Future Opportunities Stream: Your Path to a Career with the Nova Scotia Government

Overview

The Future Opportunities Stream (FOS) is a simplified application process for candidates seeking opportunities within the Nova Scotia Government. Future Opportunities Stream postings are designed to streamline hiring by enabling candidates to submit a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. These opportunities are within a similar job family (i.e., Policy) and can be across various classifications, locations, departments, and job titles.

Applications received in an FOS job posting will be used to fill non-union (‘excluded’) positions and for the non-union portion of unionized positions.

By applying to a FOS, your application will be considered for all future opportunities as they arise. This approach allows the Talent Acquisition Team and hiring managers to efficiently connect with a broad pool of qualified candidates and fill vacancies faster than the typical competition process.

What to Expect

Step 1: Job Advertising
Future Opportunity Streams are normally posted for 1 to 2 months on our jobs site. Applications are collected for a job advertisement until 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Time on the closing date. The application process will normally require candidates to respond to a number of pre-screening questions.

Step 2: Initial Application Screening
All applications received on or before the closing date are screened and rated against the qualifications outlined in the job ad. This includes reviewing the responses to the pre-screening questions and the cover letter and resume. This review happens periodically throughout the posting period. Candidates who best demonstrate how they meet the qualifications for the Stream will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

Step 3: Assessments
After initial application screening, candidates in the Stream may be invited to complete assessments that are designed to assess specific skills and abilities. The assessments assist in ranking and sorting candidates according to qualifications. Note: The screening and assessment steps may be completed periodically throughout the posting period, meaning that you could be contacted for assessments at any point throughout the FOS screening and referral process, including prior to the competition closing date.

Step 4: Referral to Hiring Manager
As individual vacancies arise, the Hiring Manager will notify Talent Acquisition indicating the specific requirements for the vacancy. Talent Acquisition will provide the Hiring Manager with applications from the candidates that meet those requirements for further review.

Step 5: Hiring Manager Review
 The Hiring Manager will review the applications provided and identify those for further review. This usually involves a standardized interview, but may also include presentations, assessments, background checks, etc., as required.

Step 6: Selection of Successful Candidate
After candidates are assessed and evaluated, the top candidate(s) are selected to fill the position.

Step 7: Offer to the Successful Candidate 
The successful candidate(s) will be contacted with a verbal offer. If the offer is accepted, a written offer will be sent for acceptance, which includes detailed information such as a start date, position classification, starting salary, and if relevant, bargaining unit status.