Skip to content
Print this pageDecrease text sizeIncrease text size
Ferry on Sydney Harbour

FAQs

What experience do I need to work for NSW Government?

This depends on what type of work you are interested in. Each role has methods of assessing any qualifications, work experience, knowledge and skills or abilities needed.

The NSW public sector offers a very wide range of job types and we have jobs for people at all levels in their career - from entry level jobs and frontline jobs through to supervisory and management roles to executive level and many in between. Browse the current vacancies with the NSW public sector.

Can I apply if I don't have much experience?

Some jobs need less experience than others. For entry level jobs, ability or knowledge is generally needed rather than work experience. In many positions, training and development will be provided along the way to give you the skills you need. NSW Government apprenticeship, traineeship, cadetship and graduate programs are a good way for young people to get started in the public sector and are offered in a wide range of disciplines. These positions will be advertised at different times throughout the year.

Can I apply for NSW Government vacancies if I am not an Australian citizen?

For permanent jobs in the NSW Public Sector, you need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. For most temporary jobs, you need a visa that gives you permission to work in Australia.

See Department of Immigration & Citizenship for information about requirements for Visas, Working Permits and Australian Citizenship.

What is a job classification?

Job classification refers to job types and reflects the value of the work performed by jobs in NSW Government. The number used in some job classifications refer to the grade - a lower number typically indicates a lower grade, or lower skilled, position. Different government agencies use different job classifications for their roles.

Is it ok if I just submit my resume as an application for a job?

The job advertisement and Information Package will give you instructions on how to apply. If they say you can submit a resume only, then that's fine. However, if you are asked to provide more information (for example, answering some additional questions - sometimes called Selection Criteria), then you should do this.

If you don't apply in the format required, it will be difficult for the selection panel to assess your application with those of other applicants. This could mean that even if you'd be just right 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.

Can I submit my resume just in case a suitable vacancy becomes available?

Yes, if you would like to send your resume as a general application it will be held in a talent pool. Once registered, the e-Recruitment system can match you to suitable jobs and automatically generate an invitation to apply.

I am interested in working for a specific Department - how can I find their vacancies?

Applicants can conduct a search and entering the agency name as a keyword, or browse the website of an agency in which they are interested.

Can I (or my child) do work experience with a government organisation?

Generally yes, but individual agencies decide if they will offer periods of work experience. You should directly approach the organisation you are interested in doing work experience with.

Can I obtain the status of my job application?

You will receive email updates throughout the recruitment process and you can phone the Inquiries Person contained within the advertisement. The Inquiries Person will be able to provide you with any relevant information regarding your application.

How can I get more information about an advertised vacancy?

If you are yet to apply for an advertised vacancy and would like further information on any aspect of the role, please refer to the Inquiries Person contained within the advertisement. Additionally, the Information Package Contact Person will be able to provide you with an Information Package that provides further details on the vacancy and how to apply.

The information pack refers to 'Selection Criteria'. What are Selection Criteria and what should I do with them?

NSW Government agencies often require you to provide some additional information, including writing responses to particular questions to demonstrate your ability to do the job. These questions are often called 'Selection Criteria.'

The selection panel will use your written responses to these Selection Criteria to assess you and all other applicants.

You should make a separate heading for each selection criterion. Describe your skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience and show how you can use them in the job. Give examples and emphasise your major achievements. Use positive language and be specific, eg "In my current role I take responsibility for ..." is better than "I have limited experience in". Some key words used in selection criteria are explained below:

Demonstrated knowledge: You need to give examples that prove you have this area of knowledge.

Ability to: You do not need to have done this kind of work before, but you need to describe how your skills, knowledge and experience show that you are capable of doing this part of the job.

Experience in: You have to show you have done this work before. Give examples.

Effective, proven, highly developed or superior: You need to show your level of skill. Give examples of your achievements to show your level of skills, knowledge and experience.

Good communication skills: This is about showing you have the communication skills needed to do the job. Give examples of: experience in dealing with people, things you have written, and problems you have solved using your communication skills.

Are there any other places I can find out about NSW Government jobs?

See these agencies websites:

NSW Ambulance Services

NSW Police Force

Teaching - Department of Education & Training

Nursing, Midwifery and other health roles - NSW Health

NSW Fire Brigades

Entry Level Jobs

Where did the photos on our website come from?

Photo credits for this website are as follows:

Image description

 

Page

 

Credit

         
Bald Rock National Park   How to Use this Site   Paul Foley; Tourism NSW
         
Airly, Blue Mountains   Accessibility   Hamilton Lund
         
Mount Annan Botanic Garden   Terms and conditions of use   'Visit Macarthur' tourism
         
The Three Sisters   Indigenous   Sally Mayman; Tourism NSW
         
ANZAC memorial and Forbes Town Hall   Other NSW Government Jobs   Don Fuchs; Tourism NSW
         
Ferry on Sydney Harbour   FAQs   Hamilton Lund; Tourism NSW
         
Hanging Rock, Narrowneck, Blue Mountains   Privacy & Security   Chris Jones; Tourism NSW
         
Hanging Rock, Narrowneck, Blue Mountains   Transactional Privacy Statement   Chris Jones; Tourism NSW
         
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour, Sydney   Working for NSW   Hamilton Lund;Tourism NSW
         
Kanangra Falls, Blue Mountains, Sydney   Benefits   Chris Jones; Tourism NSW
         
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Eastside   Disability   Jann Tuxford; Tourism NSW
         
Sydney Harbour   Equal Employment Opportunity
  Hamilton Lund; TNSW
         
Worker with goggles   Graduates   Railcorp
         
 Worker in front of passing train
  Apprenticeships and Cadetships
  Railcorp
         
Abercrombie Caves, Dubbo   Tips on Applying   Tourism NSW
         
Various   Career Profiles and Features   Taken by the department of
Premier and Cabinet with the
consent of each individual
and organisation
         
Aerial of Sydney City from over Centennial Park
Appointments
Hamilton Lund;Tourism NSW
         
Print this pageDecrease text sizeIncrease text size