The interview for Foreign Service (FS—Political/Economic, Commercial/Economic or Immigration), Management/Consular (MCO), Commerce (CO), Policy (ES), Administrative Assistance (FSAA), or CIDA (PM) positions in Canada is unique in government and dramatically different from private-sector hiring methods. Many bright, qualified candidates fail the interview because they are over-confident after passing the examination, under the mistaken impression that their background comes into play in the evaluation, and uninformed about how the crucial interview process actually works.

To relieve uncertainty and improve your performance, our Interview Counselling explains in detail, the assessment structure, the exercises and questions used, potential pitfalls, and the process by which candidates are evaluated.

Personal Coaching

Our personal consultation with you is divided into several parts consisting of an advance assessment by us of your original application package followed by face-to-face or telephone meetings which cover every aspect of the interview-to-hiring process.

In the recent past a variety of interview formats have been adopted by the government to save time and money. FS Immigration candidates were required to undergo a pre-screening telephone interview before being invited to an in-person interview which did not include the usual group simulation. FSAA Admin Assistant candidates did a telephone interview as well. However, DFAIT used the standard personal morning interview and afternoon group exercise in their last competition for FS Political/Economic, FS Commercial/Economic, MCO, CO and ES interviewees.

Irrespective of the differing formats and various positions, all interviews were behaviour-based as usual—exactly the same as those for which we have prepared candidates for years.

In taking our coaching you will receive:

• An assessment of your résumé and application to help prepare for your interview
• The evaluation criteria and method used to assess your interview performance
• A reassuring overview of the interview-day format, whether a telephone interview or a face-to-face interview with or without a group simulation
• Insights on the interview team's composition and conduct
• A comprehensive run-through of representative types of interview questions, potential simulation scenarios/topics, writing requirements if involved, and the interpersonal dynamics influencing each activity
• Guidance on preparation strategies, interview deportment, avoidable pitfalls and possible opportunities
• Helpful background information and informed answers to your personal concerns

Who Can Benefit from the Counselling?

Our effective, confidence-building strategies and proven interview advice will improve your preparation, performance and prospects to be selected for an international position with the Canadian government.

Clients include first-time and previously unsuccessful interviewees. Individuals we coach from the work force include lawyers, government employees and business professionals seeking a new career, as well as journalists, NGO staff and ESL/FSL teachers. University clients come from all academic levels and disciplines, and virtually all Canadian universities and top schools abroad.

We receive referrals from university professors; Cabinet Ministers, Senator and Members of Parliament; and serving and retired FS, MCO, CO, ES, FSAA, PM, EX- and DM- level government officials. The latter group includes current and former Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers, Heads of Posts, former colleagues, and people we coached in previous entry competitions. Click here to download the Table of Contents for the Interview Counselling session/materials.

Why Use Our Services?

We are the only career coaching firm that specializes in helping candidates understand and advance in government, multilateral organization and international NGO hiring and promotion competitions—from entry level to executive level.

No service offered by government, universities or the private sector—past or present, in North America or abroad—matches our expertise or placement record over the past 25 years. The success rate of our clients in institutional hiring and promotion processes attests to the high quality training we provide. Please take the time to read the testimonials sent to us by clients and supporters displayed under Client & Supporter Comments [click here].

For additional information on what we do and why we know how to help you, see our List of Standard Programs and Services [click here], About Us [click here] and of our Director [click here].

Fees

Full-length Interview Preparation of 7.5 hours in 5 sessions

Telephone Interview Preparation of 2.5 hours in 2 sessions

Long-distance consultations are carried out only on calls placed by clients. Times can be arranged to take advantage of discount rates, international time zones, and client availability.

Further Information

Please Contact Us [click here] for more details and to set up an appointment.