Application Help

How to prepare your job application and what to expect if you are asked to come in for an interview

Where can I find current vacancies in the State Government?

All current vacancies for State Government are advertised on the jobs.wa.gov.au website.

How to prepare your application?

Important note – check the closing date.

Carefully check the closing date for each position. We can’t accept your application if it’s late, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare and submit your application. We must receive your entire written application by the closing date and time.

There are two documents you need to have before you start preparing your application:

  • The information kit, and
  • The job description form (JDF).

What do you need to supply in your application?

Your application should include the following:

  • Complete the online application form, and answer all of the questions
  • Attach your resume (CV), and
  • Attach a covering letter or your statement of claims against the work related requirements (if it is requested in the advertisement).

What to include in your resume/CV?

Ideally you should include the following in your resume:

  • Your personal details e.g. name, address, phone number, email address
  • Your education and training achievements
  • A summary of your work history (the most recent should be listed first) with details of your responsibilities, tasks and achievements.
  • Contact details for 2 referees (one of which should be your current or most recent employer)

How to respond to the work related requirements?

How you demonstrate that you can match your skills, knowledge or experience to the work related requirements for the job is one of the most important parts of your application.

The work related requirements are listed in the job description form (JDF) and are divided into two categories – essential and desirable.

For each requirement, describe or list specific examples of times or projects when you have used the required skills or knowledge, tell us what action you took and include any details of the outcome or feedback.

Do not to be too wordy – but do provide some brief examples that show you meet that requirement. Check the advert to see if there is a word or page limit, and do not exceed it.

Selection for interview is based on your ability to show:

  • that you meet the essential work requirements, and
  • that you are competitive in relation to other applicants.

How to submit your application?

You must submit your application via the online portal in the advertisement on jobs.wa.gov.au. If you have seen a job advertisement somewhere else, it will contain a link or instructions on how to find the advert. Scroll to the bottom of the advert and click on ‘Apply for Job’ button.

What happens once you submit your application?

As soon as applications close, we start the selection process. We do our best to ensure that everything happens as quickly as possible – generally, from the closing date to the selection of an applicant takes about three to four weeks.

Firstly we shortlist – if you’re successful in gaining an interview, you should hear from us within three weeks after the closing date. If you haven’t heard from us by then, it’s unlikely that your application was chosen for shortlisting.

Then we interview – once an applicant has been selected for appointment, we’ll notify you in writing. We often receive many applications for our advertised vacancies. We ask that if possible, you wait until we contact you.

Who to contact for more information?

Each job will include the phone number of a contact person. Don’t hesitate to give them a call – they’ll be happy to tell you more about the job and answer any questions.

Preparing for an interview

Congratulations! The panel obviously considered that your application showed you met the work requirements, and were competitive in relation to other applicants.

Along with your interview, you may be asked to undergo other work tests (depending on the job, maybe a short presentation, a typing test, or some sort of practical exercise). But don’t panic, you’ll be given notice and time to prepare.

You may be given the questions before the interview and given time to prepare notes to help you answer them.

What to do before your interview?

  • Read the JDF so that you’re familiar with what the job involves. You will be asked questions that relate directly to the work requirements, and each interviewee will be asked the same questions.
  • Talk to the contact person if you have any questions about the job.
  • You might like to gather examples of your work, or any other material to support your application to bring to the interview.
  • Take along a copy of your application – the panel won’t mind if you want to refer to it during your interview.
  • Visit the MCB website to get an understanding of what we do as an agency and possibly how the advertised job fits in the overall structure.

What to do at the interview?

  • Impress the panel! This is your opportunity to show them what you know, and how you’d be perfect for the job.
  • Take time to gather your thoughts when asked a question – the panel will not mind if you take a few moments to put together a well thought out answer
  • Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
  • Feel free to ask the interview panel any questions at the end of the interview.

What happens after the interview?

After the interview, you will be notified in writing of the outcome of the selection process.

Please be aware that the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board has a four day breach claim period for the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Standard as proposed by the Public Sector Commission.

We ask that you take the opportunity to contact the person nominated to obtain feedback on your written application or your performance at the interview, within the four day period.

Good luck!