Applying for a job can feel both exciting and daunting. Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help guide your application. We’re looking for motivated, adaptable and resilient people from diverse backgrounds and fields of study. Current Vacancies View the agency’s current vacancies. Current vacancies Frequently Asked Questions Who should I contact if I have questions about an advertised vacancy? If you have a question about a specific role, contact the Contact Officer listed in the Selection Documentation. They can help clarify the duties or application requirements. If you're having trouble reaching the Contact Officer, or if you need assistance using the online recruitment system, email the ARC People & Capability Team at ARC-HRTeam@arc.gov.au How do I apply for an advertised position? We recruit on merit and use fair, transparent processes. All applications are to be submitted through the ARC’s online recruitment system. Tips for applying: Read the position description carefully Tailor your application to the specific role and classification level Follow all instructions, including word limits and formatting Include a resume and at least two referees Where do I start? If you haven’t applied for an Australian Public Service role before or want to brush up on the process, the guide Cracking the Code: Shape Australia. Create your future is a great place to start. It explains: how merit-based recruitment works what to include in your application how to structure your response or pitch. Additionally, when writing your pitch, consider using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate your examples. Situation: Set the context by describing the circumstance where you used the skills or qualities and gained the experience. Task: What was your role? Action: What did you do and how did you do it? Result: What did you achieve? What was the result and how does it relate to the job you are applying for? It is also useful be aware of the level of responsibility and complexity expected at the job’s classification level when writing your pitch. To understand what’s expected at each classification, you can refer to: the APS Work Level Standards the Integrated Leadership System Further information can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website at Applying for an APS job: cracking the code. What should I include in my pitch? Your pitch is your opportunity to tell us why you are the right person for the job. Use examples that highlight your skills, experience and achievements. Include specific examples and achievements to show what you’ve done and how it made a difference. Please refer to the role Selection Documentation for any specific pitch requirements and word limits. What should I include in my resume? You’ll be asked to submit a clear, concise resume that outlines your most relevant experience for the role. Use a simple, easy-to-read format. We recommend including the following: Your resume should include: your name, email address and phone number relevant work experience and skills education, qualifications and training any other relevant experience at least two professional referees Tailor your resume to the role. Focus on results and responsibilities that show your ability to succeed in the position. Will late applications be considered? Acceptance of late applications may be considered by the Panel Chair in exceptional circumstances. If you believe this applies to you, contact the ARC People & Capability Team at ARC-HRTeam@arc.gov.au Please do not send applications by email as they will not be accepted. All applications must be submitted through the ARC’s online recruitment system. How do I edit my application or update my contact details? If you submit your application and then wish to edit your responses prior to the closing date for the vacancy, please contact the ARC People & Capability Team at ARC-HRTeam@arc.gov.au. No changes can be made to your application after the vacancy has closed. If you wish to update your contact details at any time throughout the process, please contact the ARC People & Capability Team at ARC-HRTeam@arc.gov.au. How do I withdraw my application? If you have completed an application, but no longer wish to be considered for the position, you need to withdraw your application via the online recruitment system. Once you withdraw your application you will be unable to re-submit it without contacting the ARC People & Capability Team at ARC-HRTeam@arc.gov.au. What does the selection process involve? Our selection process is based on the APS merit principles. The suitability of each applicant is assessed by a selection panel through a rigorous selection process. The selection process will generally involve three steps: Step One: Shortlisting All applications are assessed against the position requirements (the advertised duties and capabilities). The selection panel will shortlist candidates who are suitable to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. Step Two: Further Assessment Further assessment may include the following: Interview: shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the selection panel and demonstrate their suitability for the role. Work sample assessment: the recruitment process may include the completion of a work sample assessment, such as a written task. A work sample assessment is used to assess practical skills and capabilities required for the role. Reference checks: the selection panel will conduct reference checks to further support an individual’s suitability for the position. Step Three: Outcome At the completion of the process, all applicants are notified of the outcome of the recruitment process. How long will it take to hear back? Recruitment timelines can vary. The time it takes to finalise a process depends on factors such as: the number of roles being filled how many applications we receive the types of assessment activities involved We will contact you with an update as soon as possible. You do not need to follow up—we will keep you informed throughout the process. If I’m successful and offered a role, what happens next? If you are successful in the recruitment process and receive a verbal offer, this will be followed by a formal offer which is conditional on completing several pre-employment checks. These checks help confirm your suitability for the role. You may be asked to: complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check provide proof of Australian citizenship and identification documents confirm your ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (if required for the role) Once all checks are complete, you will be able to start in your new role on the agreed commencement date. What is a merit pool or merit list? A merit pool or merit list is a pool/list of candidates who were assessed as suitable for a role but were not offered the position at the time. If you’re placed in a merit pool, you may be considered for: the same role if it becomes available again similar roles in the same classification, business area or agency similar roles in other APS agencies if you agree to share your result A merit pool/list is valid for 18-months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the APS Gazette. Get in touch If you have any questions on working with the ARC, or the recruitment process, please contact the ARC People & Capability Team by email ARC-HRTeam@arc.gov.au.