How does the job application process work?

The job application process will help you understand the steps in the recruitment process you will have a better idea of when you are likely to hear from the employing agency and what to expect next. Selection for Victorian Government positions is based on merit. From the applications received, a short-list is selected and these people are then interviewed by a recruitment selection panel. The aim is to select the person whose skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience best match the job requirements, as defined by the selection criteria. Our e-recruitment system means we can now accept online applications and process these through a candidate management system. Please keep in mind that a range of factors may affect the time taken to fill jobs, such as the number of applications received and when selection interviews can be arranged. Generally the steps involved in our application process are:

advertisement and key selection criteria applications close applications assessed selection panel assessment of applicants selection made job offer made post-interview feedback In public sector agencies the job application process steps will be similar, but you should check with the particular agency when you submit your application in case they vary slightly. Advertisement and key selection criteria Vacancies have a unique position number or job reference that you need to quote in your application. The job details and position description outline the responsibilities and the key selection criteria you must respond to. The name of a contact officer is also provided in the job details in case you need further details about the job or job application process. Applications close You must submit your application by the closing date shown in the advertisement. Late applications may be accepted by agencies, if there are good reasons for the lateness, but this will be on a discretionary basis and you should not rely on it when planning your job application process. Applications can be submitted online. Go to current vacancies on this website, select the position, scroll down the job details and click apply now. Online applications are acknowledged by the employing agencies, via email, when received. We also accept applications in hard copy form, but would prefer to receive them electronically. If you wish to apply via e-mail, fax or through the post, please contact the person listed in the advertisement. For online applications scroll down in the job details and click the Apply Now button. Online applications received are acknowledged by the employing agencies via email. Applications assessed The received applications are then sent to the hiring manager, assessed against the capability requirements and key selection criteria, then ranked and short-listed for interview by the manager and a selection panel. Selection panel The panel is made up of the hiring manager and suitably trained and experienced panel members. Usually there is a mix of genders and skill backgrounds to ensure a balanced approach. Questions are developed by the panel to assess applicants against the selection criteria. Assessment of applicants Short-listed applicants are invited for interview and questions are asked that test the person against the selection criteria. Behavioural interviewing techniques, ability tests, as well as written and oral tests or other assessments, may also be used in this part of the job application process. Referees may also be contacted after interview. Selection is on the basis of merit.

Selection made The panel prepares a selection report, which outlines the process followed, and makes a recommendation as to the most suitable applicant. This report needs to demonstrate that the selection process has been fair and reasonable, and that selection is on merit. The appointment is then authorised by a senior employee or delegate. Job offer made Once salary, terms and conditions are negotiated an agreed start date is decided, and there is usually a probation period to be served before the appointment is finally confirmed. Unsuccessful applicants are advised of the selection process outcomes after the successful applicant has been confirmed. Post-interview feedback Upon request, post-interview feedback from the selection panel chair is available for unsuccessful job applicants.

Job application tips to help you get the right job

Your application may be the first step towards obtaining a rewarding job or career with the Victorian Government. It is important that you give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. Our job application tips offer useful advice about writing your application. You will also find a rsum template, plus helpful interview tips. If you have any questions about whether you are suited to a particular position, or what will be involved in the job application process, we suggest you get in touch with the relevant contact person for that position. Job application tip #1: Ensure you understand the role you are applying for and that it is suited to your skills and qualifications. Writing your application When you click the 'apply' button you will be taken to the online application form. Here you will be asked to provide personal and contact details, respond to employment-related questions, and show how you meet the key selection criteria. You will also be required to attach your rsum, and other relevant documents, or you can build a rsum using the template provided below. Job application tip #2: Follow the online directions, complete all the necessary fields, and provide all relevant information so your application is submitted correctly. Key selection criteria Answers to the key selection criteria should be short statements that demonstrate how you meet the qualities, knowledge and skills being asked for. Use examples from other jobs, experience gained outside work, or from your formal studies. You may also be asked other questions usually of a yes/no or multiple choice format. For example, you might be asked about your preferred hours of work, your willingness to attend a medical fitness examination and if you have any relevant criminal convictions. Click here for more extensive tips on addressing job selection criteria. Job application tip # 3:Be precise and relevant in the information you provide. Show clearly how your skills and experience meet the key selection criteria. We are also interested in finding out if you are from a disadvantaged group or have a disability. It is not compulsory to provide this information. However, it helps us with workforce planning, and there are specific job programs and employment strategies in place to help people in these groups. Job application checklist Before you finalise your application ask yourself the following:

Is my application complete? Is my application in plain English, concise, courteous and correct? Have I satisfactorily addressed each of the key selection criteria? Have I checked my rsum against the template provided below? Do I need to brush up on my interview skills? If so, tips can be found below.

Interview tips Congratulations! You have been selected for an interview. While preparing for the interview may be a little daunting, here are some simple tips to help you prepare:

Dress appropriately for the interview. How formal it is will depend on the type of job, however, it is preferable to be a little over-formal than too casual. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your allotted interview time, so allow plenty of time for travel and to find the venue. Try to stay calm and relaxed at all times. Bring your application and relevant documents with you, so you can refer to them if needed. Stay focused on the job requirements by referring to the position description. Introduce yourself to the interview panel members with a firm handshake and look them in the eye. Show interest and enthusiasm when responding to questions, and answer in a clear and concise way. Think about your answer first there is no need to rush. Allow the interviewer to finish talking before you answer the question. If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of what the organisation does, why you applied for the job, and how your skills and achievements meet the criteria. These are often covered in interview questions. Don't forget to mention any skills you have gained in another field of work, through projects at school, or as a volunteer. These often provide important information about your transferable skills. The panel will give you an opportunity to ask any final questions. Use this opportunity to show an interest in the organisation. You could also ask when you are likely to hear about the interview outcome. Thanking the panel for inviting you, before you leave, provides a good last-impression. Rsum template All job application tips start with a good rsum. It is important that your rsum presents your personal information, education and work background in a clear and structured way. This will not only make it easier for the interview panel to identify and contact you, but also make it easier for the panel to see how your capabilities, personal qualities and background fit the job. You also need to include at least two referees and their contact details. We've provided the following rsum template to give you an idea of how to start. You can go to your local library or search the Internet for other examples.

A Career Plan

In need of a career strategy kick-start?

Having a career strategy is important. It can help you manage the direction you want your career to take, the job skills and knowledge you will need, and how you can get them. Do you need help developing or reviewing your career strategy? We have developed a simple, five-step plan to help you head in the right direction. A great career strategy relies on strong foundations The form of your career strategy will depend on the kind of person you are. It may be very structured, or you may just need a few notes in each area such as knowledge, skills and qualities, what you like doing and the type of jobs that interest you. Step 1: Self-assessment helps you understand your personal and career goals, your interests, preferences, strengths and weaknesses. Step 2: Consider your career options and identify which available roles fit your interests and abilities. Step 3: Decide on your career goals Step 4: Develop and implement a career strategy Step 5: Review and adjust your career strategy Step 1 Self-assessment Life values Consider what is important to you. We all have different values, needs and motivations. Our work takes up a significant part of our day usually a third or more and has a significant impact on other aspects of our life, including our sense of self-worth and wellbeing. This is why it is very important to carefully consider your values and needs when planning your career direction and developing your career strategy. Use these exercises to help you establish your life values:

career planning chart examining life values career/life planning timeline. general requirements of a job. These exercises will help you decide your essential and preferred job requirements: where am I right now? motivated abilities patterns career questions. Skills, knowledge and personal qualities It is important to understand your skills, knowledge and personal qualities so you can match them to jobs you would like to do. This will also help you identify the knowledge and skills you might need to acquire, or the personal qualities you might need, to achieve your career goals. An accurate and realistic assessment of these things is vital to an achievable career strategy. This kind of understanding is a powerful aid when selling yourself for potential jobs. It will also boost your selfesteem and confidence. Try to think of your skills in terms of those that are transferable and those that are specialised. Think about how the skills you use in one job could be used or adapted elsewhere. A smart career strategy needs to be flexible and adaptable. So describe your skills in a way that makes them applicable to the widest range of situations. To assess your skills, knowledge and personal qualities, use these exercises:

what are my skills? what are my job requirements? what are my short- and long-term goals? Career planning barriers

Despite working hard on your career strategy, you might sometimes come up against obstacles or hindrances you were unaware of or had not considered. The Examining the barriers using force field analysis exercise will help you to explore those obstacles. Step 2 Consider the options Often, the most difficult part of career strategy and planning is finding out what jobs are likely to suit you best. The good news is your choice might be wider than you had realised. It's important to consider each of the options against your values and preferences. Your options are broadly described in the table below. You can also get more information about jobs in government by browsing these links:

Victorian Government jobs Jobs for mature workers Australian job search or by looking at popular job boards. Step 3 Decide on your goals Now it is time to make some decisions. Carefully consider the information you have gathered. If you have completed the career/life planning timeline, you might have already decided on your career goals (the cornerstone of career strategy) and be ready to enter them on your career planning chart. If you are yet to decide on your career goals, or you want to revise them, start by considering your career goals for the next two years. What do you want to be doing in two years time? What about five and ten years time? This kind of thinking helps break down big picture career strategy and planning into manageable pieces. The SMARTER system can be useful for planning your career goals: Specific: be as clear as you can and avoid ambiguous statements. Measurable: so you can see what you have achieved. Achievable: provides motivation, but also keep your goals reachable. Realistic: be reasonable and avoid the realms of fantasy. Timely: create timeframes for completing steps, for example, doing short courses or talking with someone about the skills required for a particular job. Empowering: make sure your goals feel right for you and help you make the changes you want. Reviewable: do not set your goals in concrete; be flexible. Write clearly defined, short statements you can work towards. If you are unable to identify a specific job you want, indicate your goals in more general terms. This is all part of good career strategy foundations. But remember: the more specific you can be, the easier it will be to plan. For example: I want to work in an office, in the Bendigo area, four days per week providing advice to the public. You might have more than one idea in mind and might want to keep your options open. In this case, specify your goals, but bear in mind it is unlikely you will realise all of them, so plan accordingly. You can begin to prepare yourself for all your options, and over time you will probably find yourself gradually become clearer about what you want to do, and the goals you are capable of fulfilling. Step 4 Develop and implement your career strategy Now you have decided on your goals, you can develop an action plan to help you put your career strategy into action. Remember, planning will increase the likelihood of success, but it's important to remain flexible and openminded. You might have a couple of choices that interest you so take opportunities to prepare for both. As you progress, your ideas might become more specific. The career planning chart provides a simple way to put the information together. As a starting point, here are some questions to ask yourself: Career planning checklist

Do you need additional job skills, experience or information? What areas of yourself will you need to develop? Do you need to develop a wider network or links with specific people?

Is there a course you need to do (perhaps to gain specific qualifications or skills)? Do you need to find ways to demonstrate your skills and knowledge so you can provide evidence of what you can do? What actions do you need to take to realise your career goals? Do you need to find out more about what would be required to achieve your career goals? Do you need to find out more about what is available? If so, how will you do this? What kind of work experience would be helpful to you? What new job skills or knowledge will you need? Do you need to demonstrate you have job skills in particular areas? Are there contacts you can make, or relationships you can develop, that might help you? Are there any changes you could make to the way you deal with people or work situations that might increase your likelihood of achieving your goals? How will you start to do this? Who can you discuss your goals with? When will you do this? Are you clear about the type of work you would like to do? How can you clarify this further? Do you have a supportive network? Do you believe you are recognised as able to contribute information to this network? If not, what could you do about this? Do you have a mentor with whom you can discuss both the technical content and the intangibles of your job? If not, have you thought about finding a mentor? Is there someone in your workplace or elsewhere you could approach? Do you need to make some radical changes to your present direction? What are the first steps to achieving this change in direction and how will you take these steps? Do you think you will need to undertake further study? What steps could you take to do this? Do you feel in charge of your own career direction? If not, how can you gain more confidence and take charge? When preparing your career strategy action plan, include WHAT you will do and HOW you will do it. Make a list of people whose help you will seek and draw up a time plan of WHEN you will do each action. The timeframe should be at least 12 months, however, a longer period may be appropriate. Step 5 Review and adjust your plan Career planning is a way of making the best use of your current situation and foreseeable opportunities. Given that unpredictable events and changes can occur over time, view your plan as a guide and allow space for adjustments and changes to your approach. Draw on your experiences at work to help you achieve your goals. You will generally find it helpful to revisit your plan each year. Remember, the career strategy you put in place at one stage of your life may not be relevant once you have achieved certain goals and experienced other job and life events. Revisiting your strategy will help to reinforce and clarify your thinking, and can help you decide if you need to change your career strategy, seek help or advice or put more effort into achieving your goals. Personal career planning journals Keep an ongoing journal or record of your achievements and the training and development activities you have done. Include any work experience you gain and outline what you learned from the experience. Retain any letters or other communications that provide feedback about your work or other matters, and refer to them when you apply for new positions. Reflection and documentation provide assistance with ongoing career strategy planning. Many people find a loose-leaf ring-binder is ideal as a career planning journal, but choose a system that works for you. The journal will help you understand your career development and will be a useful resource when you apply for new positions.