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Preparing your application
When applying for the department’s Graduate Development Program (GDP), it is in your interest to provide a solid application that fully 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 familarising yourself with the form and what is required. This will also assist you in drafting possible responses to the questions and revising them without going in and out of the online form.
Step 2
It is recommended that you prepare your responses to the questions in a 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, accurately and fully.
Responding to the selection criteria questions
The `Questions’ section of the online application form has questions which are drawn from the following DAFF selection criteria:
- communication and interpersonal skills
- teamwork
- critical thinking
- problem solving and innovation
- initiative and flexibility
- motivation to work with the department.
When answering the questions it is important to keep your responses succinct and remain within the limit of 300 words. 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 CAR:
- describe the circumstance
- 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 will 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.