on this page
Written story application
You’ll need to submit a written story with your application. Telling a story lets you connect with people and share memorable information. We want you to tell us a compelling story about you and your experiences.
Your story will need to demonstrate that you either:
- possess the required skills, knowledge and experience to perform the role
- have the ability to develop the required skills, knowledge and experience to perform the role.
These requirements are outlined in the job pack.
Your story will need to show:
- how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the key duties
- any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform as per the key duties.
You can use these tips for story writing or telling:
- Tell us where the event of your story occurs. We prefer that you use an example from work, but you can also use examples from study or community experiences.
- Tell us about the people involved in and impacted by the event of your story, like staff, stakeholders, and family or community members.
- Tell us about the event that caused you to take action and the steps and actions you took, to add interest to your story.
- End your story with a clearly stated resolution and talk yourself up by explaining the result you achieved.
You’ll also need to upload your resume. It needs to be no more than 2 pages long. Your resume will be assessed as part of your application. Please make sure the skills and experiences in your resume reflect the APS classification you’re applying for.
If you’re successful in the application assessment stage, you’ll progress to the virtual yarning session stage.
Virtual yarning session and interview
Yarning is an important process within Aboriginal culture and Torres Strait Islander culture. We’ve included yarning in this recruitment process to provide a culturally safe place for respectful and open communication between candidates and recruiters.
During this stage, you’ll meet one of our Indigenous representatives. You’ll get to hear their personal story about showing up, not feeling ashamed and working towards their dreams and goals at Services Australia. This is an opportunity for you to be inspired, ask questions and feel confident before your interview.
After the yarning session, you’ll be guided into a virtual Microsoft Teams session for your interview with Services Australia representatives. Your interview is an opportunity for us to:
- get to know you more
- understand your career goals and interests
- identify your suitability for one of the advertised roles.
To prepare for your interview, you should do all of the following:
- Present yourself well and dress as you would for an in-person interview.
- Have access to the internet and a device that has audio and speaker functionality, such as a smart phone, tablet or computer.
- Know your work experience and be able to expand on it if asked. You may bring a copy of your application to your interview for support.
- Be familiar with the details of the position you’re applying for.
- Prepare answers or examples that you can confidently share, using interview techniques like the STAR method.
- Show interest and enthusiasm.
- Ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
The Australian Public Service Commission website has more tips on applying for an APS job.
Reference checks
In your online application, you’ll need to include the name and contact details of one referee who can comment on your work performance. This should be your current supervisor or manager.
If we find you’re suitable for the role after the online application and yarning session, we’ll contact your referees. We’ll ask them to provide us a referee report.
Outcome
If you’re successful, we’ll place you in a merit pool. We use this merit pool to fill ongoing positions, as they open.
Being placed in a merit pool doesn’t automatically mean we’ll offer you a position. This depends on what positions are available.
We’ll keep you in the merit pool for up to 18 months from the date we advertised the role until a position is available.
Other APS agencies may also use our merit pool to make you an offer of employment.