The Tasmanian State Service Graduate Development Program (TasGrad) recruitment process is designed to help us understand your motivations, strengths, abilities and values. Our goal is to identify graduates who will thrive in the program and contribute meaningfully to the Tasmanian community.

Below is an overview of each stage of the recruitment process.

Stage 1: Initial application and written responses

To apply for a TasGrad role, submit your application through our online portal.

You will be asked to provide:

  • Personal details
  • Tertiary education details (including field of study and academic results)
  • your top areas of interest
  • Responses to two written questions (150–200 words each)
  • Your resume
  • Your academic transcript.

You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted. If you do not receive this, please check your junk/spam folder.

We recommend allowing plenty of time to complete your application. You can save a draft and return to it later. Applications cannot be submitted after the closing date.

Academic Transcript

Your transcript is required to confirm your eligibility. It must include:

  • Your name
  • Qualification name
  • University name or logo
  • Majoring subjects

An official online course record that includes university insignia is acceptable.

If you have not yet completed your degree, you may submit your most recent transcript, providing it includes your name, qualification name, university name or logo, and expected date of graduation.

Resume

Your resume should be clear, concise and easy to read (generally two to three pages). Include:

  • Contact details: Name, email address and phone number.
  • Education: Details of completed or current undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies.
  • Work experience: Employment history in reverse chronological order, including dates, responsibilities and key achievements. Explain any significant employment gaps..
  • Other experience: Relevant extracurricular activities, volunteering, community involvement or interests, and what you gained from them
  • Referees: Two referees who can support your application (include contact details)

Use a simple, consistent format with bullet points. Place key information on the first page and ensure you can provide examples to support your claims at interview.

Written Responses

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a written response to the following questions (150-200 words each):

  1. Please describe your motivation for applying for the Tasmanian State Service Graduate Development Program. What do you hope to gain and what do you think you can contribute?
  2. Tasmanian State Service employees serve the Tasmanian community, with this in mind what key factors do you think make a good customer experience?

We recommend drafting your responses in a Word document first, then copying them into the application form to avoid losing your work.

Tips for writing your answers

  • We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines — let your personality and interests come through.
  • If you don’t have formal work experience, draw on examples from study, volunteering, sport, community activities or other life experiences. Your examples do not need to come from paid employment.

Stage 2: Video interviews and cognitive ability testing

If you progress to stage 2, you will complete:

  • An online video interview
  • An online cognitive ability assessment

Online video interview

You will receive an email invitation with detailed instructions.  The interview can be completed within a set timeframe at a time that suits you. Choose a quiet location where you won’t be interrupted.

This short interview uses technology designed to reduce common human biases and give all candidates a fair opportunity. Only the content of your responses is assessed — factors such as accent, pitch, tone, gender, age and name are not considered.

What to expect

  • Questions will appear on screen.
  • You will have two minutes to answer each question.
  • If you run out of time, move onto the next question rather than worrying about finishing your previous answer.

If you are unable to complete a video-based interview (for example, due to a speech or visual impairment), we will provide support or an alternative method.

For any technical issues, use the contact details provided in your email invitation.

Cognitive ability assessment

You will receive a separate email invitation containing login details and instructions.

The assessment:

  • Takes approximately 20 minutes
  • Can be completed at any time during the allotted five days
  • Measures verbal, numerical and deductive reasoning.

There is no preparation required. Practice questions will be available at the beginning of the assessment. We recommend completing it somewhere quiet with a reliable internet connection.

Stage 3: Behavioural assessments

If you progress to stage 3, you will be invited to complete two online behavioural assessments:

  1. Behavioural profile – helps us understand the types of tasks and work environments in which you are most likely to thrive.
  2. Emotional intelligence assessment – explores how you perceive, understand and manage emotions in yourself and in others.

You will have five days to complete these assessments on your preferred device.

There are no right or wrong answers. Be honest and answer from a work perspective where possible.

Stage 4: Graduate Development Program Pool

Successful candidates from stage 3 will be placed in the Tasmanian State Service Graduate Development Program Pool.

From this pool:

  • your details will be shared with agencies
  • Agencies will select candidates who they wish to interview.

If you are not selected for an interview immediately, you will remain in the pool and may be considered for other graduate opportunities. We will send regular communications to confirm you wish to remain in the pool.

If you no longer wish to be considered, please email graduate.recruitment@dpac.tas.gov.au to be removed.

Referee checks

At this stage, we will contact your two nominated referees via an online request.

Please

  • Ensure their contact details are up to date
  • Advise them we will be contacting them
  • Ask them to check their junk/spam folders

To update referee details, email graduate.recruitment@dpac.tas.gov.au.

Stage 5: Agency interviews

Agencies will contact shortlisted candidates from the pool to arrange interviews.

Interview format and duration will vary by agency. Online interviews are available if you are unable to attend in person.

Interview tips:

  • Arrive on time and present yourself professionally. Allow extra time if you are feeling nervous.
  • Familiarise yourself with the agency and the services it delivers.
  • Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to structure your responses.
  • Review the selection criteria and Statement of Duties beforehand.
  • Draw on examples from study, work, volunteering, sport, community events, or any other activities you have undertaken.

Stage 6: Offer of employment

If successful, the agency will contact you directly. You may receive more than one offer, in which case a Recruitment Coordinator will be in contact to discuss options with you.

If you are not offered a position, you will be notified via email and may remain in the pool for future opportunities.

Successful candidates are employed by their “home agency.” Rotations within or across agencies may be negotiated.

All offers are subject to meeting pre-employment checks and essential requirements.

Pre-employment checks and essential requirements

Depending on the role and agency, you may be required to meet one or more essential requirements or pre-employment checks, such as:

  • Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status – Employment)
  • Checks (e.g. conviction, identification and disciplinary action in previous employment)

For targeted positions, you must:

Any essential requirements and pre-employment checks will be outlined in the Statement of Duties for the position you are applying for.