employment at the Department of Finance. The written assignment will consist of a general question, as well as some follow-up questions. Please review your application carefully before submitting it, as any omissions could lead to your application being rejected.

Applicants who meet Finance Canada's requirements will be invited to continue to the first-round interview stage. Only those who meet the requirements will be contacted. In 2008, Finance Canada received 350 online applications; of these, 179 were invited to a first-round interview.

While our campaign is open to persons residing in Canada, preference will be given to Canadian citizens. We may choose to only interview Canadian citizens.

First-round interviews (on campus/by phone)

The first-round interviews will take place in late October or early November at most major universities across Canada. Candidates who are unable to interview on campus will be invited to interview by phone.

Finance recruiters will contact potential candidates for interviews in mid or late October directly, or arrange interviews through the university's career services centre or departmental/graduate coordinator.

First-round interviews will consist of a 45-minute oral interview, conducted in the official language of your choice. The interviews are conducted on campus, usually in an office, classroom or career services centre.

All candidates will be asked identical questions, and recruiters will evaluate the responses based on the essential and asset qualifications set out in the job poster. A standard template is used to ensure consistency and fairness.

The first-round interview is also a chance for candidates to ask questions. Finance recruiters will be happy to answer any questions you may have about working at the Department, what you can expect as a new analyst, life in the National Capital Region, etc.

Once first-round interviews are completed, top candidates will be invited to attend second-round interviews in Ottawa. In 2008, Finance Canada interviewed 179 candidates in the first round; 71 candidates were invited to the second round of interviews.

As the first-round interviews take place on different campuses over a two-week period, candidates will not be informed that they have been invited for a second interview until early December.

Second-round interviews (in Ottawa)

The second-round interviews take place over two days in mid-January in Ottawa. Finance Canada will pay for reasonable transportation costs to Ottawa and for accommodation expenses for the duration of the interview process.

The second-round interviews provide candidates with the opportunity to interview with one or more groups in Finance Canada. As part of the second-round interview, candidates will also be required to complete a written assignment. The assignment will follow a similar format to the assignment submitted as part of the online application.

Candidates will have the opportunity to meet recent recruits, who can provide first-hand insights about working at Finance. Finance also hosts a reception to give you a chance to meet other candidates, employees and managers across the Department.

Managers begin to make offers of employment 2–3 weeks after the second-round interviews. These offers are conditional on certain requirements, such as obtaining your security clearance. When a conditional offer has been accepted, the Department will begin to process the required paperwork.

Each year, Finance Canada hires between 25 and 30 economists and policy analysts.

To help you prepare for the recruitment process, including the campus interview and written assignments, we recommend that you review our " Candidate Tips and Tricks".