When you apply for a job with NRE Tas it is important for you to know:
NRE Tas applies
The Merit Principle when filling vacancies. This is consistent across all areas of the Tasmanian State Service. The merit principle is the underlying principle for all employment in the State Service and requires that the Department selects the best person to fill each vacancy.
For a decision to be based on merit, an assessment is made of the relative suitability of the candidates for the vacancy. This is based on the relationship between the candidate's work-related qualities and the work-related qualities genuinely required for the performance of the duties.
This assessment focuses on the candidate's capacity to achieve outcomes related to the duties and is the primary consideration when making a decision.
Advertising vacancies
All permanent vacancies and some fixed-term vacancies are advertised:
Applying for a job
How do I respond to a job advertisement?
Upon your request, the contact officer nominated in the advertisement will provide you with a copy of the Statement of Duties incorporating the Selection Criteria and a Tasmanian State Service
Application for Employment Form. If you have any questions about the vacancy or require additional information, the Contact Officer will assist you. Documentation is also available on the Jobs website detailed above.
What do I need to include in my written application?
Your application should provide information that demonstrates the following:
your knowledge, skills and experience against each of the selection criteria listed in the statement of duties in relation to the duties of the vacancy for which you are applying and/or your potential to develop the skills required, and
your qualifications.
Checklist
Complete the Tasmanian State Service Application for Employment Form sent to you by the job contact person (also available at
www.jobs.tas.gov.au).
This form asks for details of persons who will provide you with a reference but it is important you check with them first to let them know what vacancy you are applying for and to make sure they are willing to provide you with a reference. If possible, give them a copy of the statement of duties so they can be prepared. It is preferable that you give your present and/or immediate past manager/supervisor as referees. If this is not possible then you should give the name of a person who can provide meaningful comment.
Note: If for any reason you want the selection panel to contact you before contacting your referees, you must indicate this in your application.
You should include:
a resume (also known as a curriculum vitae) setting out the nature of your previous experience including copies of all relevant qualifications.
details of your relevant recreational activities and any official roles you may have undertaken and list your achievements. This information is important, particularly for people who have not had previous work experience because it provides a prospective employer with an idea of the kind of person you are.
a list of any part time or casual work experience
copies of written references if you have them
If the statement of duties states there is an Essential Requirement(s) (including essential academic qualifications), then you must include a copy of relevant documentation. For example, if an essential requirement is a motor vehicle driver's licence, then a copy of your licence should be attached.
As a separate attachment, you need to address each selection criterion. Use each criterion as a heading and write about your knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications under each heading to convince the selection panel you are worthy of interview. This should be typewritten and preferably no more than one A4 page per criterion. Make sure your name appears on the first page.
It is not necessary to have your application bound or in a folder but you should make sure that all documents are fastened together securely. One copy of your application is sufficient.
Your application should be marked "private and confidential" and posted (or hand delivered), emailed or faxed to reach the indicated address by 5.00pm on the date listed in the vacancy advertisement.
What are the Selection Criteria?
There is a section in the Statement of Duties headed "Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria)", which lists the criteria against which each applicant will be assessed.
The Selection Criteria indicates the minimum level of knowledge and skills individuals need to satisfactorily perform the duties of the vacancy.
You must address each criterion in your application, indicating how you believe you meet, or have the potential to meet, the requirements. It is preferable that you write no more than one A4 page for each criterion. The selection criterion should be written in relation to the duties.
If you are unsure about any of the Selection Criteria, you should contact the person nominated in the vacancy advertisement.
Each application will be assessed on whether the individual meets, or has the potential to meet, the Selection Criteria.
The selection process
How does the selection process work?
A Selection Panel of usually three people will assess all applications against the Selection Criteria and will shortlist applicants who will be interviewed.
The Interview
By expanding on the information provided in your application, the interview gives you the opportunity to convince the Panel that you are the best person for the vacancy because you have the required knowledge and skills and the capacity to perform the duties.
The Panel will ask you a series of questions related to the Selection Criteria. You may also ask the Panel questions about the vacancy or career opportunities.
What should I take to the interview?
a copy of your application.
originals of written references if copies have been provided with the application.
your
resume
originals of any relevant qualifications and/or certificates.
any additional material, eg samples of work.
a shortlist of questions you might like to ask the selection panel. At the end of an interview, the selection panel will ask if you have any further questions.
a writing pad and pen so you are able to make notes if you need to during the interview.
Reference checks
Referees provided by applicants may be contacted either before or following the interview. As indicated previously, if for any reason you want the selection panel to contact you before contacting your referees, you must indicate this in your application.
What happens after the interview?
Once the selection process has been completed, a selection report is written, which is a formal record of the selection process.
The successful applicant will be notified in writing.
Unsuccessful applicants will also be advised in writing. Every effort is made to advise all applicants of the decision within two weeks of the interview process being completed.