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Australian Government Resume Template

Guide: Writing a Resume and Key Selection Criteria for Australian Government Jobs
APS classifications, Key Selection Criteria format, security clearances and referee requirements
Guide · not printed

Australian government application requirements

  • Applying for Australian Public Service (APS) roles requires more than a standard resume. Depending on the job advertisement, you may be asked for a short pitch, a statement of claims or responses to Key Selection Criteria (KSC), plus referee details. Check the required format and word limit in each advertisement. Source: Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), apsc.gov.au.
  • APS classifications range from APS 1 (entry level) to SES Band 3 (Deputy Secretary). Most professional and graduate roles begin at APS 4 to APS 6. Executive Level (EL1, EL2) are middle management. Senior Executive Service (SES) is the senior leadership cohort. Source: APSC, apsc.gov.au.
  • Resume length: 2 to 3 pages is standard for APS roles. Senior roles (EL1+) may warrant up to 4 pages. Include: employment history (reverse chronological), education, relevant certifications and professional memberships, and security clearance status if applicable. Source: APSC Candidate Guide.
  • Work rights: Australian citizenship is a condition of engagement for ongoing APS roles; agency heads can make exceptions, and some non-ongoing roles are open to permanent residents. Roles that need a security clearance generally require citizenship, particularly in national security, Defence and intelligence agencies. Source: APSC, apsc.gov.au.

Key Selection Criteria (KSC)

  • Key Selection Criteria are specific capabilities, skills or attributes that an applicant must demonstrate to be considered for a role. A structured response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the common approach. Keep each response within the word limit set in the job advertisement. Source: APSC, apsc.gov.au.
  • The APS Work Level Standards define the capabilities expected at each APS classification. Align your KSC responses to the relevant work level standard for the role you are applying for. Responses that do not match the complexity level of the role are typically screened out. Source: APSC Work Level Standards.
  • The APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) defines 5 capability groups: Shapes Strategic Thinking, Achieves Results, Cultivates Productive Working Relationships, Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity, Communicates with Influence. Refer to this framework when structuring responses. Source: APSC, apsc.gov.au.
  • Common KSC criteria in APS job advertisements: 'Demonstrated experience in policy development and analysis'; 'Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills'; 'Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment'; 'Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks.' Source: apsjobs.gov.au.

Security clearances and referees

  • Security clearances in Australia are issued by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). Clearance levels: Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 (NV1), Negative Vetting 2 (NV2), and Positive Vetting (PV). Since November 2025, PV is being replaced by Top Secret-Privileged Access (TS-PA), managed within ASIO. Many Defence, intelligence and national security roles require NV1 or above. AGSVA's benchmark times range from 20 business days for Baseline to 180 for PV, and individual cases can take longer. Source: AGSVA, agsva.gov.au; Defence, defence.gov.au.
  • Referees: APS applications typically require 2 referees, usually direct managers or supervisors from recent roles. Government agencies will contact referees after shortlisting. Ensure referees know the role you have applied for and have agreed to be contacted. Source: APSC.
  • APS graduate programs: Most federal departments run competitive graduate programs (typically commencing February each year). Large programs include the APS Graduate Development Program, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Graduate Program, and ATO and ABS graduate intakes. Applications for many programs open around March and close in April of the year before the program starts; DFAT's 2027 program closed on 12 April 2026. Source: dfat.gov.au; apsc.gov.au.
  • Salary: pay is set by each agency's enterprise agreement, so check the range in the job advertisement. As one example, AFSA's base salaries from 12 March 2026 are APS 4 $81,692 to $88,697; APS 6 $100,859 to $113,047; EL1 $121,755 to $141,441; EL2 $145,509 to $172,219. Superannuation: PSSap members receive a 15.4% employer contribution. Source: AFSA base salaries 2026, afsa.gov.au; Remuneration Tribunal, remtribunal.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to address Key Selection Criteria separately in an APS application?

It depends on the job advertisement. Most APS roles advertised on APSJobs (apsjobs.gov.au) specify whether a separate KSC document is required or whether criteria should be addressed within the cover letter or application form. Always read the entire job advertisement and recruitment information sheet carefully. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each criterion response is the standard approach. Source: APSC, apsc.gov.au.

How long does it take to get an Australian Government security clearance?

Timelines vary by clearance level. AGSVA's benchmark assessment times, counted from receipt of a complete application, are 20 business days for Baseline, 70 for NV1, 100 for NV2 and 180 for PV; individual cases can take longer. Top secret vetting is moving from PV to Top Secret-Privileged Access (TS-PA), managed within ASIO. Some agencies can begin employment at a lower clearance level pending full clearance. Source: AGSVA Applicant Guide Book 2025, agsva.gov.au.

What are the APS Work Level Standards and how do they affect my application?

The APS Work Level Standards describe the complexity, accountability and scope of work expected at each APS classification level (APS 1 to SES Band 3). When writing your KSC responses and resume, match the language and examples to the complexity level of the role. Applying for an APS 6 role with EL1-level examples may work in your favour; submitting APS 4-level examples for an EL1 role will likely screen you out. Source: APSC, apsc.gov.au.

Can non-citizens apply for Australian Government jobs?

Australian citizenship is a condition of engagement for most APS roles. Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, an agency head must not engage a non-citizen unless they consider it appropriate, for example where needed skills are in short supply. Roles that need a security clearance generally require citizenship. Always check the citizenship requirement in the job advertisement. Source: Public Service Act 1999, legislation.gov.au.

What superannuation do Australian Government employees receive?

Many APS employees are members of the PSSap (Public Sector Superannuation accumulation plan). Employer contributions for PSSap members are 15.4% of salary, which is higher than the private sector superannuation guarantee rate (12% from 1 July 2025). Members of the legacy defined benefit PSS scheme receive different entitlements. Superannuation is a major financial advantage of government employment. Source: Remuneration Tribunal, remtribunal.gov.au; ATO, ato.gov.au.

Before you apply, read the Donezo Golden Rules · 10 honest rules for CVs, motivation letters and applications that get replies.

Sarah Thompson

Policy Adviser | APS 6 | Department of Social Services
Canberra, ACT +61 4 1234 5678 s.thompson@email.com.au linkedin.com/in/sarah-thompson-aps
Australian Citizen Baseline Clearance Available on 4 weeks' notice
APS 6 Policy Adviser with 9 years of experience in social policy, program evaluation and stakeholder engagement across two Commonwealth departments. Proven ability to analyse complex policy environments, develop evidence-based recommendations and deliver clear written advice for ministerial consideration. Strong capability in cross-agency collaboration and working to tight parliamentary timelines.
Employment History
Policy Adviser (APS 6)Mar 2021 to present
Department of Social Services · Canberra ACT
Lead policy development for the National Disability Strategy implementation framework. Prepared 14 ministerial briefs and cabinet submissions. Managed stakeholder consultation process with 120+ community organisations. Coordinated cross-agency working group with NDIS, DSS and Treasury representatives.
Program Officer (APS 5)Jan 2018 to Feb 2021
Department of Health and Aged Care · Canberra ACT
Administered the Aged Care Quality and Safety grants program ($28M annual budget). Assessed 180+ grant applications per round. Developed evaluation framework adopted department-wide.
Key Selection Criteria Responses
KSC 1: Demonstrated experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement
Situation: The National Disability Strategy required a revised implementation framework following a Senate inquiry. Task: As lead policy adviser, I was responsible for developing the new framework. Action: I led consultation with 120+ organisations, synthesised submissions and drafted the framework with supporting ministerial brief. Result: The framework was endorsed by Cabinet and received bipartisan support in Parliament.
KSC 2: Strong written and verbal communication skills including ministerial briefs
Click to edit your STAR response for this criterion...
Education
Master of Public Administration
Australian National University (ANU)
2017
Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)
University of Melbourne
2015
Referees
Dr. James Whitfield
First Assistant Secretary, Social Policy Division, DSS · +61 2 6146 xxxx
Dr. Anne Nguyen
Branch Manager, Aged Care Policy, Dept. of Health · +61 2 6289 xxxx

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