Are you interested in working in a minister's office but aren't sure where or how to start? Fret no more. The federal Conservatives are holding a job fair in the parliament buildings on Thursday night.

For two hours, officials from the offices of ministers who need staff will be sitting at tables in a room in the West Block to collect resumes.

Every time there's a cabinet shuffle, the politically appointed staff of a minister who has changed jobs, or lost his or her job, is laid off. Then some are rehired.

Susan Lunn

The new cabinet was sworn in at the end of last month. But for those who are still looking for work, tonight is a chance to see what's left.

Government officials don't know exactly how many jobs are available. But they say the ones on offer are not senior positions, such as chiefs of staff. Those jobs have been almost entirely filled.

The Conservatives have been criticized by the opposition for expanding the size of cabinet last month and adding a bunch of secretaries of state. The government's response is that cabinet now is about the same size as ones under Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin.