Review applications and shortlist
Once the job closes, we review all applications against the key capabilities outlined in the applicant kit. From this, we create a shortlist of applicants who may be suitable.
If you are shortlisted, we may ask you to complete further assessments to check your ability to do the role.
If you are not shortlisted, we will email you – either at this stage after the selection process is complete.
Assess shortlisted applicants
We usually use one or more of these methods to assess shortlisted applicants:
- interviews (virtual or in person) – this is the most common method
- referee checks
- work sample tests
- group activities at an assessment centre.
Interviews
At interviews, we’ll ask questions that:
- relate to the key capabilities of the role advertised in the applicant kit
- are behavioural – we describe a work scenario and ask what actions you would take
- are example-based – we ask for examples from your previous jobs that show you have the right skills and experience.
When preparing for your interview, think about how you’ll structure your response using the STAR method.
You’ll also have the chance to ask questions about the job or the department.
It’s fine to use AI to prepare for interviews or assessments, but not during them. Your responses must be your own.
For more information, including tips on preparing for interviews, visit the Australian Public Service Commission website.
Our commitment to fairness
We make sure our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. We can provide reasonable adjustments for all applicants, such as:
- accessible hardware of software
- extra time to complete assessments
- other adjustments based on your individual needs.
Referee checks
We ask referees questions to confirm you have the skills and experience needed for the role.
We contact referees by email or phone, so sure you have let them know they may be contacted.
Results
Once the successful applicant has accepted the role, we’ll contact all other applicants after the outcomes are finalised.
If you’re the successful applicant – well done! We will contact you to start the onboarding process.
If you weren’t successful this time, don’t be discouraged. You can contact the officer listed in your outcome email for feedback to help improve future applications.
We may place also candidates that were found suitable – but didn’t get the job –in a merit pool for future roles.
It's a common practice in the APS to create, use and share merit lists across agencies for similar vacancies. This means if you're in our merit pool, another agency may contact you about a job opportunity.
More information
If you have any questions about a vacancy, you can contact the person named in the job advertisement.