Handy hints for preparing your application

When applying for the department's Graduate Development Program (GDP), it is in your interest to provide an application that answers the questions asked on the online application form. Your application provides the department with information that will assist in the shortlisting process and in determining whether or not you are suitable for the program.

The online application form can be accessed through the 'How to apply' section.

Step 1

Before starting your application it is recommended that you print out a copy of the application form by clicking on the 'preview application' button. This will assist you in familiarising yourself with the form and what is required.

Step 2

It is recommended that you prepare your responses to the questions in a MS Word document, as the online application does not have a spelling or grammar check. This will also help to keep within the 300 word limit for each answer. You will then be able to cut and paste your responses into the online application form.

Before you submit your application please ensure that you have completed all parts of the application honestly and accurately.

Responding to the selection criteria questions

The 'questions' section of the online application form  has been created from the following DAFF capability framework:

• shapes strategic thinking
• achieves results
• cultivates productive working relationships
• exemplifies personal drive and integrity
• communications with influence.

When answering the questions it is important to keep your responses succinct and remain within the 300 words limit. It is also important to ensure you answer all parts of each question.

To demonstrate your skills and capabilities against each question, use relevant and recent examples.

To assist in answering the questions think about applying the STAR method:

• describe the situation
• describe the task
• what action you took
• what result was achieved.

Think of as many examples as possible, choose your strongest examples and avoid using the same example for every question. You can use examples from work, home, university, sport, college, community charity work, etc.

Make sure you test your responses with colleagues, friends and careers advisors.

By following the above information you will ensure that you have given yourself the best possible chance of being selected to advance to the second stage of the assessment process.

Things that may detract from your application:

• incomplete fields
• incomplete sentences
• poor spelling, grammar and punctuation
• not providing appropriate examples when answering questions
• using the same example for several questions
• not fully answering the question/selection criteria
• no research into, or awareness of DAFF's functions/roles
• no apparent motivation/interest to work in DAFF.