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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following have been designed to assist you in making a decision to apply for the ABS Graduate Program. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
On this page:
WHAT WE OFFER
APPLICATION
INTERVIEW
CONTACT WITH THE ABS
Will I be a permanent employee?
From the moment you start on our Graduate Program you will be an ongoing (ie. Permanent) employee of the ABS.
Is there a strong social spirit at the ABS?
The ABS provides all employees with the opportunity to take part in a diverse range of social and sporting activities – there is something for everyone, including specific graduate networks within the ABS and SNOG (links to external web site), the social network of graduates across the public sector in Canberra.
The ABS has a strong and lively social club that organises many events including the ABS Ball, Christmas parties, wine tasting evenings, quiz nights, shopping and ski trips and the ABS Fun Run. You will also have as many opportunities as you want to participate in a wide range of sporting teams and events – the list is endless.
What sort of training opportunities will I have access to?
The ABS offers a comprehensive development program that includes 10 months of training. Some of the courses offered include:
- Discover the ABS
- Collecting Data in the ABS
- Introduction to Statistical Collections
- Project Management Framework
- ‘A Taste of Government’
- Performance Management in the ABS
- Development Workshop
In addition, some business areas will have specific subject matter training to offer you.
Do you support further study?
The ABS has a Study Support Program that provides assistance to employees undertaking external part-time study. This support is evaluated on a case-by-case basis but may include up to six hours/week paid study leave and financial assistance towards the cost of the course.
What are the prospects for career advancement?
The professional and personal benefits you gain by launching your career within an ABS Graduate Development Program will help prepare you to further advance your career. Promotion within the ABS occurs through selection processes and is based on merit.
What is like to live and work in Canberra?
Detailed information about working at the ABS offices in the ACT, and living in Canberra can be found on the ABS Offices page.
Are there opportunities available in your Regional Offices?
Opportunities may be available in some of our Regional Offices. Regional Offices are located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Please note that the majority of Graduate positions are available in our Central Office in Canberra. For information on living and working in our regional office locations please visit the ABS Offices page.
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
You need to be an Australian citizen to be employed by the ABS. If you are due to gain citizenship by November of the year prior to commencement in the following January, and have written confirmation from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship advising of a ceremony date, you can apply for the graduate program.
What grade do I have to gain to be considered by the ABS?
Your academic results are important and will be a part of the assessment process. However, our assessment process will also consider your skills, knowledge and experiences. We are looking for people who possess good communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships. Strong analytical skills and the ability to be flexible and display initiative are also important qualities that we look for in our graduates.
What preparation can I do for my application?
Do some background research by becoming familiar with the particular business areas of the ABS. We are looking to recruit people as enthusiastic about the ABS as we are.
Know yourself - write down what you consider to be your skills, strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. If you are comfortable with what you have to offer the ABS you stand a better chance of demonstrating these strengths in the interview. The interview questions will be based on the Selection Criteria and you should prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate your claims against each criterion.
Can I be considered for other business areas?
On your application form, you will be asked to indicate your two areas of interest. However, depending on your skills and capabilities, you may also be considered for other areas within the ABS.
We will consider your application based on your qualifications, identified attributes, your written response to the selection criteria, your test results and interview. Referee checks may also be used.
How do I respond to the Selection Criteria?
When responding to selection criteria, it is important that you address each question and provide evidence of your suitability. Do not simply state that you meet the requirements of the selection criteria - give examples from your current or past experience which demonstrate how you meet each criterion. Guidance can be obtained from the Addressing Selection Criteria page on the website. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to complete your online application form.
Remember, you are able to log out and log in any time you like up to the closing date for submitting your application.
What is involved in the Written Test?
A written test will assess your written communication and analytical/conceptual skills. You will be assessed on your ability to comprehend and refine significant issues, integrate and construct information and present your information logically and/or outline issues for discussion.
Below are samples of previous written exercises.
Information and Communications Technology
You are expected to briefly address each part of the question. As a guide about half a page would be adequate for each point of the question.
The ABS intend using the internet for the 2006 Census, what issues does the ABS need to consider regarding:
(a) collection of data
(b) publishing results |
Methodology and Data Management
This exercise will be used to help assess your written communication skills.
One of the ABS's many statistical collections is the Labour Force Survey, from which the official estimates of the unemployment rate are derived. What do you think are some of the challenges of conducting this survey for such a purpose? |
If I am selected to interview, what preparation can I do?
Prepare yourself to answer questions as clearly and concisely as you can; avoid overly long answers and don’t waffle (but don’t give ‘yes’ / ‘ no’ answers either!). Be sure to ask the interviewer to clarify or repeat any questions you don’t understand. Try to be confident and remember the interview is really a conversation between you and the panel members to ascertain your suitability to the ABS, and vice versa.
What do I need to bring to the interview?
You need to bring with you the original copy of your most recent academic transcript, photo I.D, 3 passport size photos and proof of Australian Citizenship (either an Australian birth certificate, your Australian passport or your certificate of Australian citizenship). It may also be helpful to have a copy of your application and resume on hand during the interview or you might like to bring brief notes along to prompt you about your achievements and relevant work experience.
How will you contact me throughout the selection process?
In the first instance, your application will be acknowledged by email. Throughout the selection process, you will be contacted by either email or phone. Following the selection process, you will receive an email or a letter from the ABS advising you whether or not you will be offered a position.
When completing the application form, it is important to include your full postal address, correct email and preferably two phone numbers. If your details change throughout the year, you can update them through the online application system.
When will I know if I have been successful?
The graduate selection process is undertaken in a number of phases; see ‘Key Dates’ under The Selection Process. You will be notified of outcomes by email by the end of September. Please ensure that your nominated email mailbox is emptied regularly and you have a valid email address to avoid failing to receive important emails from the ABS.
What happens if I have to move?
If you need to move to Canberra to take up your graduate position, you will be provided with relocation assistance. This may include relocation of yourself, your belongings and temporary accommodation.
Relocation assistance for graduates moving to a capital city within their home state will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How can I obtain additional information?
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This page last updated 1 March 2011 | |
