How to Work As a Foreign Affairs Officer in Canada

The Canadian Foreign Service has a rigorous application process.

There is a multi-step application process for becoming a Canadian Foreign Services Officer. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a Canadian citizen and must have a bachelor's degree. The initial application is completed online and all applicants must complete the Leadership Experience Test (LET). Applications will be reviewed and those who meet the required criteria may be selected for an interview. At this point in the process, reference checks will be conducted and the applicant will be asked to write three more proficiency tests. Successful candidates will be notified by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you qualify. On the Post Secondary Recruitment page of the Canadian Federal Jobs website (see References), review the eligibility criteria.

2. Complete and submit the online application form.

3. Take the Leadership Experience Test. This may be completed online at the end of your application.

4. Wait for notification. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview. At this time, you will need to provide three references that will be verified.

5. Complete the Graduate Recruitment Test (GRT), the Situational Judgement Test (SJT), and the Written Communication Proficiency Test (WCP). You will be notified if your application is successful.

Tips & Warnings

• There is only one hiring campaign per year, so it is advisable to check the recruitment website often to ensure that you don't miss the application deadline.

• Bilingual (English/French) candidates are preferred. If you do not meet the language requirements, you will be required to complete language training before you take up your position if your application is successful.

• Candidates are responsible for all costs incurred in the interview and testing stages.

References

• DFAIT Canada: Applying to the Foreign Service
• Federal Jobs Canada: Post Secondary Recruitment