What Happens Next?

After you have lodged an application

After applications have closed, the shortlisting and selection process begins.

Although many applications may be received, we make every effort to ensure that the following process happens as quickly as possible. If you want to check on the progress of the job, please telephone the contact person named in the advertisement.

Members of the selection panel will independently assess each application and shortlist the most competitive people.

The selection panel may use a variety of methods to gather more information about your suitability for the position. In most cases this will be an interview with the selection panel. Other methods of assessment may also be used, but you will be advised. These may include:

case scenarios or role plays
examples of previous work (for example, a written report)
giving a presentation
aptitude or ability tests for certain positions
work/skills based exercises (for example, producing a document).

The interview

Questions asked at the interview will relate to the work-related requirements of the position. The same questions will be asked of each applicant although questions seeking clarification or expansion may differ.

Preparing for the interview

If we use an interview:

be aware of what the job involves from the job description form, selection criteria and if you choose, by talking with the contact person
focus on the work-related requirements and think of examples and work situations where you have applied the relevant skills and abilities
focus on the duties of the position and how you would carry them out. Think of any problems you might encounter and how you would resolve them
if the position has a supervisory role, think about your additional responsibilities as a supervisor
if you have any relevant reports or other work which will provide examples of your skills and abilities you may present these at the interview and
take a copy of your written application with you.

The selection panel may also set tasks for applicants or provide the questions prior to the interview.

As part of the employment selection process, recommended applicants will need to agree to undergo a national criminal history check. When contacted for interview, you may also be asked to bring proof of identity to complete a 100 point identification check (view the "Eligibility for a position" section for more information)

During the interview

Do not assume each of the selection panel members know about your suitability for the job even though you may have worked with them or have had previous experience in the position for which you have applied.
Take time to answer each question. The selection panel will appreciate a well thought out answer presented clearly and concisely even though you may take a few moments to put your thoughts together.
If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification before replying.
Wherever possible relate your answer to direct experiences you have had.

During the interview selection panel members will take notes and assess your answers to the questions to help them accurately recall your details when they come to make a recommendation.

Referee checks

We will always conduct referee checks as part of our selection process. The selection panel may conduct a referee check before or after the interview/other selection method.

Decision time

When the selection process is finalised, the selection panel will prepare a report detailing the process and the recommendation. Once this is completed, you will be notified of the outcome and the name of the person you can contact to get feedback on your application.

You are encouraged to seek feedback as it can help you with future applications and interviews. The notification will also advise that you have the right to lodge a Breach of Standard Claim within 4 working days.

A Breach of Standard Claim cannot be lodged on the grounds that you consider yourself more competitive than the successful candidate, but rather it addresses your concerns if you feel that the process has been breached.

This process helps us to be fair and equitable in our recruitment decisions that meet our business requirements and helps you to know that we are meeting the Public Sector Standard in Human Resources Management.

Further information on the Public Sector Commission's (PSC) Employment Standard is available at http://www.publicsector.wa.gov.au.

For more information about the four day breach period please go to the Public Sector Commission's website or the Claimant's Guide - Breach of Standards.

Last updated: 1-Sep-2015

[ back to top ]