Frequently Asked Questions
- How often does PM&C recruit?
- How does PM&C conduct general recruitment?
- Does PM&C have graduate, work experience or trainee programs?
- Does the Department have a particular format for applications?
- Do I have to be an Australian citizen to apply for work with PM&C?
- Are there any other pre-requisites for roles?
- I do not currently work for the public service and don't know what level to apply for
- What are the pay rates and working conditions?
- Where can I find out more information on the position I am interested in?
- If I am successful, can I start straight away?
- Need more information?
How often does PM&C recruit?
PM&C’s recruitment needs vary from year to year depending on organisational and government demands. If you can’t find the opportunity you are looking for right now, we invite you to register your interest to work with us at any time through the PM&C online application system. Your details will be included in our database and be considered when a vacancy arises that meets your criteria. Further information is available on the Register your interest page.
TopHow does PM&C conduct general recruitment?
The Department advertises general (bulk rounds) and specialist vacancies.
Bulk rounds
We run large generic selection processes ranging from APS Level 2 - Executive Level 2 levels. Bulk rounds at each level are usually held annually. Applicants for these positions are assessed against generic selection criteria. Successful applicants are assigned to positions following their selection. An order of merit may be drawn on to fill any further vacancies which arise within 12 months of the original advertised date.
Specialist or 'ad-hoc' opportunities
For specialist vacancies, we recruit people for particular positions which require more specialised skills and experience. Examples of such positions are, Information Technology, Legal, Economics, Human Resources, Accounting & Finance and Policy.
TopDoes PM&C have graduate, work experience or trainee programs?
Yes. PM&C’s Graduate Program currently involves a 12-month comprehensive training and development program in three varied work rotations, with a dedicated supervisor to provide assistance and support. You can build your career with a variety of roles dealing with local, national and international matters.
Information about the Department's Graduate Recruitment Program can be found on the Graduate Careers page.
A Vacation Employment Program for university students is conducted by PM&C. The program engages students for up to 10 weeks in different work environments allowing them to interact with PM&C staff and gain further experience and knowledge to compliment their studies.
Information about the Program can be found on the Vacation Employment Program page.
PM&C also offers Indigenous Graduate placements. We participate in the Australian Public Service Commission's (APSC) Indigenous Graduate Recruitment program. This program aims to recruit indigenous graduates into the graduate programs of Commonwealth agencies each year. Further information about the program can be found on the APSC website.
TopDoes the Department have a particular format for applications?
Yes. Applications should be submitted using the electronic application form for each opportunity.
The selection process is based solely on applicants' comparative merits for the position against the selection criteria. You will be asked to include the contact details of two referees with your application. It is up to you to demonstrate to the Selection Committee that you meet all criteria and that you are the most suitable person for the job. The Selection Committee (usually three members) will determine applicants' relative suitability for the position based on applications, interviews and referee comments. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will usually not be short-listed for interview.
Further information about what to include in your application, how to address the selection criteria and how to lodge your application is provided at the How do I apply page.
TopDo I have to be an Australian citizen to apply for work with PM&C?
You do not have to be an Australian citizen to apply, but there is an expectation that you will be an Australian citizen to be engaged as a PM&C employee. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Secretary of the Department consider engaging a person who is not an Australian citizen. Please note, PM&C does not offer sponsorship for non-citizens.
TopAre there any other pre-requisites for roles?
Yes. You need to undertake a security clearance to be eligible to be engaged as an employee with PM&C. Should a particular opportunity require specific qualifications, this will be clearly stated in the advertisement and in the selection criteria.
Qualifications will usually be stated as 'essential' or 'highly desirable' e.g. tertiary qualifications in accounting are essential and CPA accreditation is highly desirable. If the qualifications are stated as essential, applicants without these qualifications will usually not be considered. If they are stated as highly desirable, applicants who can demonstrate equivalent skills, knowledge and experience may still be considered.
TopI do not currently work for the public service and don't know what level to apply for?
The level of Australian Public Service (APS) jobs is based on the duties that are required to be performed. Jobs are classified and paid at different levels according to the complexity, responsibility and skills involved. The most common classifications used are as follows:
- APS Level 1 and 2—general administrative and service positions, cadetships and trainees
- APS Level 3 and 4—general entry level positions and general administrative, technical, project and service positions, and graduate positions
- APS Level 5 and 6—senior administrative, technical, project and service positions, which may have supervisory roles
- Executive Level 1 and 2—middle management positions
- Senior Executive Service Band 1, 2 and 3—senior leadership and management positions. More information is available at the APSC website.
Different classifications, job titles and terminology are used to describe each opportunity.
The job documentation provides details of what skills and abilities are required for any advertised position which should help you understand whether you have the capability and experience required for that position.
TopWhat are the pay rates and working conditions?
Details about pay and other conditions are found at the Employment Benefits and Why work here pages.
TopWhere can I find out more information on the position I am interested in?
It is strongly recommended that applicants read the Job Documentation and the information provided on the How do I apply page before calling the contact officer. The contact person whose name and number is listed on the vacancy notice can provide information on the duties of the vacancy.
TopIf I am successful, can I start straight away?
No. If selected for a position with PM&C you will need to undergo a security clearance before you can commence work. If you are not successful in obtaining a security clearance, PM&C will not be able to employ you.
Need more information?
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@pmc.gov.au or by phone on +61 (0)2 6271 5133.
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