Making the decision to proceed...

Before a Defence Australian Public Service (APS) job is advertised the requirements of the role are analysed and a job description is prepared.

Take time to research and plan your application highlighting your skills, experience, training and abilities required to successfully undertake the job. Applying for the sake of it means spending time and energy applying for jobs that you may not be really suited for. Understanding the job, what is required and whether you have the right skills and experience are important in deciding whether to apply or not.

Still unsure...

If you need more information about the role or the process, call the contact officer and ask them.  For example, you may want to know about upcoming work priorities, the work environment or the timeframe for announcing the decision. The contact officer details should be outlined in the jobs information pack.

It is vital that you provide sufficient detail to enable the selection panel to assess your suitability and how you compare to other applicants.  When writing your responses include transferable knowledge, skills or abilities in areas relevant to the job.  Try to provide evidence of your work achievements and support your claims with actual, specific examples of what you have done and how well you did it.

Remember to check spelling, punctuation and grammar, and be succinct. The written application itself shows how well you can communicate, and if written well, can make a positive impression.

There are some very valuable online references which may assist you in your preparations:

• Integrated Leadership system – This information provides guidance on what you would be expected to do for all APS classification levels and roles.  It can be particularly useful if you are entering the APS for the first time and unsure of the roles and responsibilities across the APS.
• Cracking the Code – This guide takes you through the steps on how to apply for jobs in the APS. 
• Fact sheet 5: Addressing selection criteria – Where responses to selection criteria is required this reference is worth a look.  This fact sheet covers handy tips and hints and as well as an example of how to address selection criteria.
• The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) Indigenous Liaison Officer – is available to provide advice to Indigenous people on how to apply for APS jobs. The APSC Indigenous Liaison Officer can be contacted at IndigenousLiaisonOfficer@apsc.gov.au.

Resume...

Your application must include an up to date copy of your resume.  The resume should provide all the relevant information about your education, employment history, achievements and abilities.

Important Note: Resumes should not include any attachments or images that will take the combined size of the file to over 1MB. Files over this size will not get through the Defence firewall and therefore will not reach the recruitment area.

Submitting your application...

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

Once your application is successfully submitted through eRecruit 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 through the eRecruit system.

Once you withdraw your application you will not be able to re-submit it or submit another application for the same job vacancy.

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

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