Where to find APS jobs
The Australian Public Service Commission's guide, Cracking the code, lists the places to look:
- the Public Service Gazette, at APSJobs (apsjobs.gov.au)
- agency websites
- other job websites
Jobs run from APS 1 to APS 6, then Executive Level 1 and 2, then the Senior Executive Service. APS 1 to 6 are administrative, service, technical, project and policy roles. Executive Levels are middle management or professional roles.
What to send
Each ad says what it wants. Most applications ask for some of these:
- your CV or resume
- a statement or "pitch" on how your skills and experience meet the job's needs
- answers to selection criteria or questions, if the ad includes them
- contact details for your referees
Most CVs are two to six pages long, unless the panel asks for a set length. Pitch limits vary. One ad may want one or two pages, and another 1,000 words. Stick to the limit you're given.
Writing your pitch with STAR
Use real, specific examples. Say what you did, how well you did it, what you achieved, and how it relates to the job.
“The STAR model is one way of presenting information against selection criteria.”
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. Set the scene in a line, then spend most of your words on what you did.
Interviews and other tests
Behavioural questions usually begin with "Tell us about a time when…" or "Describe a situation where…". They rest on the idea that past behaviour is a good guide to future behaviour.
You may also get hypothetical "What would you do if…" questions. You may do a work sample test, a presentation or psychometric testing too. These can be part of the interview, or replace it.
Agencies hiring for many jobs at once may run an assessment centre. Choose your referees with care. One is generally expected to be a current or recent supervisor.
Merit and merit lists
The Public Service Act 1999 sets out what merit means. Every eligible person must have a reasonable chance to apply. The candidates must then be compared in a competitive selection process.
If you're found suitable but not chosen, you may go on a merit list. For 18 months after the job was advertised, agencies can use it to fill the same or similar jobs.
Citizenship and security clearances
“An Agency Head must not engage, as an APS employee, a person who is not an Australian citizen, unless the Agency Head considers it appropriate to do so.”
So APS jobs generally need Australian citizenship. Agencies may choose to hire non-citizens who have the right work permits.
Other conditions may include a health clearance, security and character checks, such as a police check, and a probation period.
Security clearances
The four clearance levels are Baseline, Negative Vetting 1, Negative Vetting 2 and Positive Vetting. Each allows access to more sensitive material.
To be eligible for a clearance, you must be an Australian citizen with a checkable background. For an exceptional business need, and after a risk assessment, the sponsoring agency can waive these.
Don't let a missing clearance stop you applying. The Commission says it won't be the basis of the decision.
One paragraph of a pitch, in STAR form
Here is a made-up paragraph for a pitch, answering one of the job's needs.
Made-up example
Mia, applying for an APS 4 client service role
Question
Situation
Task
Action
- I listed the 15 questions students asked most, and checked each answer with the fees team.
- I wrote short, plain answers and a checklist students could fill in while they waited.
- I trained 3 new staff to use the same answers, so our advice matched.
- I sent questions we couldn't answer to the right team each day, and shared their replies.
Result
Each action starts with "I", and the result gives numbers. In a two-page pitch, a paragraph like this would cover one need.
Questions
How long should my APS pitch be?
The ad sets the limit. Common ones are a one- or two-page pitch, or 1,000 words. Stick to the limit you're given.
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
Usually. The law says an agency must not hire a non-citizen unless the agency head thinks it appropriate. Agencies may choose to hire non-citizens with work rights.
Do I need a security clearance to apply?
No. The Commission says not to let a missing clearance stop you applying. If the job needs one, it's a condition of being employed.
What is a merit list?
A list of suitable applicants from a selection process. For 18 months after the job was advertised, agencies can use it to fill the same or similar jobs.
Sources
Written by Seal the Offer from these pages, last checked on . Rules change, so check the employer's own page and the job ad before you apply.
- 3. Applying for an APS job: cracking the code · Australian Public Service Commission
- 2. About jobs in the APS: cracking the code · Australian Public Service Commission
- 7. The interview and other assessment: cracking the code · Australian Public Service Commission
- 8. Frequently asked questions: cracking the code · Australian Public Service Commission
- Creating and Sharing Merit Lists or Pools · Australian Public Service Commission
- Public Service Act 1999 · Federal Register of Legislation
- Security clearance definitions · Australian Government Security Vetting Agency
- Eligibility and suitability · Australian Government Security Vetting Agency