As an applicant, you will be competing with a number of other applicants for the position. Your chances will be improved if you do some research and planning before you apply.

The Australian Public Service Commission has created guides to help applicants apply for Defence and other Government agency jobs.

Cracking the Code: shows tips and information on how to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Getting a job in the Australian Public Service: is there to assist Indigenous applicants apply for APS jobs.

How do I apply for a job with Defence?

The first step is to find the job you’d like to apply for. 

Click on Career Opportunities from the menu on the left to begin a search for an APS Careers @ Defence position.

Click on any job title listed on our site to find more information, and to access the links to “Preview application form” and “Start new application”.

How do I submit my application online?

You will need to set up an online account before you can login and start your application.  For step-by-step assistance in completing an online application, access our Applicant User Guide for more information.

Click on the “Start new application” link to access the login page for the online employment application.

When you set up your online account and log in for the first time, you will need to complete your personal profile, and your education and employment history.

To complete your application, address the selection criteria for the job your are applying for, attach your resume and submit your application.

The selection criteria is the most important part of your application because it is the primary basis on which a selection panel will shortlist applicants for further consideration.

You need to address each selection criteria thoroughly and succinctly and only include information that is relevant to the position.  Under each criterion you should outline your relevant skills and abilities and cite key examples of your work performance, qualifications and other relevant experience.

Specific areas that selection panels consider include your:

• Abilities
• Skills and knowledge
• Experience
• Qualifications, training and competencies
• Standard of work performance and
• Demonstrated potential for further development.

If any criteria are ignored or not addressed sufficiently your application may not be considered any further.

For further advice on how to address selection criteria please refer to Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service, Fact sheet Five - Addressing Selection Criteria.

Some positions may have mandatory qualification requirements listed in the job advertisement and the Information Pack.  If this is the case, you may need to provide evidence of your qualifications with your application or at interview.

After completing all the steps, you should review your application certify that all the information you are submitting is true and correct and submit your application for processing.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not leave applying for a position until the closing day of the recruitment process.  Start your application early!

Applications received after the closing deadline will not be processed.

Once your application is successfully submitted you will receive a confirmation email. 

APS Careers @ Defence is for job seekers only. Unsolicited resumes or applications from recruitment agencies and/or search firms will not be accepted and Defence will not pay fees to any such organisation unless arranged with the provider prior to advertising the vacancy.

Withdrawing an Application

If you have submitted an application, but no longer wish to be considered for the position, you can withdraw it on e-Recruitment.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you withdraw your application you will not be able to re-submit it or submit another application for this vacancy. 

For more information on withdrawing your application via the APS Careers @ Defence e-recruitment system, please refer to our e-Recruitment Applicant User Guide. 

If you withdraw your application after the closing date, please ensure you also inform the Contact Officer. The Contact Officers phone and/or email address can be found on the front page of the Information Pack.