How to apply for a position

Applications

Eligibility

Vacancies are open to Australian citizens. However, in some limited circumstances, applicants who have permanent resident status may be offered employment pending the granting of citizenship. 

There are also restrictions on the employment of people who have accepted a redundancy benefit from an APS Agency or a non-APS Commonwealth employer within the previous 12 months.

If you are identified as the preferred candidate you will be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including health check and, dependant on the position, a security clearance.

Recruitment Policy

Download a copy of Austrade's Recruitment and Selection Policy.

Applying online

We would prefer that all applicants applying for vacancies at Austrade utilise our Online Recruitment System. 

After identifying a particular job, click on “Apply Now”. If you are new to the system you will need to create a personal ‘account’ which is protected by a username and your chosen password.

Refer to About Online Recruitment for further information regarding the recruitment system.

Addressing the selection criteria

The statements you provide against each of the selection criteria are the most important part of your application as this information, together with your resume, will be used to shortlist applicants for further consideration for the vacancy.

Respond to each criteria listed, ensuring focussed and complete answers that are, wherever possible, written in the context of the vacancy. Please refrain from providing information unrelated to the selection criteria.

Pay close attention to the wording of the criteria. Identify key words in each criterion in order to break down the criterion into components, and then structure your response accordingly. 

Ask yourself if you have provided enough information in your responses to help the selection panel determine your suitability for shortlisting.

Resume

Your resume should include:

• Full name and address, daytime contact phone numbers
• Employment history
• Referee details

Include the contact details of at least two referees who can provide comments on your work performance against the selection criteria. It is in your interest to notify any intended referees that you have nominated them.

If you are currently employed by Austrade and wish to use a selection panel member as a referee you will need to obtain a written reference prior to interview.

Closing date

The closing date is generally two weeks after the date we advertised the vacancy. Applications are to be lodged by the date specified.

Selection Panels are not obliged to accept late applications. If you are unable to lodge your full application by the closing date, discuss your circumstances with the contact officer.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the best way to apply for a position at Austrade?
A: The best way to apply is through the Austrade website and accessing the Current Employment Opportunities page. After locating an opportunity you are interested in, you should apply for that position through our online recruitment system.

Q: Can I submit my resume if I am not interested in a specific job?
A: No. You may wish to list your details in the Job Alert function on our online recruitment system. This function will then advise you of positions that become available that match the ‘key’ words you have provided.

Q: Do I need to answer all the questions that are part of the application to a job?
A: It is beneficial to you to provide complete information, including answering all the questions. The more relevant information you can provide on your application, the easier it will be for hiring managers to assess your suitability for their positions.

Q: How can I contact the hiring manager or recruitment unit?
A: Those contact details are listed with each job.

Q: What happens to my application once I have applied?
A: If you have applied to a specific job, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. If your application is appropriate for the vacancy, you will be contacted directly.

Q: If I change my email address, should I create a new account with my new email address?
A: No, the system allows for you to update and change your email address once you’ve logged on to your existing account. Please log on to your existing profile and locate the email address field in the personal information section. Changing your email here will also change the email address you use to log in. Please do NOT create multiple login accounts as this may delay the hiring process.

Q: What if I attempt to apply to a position but I get an error message?
A: Please contact +61 2 6201 7331 for assistance.

Q: I am interested in a number of positions and locations. Is one application sufficient?
A:  You are required to submit a separate application for each position.

Q: Where do I find the contact details for all locations/Posts?
A:  More detailed information on the locations and contact details of our Posts ia available on our website.

Q: Does Austrade have a graduate program?
A:  Austrade regrets that it does not offer a graduate program and is unable to respond to any requests for these.

Q: I am not an Australian citizen. Can I still apply for jobs based in Australia?
A: Citizenship requirements are specified in every job vacancy. Austrade is an agency of the Australian Government, so we are bound by the Government's recruitment rules.  This means that you have to be an Australian citizen, or have permanent resident status, to apply for a position with Austrade in Australia. Austrade is also unable to 'sponsor' job applicants.

Q: Where can I find out more information on the position I am interested in?
A: It is strongly recommended that applicants read the information for applicants package before calling the contact officer. The contact person whose name and number is listed in the vacancy advertisement, can provide additional assistance if required.

Q: I do not currently work for the public service and don't know what level to apply for.
A: The selection documentation provides a reasonable idea of what skills and abilities are required for any advertised position. Information about the staffing structure (levels) is available in the Certified Agreement.

Q: Can I apply for overseas work in any other way?
A: Yes. Posts do hire local staff, predominantly for administrative work. If you think you will be living near an Australian mission, and will meet that country's labour law/visa requirements, you need to contact the relevant mission directly to ascertain whether there are any vacancies at the post. The website has a list of Austrade Posts overseas, including their contact details.

Q: I am unable to complete my application by the deadline, can you accept my late application?
A: The contact officer will determine whether late applications will be received. Please get in touch with the contact officer before the deadline.

Need more information?

Contact the Recruitment Office by:
Email: recruitment@austrade.gov.au
Tel: 61 2 6201 7431