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Government jobs in Australia are highly sought after, and for good reason. Whether you’re keen to get into public service, are tired of the private sector or want to challenge yourself with a career change, this blog as everything you need to help you secure your dream role in the public sector.
If you’re looking for tips to improve your job application, chances are you’ve already made up your mind about working in the public sector. But just in case you needed some further persuasion, here are some of the major benefits of working for a government department.
Whether it’s working for local, state or federal government, public sector staff tend to work fewer hours and have a better work-life balance than their private sector counterparts.
Generally speaking, public sector hours tend to stay within the region of 35-40 hours per week. And as an added bonus, any overtime worked can also be accrued and paid back in flexible leave and rostered days off.
While the private sector is often powered and motivated by profits and bottom lines, the public sector is not. Government departments do work to certain budgets and certainly change over time, but they are not affected by volatile market conditions. Local, State and Federal departments — and the services they provide — are there for the long term and provide better job security as a result.
Long term job security and a better work life balance are two huge reasons many people choose to work in the public sector. However, other benefits can include:
Paid parental leave
Making a difference in the community
Training and career development
Superannuation and pension schemes
Childcare
Government job applications often come with more red tape than the private sector. While the hiring process in the private sector can be as simple (or as complicated) as each organisation wants it to be, local, state and federal departments have to follow particular recruitment processes with specific rules and guidelines.
So, to make sure that you have the best chance at getting through the selection process and securing a job interview, let’s take a look at how you can refine your application process for a public sector job.
There are many job boards out there, to the point where job seekers are inundated with news of various vacancies. But not every job posting you see will be the right fit for you.
Save time and effort during your job search by setting up alerts for job boards geared specifically for the public sector. For example, if you have your hopes set on local government, make sure you check job boards that cater specifically to jobs in council.
Instead of looking for anything in the public sector, take the time to figure out which roles you are best suited for and apply filters to ensure that you only receive those types of alerts. After all, completing three great, highly relevant applications is better than completing thirty irrelevant ones!
Job postings for government positions come with very strict key selection criteria. Make sure you read the position description and job requirements thoroughly and only apply if you meet this criteria.
Once you’ve read and re-read the selection criteria, it’s time to make sure that your application makes it clear that you meet all of them.
Don’t be afraid to tailor your resume and cover letter to each individual role. Be sure to include any work experience that is relevant to the position. Generally speaking, resumes should list employment history chronologically (with the most recent at the top). However, don’t be afraid to briefly highlight your specific skill set at the top of your resume if it’s relevant.
Remember, you want to make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to understand your eligibility for the position.
Make sure you proofread your cover letter and resume before you submit your application. Get a friend to read over it and case you’ve missed any silly typos or mistakes.
Whether it’s a federal job or a local government position, public sector job listings have a closing date for a reason. Submitting an application late is a great way to show that you can’t follow instructions or meet deadlines. It’s also extremely likely that your application won’t even be opened.
Top tip: Public sector jobs often have a specific submission process which requires more than just a resume and a cover letter. Make sure you allow plenty of time to complete the application — don’t leave it until the day of the deadline.
Make sure that the information on your LinkedIn profile is in line with the information on your resume. Inconsistencies between your application and your employment history on LinkedIn will be a red flag for the hiring manager.
The hiring process for government departments is known to be slow. From human resources down to the relevant line manager and selection panel, there are several departments who have to weigh in and fill out various paperwork.
So don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear anything for a while. Don’t harass the hiring manager with countless phone calls. Be patient.
To give yourself the best possible chance to secure a government job, talk to a recruiter who specialises in your field. Not only will they be able to give you specific advice about the types of roles that are available, but they will also be able to help you to tailor your application and prepare you for the interview.
Their job is to be abreast of everything that is happening in their area of expertise, so they may also be aware of upcoming vacancies that would be perfect for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards your goal of working in the public sector, check out our current public sector vacancies now.
