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Guidelines

INFORMATION TO ASSIST IN APPLYING FOR POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET

The following information will assist with questions in relation to your application.

Enquiries about the Position

To work out whether the job is suitable for you, first read the attached Job Description Form (JDF) that details what the responsibilities, duties and requirements of the job are. You should direct your enquiries to the contact person named in the advertisement if you require further information or clarification about the position.

All requests for an application kit to be mailed to your address, or for assistance if you are submitting your application electronically, should be directed to the Human Resource Services Branch on (08) 9222 9625.

Eligibility to Apply for Positions

Advertised positions in the Department are open to any person who may wish to apply except in the following instances:

• persons subject to the provisions of section 73 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994; and
  
  
• public sector employees who accept a voluntary severance package and are ineligible for the period of the severance and leave payments.
  
  
• To be eligible for permanent appointment you must be a permanent resident of Australia.
  
  
• To be eligible for fixed term appointments you must have a working visa for the period of the appointment.
  
  

Preparing the Application

If this is the first time you have applied for a position in the Department, the following points may be of assistance:

• Read the JDF carefully taking particular note of any specific qualifications, skills and knowledge.
  
  
• Selection criteria/work requirements may state skills and experience that are essential for doing the work, and skills and experience that are desirable and would greatly help you do the work.
  
  
• Your application should address the essential selection criteria/work requirements and demonstrate that you are competitive and stand out from other applicants. Therefore it is important that you provide sufficient information that will allow the panel to easily assess your suitability.
  
  
• In their assessment of your application, the panel will look for behavioural based responses - i.e. examples of relevant instances when particular skills were drawn on in order to achieve an outcome or result. Write your responses in a concise and clear style. Please click here to find out more information on Statement Addressing the Selection Criteria.
  
  
• If a specific qualification is asked for you will need to indicate you meet this requirement and attach a photocopy of the qualification to your application. Please do not send original documents.
  
  
• Please do not bind your application. It should be stapled in the top left hand corner. You are asked to submit your typed application in a font that is clear and legible in size, for example Arial and no smaller than size 10. If your application is to be handwritten, please ensure it is written neatly in order that the panel can easily read the contents.

Your Application

You must provide the following documents:

• Application for Vacancy form
  
  
• Resume (curriculum vitae) including:
  
  
  • Personal details.
    
    
  • A summary of your work history starting with your most recent position and including dates and details of the tasks/ responsibilities undertaken in each position.
    
    
  • Your education and training achievements, including any you are doing now. Note: If you have a qualification from overseas or interstate it is advisable that you provide information on its status in Western Australia.
    
    
  • Any activities outside of work which may be relevant to the job.
    
    
  • Statement addressing the selection criteria is preferred. Please click here to find out more information on the Statement Addressing the Selection Criteria.
    
    
• Nominated Referees - the panel will ask your referees how well they think you meet the requirements of the job. Select referees who know about your relevant skills and abilities. You should always let your referees know about the position and skills required before nominating them in your application.
  
  
• A covering letter (optional).
  
  

Lodging your application

Your application may be lodged in any of the following ways:

Online:	http://www.employment.dpc.wa.gov.au
E-mail:	hrrecruitment@dpc.wa.gov.au
Mail or Hand delivery:	Department of the Premier and Cabinet Human Resource Services Branch 22nd Floor / 197 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000
Facsimile:	(08) 9222 9468

Please mark envelopes as Private & Confidential - Advertised Vacancy.

For applications submitted on-line (excluding e-mail), you will automatically receive a receipt notifying you that your application has been received. If you do not receive a receipt, please contact the Human Resource Services Branch immediately on (08) 9222 9625.

For applications submitted by mail or in person please fill in the slip on the bottom of the application form to receive notification that your application has been received. If this is not filled in, no acknowledgment slip will be sent.

Closing Date for Applications

The closing date is generally 5pm on the day stated in the advertisement. It is your responsibility to make sure your application is received in the Human Resource Services Branch by the stated closing date and time.

If you are in any doubt about your application being received on time, call the Human Resource Services Branch to confirm its receipt. The Department cannot make allowances for delays with the post, incorrectly addressed mail, fax or e-mail transmissions that are delayed or not received unless there is evidence the fault was internal. Please see the Consideration of Late Applications policy and procedures.

Shortlisting of Applicants

• The selection panel assesses applications against the selection criteria/work requirements and invites competitive applicants for interview.
  
  
• Interviews are conducted. (Referee reports may be sought before or after interview.)
  
  
• The Chair of the panel prepares the selection report and a recommendation is made.
  
  
• All applicants are notified of the panel's decision at the completion of interviews.
  
  

Please note that if not selected for an interview, you will not be advised in writing that your application was unsuccessful until interviews have been conducted and a recommendation is made. If there is an unanticipated delay, a letter will be sent advising you of this.

Preparing for the Interview

You are welcome to get in touch with the contact person for the position if you have any concerns, questions or special needs prior to the interview. Please consider the following when preparing for your interview:

• The panel will consist of 2-3 members and is ideally made up of both males and females. The panel will be looking for qualities you may bring to the Department, how you present yourself and how you respond to questions.
  
  
• Panel members may make notes as you are talking to help recall information when it comes to making a decision. Don't be put off by this or feel you need to keep talking. The panel will ask you for more information if they need to.
  
  
• Think about your answers - even if it takes some moments to prepare your response and always ask questions of the panel if you are unsure of anything.
  
  

After the Interview

Letters advising of the results of the selection process will be sent to all applicants. If you were unsuccessful, the letter will provide you with contact details of a panel member to find out more about how your application and / or interview went. You are encouraged to seek this feedback as it can be of assistance with future applications and interviews.

Breach of Standard

If at any time you feel your application is not being dealt with fairly, you are required to discuss your concerns with the Chair of the selection panel. You have the right to lodge a formal application seeking a review of the process within 8 working days of receiving advice of the decision.

The process helps us to be fair and equitable in our recruitment decisions and helps you to know if we are meeting the Public Sector Standards in Human Resource Management.

(Further information about the Standard for Recruitment, Selection and Appointment is available to applicants applying on-line by accessing the appropriate links. A hard copy is attached to packages mailed out to applicants.)