Working in WA Government

How to Find and Apply for Jobs

Searching for Jobs

There are over 200 State Government agencies across Western Australia and each agency is responsible for recruiting its own employees.

You can find State Government positions advertised through:

www.jobs.wa.gov.au - this website is the WA State Government's Job Board. With over 800 jobs advertised at any one time, this real-time site is the most efficient and comprehensive way to find the career that's right for you. Advertisements in local, state and national newspapers and specialist publications. Individual agency websites - many agencies also advertise vacancies on their own website. A list of these websites is available at wa.gov.au/agencies
Graduate Programs -take a look at the Graduate Programs available by clicking on this link.
Entry Level Employment Program - this Program matches job seekers, who have passed the Public Sector Recruitment Test, to entry level administrative positions in the WA State Government
Business Traineeship Program - this Program recruits job seekers under age 25, with no formal qualifications, interested in undertaking a Business Traineeship in the WA State Government.

Applying for Jobs

Every job advertisement provides key information about the job such as its title, level, salary, location, summary of duties and any qualifications required.

The position number distinguishes jobs and provides a point of reference for you and the employer if there are any questions. Agencies usually supply a Job Application Package, which gives you all the information you need to apply for the position. If provided, you should always consult the Job Application Package before submitting your application.

The Job Application Package can either be downloaded from the advertisement at www.jobs.wa.gov.au or can be mailed to you by phoning the nominated contact person. The package usually provides:

an overview of the organisation
key responsibilities
statement of duties
competencies, qualifications and experience required/selection criteria
allowances/special conditions
reporting relationships
instructions on how to apply
closing date for application submissions

Lodging Applications

Make sure you submit your application by the deadline given in the advertisement, as late applications are not accepted. The advertisement will tell you how to apply for the position. However, if you need more information about the vacancy, phone the contact person in the advertisement.

Your application for a vacancy in the WA Public Sector may include:

Covering Letter (optional) - briefly introducing yourself and your intention to apply
Application for Employment Form - this form provides the selection panel with a snapshot of your personal details (Australian Citizenship, residency status, working visa, criminal convictions and health conditions) that may affect your eligibility to do the job. In some cases, you may also have to agree to undertake a criminal records check or attend a medical fitness examination.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV) - your resume or CV should clearly detail your contact information, qualifications, education and training, work history, professional memberships, interests and referee details.
Statement of Claims against the Selection Criteria (or Work-Related Requirements) - your responses to meet the selection criteria (or work-related requirements) should clearly demonstrate your ability to do the job. To be short-listed, you must show that you meet the essential criteria and are competitive against other applicants. Providing relevant examples of your skills, knowledge and experience will help the Selection Panel evaluate your claims against the criteria. These statements should be clear and concise, and if an agency has specified a page limit (ie no longer than 3 pages), it is a good idea to make sure you adhere to the limit

Assessment by Selection Panel

A Selection Panel, usually of three people, will assess your application. Applicants who clearly meet the essential criteria will be contacted and invited to an interview.

Interview

An interview usually consists of the Selection Panel asking you a number of questions about your ability to do the job you have applied. All questions will be related to the selection criteria which is outlined in the job application package. If you have not been short-listed for an interview, you will be advised that your application was unsuccessful after the selection process has been completed.

Referees

A referee is someone who is willing to confirm your suitability for the position you've applied for. It's common practice for the Selection Panel to contact the person or people you've nominated as your referee. It is recommended that you nominate your current or most recent supervisor as a referee(s).

Selection Report

Once the Selection Panel has decided on the successful candidate, a selection report is prepared and independently assessed to make sure the process has met the required Standard. It is then forwarded to the agency's Chief Executive Officer or delegated authority for approval.

Appointment

Once the selection decision is made, all applicants are informed of the outcome of the selection process and an offer of employment is made to the successful applicant. For permanent positions and fixed-term contract positions of over six months, applicants will also receive information about the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Standard that has to be met when appointing staff to Public Sector vacancies. If an applicant believes the Standard has not been met, they can lodge a breach claim.

Feedback

If your application is unsuccessful, you are encouraged to seek feedback on your application from the convenor of the panel. This will help you when writing future applications and preparing for interviews. Feedback is given verbally by the convenor of the panel or someone else involved in the process. It is based on the Selection Panel's consideration of your application and whether or not you met the selection criteria or were competitive compared to other candidates. If you were interviewed, you may request a copy of the part of the selection report relating to your application and interview.

Commencement

If you are successful, the final step is to agree on a starting date with the employer.