Questions about Applying
Questions about Relocating
Questions about the Program
Put your Family and Friends’ minds at ease
I've been asked to attend an interview. Can I have information to help me prepare?
DEEWR graduate interviews are behaviorally based and conducted by a panel of two people. These interviews are a chance for us to find out about your abilities, qualities and experience, and for you to find out more about us! Make sure you are on time and know where you are to go, dress comfortably and professionally, do some preparation and practice before hand, and if you need assistance or clarification, let us know!
What if I can't attend the interview date I've been given?
If you are invited to interview, we will email you a schedule to book yourself into an interview time that suits. If you cannot attend any of the dates available, please call the graduate hotline on 02 6121 5000, or email graduates@deewr.gov.au to discuss alternate arrangements.
What should I bring with me?
If you are invited to interview, we will also email you a personal particulars form. You must complete and bring this form with you. As well it is very important that you bring a passport size photo and your passport (or driver's licence and original birth certificate) to prove your identity and residency status.
I‘ve been told I have been unsuccessful. Can I get feedback?
If we notify you that you are unsuccessful at interview stage, you can request verbal feedback from us. We will let you know the timeframes allocated for applicants to receive their feedback in the email that details the outcome of the recruitment process.
What does the medical involve?
If you are successful in the recruitment process, it is a condition of employment that you undergo a medical assessment and satisfy us that you are fit to perform duties in DEEWR. We will send you details about how to book an appointment with the department’s health provider before you commence the program. The department’s provider has branches all over Australia so it makes it easy to book in somewhere close to home.
What’s involved with an AFP check?
If you are successful in the recruitment process, you are required to undergo a police check. It is a condition of your employment that you agree to have a criminal history records check and that you satisfy us of your suitability as a fit and proper person for engagement with DEEWR, the APS and to perform your duties. You’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and to give us the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police.
Can I apply for more than one discipline?
If you hold a degree that allows you to apply for more than one discipline, you are eligible to do so.
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If I’m moving to Canberra, what support is there for families and partners?
We offer relocation assistance to graduates who are successful in gaining a position in the graduate program. This can assist you and your dependants with:
- cost of removals
- temporary accommodation
- travel from home State to Canberra
If you are successful, we will give you more information during the final stages of the recruitment process.
We also have helpful information on our website about moving to Canberra - take a look!
What social networks are there?
There are several social networks available to graduates on entry to the graduate program. These include:
- Social Network of Graduates (SNoG): This is a network for all graduates within the public service. They get together regularly to organise social events including annual snow trips, after work drinks, paintball and plenty more!
- DEEWR’s GradPad: A Graduates' Social Network site on DEEWR's intranet. Includes coordination of the Graduate Newsletter and Graduate Fundraising Committee.
- DEEWR Graduate Social Committees: organising events like the annual DEEWR Trivia Night and Happy Hour. A fun way to get involved and meet your fellow graduates and other DEEWR colleagues, whilst learning valuable project management and organisational skills.
Do graduates have to be prepared to move to Canberra if successful in the Graduate Recruitment process?
Yes. State based positions are limited and are dependant on business requirements of DEEWR.
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If I’m successful can I defer to the following year?
It is not possible to defer an offer of employment nor start at an alternative date later in the year.
What is the length of the graduate program?
The graduate program is a 10 month learning and development program.
When does it start?
The expected start date for the 2012 DEEWR Graduate Program is early February 2012.
What happens when I finish the graduate program?
On successful completion of the 2012 DEEWR Graduate Program, you will automatically receive a permanent position within the department. This will be in your home group placement unless you successfully obtain a position elsewhere through a merit process. You will also be advanced to the APS 4 level (see DEEWR CA for salary advice) on successful completion of the program.
Is the graduate program accredited? Do I get a qualification?
Although the 2011 DEEWR Graduate Program is not an accredited program, you will have the chance to complete formal learning and development activity such as communication skills, project management and diversity awareness training. You will also receive on the job support and experience.
I have a degree which allows me to apply for specialist stream, can I also apply for the generalist stream?
If you hold a degree which allows you to apply for any of the specialist streams, you are also eligible to apply for the generalist stream. Some of the questions and processes may vary in the different streams.
What happens with rotations?
You are given the opportunity to complete work rotations within the department. We give you the opportunity to tell us your preferences for where you would like to work, and these preferences are taken into consideration during the allocation process, subject to business requirements.
Your first rotation is called you ‘home group’. This is where your permanent position on successful completion of the program will be.
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How will completing this program help my son/daughters career?
The 2012 DEEWR Graduate Program is a learning and development program for the public sector. The program will help graduates learn new skills and further develop existing skills, and provides a great foundation to a diverse and fulfilling public service career.
As well as access to great learning and development, graduates have the opportunity to complete up to three rotations through out the department. This will give them exposure to the variety of policies and programs that are carried out by the large portfolio of DEEWR.
What kind of work might be involved?
Graduates at DEEWR are a part of many different projects throughout their graduate year. Many graduates become involved in the creation of policy, implementation of programs and administrative work. We have opportunities for specialist graduates as well - IT, Law, Accounting, Economics/Applied Statistics and Social Policy Analysts.
What kind of place is DEEWR to work?
DEEWR is responsible for delivering on critical Government reforms across early childhood, education, employment, workplace relations and to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage. We have a positive, responsive culture, with the capability to deliver for Government and Australian citizens and at the same time be a great place to work.
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