How to apply for vacancies

All our vacancies are listed on the Current Vacancies page.

However, you'll need to go to jobs.wa.gov.au to obtain information about the job and two documents that you should download before you start preparing your application:

• The information kit, including the application form, and
• The job description form (JDF).

Check How to prepare below for help on preparing your application and what to expect from the interview.

Want more information about the job?

Each of the jobs listed will also have the email address and the phone number of a contact person. Don't hesitate to give them a call - they'll be happy to tell you more about the job.

What's the closing date ?

Carefully check the closing date for each position. We can't accept your application if it's late, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare and submit your application. We must receive your entire written application by the closing date.

When will you hear from us?

As soon as applications close, we start the selection process. We do our best to ensure that everything happens as quickly as possible - generally, from the closing date to the selection of an applicant takes about 8 weeks.

Firstly we shortlist - if you're successful in gaining an interview, you should hear from us within three weeks after the closing date. If you haven't heard from us by then, it's unlikely that your application was chosen for shortlisting.

Then we interview - once an applicant has been selected, we'll notify you in writing. We often receive many applications for our advertised vacancies. We ask that if possible, you wait until we contact you.

How do I send my application?

• Email it to us in Word 6.0/97 format (we'll ask you to sign the application form if you are successful in obtaining an interview). The address is: Recruitment.Officer@plannning.wa.gov.au
  
  
• Post it or hand deliver it to:
  Recruitment Officer, Human Resources
  441 Murray Street
  PERTH WA 6000
  
  If you choose this method, we need three copies of everything. Just staple each copy in the left hand corner - no folders or plastic covers.
  
  
• Fax it to us (one copy only) on 08 9216 8610

How to prepare

Your written application should comprise:

• the completed application form,
• your resume, and
• your statement of claims against the selection criteria.

Application form

Download it from the Employment page, fill it in and attach it to the rest of your application.

Resume

Ideally you should include the following in your resume:

• your personal details ie, name, address, phone number
• your education and training achievements, and
• a summary of your work history (the most recent should be listed first) with details of your responsibilities and tasks.

Statement of claims against the selection criteria

This is one of the most important parts of your written application.

The selection criteria are listed in the job description form (JDF) and are divided into two categories - essential and desirable.

For each criterion, describe or list specific events/projects where you have used the required skills or knowledge, tell us what action you took and include any details of the outcome or feedback.

Try not to be too wordy - but do provide some concise examples that show you meet that criterion.

Selection for interview is based on your ability to show firstly that you meet the essential criteria and secondly that you are competitive in relation to other applicants.

So... you got an interview!!

Congratulations!! The panel obviously considered that your application showed you met the criteria, and were competitive in relation to other applicants, so they've invited you in for an interview.

Along with your interview, you may be asked to undergo other work tests (depending on the job, maybe a short presentation, a typing test, or some sort of practical exercise). But don't panic, you'd be given notice and time to prepare!!

Sometimes you may be given the questions a short time before the interview and given time to prepare notes to help you answer them.

Before your interview:

• read the JDF so that you're familiar with what the job involves - you will be asked questions that relate directly to the selection criteria, and each interviewee will be asked the same questions
• talk to the contact person if you have any questions
• you might like to gather examples of your work, or any other material to support your application to bring to the interview
• take along a copy of your application - the panel won't mind if you want to refer to it during your interview.

At interview:

• impress the panel!! This is your opportunity to show them what you know, and how you'd be perfect for the job!!
• take time to gather your thoughts when asked a question - the panel will not mind if you take a few moments to put together a well thought out answer
• ask for clarification if you don't understand a question
• feel free to ask the interview panel any questions after the interview      

After the interview - when will you hear from us?

After the interview, you will notified of the outcome of the selection process by email (or by another method if indicated by you). 

Please be aware that the Department is trialling a four day breach claim period (reduced from the current 10 day period) for the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Standard as proposed by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner.

We ask that you take the opportunity to contact the chairperson for feedback on your performance during the selection process, within the four day period.

If you require more information about the four day breach claim period or to provide feedback on the trial, please go to OPSSC's Four Day Breach Claim Period web page or  http://www.opssc.wa.gov.au/hrm/breachclaims/fourdaytrial.htm or email 4dayfeedback@opssc.wa.gov.au