Home
Careers
How to apply for a position

Careers

How to apply for a position

Read the job advertisement carefully

All NSW Government job advertisements list 'selection criteria'. The selection criteria describe the skills, knowledge and experience needed to do the job. Advertisements also have a brief description of the job, the name of the inquiries person, an address and a closing date for applications.

Telephone the inquiries person

You can get more information about the job by phoning the inquiries person named in the advertisement. Speak to them after you read the information package so your questions will be more relevant.

Writing your application

It is important to prepare a good application as it will be used to decide whether you get an interview. A good application shows why you are the best person for the job and how your skills, knowledge and experience match the selection criteria.

Your claim for the position / addressing the selection criteria

You must include a 'claim for the position' in your application. If not, you are unlikely to get an interview. These are statements showing how you meet the advertised selection criteria. Make a separate heading for each selection criterion. For each one, describe your skills, knowledge and experience and show how they could be used in the job – usually a half to a full page on each.

Your resume

Prepare a resume (or curriculum vitae) which is clear, concise and up to date information about your contact details, employment history, education history and a list of referees. Please do not send in the originals of your qualifications or certificates as a copy will be sufficient. You may need to bring your original documents if you are called for an interview to verify these.

Sending in your application

All applications are to be forwarded and marked 'confidential' to the address marked in the advertisement. You can also submit your application through www.jobs.nsw.gov.au by the closing date. If you are uncertain of the closing date or the address, phone the contact person. If your application is late may not be accepted.

The Selection Committee

Selection is a committee of three people (this will include at least one man and one woman). One person will be an 'independent' – a person from outside the agency. This committee is responsible for assessing your application.

Shortlisting or Cull

The selection committee assesses all applications against the selection criteria. Applicants who best meet the selection criteria will be called for further assessment, usually an interview. If you application does not meet the selection criteria you will not be called for an interview.

Interview preparation

If you are chosen for an interview, you should prepare carefully. You would normally be advised by phone at least three days before the interview. Make sure you read up on the information provided to you in the information kit. You may also want to look through our department’s web site to get a good understanding of our department.

At the interview

Your task during the interview is to convince the selection panel that you are the best applicant for the position. The selection committee may use a number of methods to assess your ability to do the job including: work samples, tests, referee and criminal checks. If you have not been told what to expect, you can telephone and ask if there will be a test or exercise, as well as the interview.

After the interview

The selection panel compares all the applicants and makes a recommendation. If we do not offer you the position, but believe you are suitable, you may be placed on an eligibility list. Applicants are placed on this list in order of merit, and may be contacted regarding employment if the position, or a similar position, becomes vacant within six months from the date the job was advertised. If you are unsuccessful for a position, you will receive a letter. This letter will provide you with a contact name and number if you would like some feedback on your interview or your application. We encourage you do contact the officer as you will find out why you were not successful and you can look at ways of improving your application.