Many federal departments and agencies use the 428 Supervisor Simulation to evaluate candidates within and outside government for first-level supervisory positions. There is a standard version of the exercise, but modestly tailored versions may be developed for specific competitions administered by the Public Service Commission, or by human resources staff and managers from the hiring entity.

Similar to managerial-level exercises, the behaviour-based 428 Simulation takes place in a complex fictitious organization. Background corporate details are provided to candidates several days in advance of the actual simulation, and additional materials and problem situations are handed out at the beginning of the assessment. During the tightly timed program several tasks must be analyzed and explained in a written summary, then presented in role-play format to the assessment board.

The government overview on the 428 Simulation is vague, clarifying information of any value is not provided to candidates by those in charge of the process, and anecdotal details from previous simulation participants are usually sketchy and often misguided. These obstacles—combined with being placed in a new corporate world and working in unfamiliar surroundings driven by the clock—can make candidates unsure about how to prepare and undermine performance.

To address common concerns and prepare you well for your simulation, our coaching and materials provide: insights to understand the assessment method; underlying principles and values to situate you in the simulation milieu and increase your score; guidance in breaking down materials and problems you must handle; and templates to produce timely, well-structured written and oral information that reflects your assigned role, level and responsibilities.

Personal Coaching Program

The 5.0 hour consultation—preceded by a review of your CV/resumé to determine potential strengths and weaknesses for the simulation—includes two face-to-face or telephone sessions covering every step of the multi-dimensional 428 exercise. You will receive:

• An explanation of the simulation’s underlying purpose, ethos and competency-based evaluation methods you need to know at the outset
• Instruction on how to deconstruct, digest and use—quickly and effectively—government materials about the organization which you receive before the simulation
• Examples of mnemonics and prepared material you can take in to the simulation to facilitate your success
• Easy-to-apply formulas and tools to carry out the information analysis, written summary, oral presentation and question and answer follow up comprising the exercise
• Key reminders to focus your thinking, professionalize your delivery, and help avoid pitfalls when you are in front of the assessment board
• Answers to specific concerns you have about any facet of the simulation

Who Can Benefit from our Coaching?

Clients we work with in our 428 Simulation preparation have included first-time and previously unsuccessful candidates competing for individual positions or qualifying pools in federal departments and agencies in Ottawa and across Canada. All client information is kept confidential.

We receive referrals from current and retired government managers and executives familiar with our work, and from past clients who have used our services. Our success rate in helping individuals for the 428 Simulation is 70%, which far exceeds the general pass rate of about 20% in this demanding competition.

Fees

One-on-one coaching and materials, in person or by telephone: In Canada $750 Cdn + applicable taxes From outside Canada $750 Cdn, no taxes

Long distance coaching is carried out only on calls placed by clients. Times can be arranged to take advantage of discounted rates and of client availability in various Canadian and international time zones.

Further Information

Please Contact Us [click here] to set up a telephone appointment to discuss in person your needs and how we can help you.