Careers with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
General Recruitment Information- How to apply
- Overview
- Career information
- Salaries and conditions of service
- Overseas service
- Eligibility for positions
- Training
- How to apply
- Further information
General Recruitment - How to apply
The department employs staff on either an ongoing (permanent) or a non-ongoing (temporary) basis. To gain ongoing employment you must be successful in your application for an advertised vacancy. Our processes are governed by the requirements of the Public Service Act 1999. Information about non-ongoing positions can be found on our Temporary Employment page.
The department advertises all of its externally available positions on the APSjobs website and on the department's job page. We may also advertise in the press. To receive email advice of vacancies with the department, go to the 'Email Me Jobs' link on the APSjobs website. ‘Email Me Jobs’ enables you to select the Department of Foreign Affairs in the search criteria. You will receive an email each Thursday detailing the vacancies with the department. All Australian citizens are eligible to apply for DFAT positions.
Details of the contact officer, closing date for applications, the selection criteria and duty statement for the position are included on our website. Additionally, Application Guidelines are permanently available and include instructions on how to complete the electronic application process. Please read the Application Guidelines carefully before starting your application.
Candle ICT has been contracted by the department to carry out the administration of DFAT selection processes and to manage our temporary employment register. If you have any questions related to the application process, please contact Candle ICT via email at dfat@candlerecruit.com, or by phone on (02) 6260 7533.
The selection process is based solely on applicants' comparative merits for the position against the selection criteria. The selection committee (usually three members) will determine applicants’ merit for the position based on applications, interviews and referee comments. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will usually not be short-listed for interview. You will also be asked to provide the contact details of two referees on your application. Referees should be willing to discuss your demonstrated skills against the selection criteria. It is up to you to demonstrate to the committee that you meet all criteria and that you are the most suitable person for the job.
Graduate Recruitment
For information on how to apply for the department’s Graduate Trainee and Corporate and Financial Management Trainee Program go to Graduate Careers.