FAQs
What experience do I need to work for NSW Government?
This depends on what type of work you are interested in. Each role has methods of assessing any qualifications, work experience, knowledge and skills or abilities needed.
The NSW public sector offers a very wide range of job types and we have jobs for people at all levels in their career - from entry level jobs and frontline jobs through to supervisory and management roles to executive level and many in between. Browse the current vacancies with the NSW public sector.
Can I apply if I don't have much experience?
Some jobs need less experience than others. For entry level jobs, ability or knowledge is generally needed rather than work experience. In many positions, training and development will be provided along the way to give you the skills you need. NSW Government apprenticeship, traineeship, cadetship and graduate programs are a good way for young people to get started in the public sector and are offered in a wide range of disciplines. These positions will be advertised at different times throughout the year.
Can I apply for NSW Government vacancies if I am not an Australian citizen?
For permanent jobs in the NSW Public Sector, you need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. For most temporary jobs, you need a visa that gives you permission to work in Australia.
See Department of Immigration & Citizenship for information about requirements for Visas, Working Permits and Australian Citizenship.
What is a job classification?
Job classification refers to job types and reflects the value of the work performed by jobs in NSW Government. The number used in some job classifications refer to the grade - a lower number typically indicates a lower grade, or lower skilled, position. Different government agencies use different job classifications for their roles.
Is it ok if I just submit my resume as an application for a job?
The job advertisement and Information Package will give you instructions on how to apply. If they say you can submit a resume only, then that's fine. However, if you are asked to provide more information (for example, answering some additional questions - sometimes called Selection Criteria), then you should do this.
If you don't apply in the format required, it will be difficult for the selection panel to assess your application with those of other applicants. This could mean that even if you'd be just right for the job you may not be shortlisted because you haven't demonstrated to the selection panel why you are a good candidate for the job.
I am interested in working for a specific Department - how can I find their vacancies?
Applicants can conduct a search and enter the agency name as a keyword, or browse the website of an agency in which they are interested.
Can I (or my child) do work experience with a government organisation?
Generally yes, but individual agencies decide if they will offer periods of work experience. You should directly approach the organisation you are interested in doing work experience with.
Can I obtain the status of my job application?
You will receive email updates throughout the recruitment process and you can phone the contact officer specified within the advertisement. The contact officer will be able to provide you with any relevant information regarding your application.
How can I get more information about an advertised vacancy?
Each advertised vacancy should provide an information package related to the position that will provide you with more information. If you would like further information on any aspect of the role, please refer to the contact officer contained within the advertisement.
The information pack refers to 'Selection Criteria'. What are Selection Criteria and what should I do with them?
NSW Government agencies often require you to provide some additional information, including writing responses to particular questions to demonstrate your ability to do the job. These questions are often called 'Selection Criteria.'
The selection panel will use your written responses to these Selection Criteria to assess you and all other applicants.
You should make a separate heading for each selection criterion. Describe your skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience and show how you can use them in the job. Give examples and emphasise your major achievements. Use positive language and be specific, eg "In my current role I take responsibility for ..." is better than "I have limited experience in". Some key words used in selection criteria are explained below:
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 job.
Experience in: You have to show you have done this work before. Give examples.
Effective, proven, highly developed or superior: You need to show your level of skill. Give examples of your achievements to show your level of skills, knowledge and experience.
Good communication skills: This is about showing you have the communication skills needed to do the job. Give examples of: experience in dealing with people, things you have written, and problems you have solved using your communication skills.