Graduate recruitment timelines and process

Timelines

2013 Policy Graduate Intake: Indicative Timeline

1 - 25 March	Applications accepted online
3 April –9 April	Online cognitive testing
31 May – 15 June	Online behavioural profile assessments
12 June – 31 July	Interviews, written test and group exercises in Canberra
Early September	Offers of employment issued to successful candidates

2013 Corporate Graduate Intake: Indicative Timeline

1 - 25 March	Applications accepted online
10 - 16 April	Online cognitive test
7 - 14 May	Online behavioural profile assessments
14 - 25 May	Interviews, written test and group exercises in Canberra
Early July	Offers of employment issued to successful candidates

Application and selection process

The selection process for graduate trainees involves a number of stages and runs over several months.

Stage 1: Application

Graduate programs will be advertised on the Department's 'Jobs' webpage from around February/March each year. Interested people should monitor this site closely around this time because late applications will not be accepted.

Submission of written responses to the Department's on-line application form is the first stage in the application process. Candidates should put every effort into the preparation of their application and provide as much detail as possible about their studies, sustained work and voluntary experiences and any other activities they have been involved in.

Stage 2: Interviews

Interviews, written test and group exercises take place in Canberra. The Department covers domestic (but not international) travel expenses incurred in attending the interview.

Before attending the interview, candidates must complete an on-line psychometric test. The test is not determinative but contributes to the selection committee assessment of a candidate's 'fit' for the job.

Short-listed candidates are called to Canberra usually in groups of five. Candidates are invited to arrive in Canberra a day before their interview schedule to complete a written test. Within a designated timeframe, candidates are asked to prepare a briefing paper in response to a hypothetical scenario. The test is designed to help us assess writing skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as general knowledge. Candidates will be asked to make a declaration to the effect that the content of the task will not be shared.

The interview day begins with an informal morning tea with the selection committee. This is followed by a group exercise. In a room with the committee observing, the group of candidates is given a scenario and asked to work together to provide a presentation to the committee. The committee may then ask some follow up questions. During the lunch break, candidates are offered a tour of the building by recent graduates. This is a valuable opportunity for candidates to hear the personal experiences of a recent graduate as well as ask questions about the work environment and culture. Individual interviews are scheduled over the remainder of the day.

Interviewees will be asked to complete the Department's security clearance forms.

Stage 3: Offers

Offers of employment are subject to medical and security clearances.

Graduates are expected to be available to commence their programs in February the following year.