Application Process
Here you will find information to help you with preparing an application for VGSO, the recruitment process and answering Key Selection Criteria.
- See position advertised in the ‘Current Opportunities’ section on our website
- Follow the link to www.careers.vic.gov.au
- Review the position description (opened by clicking on the file attachment in the top right box)
- Prepare your application (for tips please refer to link to KSC and
- Click ‘Apply Now’
- Enter your career services log-in username and password. If you have never applied for a Victorian Government position on www.careers.vic.gov.au, you will need to ‘Register’ to do so
- Follow the prompts to fill out your details and upload your cover letter, resume, and Key Selection Criteria.
- Phone the contact person in the advertisement if you have any difficulties with your application.
| 1. Candidates apply through www.careers.vic.gov.au | Before closing date |
| 2. VGSO HR and recruiting manager short-list applicants | 3 – 10 working days after closing date |
| 3. Short-listed candidates contacted to arrange interview time | 3 – 10 working days after closing date |
| 4. Interviews. Questions will test the Key Selection Criteria | 2 - 3 weeks after closing date |
| 5. Unsuccessful candidates notified | 2 - 3 weeks after closing date |
| 6. 2nd round interviews and/or other tests | 3 – 5 weeks after closing date |
| 7. Unsuccessful candidates notified | 3 – 5 weeks after closing date |
| 8. Referees contacted for selected candidates | 3 – 6 weeks after closing date |
| 9. Selection made on merit basis | 3 – 6 weeks after closing date |
| 10. Offer made to preferred candidate/s | 4 – 6 weeks after closing date |
| 11. Unsuccessful candidate/s notified by Department of Justice and grievance period commences where applicable | 4 – 6 weeks after closing date |
| 12. Successful candidate/s commence/s | 5 – 7 weeks after closing date (negotiated with candidate/s) |
Key Selection Criteria (KSC) are outlined in every position description. They are the skills, experience and personal qualities required for each role.
Benefits of Key Selection Criteria
- It is strongly recommended you address the KSC to increase your likelihood of being short-listed for a position. Providing relevant examples of your skills, experience and personal qualities allows you to demonstrate your suitability to the recruitment panel in a more direct way than through your resume.
- Writing a good KSC response statement is invaluable in preparing you for the interview stage of the selection process. Now that you have specific examples you will be better prepared to answer questions about your ability to perform the job.
How to answer Key Selection Criteria:
You will need to write short statements that sell your specific capabilities for each of the criterion. It is important to include specific examples or situations where you have demonstrated the behaviour, knowledge, skills and personal qualities asked for in the KSC.
The SAO approach can help:
Situation - Where and when did you do it?
Action - What did you do and how did you do it?
Outcome - What was the result of your actions?
- Read and reread the advertisement, KSC and Position Description.
- Print or save the Job Details, Position Description, so you can easily refer to it later.
- Highlight key words in the first KSC and think about what the VGSO is asking for.
- List examples of how you meet the KSC. Describe relevant skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities, expertise and things you couldn’t have done without all these.
- Review your list and summarise, in 1 – 3 paragraphs, how you demonstrated the KSC.
- Repeat Steps 3 to 5 for the remaining KSC.
- Make sure you check your KSC statement for spelling and grammar.
Example KSC
Proficient in the use of computer systems including Microsoft Office XP or 2003, in particular MS Word.
I have completed training on a number of Microsoft Office products including Word and Excel. I demonstrated my proficiency in these systems as a Legal Assistant to the Managing Partner at XYZ Law Firm where about 30% of my time was spent preparing letters and reports for clients using Word. I used various functions of Word to accurately and efficiently produce and manage complex legal documents such as lengthy deeds and agreements. These Word functions included the application of styles to ensure all documents conformed to the firm’s style guide, track changes to accommodate the partner and clients numerous amendments to clauses, and I inserted new objects when required such as headings, tables and schedules.
I used digital dictation daily in my role at XYZ Law Firm and have a typing speed of 65 wpm, with 99% accuracy. At ABC Law Firm I prepared major PowerPoint presentations for my manager and maintained an Access database of her client contacts. I also competently managed my solicitor’s emails and calendar in Lotus Notes.
Ability to work in a team and deal effectively with people at all levels in the VGSO.
As a solicitor at EFG I developed positive working relationships with people from all levels of the firm, including managing partners, colleagues, corporate services staff such as IT, articled clerks, and legal assistants. I developed strong working relationships with my team at EFG by working collaboratively and cooperatively with others on large matters, always treating others in a respectful and professional manner, sharing ideas, assisting others with tasks outside my immediate responsibilities, and actively participating in team meetings and social events. In addition, I mentored articled clerks and junior solicitors to help develop their legal skills and knowledge. I gave them comprehensive feedback on their work, opportunities for input on a variety of files, and encouraged them to use every task as a chance developing their skills.
By developing positive working relationships I have been able to draw on colleagues’ knowledge to it assist me in providing comprehensive and accurate legal advice to a client on an area outside my expertise. I have also been able to successfully improve client outcomes by getting valuable input from colleagues on matters, and gain support from other members in my team when needed to meet deadlines.
