Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? See below for our answers to the most frequently asked questions by job applicants and candidates.
When are new job advertisements posted?
New jobs are advertised daily, and even hourly, on our jobs site so it is a good idea to check regularly and stay up to date. In addition to checking our website, you have the option of setting up new job posting alerts, triggered by options including location, category, and keywords.
Are all Government of Nova Scotia job advertisements posted on your website?
Our jobs site includes almost every new job posting available. Occasionally, we may not post bargaining unit (union) positions publicly if it is expected the competition will be filled internally and external applicants will not be contacted. Please note that for bargaining unit (union) positions, internal applicants must be screened and interviewed first according to the Collective Agreement.
Is there a central place where I can send my resume to be considered for future job openings that suit my qualifications?
Applications are reviewed in relation to the competition applied to. To be consider for multiple opportunities you must apply to each competition. After Joining our Talent Community you can set up job alerts to notified when a new opportunity that meets your specifications is advertised.
What is the difference between Permanent, Term, Temporary, Casual and Seasonal positions?
A Permanent position is one where there is no defined employment end date and the employee is entitled to a benefits package.
A Term position is one that has a defined employment end date and the employee is entitled to a benefits package. Terms may be extended or concluded before the defined end date.
A Temporary position is a bargaining unit (union) position that has a defined employment end date of more than 10 weeks and less than 39 weeks from the start date. The employee is not entitled to a benefits package and receives an 11% increase in pay in lieu of benefits.
A Casual position is an assignment that is of 10 weeks or less. These positions are typically 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday. The employee is not entitled to a benefits package and receives a 4% increase in lieu.
A Seasonal position is a bargaining unit (union) position in which an employee works more than ten weeks but less than fifty-two weeks in a year and returns in a subsequent season to the same department and the same geographic location.
What is the difference between an Excluded Classification (EC) and Bargaining Unit (BU) position?
All our job opportunities posted labeled as “Bargaining Unit” or “BU” are represented by a collective bargaining agent (union). Bargaining Unit positions pay are defined by their position classification, according to the collective agreement. Excluded classification (EC) positions are designated towards management roles and are non-union.
How do I apply?
Please note that all currently open positions with the Province of Nova Scotia are posted on our jobs site. New positions are posted on a regular basis, and we encourage you to check back often. Please note that we do not accept applications via email, but anyone can apply for any position listed on our website.
Each posting lists the various required qualifications for each position. If you see a position for which you feel you have the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to apply by clicking on “Apply Now” and follow the steps. If you have not created a profile, you will need to do so by clicking “Create an account” on the next page that opens.
It is recommended that you create and maintain an updated profile and resume. This profile can be used to apply for any Nova Scotia Government job posting. Once created, applying to jobs become a click away. You can also create and save a search agent to be notified of any jobs that might interest you.
How long does it take to hear back after I apply for a position?
The time frame varies from competition to competition. This is dependant on the duration of the posting, the Hiring Manager and Hiring Panel’s availability, the number of open vacancies…etc. We strive to ensure that the competition process is completed in a timely manner. View our Application Process for an overview.
Please note that only candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted directly. If you are not selected for an interview, you will receive an email to let you know that the competition has been filled once the administrative process has been completed..
I want to apply for more than one position, will my updated resume / cover letter overwrite my previous ones in other applications?
The resume / cover letter you submit for a competition is fixed to that competition. Any edits made to the resume / cover letter, after applying, will not affect previous applications.
Who should I address my cover letter to?
You can simply address your cover letter to the attention of the “Hiring Manager”.
I require accommodation for my interview and/or assessment. Will I be supported?
When we contact you to invite you to an interview or technical assessment, we will ask you if you have any accommodation needs (e.g. location is wheelchair accessible, and if a written assessment is being used, candidates will be notified beforehand in case they need to bring a technical aid to fully participate in the testing). If you have concerns, make sure to let the hiring manager know so we can ensure all needed accommodations are in place for your assessment.
Can I apply to positions with you via other job sites that list your positions?
Any posting of ours that appears on job sites other than our own (i.e. Jora, Jooble, Indeed) will not link you directly to our competition. The only way to apply is via our jobs site.
Can I request feedback once a competition is closed if I am unsuccessful?
Feedback can be provided to candidates who were interviewed upon request and based on the Hiring Manager’s availability. We are not able to provide feedback for every candidate, we offer resume writing tips and tips to prepare for an interview.