Frequently Asked Questions
How many graduates will you be taking in 2010?
We are seeking approximately 25 generalist graduates for the 2010 intake.
How many people usually apply?
In a typical year we receive approximately 1500 applications and interview almost 120 applicants.
What eligibility requirements do you look for when selecting graduates?
To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Development Program (GDP) you must:
- have completed, as a minimum, a qualification equivalent to a three year Australian undergraduate degree by 31 December 2009
- be an Australian citizen, or be eligible for citizenship by 30 November 2009
- undergo security clearance to a confidential level
- undergo medical clearance by a nominated medical practitioner.
Can I apply for the GDP if I am not an Australian citizen?
No, Australian Citizenship is a condition which applies to all employment in the Australian Public Service, including graduate positions. Applicants must be granted Australian citizenship by 30 November 2009.
Are you looking for people with specific degrees?
No, we consider graduates from a broad range of degrees. We are seeking generalist graduates to work in different sections of the department performing policy and operational roles. Many of the skills acquired are transferable from one work area to another.
I graduated a while ago, am I eligible to apply for the GDP?
Yes, having completed your studies a while ago is not an impediment to applying for the GDP, so long as you have completed, as a minimum, a qualification equivalent to a three year Australian undergraduate degree by 31 December 2009.
What if I have mixed academic results?
Consideration is given to the contribution an individual can make to the department and their personal skills, behaviours and capabilities. You must have successfully completed, as a minimum, a qualification equivalent to a three year Australian undergraduate degree by 31 December 2009.
I obtained my qualification overseas, will it be recognised?
If your degree is from an overseas university, you must have it recognised
by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). NOOSR can be
contacted via phone or email.
Telephone: 1800 020 086
Website: National Office of Overseas
Skills Recognition
What does the selection and recruitment process involve?
There are four stages in the selection and recruitment process:
- application
- online assessment
- interview and work sample assessment
- offer
Will I need to provide my resume as part of my application?
No, you are not required to provide your resume as part of your application.
When will interviews be conducted?
We expect to conduct interviews from July to the end of August. You will be notified via email of the progress of your application through each stage of the process.
Where will the interviews be held?
Interviews will be held in departmental offices in most capital cities in Australia. We will conduct telephone interviews for applicants from remote areas or overseas.
When will you be making offers to successful applicants?
We expect to make offers from September 2009.
When does the GDP commence?
The GPD commences in the first week of February, however there may be opportunities to commence earlier in the department.
Where are the positions based?
The majority of graduate positions are based in National Office, Canberra. Generally, there are a limited number of positions within State Offices which are located in every capital city in Australia.
If I move from interstate to take up a position in Canberra does the department pay for my relocation expenses?
The department has a relocation assistance policy for graduates who relocate from interstate to Canberra. As part of the relocation assistance, the department may pay or reimburse you for some out of pocket expenses.
What type of work will I be doing?
The GPD is designed to expose you to a number of areas within the department to enable you to develop a broad knowledge of the portfolio and different business, and service delivery. During your rotation you could be involved in work diverse as settlement and citizenship, multicultural affairs, migration boarder security and refugee and humanitarian issues.
What training is offered during the GDP?
The GPD is comprised of three blocks of training spread across the 10 months. Each block of training is approximately one week in duration. The training includes, but is not limited to:
- an overview of the Australian Public Service
- project management
- policy formulation
- change management
- techniques for career management.
Are there opportunities to work overseas?
The department has offices in 75 locations across Australia and overseas. Employees must have worked in the department for two years before they are eligible to apply. Overseas positions are filled through a competitive selection process. Many former graduates choose to apply for overseas opportunities later in their careers, after gaining relevant experience.