Register for the 2021 IT Graduate Program today!

By registering on the Graduate Portal, you will automatically be invited to apply to our program when applications open mid year, based on your qualifications.

The Queensland Government is a proud employer of a diverse range of people, and we would like to encourage people with a disability or impairment to apply to the program. Increasing the representation and inclusion of people with a disability or impairment in our workforce is a priority for us, and the IT Graduate Program is well placed to provide a supportive work environment, with opportunities for skills development and an exciting career pathway.

Candidates with an impairment, can contact the IT Graduate Program Team at any stage of the recruitment process for support and guidance in your application.

Our program has a thorough recruitment process designed to be as fair as possible to every candidate. Below are handy hints, tips and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you with your application.

We appreciate that you may want to apply for more than one Queensland Government graduate program, and by registering on the Graduate Portal, you will be notified when other graduate program applications open, who are seeking your qualifications.

The recruitment process

There are several stages in the recruitment process described below. This process is your chance to show us that you have what it takes to succeed in the Queensland Government.

* Please note: the months listed below are indicative and may vary between departments, depending on the recruitment processes of individual business areas.

Stage 1: Online registration form (June/July*)

You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for any of the Queensland Government Graduate Programs.

Register your interest on the Queensland Government Graduate Portal.

You can register at any time via the Graduate Portal. Add your contact details, upload your qualifications and resume plus any other documentation required. You will be notified when our program (and other programs seeking your qualifications) applications open, and invite you to apply for the IT Graduate Program. You can update your information at any time.

Suggest you do not use a University email address, as once you graduate and leave, it will no longer be a valid email for contact.

Stage 2: Testing (July/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 2020, the top four roles that our departments were looking to fill were Systems development, Business analyst, Data analyst and Project support.

If you have completed and are successful in the cognitive testing, you will be invited to the next stage of video interview.

Stage 3: Video interview: (August/September*)

If you have achieved an average or above average result in the cognitive test, you will be invited to complete a video interview, answering separate questions. You will be able to have a few practices before completing and submitting each question.

Stage 4: Shortlisting (August/September*)

Once you have completed both the cognitive and video interview processes, applicant lists will be forwarded to those departments seeking the specific roles they require for their business area. Each department is responsible for their own recruitment processes, collating shortlist of applicants selected for interview (face to face or via Skype). Successful applicants will be contacted by the department directly for interview.

Please note: completing the cognitive and video application process, does not mean you will automatically be selected for interview. It depends on each department, their business needs and specific roles they require.

Stage 5: 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 approximately 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.

Stage 6: 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, offer the role to the next successful candidate.

Stage 7: Offers made (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 paperwork is submitted by the successful candidate and approved (this may include a criminal history consent form, ID and referee checks). This process can take weeks to several months to complete.

If you have any queries about your interview, time frame or commencement, you have every right to contact the Chairperson from the interview panel directly to find out what is happening.

Once you have accepted an offer you should not attend any other interviews.

Application and interview advice

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

Writing your resume

A good resume is vital for gaining an interview. Your resume lay out should be clear and simple. Here are a few tips to make your resume shine:

1. List your full name, postal and email address and contact phone number. It’s a good idea to have a professional voicemail recording and email address (i.e., not hottie89@email.com ). Again, do not use a University email address, as once you graduate and leave, it will no longer be valid.
2. Include a blurb about you and your work interests. For example, where your passion lies and what you really want to achieve at work.
3. List your education, training qualifications and professional certifications, as well as any professional memberships.
4. Outline your knowledge and experience using hardware, software, programming languages, databases etc. This is the first thing employers will look for when filling a technical role.
5. Include your professional work history and any other relevant work experience, whether paid or unpaid.
6. List two contactable referees, including their name, job title and company (if relevant), email address, contact phone number and their relationship to you. Remember to ask their permission first before listing them on your resume.
7. It’s not a good idea to include a photo of yourself, however you may choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile instead.

If you need further advice, view our Helpful links page for more hints on resume writing.

Prepare for your interview

Preparing for an interview can improve your chances of making a good impression and securing the job. To help guide your preparation, here are a few tips and suggestions:

1. You  will normally be given a few days to prepare for the interview. Check if you are required to bring any supporting documentation or items of completed work.
2. Interviews for the public service are conducted by a small panel comprising a minimum of two people, however most panels consist of three people.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Approach the interview in a confident, considered manner and engage with panel members when you speak. Eye contact is important!
6. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification.
7. Research the organisation to gain an understanding of their core business and clientele (e.g. the business of government is to serve the community).
8. If you have any questions about the job or the organisation, note them down and ask them at the end of the interview.
9. Think about what will you wear to the interview. The Queensland Government is a professional work environment, so dress accordingly.

Most importantly, be yourself!