Frequently Asked Questions
The following have been designed to assist you in making a decision to apply for the ABS Graduate Program. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
On this page:
What We Offer
Application
Interview
Contact With The ABS
What We Offer
What does the ABS do?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is Australia’s official national statistical agency. We assist and encourage informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by leading a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service. The ABS also has an important leadership and coordination function with respect to the statistical activities of other official bodies in Australia, and a liaison function with other countries and international organisations on statistical matters.
How can I contribute as a graduate at the ABS?
As an ABS Graduate, you will join a world leader in its field and contribute to providing statistics on a wide range of economic, social, population, and environmental matters that are highly relevant and important to the Australian community.
At the ABS you will find diverse and challenging careers for a wide range of backgrounds and specialisations. We provide you with opportunities to utilise your degree and encourage you to expand your existing knowledge and skills.
The ABS provides a supportive environment where employees are nurtured, their skills are developed, and achievements are recognised. All ABS employees have the opportunity to make a difference to society through important work which informs key decisions affecting the Australian population.
What does the ABS offer graduates?
The 9 month Graduate Development Program provides graduates with:
- Structured formal training and development activities that will assist you to transition into the ABS and the Australian Public Service. For 2012, this training includes:
- Discover the ABS
- Workplace Health & Safety (WHS)
- Communicating with Respect
- APS Values and Code of Conduct
- Introduction to Desktop@ABS
- Probation Awareness
- Development and Performance Framework with Two-Way Feedback
- Administrative Law & APS Decision-making in the ABS
- Statistical Cycle
- Professional Statistics Program (PSP)
- Project Management
- Three tailored development Workshops to enhance professional skills and capabilities
- Selection Criteria & Interview Skills
(These courses are subject to change for future Graduate Development Programs)
- Subject matter specific training as determined in conjunction with your Graduate Supervisor, and available through the National Training & Development Section
- Practical on-the-job training through team based work or projects
- Work rotations and formal projects (subject to areas placed)
- Opportunities to access buddies
- Networking opportunities
We offer you a competitive remuneration package, with the opportunity to advance to an APS4 upon successful completion of the 9 month Graduate Development Program (see FAQ below). Graduates will also have the opportunity to move into different areas of the business, volunteer for other projects/committees and enjoy the flexibility to achieve a healthy work/life balance.
What are the prospects for career advancement?
The professional and personal benefits you gain by launching your career within an ABS Graduate Development Program will help prepare you to further advance your career. As with all ABS employees, salary advancement within a classification will occur annually, provided a graduate's performance is assessed as Performance Expectations Met or Exceeded.
Promotion to higher APS classifications at the conclusion of the Graduate Development Program occurs through selection processes and is based on merit.
Will I be a permanent employee?
Yes, from the moment you start the Graduate Development Program you will be an ongoing (ie. permanent) employee of the ABS.
Is there a strong social spirit at the ABS?
The ABS provides all employees with the opportunity to take part in a diverse range of social and sporting activities – there is something for everyone!
The ABS has a strong and lively social club in each office which organises many events including the ABS Ball, Christmas parties, wine tasting evenings, quiz nights, shopping trips and much more!.
Does the ABS support further study?
The ABS has a Study Support Program that provides assistance to employees undertaking external part-time study. This support is evaluated on a case-by-case basis but may include up to six hours/week paid study leave and financial assistance towards the cost of the course
What is it like to live and work in Canberra?
Detailed information about working at the ABS offices in the ACT, and living in Canberra can be found on the ABS ACT Office page.
Are there opportunities available in locations other than Canberra?
Opportunities may be available in some of our Regional Offices. Regional Offices are located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Please note that the majority of Graduate positions are available in our Central Office in Canberra. For information on living and working in our regional office locations please visit the ABS Offices webpage.
Application
Do I need to be an Australian citizen to obtain a position at the ABS?
Australian citizenship is a requirement for employment in the ABS. If you are not currently an Australian citizen, or do not expect to receive citizenship by February 2013, you cannot be employed by the ABS.
What grades do I have to achieve to be considered for a position at the ABS?
Your academic results are important and will be a part of the assessment process. However, our assessment process will also consider your skills, knowledge and experiences. We are looking for graduates who enjoy a challenge and value the opportunity to build professional relationships in a friendly and diverse team environment. We are seeking graduates who have strong analytical skills who can think laterally and strategically. Graduates should have the ability to adapt to change, show resilience, display initiative and be driven to achieve results.
What preparation can I do for my application?
Do some background research by becoming familiar with the particular business areas of the ABS. We are looking to recruit people as enthusiastic about the ABS as we are.
Know yourself - write down what you consider to be your skills, strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. If you are comfortable with what you have to offer the ABS you stand a better chance of demonstrating these strengths in the interview. The interview questions will be based on the Selection Criteria and you should prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate your claims against each criterion.
Can I be considered for other business areas?
On your application form, you will be asked to indicate your two areas of interest. However, depending on your skills and capabilities, you may also be considered for other areas within the ABS.
We will consider your application based on your qualifications, identified attributes, your written response to the selection criteria, your test results and interview. Referee checks may also be used.
How do I respond to the Selection Criteria?
When responding to selection criteria, it is important that you address each question and provide evidence of your suitability. Do not simply state that you meet the requirements of the selection criteria - give examples from your current or past experience which demonstrate how you meet each criterion. Guidance can be obtained from the Addressing Selection Criteria page on the website. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to complete your online application form.
Remember, you are able to log out and log in any time you like up to the closing date for submitting your application.
What is involved in the Written Test?
A written test will assess your written communication and analytical/conceptual skills. You will be assessed on your ability to comprehend and refine significant issues, integrate and construct information and present your information logically and/or outline issues for discussion.
Below are samples of previous written exercises.
Information and Communications Technology
You are expected to briefly address each part of the question. As a guide about half a page would be adequate for each point of the question.
The ABS intend using the internet for the 2006 Census, what issues does the ABS need to consider regarding:
(a) collection of data
(b) publishing results |
Methodology and Data Management
This exercise will be used to help assess your written communication skills.
One of the ABS's many statistical collections is the Labour Force Survey, from which the official estimates of the unemployment rate are derived. What do you think are some of the challenges of conducting this survey for such a purpose? |
Interview
If I am selected to interview, what preparation can I do?
Prepare yourself to answer questions as clearly and concisely as you can; avoid overly long answers and don’t waffle (but don’t give ‘yes’ or ‘ no’ answers either!). Be sure to ask the interviewer to clarify or repeat any questions you don’t understand. Try to be confident and remember the interview is really a conversation between you and the panel members to ascertain your suitability to the ABS, and vice versa.
What do I need to bring to the interview?
You need to bring:
1. One ID sized photo
2. An original copy of your most recent academic transcript
3. One form of Identification, from the list below:
- Birth Certificate,
- Passport,
- Certificate of Australian Citizenship,
- Drivers Licence,
- Proof of Age Card.
4. An additional form for Identification as Proof of Australian Citizenship, this must be either:
- Australian Birth Certificate,
- Australian Passport,
- Certificate of Australian Citizenship.
It may also be helpful to have a copy of your application and resume on hand during the interview or you might like to bring brief notes along to prompt you about your achievements and relevant work experience.
Contact With The ABS
How will you contact me throughout the selection process?
In the first instance, your application will be acknowledged by email. Throughout the selection process, you will be contacted by either email or phone. Following the selection process, you will receive an email or a letter from the ABS advising you whether or not you will be offered a position.
When completing the application form, it is important to include your full postal address, correct email and preferably two phone numbers. If your details change throughout the year, you can update them through the online application system.
When will I know if I have been successful?
The graduate selection process is undertaken in a number of phases, refer to the Selection Process page for more information.
You will be notified of outcomes by email by the end of September. Please ensure that your nominated email mailbox is emptied regularly and you have a valid email address to avoid failing to receive important emails from the ABS.
What happens if I have to move?
If you need to move to Canberra to take up your graduate position, you will be provided with relocation assistance. This may include relocation of yourself, your belongings and temporary accommodation.
Relocation assistance for graduates moving to a capital city within their home state will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How can I obtain additional information?
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