Ask a graduate - most recent questions
How does the recruitment process work?
After applications close in early April, online testing will be sent to short-listed candidates. Assessment centres start in April for the Accounting and Finance stream, and May for the Economist and Generalist streams. These include a series of individual and group assessments. Following this, individual departments conduct interviews for candidates they are interested in and we begin making offers from June onwards.
Accounting and Finance offers commence 3 June 2009, Economist offers commence 22 June 2009 and Generalist offers commence 6 August 2009.
Roles do arise in the second half of the year so we will be in contact with you if your application is short listed.How long does the recruitment process take?
After we receive applications in early April, the process takes between two and a half to three months.When does the recruitment process begin? When does it finish?
It begins in February when applications open and we begin making job offers to the Accounting and Finance stream on 3 June, the Economist stream on 22 June and the Generalist stream on 6 August.I haven’t finished my degree yet - can I apply?
Yes, but you need to have completed your studies by January 2010.What happens once the graduate program finishes?
Once the program finishes, you return to your original (home) department and are subject to promotion. Learning and Development opportunities are available after completion.I don’t know much about government - is it still worth applying?
Yes. Not all positions depend on a sound knowledge of how government works. This is covered in graduate training.I don’t know which department I’d like to work for - is this a problem?
No. The way the recruitment process works means that you will be matched to an area which suits your skills and interests.I have a double degree/Masters/ Doctorate - am I still able to apply?
Yes.Do you employ arts graduates?
Yes. We employ arts graduates right across government as their transferable skills are highly valued.I applied last year but was unsuccessful, can I apply again?
Yes.I have been employed in a completely different industry - is it worth applying?
Yes, we employ graduates from a range of backgrounds. Many of our graduates enter the program with no public service experience. Given the variety of opportunity we have, there is probably an area which matches your skills or interests.I finished my degree five years ago - can I apply?
Yes, it is not necessary to be a recent graduate.When would I start work if I was offered a position on the Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme (GRADS)?
Generally, our graduates start in late January/early February but sometimes graduates wish to start earlier. If we are able to accommodate them, we do.I don’t have any work experience, will this count against me?
No. We understand that as a graduate you have had limited opportunities in the workplace. If you don’t have any work experience, we will be looking at other kinds of experience you have to determine the skills and knowledge you have to offer.What kind of skills are you looking for?
The range of skills we require is vast. We need a combination of people with specialist, technical skills as well as people with transferable skills such as excellent communication, the ability to conduct analyses and manage projects.I am a mature aged student - can I apply?
Yes, we welcome mature age graduates.What do you look for apart from academic results?
Volunteer work, community work for groups such as university organisations, sports clubs, cultural or religious organisations is highly regarded. We also look at any work experience you may have.What academic results are you looking for?
Generally, an average of 65% or above.Do I have any say in the departments and branches to which I rotate?
Yes, during your first placement, we conduct briefing sessions to let you know where rotations are available and then we collect your preferences. We try to ensure that you receive different perspectives on government whilst accommodating your interests.If I am offered a position on the Graduate Recruitment & Development Scheme, can I defer?
Yes you can.Where would I be based?
Most of our graduates are based in the Melbourne CBD. However, if a graduate requests a rural placement, we make every effort to accommodate them.Are there part time positions available within the graduate program?
Not at this stage but it may be something we consider in the future.I really want to work for a particular department- how can I let this be known?
Let us know during the recruitment process.
