How to apply
This guide contains important information on applying for a role at the Australia Council. Studying this information will assist you in applying for a role here. Remember that applying for government agency roles is different to applying for roles elsewhere.
Your application must include:
- a brief covering letter/email
- your competency requirements statement
- your resume
- a completed Australia Council application form.
We hope that it will answer your questions. Please contact human resources for further inquiries on (02) 9215 9030.
What is merit selection?
Please note that merit is the basis of all recruitment and selection at the Australia Council. The key principles of the merit process are:
- The selection process is designed to assess applicants against the competency requirements, that is the skills, knowledge and experience needed to do the particular role
- Selection is by a skilled panel of usually three people, with one member (usually the supervisor / manager of the role) acting as the convenor who chairs the panel
- Applicants are individually rated on how well they meet the competency requirements, assessed on the best evidence obtainable
- The process is designed to be fair to all members of the community
- The selection is carried out impartially and ethically
- The person whose skills, knowledge and experience best matches the competency requirements is recommended for appointment.
You should also be aware that your confidentiality will be maintained at all times and your privacy respected.
What do you need to do?
You will have a much better chance of getting the role you want if you take the following steps:
1. Read the advertisement and associated information for the vacant role carefully
All Council advertisements briefly describe the role and what is expected of the person who is selected for the role. The telephone number for inquiries is provided, as is the closing date for applications.
Advertisements also refer you to our website for more detailed information on the organisation, the role statement and details of the competency requirements which are also known as selection criteria. If you do not have access to the web you should contact the number in the advertisement for an information package.
Read the advertisement and the information on the website. Make a note of anything you don't understand so you can ask questions. Keep a copy for future reference.
2. Gather more information and decide whether you wish to apply for the role
Before applying for a role try to get as much extra information as you can to write a good application. Speaking to the inquiries person may help you to decide whether to apply for the role, and which of your skills, knowledge and experience to emphasise in your application.
Make sure you search this website, if possible try to visit the Council's library or talk to people who work in similar areas.
You should have the right to work in Australia for the period of the role advertised.
3. Write your application for the role
You need to apply in writing and it is important to prepare a good application, as it will be used to decide whether you get an interview. A good application shows why you are the best person for the role and how your skills, knowledge and experience meet each of the competency requirements.
Your application should include:
- a brief covering letter/email
- your competency requirements statement
- your resume
- a completed Australia Council application form (available on the website or has been sent to you in the information package)
Competency requirements statement
Your competency requirements statement is the most important part of your application. It demonstrates to us, in written form, why you are the best person for the role. You must include a competency requirements statement in your application. If not, you are unlikely to get an interview.
You write the competency requirements statement for the role to show the selection panel that you have the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to do the role. You need to write a specific statement for every role you apply for at the Australia Council.
The clearest way to set out your statement is to make a separate heading for each competency requirement. For each one, describe briefly and clearly how you meet the requirement with particular reference to the key activities listed in the role statement. You may want to write a few paragraphs on each requirement or to write it in point form.
Following you will find an example of each approach:
Experience in administrative procedures and processes
- three years experience as personal assistant for a director
- 12 months experience as administration assistant for a team of 15
- six months experience as administration assistant
- knowledge of office administrative procedures, eg purchasing and payment systems, diary management, travel arrangements, courier booking, filing systems, record keeping, management of office equipment, administering mail etc
- familiarity with the workings and structure of large organisations
- appreciation of the reason for procedures and adhere to them accordingly
Experience in administrative procedures and processes
- Working for large international organisations there is an enormous range of complex organisational procedures, which I have now had to master. I have also established many of my own new procedures, which will continue to be implemented after I leave.
Some key words used in competency requirements
Demonstrated knowledge: you need to give examples that prove you have this area of knowledge.
Ability to: you do not need to have done this kind of work before, but you need to describe how your skills, knowledge and experience show that you are capable of doing this part of the role
Experience in: you have to show you have done this work before. Give examples
Effective, proven, highly developed, superior: you need to show your level of skill. Use examples of your achievements to show you level of skills, knowledge and experience
Good communication skills: this is not about whether you speak English with an accent. This is about showing you have the communication skills needed to do the role. You could include experience in dealing with people, details of things you have written, and examples of problems you have solved using your communication skills.
Resume
Prepare a resume (that is, curriculum vitae) that is clear, concise and up to date and includes:
- personal details
- education and training
- employment history (name of organisation, period of employment, role title, major duties and responsibilities, main achievements)
- skills / experience gained outside of paid work
- contact details for two referees.
Ideally, your referees will be able to comment on your recent work performance. If you can, give them a copy of the advertisement and the role statement.
The application form
An Australia Council application form is available from this website or is included in the information package. Complete this form and enclose it with your application.
4. Send your application
Submit your application by the closing date. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is received by close of business on the closing date as specified in the advertisement.
Sending your application
You can send your application electronically or by post.
The email address is careers@australiacouncil.gov.au.
The postal address is:
PO Box 788
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
To assist us with filing and photocopying of applications please avoid the use of plastic folders and binding.
5. What happens to my written application?
Administration
When your application is received it will be logged and a letter or email acknowledging that your application has been received will be sent to you.
Shortlisting
After the closing date a selection panel will assess each written application received against the competency requirements of the role. The selection panel usually comprises two or three people.
Those applicants who do not demonstrate that they meet all the competency requirements will normally not be shortlisted for interview. Those who do meet the interviews will be invited to attend an interview.
Where there are a large number of applicants meeting all the competency requirements the panel will select candidates for interview on the basis of how strongly they meet the requirements.
Interview
You will be called to interview if you are shortlisted, usually within two weeks of the closing date. This call will tell you when and where the interview will be held.
At the same time you will be advised if you are to bring anything with you (e.g. a piece of your writing) or prepare for a specific activity related to one of the competency requirements (e.g. a short presentation).
If you have any special needs such as an interpreter or access, tell the person who contacts you so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Note that during the recruitment and application process none of the specified competency requirements can be overlooked and no new competency requirements can be introduced.
If you are invited to attend an interview please refer to the Australia Council interview guide.