I am applying for government jobs and the application process sometimes feels daunting.
Does anyone have any tips on how to answer some skill based questions. How lengthy does it have to be? And how much jargon should you be using?
Is there a specific format to answer these questions?
Thanks in advance.
How lengthy does it have to be?
They normally tell you
Is there a specific format to answer these questions?
This.
Be concise. Avoid phrasing like "I was responsible for".
You want to show how you contributed and helped the situation by being pro-active, not because it was your job or you had to.
Examples don't need to be long, say 150-200 words. As long as it conveys the situation, what tasks and actions you took, and how you helped to resolve the situation with beneficial outcomes.
Most APS applications are 500-750 words unless it's a higher EL position, so you can usually get 4 or so examples in.
Ensure the examples address the selection criteria.
I have my resume to about 3 pages. I list the roles I've been in from newest first, with daily tasks/responsibilities in dot points, then a relevant STAR example where appropriate in a paragraph. To me it makes it look more natural, but how you do it is up to you.
Thanks!
The jobs capabilities should be something i should keep in mind when i am providing STAR examples?
Absolutely.
Whatever they're looking for, either specialised requirements or day to day duties, your examples need to address as much as possible to show you're suitable.
Depends on the job, and what they state as the requirement. A lot of government agencies (I work in Federal, so I'm using Federal as an example - hence 'APS') state the maximum amount of pages for a resume and/or application.
And whilst I stated my resume at 3 pages, it includes my examples, and I also tailor it to what's needed for the application.
If you're not reading the job advertisement and tailoring your application for it (which is the whole point of the STAR method and ensuring you respond to the criteria), then you're not going to get an interview to begin with.
Hi lordrupertliverpool, may I ask how you assess these responses please? For instance, If all of the candidates use STAR to address the criteria, how do you decide if one is better than the other? Could you please offer some tips about how to address the selection criteria? Thanks.
Thanks!
I find this PDF very useful along with the Star model.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&c…
Edit: I think 2pages long will be the normal length. Please be mindful of specific font size size and font requirement. Depends on how long your cover letter is you can adjust the following as required:
Option 1: If you letter is short, type in the full selection criteria folloed by "-", then start addressing the criteria.
options 2: if your letter is gonna be long you can use short form like KSC 1 - then start addressing the criteria. The KSC mean key selection criteria
Besides, please also read the last selection criteria carefully, normally they are asking you to address a specific values or attributes or code of conduct within that government body. So make sure you download the value chart.
Do you have/know someone on the inside?
One of my friends know a recruitment officer. I am trying to get thier information from them.
Doesn't mean shit as they aren't the person hiring and let's not forget, you get interviewed by multiple people not just the hiring person either.
Don't overthink it.
From my experience the easiest way in is via a recruitment company then being made permanent once onboard.
I've been looking at iworkfornsw and seek to find government jobs.
I always make myself nervous before i need apply for government jobs.
Agree. Unless you know someone, the best way is to go in via an agency as a temp (i.e. Hays)
This is the smartest answer to any question asked so far this year. (not being /s)
Beware though that you could get stuck in a rotating wheel of not knowing whether your contract will be extended, potentially being trained less and paid less than others already in the same role but employed by the Government.
The problem with a lot of government jobs are they often already have someone in mind for the position, but official protocol says that they have to advertise it internally and then externally for a period of time. So if you don't get it, it probably isn't you, your experience or your applicataion.
^^ A number of friends & acquaintances I've known over the years who got in to the public service, were offered the job due to a recomendation by someone already working there.
That's like all workplaces, not what you know it's who you know. Knowledge and experience are great but if you're an ahole then it's not worth it.
I can strongly recommend this book - https://www.boffinsbooks.com.au/books/9780648750307/write-a-…
It's tailored to applying for government positions and has everything you need to know.
Thanks
Government jobs
call and ask if someone is acting in the position, if there is someone your not likely to get the job
government jobs are about who you know. Majority of jobs are given away either by knowing someone or internal referrals.
if you are from a indigenous with qualifications, you are likely to get the job compared to non- indigenous. Same applies for LGBTQ…..
Government is really good if you are the lazy type. Hard to get sacked for being lazy, the irony is those who are lazy are the ones that get rewarded.
And the ones that make the most mistakes usually get chosen to act in higher grade positions.
Also needs alot of ass kissing if you really want to climb the ladder quickly.
Source: i worked in a goverment position for over 22 years. Watched all the lazy, kiss assing staff climb the ladder quickly over those years while it took me 20 years to actually start climbing the ladder because i refuse to kiss ass.
thanks for sharing this!
Pay someone to write up your selection criteria if you haven't done it before. Then use that for future reference….
How to effectively negotiate pay with a prospective employer when they have mentioned thst they cant go above what they have mentioned in the job description.
I need some advice ASAP.
Thanks!
Is it a gov job? They won't be able to go outside the range of the level the position is advertised at.
You can negotiate within the range, and you should as you can negotiate what step within the range you start at.
Hi this job is within the health industry.
Gov or not though?
hope u have two cracker references
they usually call them and talk to them for over 30 minutes!