How to apply

Our application process

Key dates

  

March 2018

Portal open - March 2018.

Register your interest on the Queensland Government Graduate Portal and nominate Information Technology as one of your preferences.

2 July 2018

Applications open for 2019 intake

23 July 2018

Applications will close for 2019 intake

August 2018

Cognitive and work-based testing

August-September 2018

Shortlisting

September-October 2018

Interviews

September-October 2018

Selection

October-November 2018

Offers

February 2019

IT Graduate Program commences

The recruitment process

Registration (July*)

Register your interest on the Queensland Government Graduate Portal and nominate Information Technology as one of your preferences.

Testing (August*)

All eligible registered candidates will be asked to participate in cognitive and work based testing. The test results last for one year and will apply to any other requests you receive to do the same test/s for other graduate roles.

At this stage, you must nominate two preferences for jobs (graduate roles). In 2018, the top roles that our departments were looking to fill were Software development, Business analyst, Information security and ICT Generalist.

Shortlisting (August/September*)

If successfully shortlisted for an interview, a representative from the department will offer you an interview in person or via skype.

Interview (September/October*)

Interviews will be held in various locations in Brisbane, but mainly in the CBD. Skype interviews can be made available to those candidates that are outside the Brisbane region. Most interviews run for around 30 minutes and you will be asked multiple questions about your interests, abilities and knowledge of our business and strategic direction. Usually three panel members are involved in the interview.

Selection (September/October*)

Selection is based on your experience, test results, qualifications and performance at interview. An order of merit will be created, and the successful person will be offered the role. If by chance that person cannot take the role the panel will refer to the order of merit and if applicable select the second successful candidate, offering them the role.

Offers (October/November*)

If you are successful, a representative from the interviewing department will call you to offer you a place on the program. If accepted, a letter of offer will be sent once all relevant paper work is submitted by the successful candidate and approved (this may include criminal history consent form, ID and referee checks). Once you have accepted an offer you should not attend any other interviews.

Key dates for 2019 intake

  • Register on the Queensland Government Graduate Portal from March 2018.
  • Applications for the IT Graduate Program will open on 2 July 2018! Ensure your application is received by 23 July 2018, when applications close.
  • Testing will commence in August 2018.
  • Please note that the time between applying for the program and being asked to interview can be lengthy and ranges from **two to six months. Interviews will generally be held between August and October 2018.

** Please note: months listed above are indicative only and can vary greatly between departments, depending on individual business areas recruitment processes.

Application tips

Applying for your first job can be overwhelming, so we have put together some handy tips to help you with our application process.

Resumes

Your resume lay out should be clear and simple. Include the following information about yourself:

  • full name
  • a blurb about you and your work interests, what you really want to work on and achieve
  • your contact details including an email address and phone number/s that you access regularly. Ensure your voicemail recording and email account is professional (i.e. not hotchick89@email.com)
  • education, training qualifications and professional certifications
  • professional memberships
  • experience you have had with hardware, software, languages, databases etc. This is the first thing employers will look for when filling a technical role
  • your professional work history and any other relevant work experience (paid or unpaid)
  • list two contactable referees — get their permission to use them before submitting your resume
  • photos are so yesterday, don’t include one
  • view our Helpful links page for more hints on resume writing.

Interviews

  • You will normally be given a few days to prepare for an interview. Check if you are required to bring any supporting documentation or items of completed work.
  • Interviews for the public service are conducted by a small panel comprising a minimum of two people, however most panels consist of three people.
  • Interviews are based around set questions. Be prepared with several actual examples that show your job knowledge or relevant experiences—this may be based on university projects, paid or volunteer work.
  • You will usually have the opportunity to peruse the questions before your interview (generally 10-15 minutes perusal). This process may depend on the department interviewing.
  • Approach the interview in a confident, considered manner and engage with panel members when you speak - eye contact is important.
  • If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification.
  • Always research the organisation to gain an understanding of core business and clientele (e.g. the business of government is to serve the community).
  • If you have any questions about the job or the organisation, note them down and ask them at the end of the interview.
  • What will you wear? Queensland Government is a professional work environment, so dress accordingly.

Most importantly, be yourself!

FAQs

What do I need to study to get into the IT Graduate Program? 

We are looking for a mix of IT technical people and non-technical people. If you have studied information technology, information management, computer science, telecommunications, project management, web/multimedia design, business/commerce/law, marketing or procurement—we want you!

What benefits does this program offer me?

If you are successful in gaining a position, you will be working for the Queensland Government, the largest employer in the state. As such, once established you can take your career in so many directions.The program will also give you the opportunity to play an important role in a variety of innovative and challenging projects. You will be provided with excellent opportunities for networking with the graduate group, innovative professional development, mentoring, as well as flexible work conditions and a competitive salary. Later in your program you will be offered career assistance and support is always provided by the IT Graduate Program team on any matter you wish to discuss. Visit our What's in it for graduates? page for further information.

Do you have age limits for graduates?

No, we accept all people of all ages. All graduates will be selected on their capabilities (including test results), work experience and values.

I’m graduating from a postgraduate course. Can I apply for the program?

Yes. The program is open to all graduates that hold a degree, graduate diploma, masters or PhD qualification. Graduates must have completed their course at an Australian university in the last two years. Undergraduate students are not eligible to participate in the program.

Is previous work experience or an internship in an IT role required?

No, work experience or vacation employment is not a mandatory requirement, although we are interested in finding out about your experience as well as what you would like to achieve and what your interests are.

The program is focused on ensuring graduates are matched to the roles on offer, to ensure ‘best fit’ with their home agency and the types of projects they will be working on. A range of criteria will be considered in selecting graduates including (not in order of importance):

*    test results
*    academic results and qualifications
*    personal achievements and extra-curricular activities
*    interpersonal and communication skills
*    cognitive ability, values and work preferences.

What's the starting salary?

The amount paid will depend on which department you are placed with, and the enterprise bargaining agreement that has been negotiated for your department. Starting from $58,638 per year plus up to 12.75 per cent superannuation.

Can I apply if I’m not an Australian citizen?

The Queensland Public Service Act 2008 provides the legislative basis for eligibility to work in the Queensland Government. We are only able to offer graduate positions to Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. This means that you need to have your residency status confirmed at the time of application.

Do I need to have a medical to gain entry to the program?

No, a medical is not a requirement for this program.

What sort of employment conditions do graduates have?

The Queensland Government promotes work/life balance and flexible working arrangements. Generally, you would be required to work between 36.25 and 38 hours a week. The core hours vary between departments because staff can be employed under different certified agreements. Remuneration is commensurate with the hours you work. Most departments offer flexi time and other leave entitlements including 10 days sick leave and 20 days recreation leave each year, paid public holidays and long service leave accumulation.

What happens to my IT career with the Queensland Government after the program?

At the end of the program, graduates will have learned a great deal about working for the Queensland Government and will have developed new skills. This means you will be well placed to seek and obtain an ongoing position. Throughout the program, we will help you develop your confidence and skills and obtain further employment opportunities.

Will I work in the same role for the duration of the program?

During the two-year program graduates may experience a rotation placement within their home department. Rotations are not mandatory and are up to you and your host department to arrange. Some graduates are very interested in rotating and others like to remain in their position for the duration of the program. The program is focused on promoting skills development, giving you exposure to a wide variety of roles, environments and experiences.

How will my performance be appraised while I am on the program?

Receiving feedback on your performance is extremely important to your ongoing professional development. The Queensland Government department you are placed with will manage your performance in line with their professional performance and review processes. This means you will work with your manager to write performance targets that are consistent with your own personal goals for growth and development and the organisation's business direction.

Do you offer internships?

We do not offer internships.

How long do I have to wait to hear if I have been successful in getting an interview?

Unfortunately, the time between applying for the program and being asked to interview can be lengthy process and can range from two to six months. Regular updates on recruitment progress will be provided on our website at What's on News.

How long do I have to wait to hear if I got the job after the interview?

You should be be informed within four weeks post interview, however, this time frame can vary as each department is responsible for their own recruitment and HR procedures. If you have any queries, please contact the Chair of the interview panel directly.

When does the program start?

In February each year, however if interviewed early, graduates can be offered an earlier start date.

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Last Reviewed: 09 May 2018

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