Applying for a role can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking process. Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to assist you in the application process.
How do I apply for an advertised position?
All applications are to be submitted using the department’s online recruitment system. When you complete an application, you will:
- submit a ‘pitch’ addressing how your skills, knowledge and experiences are relevant to the advertised duties, skills and capabilities,
- attach a concise resume (up to three pages), and
- provide the details of two references who can attest to your suitability.
What should I include in my pitch?
Your pitch should tell us why you are the right person for this opportunity, and how your skills, knowledge and experiences would contribute to the role and the work of the department. Make sure you highlight relevant examples or achievements that will demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role.
You are not expected to detail a different example for each of the duties and capabilities. You may only have room for one or two examples, so try to think of situations where you have used a number of skills and capabilities to deliver an outcome.
What is the STAR model?
When writing your pitch, consider using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate your examples.
- Situation: Set the context by describing the circumstance where you used the skills or qualities and gained the experience.
- Task: What was your role?
- Action: What did you do and how did you do it?
- Result: What did you achieve? What was the end result and how does it relate to the job you are applying for?
Further information can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: Welcome to Cracking the code | How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service
What should I include in my resume?
You will be asked to submit a concise resume (up to three pages) outlining your most relevant experience for the advertised position. Your resume should be submitted in a format that is simple and easy to read.
We suggest including the following information:
- Your Details: your name, email address and phone number. Please do not include personal information such as your age, gender, or home address.
- Education and Qualification: highlight details of your education and qualification/s relevant to the position.
- Work Experience and Skills: provide an overview of your employment history in chronological order. Highlights roles and responsibilities relevant to the position.
- Other Relevant Experience: detail any relevant activities such as training courses, professional development memberships, or volunteer work.
What does the selection process involve?
Our selection process is based on merit, as per the APS Employment Principles. The suitability of each applicant is assessed by a selection panel through a rigorous selection process. The selection process will generally involve the below steps:
Step One: Shortlisting
All applications are assessed against the position requirements (the advertised duties and capabilities). The selection panel will shortlist candidates who are suitable to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Step Two: Further Assessment
Further assessment may include the following:
- Interview: shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the selection panel and demonstrate their suitability for the role.
- Work sample assessment: the recruitment process may include the completion of a work sample assessment, such as a written task. A work sample assessment is used to assess practical skills and capabilities required for the role.
- Reference checks: the selection panel will conduct reference checks to further support an individual’s suitability for the position.
Step Three: Outcome
At the completion of the process, all applicants are notified of the outcome of the recruitment process.
How will my application be assessed?
Your application will be assessed by a selection panel against the advertised requirements of the job. Jobs in the Australian Public Service are classified according to expected levels of work and responsibility. This will also contribute to the selection panel’s assessment.
For information about the capabilities and behaviours required at each classification, review the APS Work Level Standards and the Integrated Leadership System (ILS).
How do I edit my application?
If you submit your application, and then wish to edit your responses, you may do so through the online recruitment system. Log into your account and navigate to the ‘My Applications’ page to view and amend your application. No changes can be made to your application after the vacancy has closed.
How do I withdraw my application?
If you have submitted an application, but no longer wish to be considered for the position, you need to withdraw your application via the online recruitment system. Once you withdraw your application you will be unable to re-submit it without contacting the Recruitment Team.
Who should I contact if I have questions about an advertised vacancy?
If you have questions regarding an advertised vacancy, please reach out to the Contact Officer whose details are included on the Job Information Pack. If you are experiencing difficulties getting in touch with the Contact Officer, or you have technical questions related to the online recruitment system, please contact the Recruitment team.
Will late applications be considered?
All applications are to be submitted using the department’s online recruitment system. Applications sent via email to the Contact Officer will not be considered. Late applications may only be accepted in extenuating circumstances (such as a medical emergency).
How long will it take to receive an outcome from the recruitment process?
The timeline for a recruitment process to be finalised will depend on a number of factors. This may include the number of positions advertised, the number of applications received, and the type or number of assessment tasks undertaken. You will be contacted by the department as soon as there is an update on your application.
If my application is successful and I am offered a role, what happens next?
The Department of Education conducts pre-employment checks to help make an informed decision about a candidate’s employment suitability. Candidates who are successful in the recruitment process and are verbally offered a position will be required to complete pre-employment checks.
As part of the pre-employment check process, candidates may be required to:
- Undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
- Complete a Health Declaration, including disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions
- Provide evidence of their Australian Citizenship, and copies of identification documents.
The candidate must also have the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
Once a candidate has satisfied the requirement of the pre-employment check, a written offer of employment can be issued.
What is a merit pool?
A selection process may be used to establish a merit pool. Candidates who are assessed as suitable, but who are not offered a position, may be placed on a merit pool.
Being placed on a merit pool is not an offer of employment, however during the life of the merit pool, you may be contacted by the department to discuss your suitability for similar vacancies that may arise. A merit pool is valid for an 18-month period from the date the vacancy was advertised.
You may also be considered for similar vacancies across the APS if you have provided consent for your details to be shared with other APS agencies. All requests to share merit pools will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Get in touch
If you have any questions on working with the department, or the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@education.gov.au or 02 6240 6973.