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Frequently Asked Questions
Working in the NSW Public Sector
- What exactly is the NSW Public Sector?
- Who is NSW Public Sector made up of?
- What sort of people is the NSW Government looking for?
- What are the best things about working in the NSW public sector?
- What does merit selection mean?
- What is Equal Employment Opportunity?
Looking for Jobs
- How do I find out about job opportunities?
- What types of employment are available?
- What are the residency requirements for working in the NSW Public Sector?
- Do I have to know someone to get a job in the NSW Public Sector?
- How do I find out more about a job I've seen advertised?
- What if a job I like is advertised as full-time, but I only want to work part-time?
- Will my overseas qualifications be recognised?
Applying for Jobs
- How do I apply for a job I’ve seen advertised?
- What are selection criteria?
- Do you have any tips on how to address selection criteria?
- What is a selection panel?
- When applying for a job, can I just send my résumé?
- What happens to my application once I’ve lodged it?
Job Interviews
- I have an interview. How do I prepare?
- Other than an interview, how else could I be assessed for a job?
- Is it true that for most jobs advertised an existing employee is already lined up for the job?
After the Interview
- What happens after the interview?
- What are reference checks?
- What other checks could be conducted?
- Will I have to have a health assessment?
- What if I miss out on the job?
- What’s an eligibility list?
Other Questions
- I have a disability. How will this affect my job prospects?
- I am an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander. What job opportunities are available to me?
- How do I find out about apprenticeships and traineeships?
- Does the government employ university interns?
- Can I (or my child) do work experience with a government organisation?
- Where can I get more information about public sector employment?
Working in the NSW Public Sector
What exactly is the NSW Public Sector?
The NSW Public Sector is made up of around 300 different organisations that support the NSW Government to deliver services and improve the lives of the NSW community. It is the largest and most diverse workforce in NSW and Australia, and is responsible for health, education, policing, transport, infrastructure, planning, legal services and courts, and tourism…to name just a few!
Who is NSW Public Sector made up of?
The Public Sector is made up of around 300,000 employees. Over 60% of these employees work in health and education. Around 40% of employees work outside the Sydney Metropolitan area. About 80% of NSW Public Sector are permanent employees.
Women now make up over 60% of the NSW public sector workforce. The Public Sector encourages representation from all sectors of the community - including people from different cultural or religious backgrounds, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, people with a disability, young and mature workers and everyone in between. We have specific projects aimed at encouraging greater employment of people who are underrepresented in our workforce or have been traditionally disadvantaged when looking for work. For more information, visit our equal employment opportunity webpage.
What sort of people is the NSW Government looking for?
All types! We want a public sector workforce that is as diverse and representative of the NSW community. We value the participation of people with different life and work experiences. By valuing different people and different approaches to what we do, we are more innovative and ultimately deliver better services.
What are the best things about working in the NSW public sector?
You are doing work for the public good, so the contribution you make can be very rewarding. You also have the chance to play a strategic role in shaping the future of NSW and the quality of life of the community.
On a personal level, you will be paid well for your contribution, you’ll get excellent work and leave conditions, including study leave and maternity leave, and flexibility in your working hours.
One of the best things about working in the Public Sector is the opportunities you get to develop your career, learn new skills and even have a career change if you want. There are lots of opportunities for promotion and to move around the Sector. We are big on professional development so we will support you to study and develop your skills.
Read our profiles on just a few great careers in the NSW Public Sector.
What does merit selection mean?
Merit selection - ie, selection on merit - is NSW Government policy. This means we employ staff after advertising the vacancy and reviewing all the applications received. From the applications received, we will select the person whose skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience best match the job requirements (using selection criteria). We use different tools and techniques -such as written applications, interviews and/or work-sample tests, and referee information - to collect the evidence we need to make a merit-based decision.
Go to Merit Selection for more information.
What is Equal Employment Opportunity?
The NSW Government has an equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy, which means that in recruitment all applications are considered fairly and without discrimination. Go to EEO for more information.
Looking for Jobs
How do I find out about job opportunities?
Most NSW Government jobs are advertised on our recruitment website, jobs.nsw and in the Sydney daily press (Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph). Some jobs are also advertised in the regional press, ethnic or aboriginal media. If you want to work for a particular agency, you can also look on that agency’s website for career information.
If you want to stay informed about new jobs in your field, register on jobs.nsw for weekly job alerts, which are automatically emailed. Visit the website for instructions on registering for job alerts.
What types of employment are available?
We usually offer permanent employment (either full-time or part-time) but we also offer:
- temporary or contract work
- casual employment
- apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships
- aboriginal employment programs and cadetships
- graduate positions
What are the residency requirements for working in the NSW Public Sector?
For permanent jobs in the NSW Public Sector, you need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. For most temporary jobs, you just need a visa that gives you permission to work in Australia.
Do I have to know someone to get a job in the NSW Public Sector?
Definitely not, as our jobs are open to everyone and recruitment is based on merit. This means that the person who is selected needs to have the skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience that best match the job requirements.
How do I find out more about a job I've seen advertised?
Job advertisements include details about the pay. The job’s information package or the agency’s website may have information about the job’s working conditions. You can also ring the inquiries person named in the advertisement for more information.
Go to Pay and Conditions for more information on NSW Public Sector pay and conditions.
What if a job I like is advertised as full-time, but I only want to work part-time?
Even if a job is advertised as full-time, there may be flexibility to allow one or more people to do the job part-time, in a job share or other flexible work arrangement. Call the inquiries person named in the advertisement and talk to them to find out if there is flexibility to offer the job part-time.
Will my overseas qualifications be recognised?
If you have overseas qualifications you will need to have them translated and assessed for equivalency in Australia. For more information go to:
- Overseas Qualifications for more information
- Finding a Great Job in NSW Government brochure.
Applying for Jobs
How do I apply for a job I’ve seen advertised?
The information package for the job you are interested in will give you instructions on how to apply. Make sure you understand and follow these instructions carefully. Also read through these FAQs and the brochure on Finding a Great Job in NSW Government. If you’re still unsure, check with the inquiries person named in the advertisement.
What are selection criteria?
Selection criteria are a list of skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience that are needed to perform the job. The people who most closely meet the selection criteria for the position will be invited for an interview or other form of assessment. Selection criteria are important because they are used to fairly assess all applications for a job.
All jobs used to also have ‘common selection criteria’, but these no longer apply.
Do you have any tips on how to address selection criteria?
Addressing selection criteria basically means that you explain in some detail how you meet each of the selection criteria (the job requirements). You do this by writing a ‘Claim for Position’. Refer to the Finding a Great Job in NSW Government brochure for guidance on how to do this and examples of the types of selection criteria you may encounter.
If you’re not sure what to include in each response, a common tip is to use the STAR or SAO tools to develop your responses:
STAR
Situation - Set the scene for where and when you developed the skills needed etc
Task - Describe what you actually did in that situation. What was your role?
Action - Discuss what you did and how you did it
Response - Talk about your results and achievements.SAO
Situation - Set the scene. Where and when did you do it?
Action - Describe your role, what you actually did.
Outcome - Discuss what happened, your results and achievements.
Check your Claim for Position document by asking yourself:Have I…
- looked over the job details to get a clear picture of what the job involves and how I could apply my skills to it?
- kept to the facts and been honest?
- been clear and specific about my role and achievements?
- thought about what skills I have gained through volunteer work?
- addressed all the selection criteria?
- double checked the wording of each selection criterion to make sure I have answered each one correctly and completely?
- checked for spelling errors and errors in expression?
- been concise and removed unnecessary detail?
What is a selection panel?
A selection panel (also called a selection committee) usually selects the best applicant for a job. The selection panel includes at least one man and one woman. One of the panel members will be the convenor, who is managing the recruitment process. The convenor has a detailed knowledge of the job and is often the manager of the vacant position. Another may work in the same organisation but a different work area to the job, or in a different organisation.
The selection panel manages the recruitment process from beginning to end. This group reviews all the applications and decides who to shortlist for further assessment (often an interview). The selection panel decides how the applicants should be assessed, develops interview questions and conducts the interviews. After the assessment process is finished, the selection panel will discuss all the applications and decide who to recommend for the job.
When applying for a job, can I just send my résumé?
The job advertisement and information package will give you instructions on how to apply. If they say you can submit a résumé only, then that’s fine. However, if you are asked to address selection criteria (eg, by submitting a claim for position), then you should do this.
If you don’t apply in the format required, it will be very difficult for the selection panel to compare your application with those of other applicants - especially if they provide much more detail than you. This means that even if you’d be perfect 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.
What happens to my application once I’ve lodged it?
The selection panel will assess all the applications for that position. The panel will do this by considering how you meet the job requirements (selection criteria). Applicants who best meet the selection criteria will be called for further assessment. The selection panel may use a number of methods to assess your ability to do the job such as by interviewing you, asking for previous work samples, asking you to sit a test or do a practical exercise, and speaking to your referees about your previous work performance.
Job Interviews
I have an interview. How do I prepare?
At the interview you will be asked questions that relate to the selection criteria. This is an opportunity for the selection panel to make up its mind about whether you’re the best fit for the job - and also a chance for you to ask questions to find out more about the job and whether it’s right for you.
You should prepare for your interview. The Finding a Great Job in NSW Government brochure will give you guidance on how to prepare, as well as tips on answering interviewing questions.
Other than an interview, how else could I be assessed for a job?
The selection panel may use a number of methods to assess your ability to do the job. The person who has called you about the interview may tell you what will be involved on the day. Otherwise, you can phone the contact officer named in the advertisement and ask for more information.
The selection panel may ask you to sit a test, write a letter or report, discuss samples of your work or do something else that is similar to what you will be doing on the job. The selection panel will ask everyone who is interviewed to do the same activity, and will take all of these assessments into account when deciding who to recommend for the job. Information obtained from your referees will also be used to assess whether you are suitable for the job.
Is it true that for most jobs advertised an existing employee is already lined up for the job?
There are many reasons why a job gets advertised - it may be vacant with no one acting in the role or an employee may be acting in the role until it is filled. If an existing employee is temporarily acting in the role, this is no guarantee the job is theirs. For starters, the existing employee may not want to apply for the vacant job. Also, if they do apply they will have to compete with every other applicant and go through the same process as everyone else.
The job will be awarded to the applicant who best meets the job requirements - in many cases this means you don’t need to have actually done that job before to apply. So, if you are interested in the job and think you’ve got the skills and qualities needed, you are certainly encouraged to apply.
After the Interview
What happens after the interview?
If you are successful, you will be contacted by phone. This may take several days after the interviews. If you are verbally offered the position and accept, a letter will be sent out to confirm that you have been successful in gaining the position. All other applicants will be advised that they were unsuccessful.
What are reference checks?
You will be asked to provide the name and contact details of (usually) two referees. The people you nominate to be your referees should be able to comment on your recent work performance. Usually referees are contacted if you are one of the best applicants interviewed for the job.
Choose referees who can provide evidence to support your claims by commenting on your skills and abilities, and past work performance. This would usually be a current or recent supervisor because they can best comment on your work. If you would rather your current boss did not know you have applied for another job, you can ask a colleague to be your referee so long as this person has a good understanding of your skills at work.
What other checks could be conducted?
For some sensitive positions, the NSW Government requires you to undergo a criminal record check. Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify you from selection. You will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter before any final decision is made about your selection.
Also, anyone who will be working in child-related employment is required to undergo a Working with Children Check. Go to kids.nsw for more information.
Will I have to have a health assessment?
You will be required to undergo a pre-employment health assessment. Depending on the job demands the pre-employment health assessment could be a health declaration or medical examination. This is to ensure you are fit to do the duties of the job.
What if I miss out on the job?
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a letter. Remember that missing out on a job is no reflection on you personally. Some jobs are quite competitive and it may just mean you were not, at that time, considered to be the person with the greatest merit for that particular position.
Ring the convenor and ask to get some feedback on your application and/or interview, in case you could improve future applications. Don’t hesitate to do this as giving feedback to applicants is one of the convenor’s roles. The convenor will be able to tell you what the strengths of your application and/or interview were, and where you could improve for future applications.
What’s an eligibility list?
The most outstanding applicant will get offered the job but sometimes there are other applicants who were also considered suitable but who miss out. In this case, an eligibility list may be created. If you are told you have been placed on an eligibility list, you may be contacted if a similar position becomes vacant in the future.
Other Questions
I have a disability. How will this affect my job prospects?
If you have a disability, go to the Finding a Great Job in NSW Government brochure for information about applying for a job.
For information about disability employment in the NSW Public Sector, including employment initiatives and work-related adjustments, visit our EEO website.
I am an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander. What job opportunities are available to me?
For information on applying for jobs or looking for work, including apprenticeships and traineeships, go to the Finding a Great Job in NSW Government brochure. Also visit our EEO website.
How do I find out about apprenticeships and traineeships?
For information about finding apprenticeships and traineeships go to the Finding a Great Job in NSW Government brochure. Also visit our jobs.nsw recruitment website, where you can search for current opportunities.
Does the government employ university interns?
A number of internships are run by NSW universities, for students who are studying government or policy. These programs involve students spending a number of weeks during their final semester on a work-based project. As these programs change from year to year it is best to check with each university.
Can I (or my child) do work experience with a government organisation?
Generally yes, but individual agencies decide if they will participate in it depends on the individual agency. You should directly approach the Human Resources section of the organisation you are interested in doing work experience with.
Where can I get more information about public sector employment?
For more information on public sector employment, look under Finding a Job in the Public Sector. Also visit our EEO website where you can find employment information for: