|
THE SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection criteria for the Graduate Development Program describe the particular skills, abilities, knowledge and qualifications we are seeking.
1. Role of the ABS (Assessed through application form question and interview)
- Knowledge and awareness of the role of the ABS
- Understanding and interest in the work and goals of the organisation
On the online application form, you will be asked to answer the following question, which relates to this criterion:
The ABS Mission Statement is:
"We assist and encourage informed decision making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by leading a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service."
- Why are you interested in working for the ABS?
- How do you think you will be able to contribute to the mission of the ABS?
|
2. Experience and knowledge (Assessed through application form question and interview)
- Sound record of academic achievement and completion of a Bachelor degree by the end of 2010
On the online application form, you will be asked to answer the following question, which relates to this criterion:
Please outline your academic, work and extra-curricular activities. Also highlight the skills and abilities you have developed through your experiences and how these specifically relate to the graduate opportunity you are applying for.
For applicants who would like to be considered for Methodology & Data Management: please describe your knowledge of mathematical, statistical, survey design, data collection and/or quantitative techniques for the analysis of social and economic data and/or time series analysis.
For applicants who would like to be considered for Information & Communications Technology, please describe your strong academic achievement or evidence of significant relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas: business case development, business analysis, solutions architecture, project management, systems integration, applications development; data communications, systems administration, data administration, software support, ICT security, web design and development, knowledge management or librarianship.
|
| 3. Analytical thinking and achieving results (Assessed through application form question, interview and written test)
- Identify and analyse appropriate sources and types of data, extracting the key points
- Define problems and assist in identifying and applying solutions
- Recognise connections and patterns in data to identify any underlying issues in the information
On the online application form, you will be asked to answer the following question, which relates to this criterion:
Describe a time when you were faced with a task or problem.
- How did you go about understanding and defining the task or problem?
- What skills and techniques did you use to identify and analyse appropriate sources of data?
- How did you use this data, including underlying issues, to identify appropriate solutions.
|
4. Building productive working relationships (Assessed through application form question and interview)
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team member to achieve outcomes
- Build and sustain relationships with team members and clients
- Recognise the different working styles of others and factor this into the management of tasks
On the online application form, you will be asked to answer the following question, which relates to this criterion:
Describe a time when you worked as a part of a team to achieve a common goal (university, work or extra-curricular activity examples are appropriate).
- How did you lead or support team members to work together?
- What interpersonal and team work skills were most important to building productive working relationships with other team members?
- How did the different working styles of team members impact on the team working together to achieve your desired outcome?
|
5. Flexibility, adaptability and initiative (Assessed through application form question and interview)
- Respond flexibly to changing requirements in a calm and positive manner
- Manage and prioritise work responsibilities and take responsibility for completion of work
- Think creatively to identify opportunities and challenges as well as producing solutions
On the online application form, you will be asked to answer the following question, which relates to this criterion:
Describe a time when you were working towards a goal and circumstances changed (university, work or extra-curricular activity examples are appropriate).
- What skills and personal attributes did you use to adapt to the change in circumstances?
- What was the outcome?
|
6. Written and oral communication skills (these skills will be assessed through your written application and your interview performance)
- Write in a clear, fluent and persuasive manner
- Communicate orally with a range of audiences, including explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Listen to, and identify, the expectations and concerns of others
|
Important: The ABS will be filling Graduate positions in a variety of specialised areas located at various locations around Australia requiring certain qualifications and skill sets. Please note, other than your written application and interview, considerations that may form part of your assessment and possible assignment to specific graduate roles may include your degree and field of study, any preferences you indicate and your willingness/capacity to relocate to where the position available.
For more information on APS Classification levels, and the capabilities required by each, we recommend that you look at the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) on the Australian Public Service website.
| For more information about how to respond to selection criteria, please see the APSC publication, Cracking the Code. |
|
|
|
This page last updated 1 March 2011 | |
