Jumproo
Australian Public Service

APS, State Government, Defence

Australian Public Service Resumes

Government roles in Australia — from APS federal positions to state public service — require a specific resume format. Selection criteria responses, citizenship status, and security clearances are mandatory. If you don't follow the format, your application won't even be assessed.

What the market looks for

The APS is one of Australia's largest employers with 170,000+ staff across 100+ agencies.

Defence, Home Affairs, and Services Australia are consistently the highest-volume recruiters.

APS reform is shifting towards skills-based hiring — selection criteria are evolving to focus on capabilities.

State public services (VPS, QPS, NSW PSC) follow similar but distinct application processes.

Key skills employers want

Selection criteria writing (STAR method)Policy development & analysisStakeholder engagementMinisterial correspondenceAPS Values & Code of ConductSecurity clearance eligibility

Common roles & salary ranges

APS 5–6 Policy OfficerA$85K – A$105K
EL1 Assistant DirectorA$115K – A$135K
EL2 DirectorA$135K – A$165K
SES Band 1A$195K – A$270K
State Government OfficerA$75K – A$120K

Salary ranges are approximate and vary by location, experience, and employer.

How Jumproo helps australian public service professionals

Dedicated APS template with citizenship, APS level, gazette number, security clearance, and selection criteria fields.

Keyword scanner matches your resume to selection criteria and capability frameworks.

AI copilot helps write STAR-method selection criteria responses with quantified evidence.

Cover letter generator with formal APS tone and structure.

Resume tips for australian public service

  • 1Always state your citizenship (Australian Citizen) and security clearance level (Baseline, NV1, NV2, PV).
  • 2Address every selection criterion explicitly — use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • 3Include your APS level history to show career progression within the service.
  • 4Reference the APS Work Level Standards or Integrated Leadership System to frame your experience.
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