Frequently Asked Questions
How should I design my resume?
Your resume should highlight your education including any related courses completed in high school or related courses completed as part of a post secondary program, as well as knowledge of relevant software programs. Your experience should indicate the type of experience, your level of responsibility, the organizations you have worked for, your working title and the dates of employment (including the month and the year) in chronological order.
What kinds of jobs are available at the Administrative Support 2 and 3 level with the Government of Alberta?
There are a variety of positions at the Administrative Support 2 and 3 levels in various ministries. Examples are receptionist, unit clerk, data entry clerk, records technician, postal clerk, accounts payable clerk, finance clerk and secretary. If you are only interested in certain kinds of positions you can let us know at the initial interview. The duration of these positions can be anywhere from 3 months to permanent.
Will I receive an acknowledgment for my resume?
When you apply online you will receive an email acknowledgement of your resume on the next business day.
I have applied several times for positions and have not been contacted.
After an initial screening of the resumes received, those being considered further will be contacted and invited for testing. If you have not been invited for testing, your resume has not fully met the requirements for the competition.
Why do I need to be tested?
Testing is done to ensure that all entry level hires (Administrative Support 2, Administrative Support 3) have a minimum proficiency with both Microsoft Word and keyboarding, both of which are commonly required for entry-level Administrative Support jobs. After an initial screening of the resumes received, those being considered further will be tested.
Are there any practice tests available?
Example questions are not available but we encourage you to practice your keyboarding skills and familiarize yourself with Microsoft Word. Free typing tests are available online by searching on any online search engine.
Will I know the results of my tests? What if I do not meet the required level of keyboarding and Microsoft Word skills?
You will be informed of your test results immediately after you complete the tests. If you did not meet the testing requirements you can reapply on subsequent competitions.
Why are there two interviews?
The initial interview is to ensure that you have the right skills, knowledge and abilities for entry-level Administrative Support positions in the Alberta government. The second interview is to find out how your qualifications fit with a specific job within a ministry.
How long will it take for me to be referred to a position?
You could be referred in as little as 2 weeks, depending on the level of demand.
How long is my application retained? When do I need to reapply? After I reapply, do I have to go through the entire selection process again?
Once you are successful in the initial interview, your application will be retained for 6 months for Administrative Support 2 & 3 positions in Edmonton. If you have not received a job offer before the 6 month period is up you will need to reapply when another job advertisement for Administrative Support 2 & 3 level positions in Edmonton is posted. Once a new competition has been posted, you must go through the selection process again.
I was notified that I was placed on the list for referral but I have not been referred. What's happening with my application?
Candidates are referred as positions that match their knowledge, skills, and abilities become available. If you are not contacted for referral and the 6 month retention period has passed, you will need to reapply.
How often are ads placed in the Government of Alberta Jobs website?
Ads will be placed every 2-4 months depending on the number of job openings; number of applications received and qualified candidates identified.
I already work in a position for the government. Do I still have to be tested?
Government of Alberta employees in temporary salaried or permanent positions are not required to be tested. You will be contacted for an initial interview should you pass the screening stage.
Where can I go if I don't have access to a computer?
Please visit Employment and Immigration service locations for contact information and a complete list of locations where you can obtain free access to a computer.
Does the Government of Alberta pay for travel expenses to attend testing or the initial interview?
The Government of Alberta does not pay for travel expenses for applicants to attend testing or the initial interview. It is the candidate's responsibility to pay for their own travel expenses.
Who can I contact if I require specific competition information?
All of the information relating to the Entry Level Administrative Support recruitment process in Edmonton is available at Candidate Information. However, if you require specific information on a competition you can call the Administrative Support Recruitment Unit at 422-1452.
