Finding government jobs
Like other jobs, federal and state government jobs are advertised online and in newspapers.
You can find a list of all available Victorian Government jobs at www.careers.vic.gov.au (new window).
You can find a comprehensive list of federal government (new window) sites that advertise jobs and provide job information, from the defence forces to other public service jobs. Australian government jobs are also advertised on the APSjobs (new window) site.
Types of government jobs
From the defence forces or office jobs to managing our parks and gardens, the Australian or Victorian government has a job to suit just about anybody.
As with any organisation, some jobs need less experience than others. For base or entry-level jobs, ability or knowledge is generally needed rather than work experience. For administrative roles, look for jobs classified at Victorian Public Service Levels 1 and 2 (VPSG1 or VPSG2), as these need the least experience. You will receive on-the-job training and development that you need to get the required skills.
Career options with the Victorian Government
The Victorian Government employment website (new window) searches the huge range of jobs available in the Victorian Government.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Victoriaworks provides apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for young people aged 15-24.
Graduate recruitment schemes
The Victorian Government Graduate Recruitment Scheme employs university graduates from a wide range of disciplines. Graduates are offered a number of placements over the course of a year and receive accelerated training, before returning to a home department.
See the Victorian Government Graduate Recruitment website (new window) for further details.
Other Australian Government departments also recruit graduates. Check out the Australian Job Search website (new window) for more links to all federal departments that regularly recruit graduates.
Tips for applying for government jobs
You should follow the same advice when applying for government jobs as you would with any other job. However, one very important thing to remember is that you will most likely be required to respond to 'key selection criteria' as part of your application.
Key selection criteria outline the qualities, skills and knowledge you will need to do the job you're applying for. Respond to the key selection criteria with short statements that give specific examples of situations that demonstrate the skills, qualities and knowledge required for the job. Make sure you give yourself enough time to think carefully about how you might respond to the key selection criteria in your application, and try not to rush them. If you have questions about them, pick up the phone and get in touch with the contact person listed in the job advertisement. Along with answering your questions, the contact person can provide you with valuable additional information about the position and work environment.
However you choose to respond to the key selection criteria, just make sure you do respond to them. If you don't address them in your application, it's unlikely that you'll make it through to the interview stage.
You can find more tips for addressing the key selection criteria at the Victorian Government's Careers (new window) website.
Links
www.careers.vic.gov.au
All current Victorian Government job vacancies are listed here. The site also provides general information about working for the Victorian Government and includes tips for preparing your job application.
Victorian Government Career Exploration
Learn more about the range of career options available in the Victorian Government.
Victoriaworks
Get contact details and info about apprenticeships and traineeships through the Victorian Government's Victoriaworks program.
Australian Job Search
Search for a job in the Australian government.
APSjobs
Search for a job with a federal government department.
