Doxxing myself a bit, but I work for my federal Govt. The application process is asinine, especially for the general public. You have to apply online, paste your resume in plain text, and answer 10-50 questions. The application is then screened by an algorithm and then further screened by a hiring board made up of rotating members.

The thing is, there's no information provided on how that algorithm rejects applicants, or how these questions should be answered. You need to answer each question specifically, then provide past examples, with full dates, locations, and organizational structure. If you submit an answer with no dates, it's considered a fail.

From there you need to do a written test, and a (since covid) video test. Each have these same rules with no heads up to applicants.

And, you can not hire (outside of students) without going through this process. The absoloute fastest turn around I've seen for this was 6 months. And that's unheard of. Generally these take 18-24 months.

If you don't have someone with knowledge of the process you have no chance of succeeding, it's very frustrating. Best part, when ever it's challenged the employer blames the unions, who have no right as per collective agreements to challenge hiring processes, only to review decisions and grieve if they're a member based on discrimination.