Applying for a Position in the ABS
As an applicant you will benefit from time spent on some basic research and planning before submitting an application.
We recommend you:
carefully read the Selection Criteria and other documentation provided
ring the Contact Officer to discuss the particulars of the position, the proposed selection process, the work environment and any other matters.
Having done the above, you should now know if you can satisfy each of the selection criteria of the position, if the Australian Bureau of Statistics is the type of place you would like to work and whether or not you should proceed any further.
Your Resume
A resume or curriculum vitae is a summary of your personal history. Essentially it is a marketing tool; its primary purpose is to interest us in your suitability for a position. It should provide all the relevant information about your education background, employment experience, achievements, abilities and interests.
It is recommended that you keep your resume updated at all times as it makes it easier for you to concentrate on the application for the position itself.
The Selection Criteria
The Selection Criteria provides the basis for short-listing and for further consideration of your application. It is important that in your application you address each selection criterion thoroughly and succinctly and only include information that is relevant to the position. Under each criterion you should outline your relevant skills and abilities and give examples of your work performance, qualifications and other relevant experience.
The Personal Particulars Form
You must complete a Personal Particulars Form and submit it with your application. The information in the Personal Particulars Form provides us with vital eligibility, referee and contact information. It is also an opportunity for you to let us know whether you need any assistance through the selection process. A job specific Personal Particulars Form can be found under each job vacancy, or you can complete the generic form below with your personal details along with the job vacancy details.
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APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Before submitting your application, you should ensure that you have provided the following:
resume outlining your work history, relevant qualifications and training
statement of claims against each selection criterion
personal particulars form including referee contact details
a referees report (only where requested)
The ABS Selection Process
Selection for all vacancies with the Australian Bureau of Statistics is based on merit. This means that an assessment is made of the suitability of applicants using a competitive selection process.
Specific matters that selection panels consider in short-listing of applications include:
abilities
skills and knowledge
experience
qualifications, training and competence
standard of work performances; and demonstrated potential for further development.
There are several ways that the selection panel, and the delegate, may assess you.
Some examples are:
Application
Referee Reports
Testing relevant or specific skills
An informal discussion - although all interviews are formal in some sense, it is quite common that an interview (or part of it) can be unstructured.
One-on-one interview - in this type of job interview the applicant is interviewed by one person. The style of interview can vary from the formal to relaxed.
Panel interview - the panel interview consists of at least two interviewers.
Whether the selection process is to be formal or informal, it is best that you revise your selection criteria questions and answers so that you can confidently answer anything that arises. |
This page first published 8 August 2002, last updated 1 July 2008 | 
