Government Job Applications

Addressing selection criteria, panel interviews, and lengthy recruitment processes ... Welcome to the world of government applications.

The Government Job Application Process

Applying for a government job is a very different process to applying for a 'normal' job.  There are a number of reasons for these different recruitment processes, but the biggest is that the salaries for government employees comes from our taxes, and the government has an obligation to show the public that they are spending their money wisely, and employing the right people.  The process is set and documented, and appeals against decisions can be made in certain situations.    You can't get a job in the government because your brother-in-law recommended you, networking plays no part in getting government job.

• Most of the vacancies aren't advertised in the paper or career websites like most normal jobs.
• You can't send your resume in "just in case" an opportunity comes up, it will not be held on file or considered for future vacancies.
• Your application will take you at least three times as long as a normal application, if not longer.
• The interview will be infront of a panel, who again will question you against the key selection criteria.
•  The best person doesn't always get the job, often the best application writer will get the job.

The most important thing you can do is pay attention to the selection documentation and write the best possible statements addressing selection criteria that you can! 

Popular Articles

How to apply for a government job

General information about selection criteria

General information about government interviews

Free Selection Criteria Examples
An extract from Selection Criteria Exposed, get your hands on 5 free selection criteria examples!

Free ebook "How to Get a Government Job"
Download "How to Get a Government Job" here

How to select a selection criteria writer
Don't hire the wrong writer, find out what you should be looking for in a selection criteria writer.

Selection Criteria - Top 5 Tips
Read our top 5 tips for selection criteria

Government Resumes - Top 5 Tips
Read our top 5 tips for government resumes

Selection Criteria Myths
Could you be doing your selection criteria all wrong without even knowing it?  Find out the selection criteria response myths

Job Application Templates
Microsoft Word templates for your cover letter, resume  and statements against selection criteria. Go to the application templates page

Interviews Inside Out
30 tips for your next government interview.

Interview with a Government Recruiter
 What does a government recruiter think about applicants and panels? Read the government recruiter interview.

Employment Indexes
Where are your best chances of getting a job?  What industries, & what states? Look through the employment indexes.

Salary Surveys
Salary surveys, primarily from the private sector.  Browse the salary surveys.

102 websites 
Here are 102 websites that will spill the beans on everything government you need to know.
Download the free publication.

Working for the Government

Government jobs can provide long-lasting and fulfilling careers filled with unique experiences and the knowledge that you are working in a job that is ultimately serving the nation.

Different types of government jobs

The Commonwealth government (or federal government) employs public servants across Australia in areas such as primarily include national matters, such as trade and commerce, currency, immigration, defence, telecommunications and welfare.

The state governments employ public servants within their own state such as police, schools, roads, hospitals, public housing and business regulation.

Local governments employ public servants within a council or shire.  They are responsible for town planning, building works, local roads, parking, water and sewerage, waste disposal, domestic animals and community facilities.