Omari Gates
Working for the government in Australia can offer a wide range of benefits and career opportunities. Government jobs, also known as public sector jobs, are available at the local, state, and federal levels, and cover almost every field, from trades to senior executives. The Australian Public Service (APS) alone employs over 150,000 people across Australia and overseas, offering diverse career paths and the chance to actively shape the country. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for government jobs in Australia, including job search strategies, resume preparation, and an overview of the recruitment process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Types | Local, state, or federal government agencies or departments |
| Job Availability | Jobs in almost every field |
| Number of Employees | Over two million people working in government jobs throughout Australia |
| Job Locations | Local councils, state or territory governments, Canberra |
| Qualifications | People from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and qualifications |
| Selection Criteria | Technical skills, soft skills, ability to work in a team |
| Application Process | Creating a unique resume for each job application, demonstrating key criteria |
| Job Alerts | Set up alerts for new opportunities |
| Networking | Attend industry events, connect with people on professional social media networking sites |
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What You'll Learn
Job listings and alerts
When looking for government job listings in Australia, there are several websites that provide job alerts and listings. These include iworkfor.sa.gov.au and seek.com.au/government-jobs. Both websites offer a range of government job opportunities across various sectors and locations in Australia.
Iworkfor.sa.gov.au is a dedicated website for South Australian government jobs. It offers a range of features to help job seekers find suitable opportunities. The website includes specific job listings, such as Correctional Officer positions within the state's prisons, as well as the opportunity to register your interest in joining a South Australian government board if you have relevant experience or expertise.
Additionally, iworkfor.sa.gov.au has a specific focus on Aboriginal employment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals seeking careers with the state's largest employer can register their interest through the South Australian Aboriginal Employment Register. This feature ensures that indigenous job seekers have enhanced visibility and access to government job opportunities.
On the other hand, seek.com.au/government-jobs provides a comprehensive platform for government job seekers across Australia. The website offers a wide range of job listings, including positions with specific employers such as the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and the Queensland Revenue Office. Seek's government job section covers various sectors, such as administration and office support, client liaison, investigations, and customer service. Each job listing includes details about the role, location, and benefits, such as employer superannuation contributions, annual leave loading, and salary packaging.
By utilising these websites, job seekers can stay informed about the latest government job opportunities in Australia. They can also take advantage of job alerts and notifications to be among the first to know when new positions that match their interests and qualifications become available.
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Federal, state, and local government jobs
When applying for federal, state, or local government jobs, it's important to understand the differences and unique considerations for each level of government:
Federal Government Jobs
Federal government jobs in Australia are typically based in Canberra, although some positions may be located elsewhere in the country. These jobs involve working for the Commonwealth government, addressing national matters such as defence, human services, and taxation. The recruitment process for federal government jobs can be lengthy, often taking around three months from advertising to notification of the outcome. All Commonwealth government jobs are advertised on a centralised website, making it convenient for job seekers to find opportunities regardless of the state they are located in.
State Government Jobs
State government jobs are usually based across several hubs throughout the state, including metropolitan areas where large departments are often situated. These jobs involve working for state and territory governments, such as NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, NT, ACT, and TAS. State governments employ public servants in various sectors, including schools, hospitals, police, business regulation, roads, and transport departments. To find state government job vacancies, it is necessary to visit each state's website individually, as there is currently no centralised platform for all state government jobs in Australia.
Local Government Jobs
Local government jobs, also known as council jobs, are available across metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia. These jobs involve working for local councils or shires and typically encompass responsibilities such as community facilities, town planning, local roads, building works, parking, water and sewerage management, domestic animal registration, and waste disposal. To find local government job opportunities, it is recommended to go directly to the website of the council you wish to work for and check their vacancy page. Similar to state government jobs, there is currently no centralised website for all local government jobs in Australia, and ongoing opportunities must be notified on the applicable governments' websites.
Application Process
The application process for government jobs in Australia can be quite different from applying for jobs in the private sector. Networking and personal connections play a minimal role, as the focus is on carefully evaluating candidates based on selection criteria. These criteria can include technical skills, such as experience with specific systems, and soft skills like teamwork. It is crucial to tailor your resume and job application to demonstrate how you meet these key criteria. Additionally, graduate programs and vacation employment opportunities can provide a pathway to permanent positions within the public sector.
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Resume and application
When applying for a government job in Australia, it is important to tailor your resume to each specific role. This may take more effort, but it is a great way to ensure your application is relevant to the position. Your resume should highlight how you meet the key criteria outlined in the job ad. Government selection criteria can include technical skills, such as experience with specific systems, and soft skills, like the ability to work in a team.
It is also beneficial to stay up-to-date with government job listings so you can apply immediately when a relevant opportunity arises. You can do this by setting up job alerts for potential government agencies or departments you're interested in.
Your resume should also demonstrate your relevant experience and qualifications. If you are an experienced professional looking to transition to the public sector, highlight your transferable skills and how your expertise can be applied in a government context. The public sector covers jobs in almost every field, so it is important to showcase how your background aligns with the specific role and the broader goals of the organisation.
Additionally, consider utilising specialist government recruitment consultants who can assist in fast-tracking your application and providing valuable insights into the recruitment process. They can offer guidance on resume structure and content, ensuring your application stands out and effectively showcases your suitability for the role.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of networking. Attend industry events, introduce yourself to people working in the public sector, and connect with them on professional social media networking sites. Networking can provide valuable insights into the application process and increase your chances of securing an interview.
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Selection criteria
The selection criteria for government jobs in Australia can be broken down into five categories: skills, qualifications, attributes, accountabilities, and technical knowledge.
Skills
This includes specific technical skills such as project management skills for a project manager, as well as soft skills such as time management, written communication skills, and interpersonal abilities. For example, being able to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders is an important skill in any engineering role.
Qualifications
This covers educational qualifications, relevant licences, registrations, memberships to a professional body, and trade certifications. For example, a degree in software engineering and AWS Certification in DevOps Engineering.
Attributes
Attributes refer to areas such as work ethic, personal qualities, values, and code of conduct. For example, the ability to work well within a team.
Accountabilities
Accountabilities refer to the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of the job. Each job has a key focus. For example, some roles may involve supervising staff, while others may involve providing policy advice or delivering support services.
Technical Knowledge
This includes experience working within specific systems or platforms, such as Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google Cloud, or Oracle Cloud.
When applying for a government job in Australia, it is important to carefully review the selection criteria and provide specific examples or situations that demonstrate how you meet each criterion. This may include describing relevant skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities, and expertise. It is also beneficial to use relevant keywords and phrases from the job description in your application.
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Recruitment consultants
Recruitment agencies like Hays and Michael Page are authorised recruiters of federal government jobs. They can help you find roles in administration, engineering, project management, public administration, legal and compliance, policy, IT, finance, infrastructure, and more. Hays, for example, has recruiters who will help you find the perfect opportunity in your preferred location, whether it be federal or state government. Michael Page has been in the Australian recruitment industry for decades and has a strong understanding of the sector and domestic job markets. They have a worldwide talent pool and robust networks of candidates and employers across Australia.
To get started, you can submit your CV and career goals to job consultants, who will then match your profile to active recruiters in your industry and desired location. You can also use free tools like Job Nexus, which distributes your CV to recruiters automatically and provides a detailed report on recruiter interaction with your information.
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Frequently asked questions
Working for the government in Australia offers a lot of variety, from roles for tradespeople to senior executives. The public sector covers jobs in almost every field, and the Australian Public Service Commission (APS) provides one of the most flexible and diverse career paths available. APS employs over 150,000 people across Australia and overseas, and it is not as hard to get an APS job as you may think.
Firstly, decide whether you want to work for a local, state, or federal government agency or department. Local government jobs usually refer to working for local councils, while state government jobs are based throughout the state. Federal government jobs are typically Canberra-based. Next, set up job alerts for potential government agencies or departments that interest you. Check sites regularly and grow your network to hear about job openings.
Candidates for government jobs are carefully evaluated and shortlisted based on selection criteria, which can include technical skills, soft skills, and specific system experience. Your resume and job application should clearly demonstrate that you meet most, if not all, of these criteria. It is essential to create a unique resume for each job application, ensuring that your application relates specifically to the position.
