Applying for a public service vacancy

Applying for a public sector vacancy can be confusing and quite alien to those unfamiliar with the process. To assist you in understanding the terms and application steps please have a look at “Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service”.

Job description

Before you begin your application, make sure you review and become familiar with the job description. The job description outlines the job and the relevant skills required. This will help you determine if you have the right skills for the job.

Filling out the online application

Start to fill out the online application as early as possible with your personal details, and education and employment history. One of the best things about the online application form is that you can save a stage and come back at a later time to complete. Always remember to review and save the application each time you make changes.

Assistive Technology

If you are using assistive technology and are having issues accessing our online recruitment system, please contact DEEWR Recruitment via email at recruitment@deewr.gov.au. 

Writing your statements of claims

When you arrive at the statement of claims in the online application take the time to write up your responses in a text program before hand, although you can enter your claims directly into the system. This will allow you to copy and paste the text into the online application once you have reviewed your claims. We recommend using Notepad for Windows and TextEdit for Mac.

When writing your statement of claims ensure they provide examples of your relevant skill, capabilities, experience and qualifications and demonstrates how they meet each selection criteria.  Although they should be comprehensive, they must also be succinct as most selection criteria have a limit of 450 words.
An easy way to frame your statement of claims against each criterion is to apply the S.T.A.R. model.

• Situation – provide a brief outline of the situation or setting for your example
• Task – explain the task you performed
• Action – explain the actions you took and how you did it
• Result – describe the outcomes from your actions

Creating a good resume/CV

In preparing a good resume you must include:

• all essential information about you (name, contact number, email address, etc)
• accurate information about your academic and technical qualifications
• all of your employment history, describing your roles, achievements, projects and responsibilities to date
• a list of any extra curricular activities and work experience roles
• correct spelling and grammar

You may find additional help and templates from a variety of job search websites.

Referee comments

Good referees are only as good as you allow them to be. Make sure you inform them that you have applied for a job, they have a copy of your statement of claims and their contact details are up to date.
You will not need to provide written referee reports unless requested to do so.