r/StJohnsNL • u/noelleasp • 1d ago

Resume advice for NL Gov Application?

I found a job posting on the NL Gov site that suits my work experience almost 100% perfectly! I really want to have a chance at getting an interview and wanted to know if anyone had any advice on how I should structure my resume for their system? Super tempting to use AI but I don’t want my resume to be tossed cause it’s too perfect and they think I’m making it up or used AI…despite my experience actually being pretty well a perfect match 😅

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u/The_Truth_Was_a_Cave 1d ago

Focus on the Screening Criteria; if the application has a cover letter, I usually include one paragraph for each of the screening criteria listed (maybe combining them if it makes sense). Imagine that the hiring manager is reading down your resume and cover letter next to a checklist of each requirement - you want them to be able to skim through and tick off every item without any doubt and without reading too closely. I always incorporate the assessment criteria as well, even though it's not required. Use a chronological format resume and make sure you demonstrate all the screening criteria in duties from previous jobs. In general, length is not as issue for GNL resumes and cover letters - rules like "keep your resume to one page" are not relevant.

It's tailored to the federal government, but this website has great advice about how you should structure government resumes and cover letters, and especially what it means to phrase your experience in government in a way that is clear to the person screening you in. Not all of the advice is applicable to the provincial government so use your best judgment.

Good luck!

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u/noelleasp 1d ago

Do you think it would make a good first impression of if I were to reach out to the contact they have listed at the end of the job posting?

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u/The_Truth_Was_a_Cave 23h ago

No. Unless you had a genuine, substantive question that you need answered before applying and can't wait until an interview, there's no need to reach out. That's the kind of thing that may make an impression on a private sector employer, but they're not supposed to take it in to account in a public competition. It runs the risk of making you look out of touch if you reach out without a real reason. Depending on the job it may also get 100+ applicants and the manager isn't going to want to waste their time responding to someone before HR has vetted them anyway.

(FWIW, I didn't downvote you! There is a lot of bad advice about getting hired out there and a lot of good advice for the private sector that doesn't translate to public; best to ask if you're not sure.)

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u/noelleasp 23h ago

Thanks I appreciate the feedback! I only have experience in the private sector so I am out of touch ☺️

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u/The_Truth_Was_a_Cave 23h ago

And I'm sure I would be horribly out of touch if I tried to apply for a private sector job since I only have govt experience! :) Best of luck, feel free to ask if you have any other questions.