Graduate Recruitment Timeframes

• Applications open: March 2026
• Applications Close: April 2026
• Selection Process: April to July 2026: (See below)
• Recommendations for Employment and Security Clearance: August 2026
• Letters of Offer (pending Security Clearance grant): Oct – Dec 2026
• Relocation to Canberra: Jan-Feb 2027
• Program Commencement: Feb 2027

Graduate selection process

• Eligibility: Australian citizenship / At least a bachelor’s degree and the most recent degree must not be more than 5 years old
• Online Assessment: Behavioural and/or psychometric assessment
• Video Interview: One-way recording of up to three minutes response time
• Assessment Centre: Interview / Group Activity / Written Test
• Referee Checks: Via an online platform
• Merit Pool: Created following Assessment Centre outcomes and referee checks completion

Guidelines for use of AI in recruitment processes

Purpose

To provide applicants with guidance on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools when applying for jobs at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Expectations

As someone seeking to join the Australian Public Service (APS), which requires all employees to adhere to the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct, we expect all our candidates to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty through the selection stages.

We expect candidates to:

• Be honest about your background, skills and experiences.  Use your own knowledge when answering questions in your written applications, assessments or interviews. Use specific examples from your experience not general statements.
• Be transparent where external support or AI tools are utilised.  Appropriately reference where you have used AI tools or external support to enhance your responses during the recruitment process.
• Be yourself.  The Department is seeking candidates with drive, analytical thinking, curiosity and adaptability.  You are better able to demonstrate your skills when you respond with your own authentic experience.

Do's and Don'ts

AI tools should supplement your knowledge and capabilities.  Your use of AI to identify relevant information, collect references, and fact check information should support your individual analysis and problem solving when responding to questions.

AI tools are not to be utilized during the interview or any assessment tasks.  You must rely on your own skills during these activities.

Integrity is an important part of the recruitment and security clearance process. Knowingly providing false statements during the recruitment process may disqualify you from employment and will call into question your suitability to hold an Australian Government Security Clearance.

RecruitAbility and reasonable adjustments

RecruitAbility applies to graduate recruitment. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under RecruitAbility; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position.