Applying
Applications open on Monday 5 March 2012 and close at 11.30pm (AEST) Sunday 13 May 2012.
If you would like to apply to the DVA graduate development program, go to DVA's recruitment site to begin your online application.
If you would like to apply to the DVA ICT graduate development program, go to www.australia.gov.au/ictentrylevel to apply. Applications open 22 March 2012 and close on 3 May 2012.
On this page:
The process
Phase one - The application
To apply to the DVA graduate development program, you will need to log onto the DVA recruitment website. The online application will require you to:
- provide your results for all units completed
- provide a list of any scholarships, academic prizes, professional achievements and other information that you believe is relevant to your application
- provide details of your employment history
- provide names and contact details of two referees
- answer four questions relating to DVA’s selection criteria
It is recommended that you read DVA’s hints and tips before your start your application.
Phase two – The online test
Applicants who are deemed as suitable potential candidates for the program may be asked to participate in an online test, that measures several capabilities. We use this as an indicator of your strengths rather than a shortlisting tool.
Phase three – The assessment centre
Applicants who have successfully met the selection criteria based on phase one and phase two will be asked to attend an interview in June/July. At the assessment centre, applicants will be asked to undertake the following activities and tasks:
- present for 5 minutes on a topic of your choice to the selection panel. Applicants are expected to prepare for the presentation beforehand.
- complete a written assessment task. Generally, the writing task will be associated with current issues faced by DVA.
- participate in a group activity in front of the selection panel
- participate in a short interview with the selection panel
Phase four – The concluding decision
In this phase, you will be notified as to whether you are successful or not. Generally, DVA will contact you within two months from the assessment day. With saying this, DVA will communicate as closely as possible with you throughout the whole process.
Phase five – Commencement
Applicants who are successful will commence working with DVA in February 2013
Selection criteria for 2013
You will be assessed against the following selection criteria throughout the application process. The on-line application includes questions directly relating to the criteria and allows you to demonstrate your skills and experience in your written response. Similarly, all assessment activities at interview are based on the below criteria and are used to form an overall rating of your skills, experience and personal attributes. It is from this rating that the preferred candidates are selected.
1. Qualifications
You must have completed (or be completing by 31 December 2012) at least a three year undergraduate degree from an Australian tertiary institution. If you have a degree from an overseas tertiary institution it must be recognised as being equivalent to a three year Australian degree by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) by 31 December 2012.
Assessment method: Application & sighting of official academic transcripts at interview.
2. Knowing the environment
Everyone in DVA works in an often complex environment. It is important for graduates to have a general understanding of the role of DVA, and an appreciation of the needs of its broad range of clients and stakeholders.
Assessment method: Application / interview.
3. Building our skills
We have a talented, experienced and skilled workforce and developing our organisation's talent is an important part of the way we operate. Graduates will need to identify and pursue opportunities to learn and apply their skills and capabilities in the working environment.
Assessment method: Application / interview.
4. Connecting with clients and collaborating with colleagues
The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people of all ages, levels, backgrounds etc and actively contribute in a small team environment is key to the graduate role.
Assessment method: Application / interview, team exercise.
5. Searching for solutions
You will be working in a variety of roles which focus on the development and delivery of solutions and services to internal and external clients. Well developed research and analysis skills are required along with the ability to show initiative and flexibility in a changing environment.
Assessment method: Application / interview, presentation, team exercise.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the graduate program:
- You must be an Australian citizen or have gained citizenship by 31 December 2012.
- You must have completed (or be completing this year) a minimum three year undergraduate degree from an Australian tertiary institution. If you have a degree from an overseas tertiary institution it must be recognised as being equivalent to a three year Australian degree by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) by 31 December 2012.
Key dates
- Applications open: 5 March 2012
- Applications close: 13 May 2012
- Short listing complete: Mid June 2012
- Assessment Centre: June/July 2012
- Successful/unsuccessful notification: August/ September 2012
Hints and tips
Some tips to remember when filling out your form
- Answer all mandatory questions which are marked with an asterisk (*).
- You can complete your responses to the selection criteria in a word document and copy/paste into the online application.
- Use plain text, not bold or underlined text.
- Do not use dot/bullet points - please indicate these using a star (*) or dash (-) instead. Please note that if you use (*) and (–) to indicate a dot/bullet point, these are counted as a word once uploaded into your online application and may put you over the word limit.
- Limit your responses to the word limit indicated on the application form
- Make sure your answers are clear, concise and highlight your experience and capabilities.
- Only include relevant information, outlining your achievements against each particular criterion.
- Use active and not passive language in your application, for example:
Active language: 'I am/do/perform', 'I did/managed/administered'
Passive language: 'believe', 'I was involved in', 'I was required to'
Responding to selection criteria
The selection criteria describes the essential areas against which the selection panel will assess your application. It reflects the work related capabilities specifically required for the graduate role.
Your responses to the selection criteria is the most important part of your application. It is your opportunity to demonstrate to the committee that you have the capabilities they are looking for. Capabilities are made up of behaviours, skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experiences. Under each selection criterion you should describe the relevant elements that demonstrate your capability. Give details of real-life examples from work and other relevant life experience that will show the committee how you meet a particular capability requirement.
In preparing your response, we suggest you use the STAR model – that is:
- Situation – provide a brief outline of the situation or setting
- Task – outline what you did
- Approach or action – outline how you did it
- Result – describe the outcome.