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DIDP Selection Process

DIGO conducts a merit-based selection process, as well as an assessment of your suitability to hold a high-level security clearance. The process involves a number of stages, conducted between February and August, which you must undergo to be considered for a position at DIGO.

The graduate recruitment process comprises:

  • completion of an online application
  • completion of a suite of online aptitude tests
  • attendance at a screening session in your closest capital city
  • attendance at a assessment centre in Canberra
  • completion of a Psychological Assessment (PA)
  • completion of a Top Secret - Positive Vetting (TS-PV) security clearance
  • meeting standard APS recruitment requirements.

If you are selected as a preferred candidate, you will receive a provisional offer of employment. This offer is subject to you being granted a Top Secret security clearance.

Once a security clearance is granted, you will then be provided with a formal offer of employment. Applicants who accept an employment offer will then be required to undertake a health assessment.

Successful applicants will be expected to commence work in February 2014, and will be subject to a probationary period of 12 months.

Key Dates

Applications opened:
25 February 2013
Careers fairs:
5–25 March 2013
Applications closed:
7 April 2013
Screening sessions (in capital cities):
20–24 May 2013
Assessment centres (in Canberra):
17 June–18 July 2013
Security clearances (in capital cities):
From August 2013
Employment commences:
February 2014

Online Application

The Defence Graduate Portal was open from February to April. The portal lets you submit one application to all Defence graduate programs – DIGO, DIO, DSD, GDP, DMO & CEDP.

To apply to join DIGO, select the preference stream you would like to be considered for, then select your preferred pathway (ISDP Intelligence Analyst, ISDP Scientific Analyst or ISDP Technical Analyst) and finally select DIGO as your preferred agency. You are able to submit up to three preferences, giving you the chance to select more than one pathway or program.

When completing the application, you will be required to provide the following information:

  • personal information
  • contact information
  • agency and stream preferences
  • employment history
  • education history
  • your response to the selection criteria.

Selection Criteria

To complete your application, you will need to address the selection criteria. Your response to the selection criteria is the basis on which a selection panel will short-list applicants for further consideration. You will need to address each selection criteria thoroughly and succinctly. Within each criterion you should outline your relevant skills and abilities, citing key examples of your work performance, qualifications and other relevant experience.

The specific areas that a selection panel will consider include your:

  • abilities
  • skills and knowledge
  • experience
  • qualifications, training and competencies
  • standard of work performance
  • demonstrated potential for further development.

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

For further advice on how to address selection criteria, please refer to the Australian Public Service Commission Cracking the Code: How to Apply for Jobs in the Australian Public Service, Fact Sheet 5 – Addressing Selection Criteria.

Aptitude Testing

Once you submit your online application, you will be asked to undertake a suite of online aptitude tests. The tests examine your numerical, verbal and inductive reasoning, and help determine what job might be right for you.

The test results are used purely to give the assessors some further insight into your strengths and aptitude for certain types of work. This helps us to determine what roles within our organisation might best suit what you have to offer. The Defence intelligence agencies have myriad different roles that a graduate can fill, so don’t be concerned if you find any of the tests difficult: just try your best because, regardless of the results, there may still be a place for you.

When we receive your application and the online aptitude test results, they will be reviewed and assessed. If you are found suitable, you will be short-listed and invited to attend a screening session.

Screening Session

Screening sessions will focus on your suitability to work for a Defence intelligence agency. Screening sessions are held in most capital cities around Australia. The dates are scheduled in advance and are unable to be changed. If you are required to attend, you will be contacted in mid-May with the details.

Once you have completed the online application, online aptitude tests and the screening session, the results will be reviewed by the selection committee. If you have successfully completed these stages, you may be invited to attend an assessment centre.

Assessment Centre and Interview

Your attendance at an assessment centre is an opportunity for you to learn more about the Defence intelligence agencies, as well as our chance to further evaluate your suitability to work in one of those agencies.

A range of assessment techniques may be used, such as role plays, scenario exercises, group exercises and presentations, skill tests and an interview. These tools are used to supplement the recruitment process and provide additional information to the selection committee in order to ensure the best person is selected for the position.

Assessment centres and interviews are held in Canberra. Interstate applicants will be required to travel to Canberra the day prior to assessment. Your transport and accommodation will be provided.

Psychological Assessment

To work in some areas of Defence, it is necessary to complete a confidential Psychological Assessment. This assessment is a mandatory requirement for work in Defence intelligence agencies, as well as other areas of Defence that handle or have access to sensitive information. This requirement applies to all categories of employees, including APS personnel, ADF members and contractors. Psychological assessments are conducted to determine your suitability to work in a high-security environment and to hold a Top Secret - Positive Vetting security clearance. Learn more about Psychological Assessment (590K PDF).

Security Clearance

A comprehensive security assessment is a prerequisite for all DIGO employees. Security assessments measure your personal integrity and suitability to work in a high-security area. Security assessments comprise a personal history and background check, a psychological assessment, a questionnaire and an interview. Security assessments are a lengthy and complex process which can take 6 months for graduates from the time you submit your documents.

Standard APS Requirements

Fit and Proper Person

To be appointed to the APS, you must show that you are a fit and proper person. The ‘fit and proper person’ assessment involves checking, where appropriate, police records, employment history and references.

Engagement of Redundancy Benefit Recipients

Clauses 4.4 and 4.4A of the Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 1999 set out certain restrictions on the employment of persons who have received redundancy benefits from an APS agency or from the Australian Parliamentary Service. Please refer to Australian Public Service Commission: Engagement of People Who Have Received a Redundancy Benefit for further information.

Recruitment Enquiries

DIGO Intelligence Development Program
Email: IS.gradprogram@defence.gov.au

DIGO General Recruitment
Email: PSS.GenRecruitment@defence.gov.au
Web: Defence Intelligence and Security Group Careers