Frequently Asked Questions

The graduate recruitment process

Q.1 What is the criteria to apply for the Graduate Development Program?

To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Development Program you must:

• have completed, as a minimum, a qualification equivalent to a three year Australian undergraduate degree by 31 December 2008
• be an Australian citizen, or be eligible for citizenship by 30 November 2008
• undergo security clearance to a confidential level
• undergo medical clearance by a nominated medical practitioner.

Q.2 What does the selection process involve?

Applications are generally submitted online from late March until mid April. Applicants complete an online application form by answering a number of questions which are scored by a panel of assessors. Successful applicants are short listed for an online assessment. The interview is the final stage of the process before offers are made.

Q.3 Will I need to provide my resume as part of my application?

You will not be required to provide your resume as part of your application.

Q.4 When will you be conducting interviews?

We expect to conduct interviews from July to the end of August. Please note that this may vary from one year to another. You will be notified via email of the progress of your application through each stage of the process.

Q.5 Where will the interviews be held?

Interviews will be held in departmental offices in most capital cities in Australia. We will conduct some telephone interviews for applicants from remote areas or overseas.

Q.6 When will you be making offers to successful applicants?

We expect to be able to make offers from September.

Q.7 I have a degree. Should I apply?

Yes. We have taken people in the past from diverse disciplines such as optometry and architecture, however, many graduates have degrees in Arts, Law, Asian Studies, Accounting, Business, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations and Political Science.

Q.8 Are you looking for people with specific degrees?

In some cases yes, however most positions are generalist, that is graduates work in different sections of the department performing policy and operational work. Many of the skills acquired are transferable from one work area to another. We are looking for people with general skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analytical skills and an interest in the portfolio. What is important is that you have developed these skills and interest during your University learning.

Q.9 Do you have positions for graduates with specific qualifications such as Law, Accounting/Finance?

Yes. We expect to fill a number of positions with people who hold these disciplines.

Q.10 Can I apply for the Graduate Development Program if I am not an Australian Citizen?

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 2008.

Q.11 I graduated a while ago, am I eligible to apply for the Graduate Development Program?

Graduate Development Program positions are at entry level. If you have not graduated recently and have relevant workforce experience, you may still apply for the Graduate Development Program, however you may also be suitable for other vacancies within the department. These are advertised in the Commonwealth Gazette which can be accessed online.
See: Australian Public Service Gazette

Information about jobs in the Australian Public Service is also available free of charge online.
See:
Australian Jobsearch
FedInfo - Information for Australian Government Employees

Q.12 I obtained my qualification overseas, will it be recognised?

If your degree is from an overseas university, it must be recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). NOOSR can be contacted as shown below:
Telephone: 1800 020 086
Website: National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition

Commencement of employment

Q.13 When does the Program commence?

The program generally commences in early February, however there may be opportunities to commence earlier. The application form will ask you to nominate if you are available to start working earlier.

Q.14 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 a number of items including, but not necessarily limited to:

• the removal of your personal belongings
• temporary accommodation for a limited time while you are finding permanent accommodation in Canberra
• a one way economy airfare or motor vehicle allowance.

There a limits in terms of how much assistance is provided and the relocation assistance policy is not designed to necessarily compensate for all your relocation expenses.

Q.15 What type of work will I be doing?

During the Graduate Development year, you will be rotated throughout the department which will provide you with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the different roles undertaken in the department. You may be rotated through areas of the department where you will receive exposure to policy, corporate or service delivery type roles The rotations are a good way of building networks and developing skills throughout our diverse portfolio.

Q.16 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. These positions are dependent on each region's need for graduates. You will have the opportunity to nominate whether you wish to work in Canberra or your local State Office (or either).

Q.17 What training is offered during the first year?

The first year is one of development and comprises three blocks of training spread throughout the year. Each block of training is approximately one week in duration. The training is designed to:

• expose graduates to the APS environment
• provide an understanding of the role and work undertaken within the department
• provide graduates with excellent networking opportunities.

On the job training is also provided in each rotation.

Q.18 When can I work overseas?

The department has offices at 75 locations in Australia and overseas. Overseas positions are filled through a competitive selection process. Employees must have worked in the department for two years before they are eligible to apply. Many graduates choose to serve overseas later in their careers.

General facts and figures

Q.19 How many graduates will you be taking in 2009?

In the last five years we have taken 50, 31, 84, 93 and 93 graduates. The exact number for 2009 is currently being determined.

Q.20 How many people usually apply?

In a typical year we receive approximately 1500 applications and we interview almost 250 people.

Q.21 Do you have age limits for applicants?

No. We encourage students of all ages to apply provided they have completed at least a 3 year undergraduate degree and that students hold Australian Citizenship.