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Online Recruitment:

General Information

The online application requires you enter your personal details and answer a number of questions. The questions check your eligibility to apply for employment with Centrelink.

If you are eligible to apply you will be asked to complete further questions which assess your responses against the selection criteria. Each question will require your answer to include a situation, the action you took, and the result.

The selection process may include, but is not restricted to:

  • telephone interviews
  • participation at an assessment centre
  • a written resume
  • previous employment and police records checks
  • interviews with Centrelink.

Applicants (internal or external) will not need to submit a written application unless specified in the advertisement.

Short listing occurs at each stage and only the most suitable applicants progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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The Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews may take 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure that you keep your answers short and concise. The telephone operator may interrupt you and move on to the next question once you have provided enough information for them to assess your answer.

The telephone interview may include, but is not restricted to:

  • questions to find out your availability to attend any training
  • your ability to start on the set date
  • questions to establish your work history and relevant experience
  • behavioural questions, which are directly linked to the competencies for the position
  • questions to assess motivation
  • questions to assess your computer skills.

Each question is designed to gauge your response to certain situations. You will need to provide relevant examples, including information about a similar situation, the action you took and how this affected the outcome.

Candidates who do not demonstrate their suitability during the telephone interview will not progress to the next stage.

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The Assessment Centre

The Assessment Centre gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities, gain a stronger understanding of the role and get constructive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.

It may include, but is not restricted to:

  • a behavioural interview
  • a one-on-one role play
  • a team exercise
  • computer skills test
  • numeracy, literacy and grammar testing.

Candidates who do not demonstrate their suitability at this stage will not progress to the final stage.

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The Centrelink Interview

Centrelink interviews all candidates who have been recommended for engagement by the recruitment agency. Applicants are usually interviewed by a panel of two to three Centrelink managers or Team Leaders from the area where the position is located.

The Centrelink interview provides an opportunity to meet you in person and confirm the recruitment agency’s assessment/rating of your performance and clarify any points not covered previously. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about Centrelink and to get a feel for the office environment.

The recruitment agency’s recommendation does not mean you have won the position. You need to make sure you are prepared to demonstrate to the Centrelink interview panel your suitability for the position.

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Closing Times

Online vacancies will close on the closing date specified in the advertisement. Some vacancies may only be open for a few days from the date they are advertised.

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Late Applications

Late applications for on-line vacancies will not be accepted.

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