A Public Service Commission report shows federal job seekers are waiting months to get a response after filling out "repetitive and time-consuming questionnaires."According to Blacklock’s Reporter, even managers in charge of the hiring process complained that paperwork was “burdensome.”“These issues are persistent and reflect systemic challenges in the recruitment process,” said a Report on Canadian Job Seekers’ Views on the Government of Canada as an Employer.“Many candidates expressed frustration with the excessively long duration of the process, which can last from several months to, in some cases, several years.”Data shows the average delay in hiring fresh talent by federal departments and agencies is seven months..Federal bureaucracy grows by nearly 99,000 employees since 2016 .“The lack of follow-up or poor communication about steps involved, as well as the absence of feedback after an interview or test, are major sources of dissatisfaction,” the report revealed.“Candidates frequently report the frustration of never receiving a response,” wrote researchers. “Applying for jobs in the public service is often described as an extremely rigid process with repetitive and time-consuming screening questionnaires.Many note that tests and assessments do not always reflect the actual skills required for the job, with a focus on irrelevant details or selection criteria that are difficult to meet.”“Several candidates emphasized the discouraging nature of the application process,” said the report.“After investing many hours in completing questionnaires, taking tests and participating in interviews, many are never contacted again or placed in a ‘pool’ with no real job opportunity.”.Survey finds federal employees have less confidence in their bosses .Findings were drawn from questionnaires with 1,758 people. The Commission paid $19,994 for the report by Sept24HR, a Sherbrooke, QC. marketing firm.The report followed a 2024 Staffing and Non-Partisanship Survey that found even managers who did the hiring found the process tiresome.“A greater proportion of managers believed the process to staff a position is burdensome: 86%,” it said.Asked why, a majority complained of “too much paperwork” (64%), “too many approval stages” (59%), and a “security clearance process that takes too much time” (57%)..Federal jobs program averaged $13K per job, some grants far higher .The latest research found jobless Canadians interested in government work were attracted by pay and benefits.“The main motivations for applying to the federal public service are job security, benefits, and career advancement opportunities,” said the report.Asked, “How do you perceive jobs in the public sector?” 27% rated it “above average,” followed by “average” (15%) and “below average” (4%). Asked, “How would you rate the Government of Canada as a potential employer?” 59% called it “very attractive” and 24% “somewhat attractive.” Ten percent had no opinion.
