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Getting your foothold in government – consider contracting

Have you ever seen the “perfect” job advertised but relegated it to the “too hard” basket simply because it’s a government role?

Applying for a government job is different to applying for a position anywhere else, and addressing selection criteria can be tedious. However, gaining entry to the public service and the fantastic working conditions it offers isn’t always as difficult as it first appears.

Short or long term contracts can help you get your foot in the door. The great news is that there are an abundance of government contacts for a myriad of roles – communications consultants, project managers, policy officers and accountants and many more. Plus it's rare for a qualified professional to be out of work in between assignments.

So why choose contract work?

  • Excellent hourly rates
  • Great way to get into government
  • Ability to learn new systems
  • Gain exposure to various departments

Importantly contractors are at the coalface – they hear when new roles come available and have the inside knowledge and experience that can make all the difference when applying for a permanent position.

Contracting isn’t for everyone, some people need the security of a permanent role and are determined to gain the flexible working conditions and work-life balance the public service offers. Unfortunately many job applicants often feel overwhelmed when faced with selection criteria required by government. From the employers’ point of view, they provide an equitable means to measure each applicant’s suitability to do the job. As a consequence, effectively demonstrate answering each selection criterion is very important.

Tips for writing winning section criteria

  • Carefully read each selection criterion and individually address each criterion under separate headings.
  • Break down each criterion into parts and address each aspect thoroughly.
  • Be aware of key expressions and levels required in each criterion.
  • Use as many concrete examples as possible to support your claim to meet each criterion. Draw examples from your academic, employment and social experience, committee participation, voluntary work, hobbies etc.
  • If an example applies to a number of selection criteria, include it under each relevant criterion.
  • Where possible, substantiate your examples with indicators of how well you did them. This might include results, comments, extended contracts, happy customers, etc.
  • In your response to the selection criteria do not refer to your resume. If something is relevant in your resume write it into your selection criteria statement.
  • Use good English. Ensure that your application is written clearly and concisely, that it is grammatically correct, and free of spelling errors.
  • Use active rather than passive verbs.

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