How to prepare your job application

1. Application coversheet

Completing the application coversheet enables the selection committee and recruitment to easily identify both the job you are applying for and your application.

Please note: In accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, the information you supply in your coversheet will only be used for the selection process and to collect de-identified statical information. This information is gathered to assist the TGA to develop better workforce planning strategies.

2. Response to the capability questions

Your response to the capability questions is an essential part of your job application.

The key to addressing capabilities is to provide evidence of how you meet the capability using specific examples drawn from your experience. You need to convince the selection committee that you have the necessary skills and capabilities for the job.

One model for doing this is the STAR model, which is:

• Situation - provide a very brief outline of the situation or setting
• Task - outline what you did
• Action - outline how you did it
• Result - describe the outcomes

When preparing your response, keep in mind the particular expectations outlined in the Capability Map and the job description. You should cite examples of situations you have faced and describe in detail your actual involvement. Your examples of past behaviour should reflect your knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications.

Capability 5 will be assessed indirectly throughout the process, so there are no questions asked against this capability.

3. Your resumé

It is your decision how you present your Resumé however, good resumes should include the following information:

• An employment history summary including the employer, dates, position/title and responsibilities and achievements in the position. Start with your most recent position and emphasise those positions most relevant to the vacancy.
• Personal/contact details
• Education/qualifications
• Professional memberships, and
• Any other relevant information that will support your application not covered elsewhere.

A maximum of three pages is usually sufficient.

4. Submitting your application

When you have completed your application please:

Alternatively, you may:

How to access a pdf document

Checklist

Printable version of this checklist (pdf,46kb)

1. Read this kit and the job requirement documentation thoroughly. Be clear about: what the job is the job environment when applications close what you need to do to apply, and how to lodge your application.
2. Be sure that you can demonstrate that you have the required capabilities for this particular job. If you need clarification about the capabilities, please ring the Contact Officer. The full list of capabilities for jobs at this level can be found by following the links to the Capability Map for the relevant classification level. You are required to respond to several specific capability questions to demonstrate your previous skills and experience against each capability. Important: If you do not provide answers to the Capability Questions, your application may not be considered.
3. Before you apply, be clear about the wider Australian Public Service (APS), the TGA work environment and the legislative framework. The APS values in the Public Service Act 1999 set down standards for maintaining professionalism, integrity and impartiality which apply to all recruitment actions. The The Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report, the TGA Business Plan July 2007 - June 2008, the department's Collective Agreement 2007-2011 and the Capability Map are important documents that describe the relevant work terms, achievements and conditions and expectations applicable to staff.
4. Complete the Application Coversheet, either electronically or in hard copy.
5. Prepare a Response to the Capability Questions detailed in the Applicant Kit.
6. Create/update and include your Resumé
7. Submit your application by the due date. Either: by email to tga.recruitment@tga.gov.au OR by faxing to 02 6203 1338 By hardcopy mailed to TGA Recruitment, PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606 or Hand delivered to TGA, 136 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston ACT

After the interview

After the last interview, it will normally take 10-15 working days for the process to be finalised. Following delegate approval, all applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome and given the opportunity to seek feedback from the Chairperson of the Selection Advisory Committee.

If you are the selected applicant, and are currently employed as an ongoing employee in another APS Agency, we will contact your Agency to negotiate a release date. If not, there will be a number of pre-employment checks you will be asked to complete prior to taking up duty. These will include:

• Documentation. You will be required to submit a number of documents as proof of your identity such as your birth certificate and photo identification.
• Citizenship. It is the usual policy of this Agency to employ Australian citizens unless the Agency Head determines that the requirement will be waived. If you are not an Australian citizen, we will require documentation clearly showing that you have a visa to work in Australia and evidence of your status with regards to citizenship before we would approach the Agency Head to waive this requirement.
• Qualifications. Certain positions require mandatory qualifications and/or registration as a member of a professional association or body, which you will be asked to supply. Failure to meet the relevant standards will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.
• Character Check. We need to confirm that you are a 'fit and proper person' for employment in the Australian Public Service. You will be required to complete a 'Consent to obtain Personal Information' form to enable the Australian Federal Police to advise if you have any disclosable outcomes. It is important that you demonstrate your honesty and integrity by disclosing any previous or impending infringements.
• Medical Assessment. If you are to be engaged as an ongoing employee, your employment will be subject to a medical assessment by a medical provider determined by the TGA. The medical assessment will determine your fitness to perform the duties of your position.

We would recommend that, as a successful applicant, you would not cease your current employment until such time as all pre-engagement checks have been successfully completed. You may elect to commence employment with the TGA prior to completion of these checks however you should note that failure to meet all pre-engagement checks may result in the termination of your employment.

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