How to apply
If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to find out more information about the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (JAG). This will help you make a decision on whether we are the right employer for you.
Our recruitment process
Eligibility
To apply for the Graduate Program, you must:
- have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or be in the final year of study of a relevant bachelor degree
- have completed this qualification during the last two years
- hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency status
If you completed your degree more than two years ago and wish to work for the department, you can do so through the regular recruitment process. Vacancies are advertised on Smart Jobs and Careers.
There are no age limits, only your possession of at least a three year bachelor degree completed in the last two years.
If your degree is from an overseas university it must be recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) (non-Queensland Government link). It is your responsibility to gain this recognition at your own cost. You can contact NOOSR on 1300 363 079.
Online application
All candidates are encouraged to apply online. Application forms are available only during the application period (May to July each year).
Applications can be emailed to:
Shortlisting
Once all applications are received, a team of departmental officers read all applications and select those to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
It is in your interests to provide a solid application that fully answers the questions asked in the online application.
If you have been selected to be interviewed, you will be notified by telephone and email. If you have not been selected to be interviewed you will be notified by mail that you have been unsuccessful in obtaining an interview.
Things to consider in your application
This advice covers the written application and the interview stages of the selection process and provides an insight into the qualities FSWQ is looking for.
The most important advice for graduates is to take time to do your research. It shows in your application and your interview if you’ve taken the time to understand what the department does.
The written application
Whether you are short listed for an interview is determined on the basis of your written application. The written application comes in two parts:
- your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- your responses to the key criteria
You should aim to keep your written application concise – two pages for your CV and a one page response for each of the questions stated in the role description.
Remember to keep the formatting simple so your application is easy to read – this means the font size should be no smaller than 11 point.
Your CV gives the panel a broad idea of what you’ve been involved in and the experiences you have had. The panel is able to get a sense of your initiative, flexibility and achievements. Your CV should include specific details about any relevant study and work (both paid and unpaid) that you have done.
The interview
Be as relaxed and confident as you can. The panel is not there to make you feel bad or to try to catch you out.
The interview is an opportunity for you to:
- display your understanding of the Queensland Government and the department
- talk about what you’re passionate about
The panel can explore what you can offer the department as well as what the department can offer you.
It pays to do your research by keeping an eye on current events and having a look at our website.
You can bring notes into the interview, take notes during the interview and you can take the time to compose your reply before answering each question.
The best answers are the ones that are well-structured, logical, reasoned and are in your words.
Last updated 22 July 2009
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