The application process

Read more about the application process for the 2024 NSW Government Graduate Program.
 

Stage 1: Online application

In this stage you will be asked to provide information about your experience, interests, and education. You do not need to attach a resume or cover letter. You will be asked to select your preferred program stream/s. You may select up to two streams: primary and one degree-specific stream - legal, digital, social work or engineering. Ensure you have reviewed the requirements for each stream you are applying for. Allow 2-3 hours to complete the entire application. The application will also include:

  • Targeted questions: these questions allow you to communicate your motivation to work as a NSW Government graduate and to draw on your experience to demonstrate your capabilities.
  • Situational questions: you will be asked to respond to a series of situations that NSW Government graduates may encounter in the workplace. These questions will allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. You will be asked to select the most effective and appropriate response.
  • Ability assessment: after submitting your application, you will instantly receive an email inviting you to complete an assessment called Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices. This is entirely non-verbal and has a 40-minute time limit. In this assessment, you will be presented with visual matrices consisting of different geometric patterns. For each item, you will be asked to figure out the underlying logic and rule behind the patterns and select the option that completes the pattern. You will need to complete this assessment within 72 hours of submitting your application, so please check your emails regularly and check your junk/spam folders.
 

Stage 2: Pre-assessment centre activities

If you are successful in progressing to the second stage of the process, you will be notified via email.

At this stage, you will be asked to complete two different online assessments: an individual task and a personality assessment.

If you progress to the assessment centre stage, you may be required to complete different versions of assessments for different streams, with the exception of the Hogan Personality Inventory which will only be required to complete once. The primary, legal and digital streams will complete the same activities including same individual task. Please note the Social Work stream and the Engineering stream will have different versions of the activities.

You will also be invited to book into a virtual assessment centre. This will include a list of dates and times. Book in early to secure your preferred date.

 

Stage 3: Virtual assessment centres

This is your chance to show us who you are and put your best foot forward!

If your application has progressed for the Social Work stream, as well as the Primary stream, you will be required to complete two different Assessment Centres. Otherwise, you only need to attend one.

In the assessment centre you’ll be asked to complete two activities which each run for approximately fifty minutes. There is a short break in between activities which will be a structured interview and a group activity. On the day, you will receive a briefing and be given the opportunity to ask questions to ensure you understand the requirements for each activity.

Assessment centres will be held in September. All assessment centres will be conducted virtually via the Top Score virtual assessment centre platform. For more information regarding Top Score you can access FAQ's here.

 

Stage 4: Successful candidate pool

If you are successful in the recruitment process, we will contact you to confirm your position in the graduate pool for the relevant stream. This means your application is being considered for a role in the 2024 graduate program and you may be contacted by one or more of the government agencies looking for graduates. If you have applied for multiple streams, you may be successful in both. In this stage you will also be asked to complete an online video interview question.

 

Stage 5: Offers of employment

Agencies may contact you to complete a reference check. If the referee reports are satisfactory, we may make you an offer. This offer will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks (citizen, visa, qualification and criminal history). We’ll also provide your assessment results to your employing agency to support your development.

Now, for the exciting part - the start of your new career in NSW Government!

COVID-19 Vaccination: If you are offered a role in the NSW Government Graduate Program, you may be required by the agency offering the role to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and to provide proof of vaccination. Other agencies where you may be placed for a graduate rotation may also require proof of full vaccination.

Not being fully vaccinated (or providing proof of vaccination) where it is required may result in an offer of employment being withdrawn.

 

 

Extra support

We are a diverse and inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the community we serve through our workforce. We have extra information for Aboriginal candidates and candidates with disability to assist you in applying for the program.

 

Information for Aboriginal graduates

Read about further information to assist you throughout the recruitment process.

Information for graduates with disability

Information about adjustments throughout the recruitment process and how we can support you.