Graduate career toolbox

This careers toolbox has been prepared if you want to apply for Roads and Maritime Services' (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) renowned graduate program.

These pages will guide you through the application process.

For many applicants, completing your application can seem a little daunting.

We want you to prepare your best application so you can really show us what you're capable of and what you're passionate about.

In this toolbox we'll explain the recruitment process including what is required at each step and tips to do your best, how to write a resume, how to dress for an interview and more.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible to join Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) graduate program, you must have:

Completed, or completing, a recognised undergraduate bachelor degree qualification from an Australian university of equivalent overseas qualification.
Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
A valid Australian driver's licence.

The recruitment process

There are eight steps in the recruitment process, which are explained in more detail below:

General tips

To be successful, you need to get the basics right. These include:

Making sure you meet the closing date for applications.
Making sure you meet the requirements before submitting your application.
Reading the process outline carefully as it will contain important information relating to your application.

Writing your resume

You need to include in your resume all the information necessary to fully explain what you have to offer. This would normally include:

Personal information i.e. name, address and contact details.
Work experience including where you have worked, how long you were there, your job title and duties.
Education details including where you studied and what you studied while you were there (2009-2012 UNSW Bachelor of Arts).
References
Your career objectives, extra-curricular activities and anything else you think is relevant to your application.

Make sure you have a valid and up-to-date academic transcript.

Cover letters

We don't require a cover letter but you can include one if you would like. They can be useful to highlight some key experience or information about yourself. It is best to address a covering letter with: 'To whom it may concern' or 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Referees

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) requires two business referees. Make sure you have their correct contact details. Ask their permission so they know to expect a phone call.

One written referee report should be attached to your application, and one referee's contact details included in your resumé for us to contact for a verbal report.

Tips for a great resumé

Precision: Make sure your resumé is no more than two pages long. Ensure that it is precise and only includes relevant information (where and when you went to primary school is irrelevant).
Accuracy: Don't be tempted to include experiences that you don't really have – you can expect interviewers to ask you about these.
Use technology: There are some great resumé wizards attached to word processor software, allowing you to focus on the content more than the layout.
Order: List any places you have worked in date order (most recent first).
Research: If you are unsure of what to include in your resumé, hit the internet. There are many sites dedicated to helping you writing the best possible resumé.

Presentation at the interview

It takes three seconds to form a first impression, so dressing for success will help you make sure your first impression is a good one.

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) aims to ensure that the application process allows applicants to display all that they have to offer.

At both the assessment centres and panel interviews there will be staff from Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and our recruiting partners there to observe and interact with you so it is important that you dress appropriately.

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) expects applicants dress in business attire, even if the job you are applying for will mostly have you in uniform or a work uniform.

If you own a suit that fits and is well ironed wear it – if you don't, a business shirt and business pants/skirt are also acceptable.
Make sure whatever you wear is comfortable, especially for the assessment centres where you will be moving around and on your feet for a period of time.
Casual gear such as jeans and a t-shirt are never acceptable.

For men -

If you wear a tie make sure it matches your suit. Novelty ties are best saved for special occasions!
Make sure your shoes are polished and wear dark socks.
If you have facial hair, make sure that it is well groomed.

For women -

If you wear heels, make sure that they are comfortable, especially for the assessment centre where you will be on your feet for extended periods of time.
If you choose to wear a skirt, the best length would be knee to mid calf.
When wearing makeup make sure it is appropriate for a day in the office, not a night out.

Online application

Applications open in June/July this year. To apply you are required to complete an online application, and provide:

Personal information, including address and other contact details.
Professional and educational details.
Information about your industry experience and other skills such as computer skills and any other languages spoken.
Your resume and cover letter if you want to include one.

TIPS

Research the type of work you would be doing as it relates to your discipline.
Double check that you give accurate personal details to make sure that Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and its recruitment partners can get in touch with you.

Online assessment

Successful applicants will be invited to undergo an online assessment.

This assessment measures a number of your attributes to determine your suitability for the role at Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and a number of other job-related factors.

TIPS

Don't try and anticipate what Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) wants to hear – there is no one right answer.
Answer all questions honestly – we are trying to get to know you.
When taking the online assessment, try and find a computer in a quiet area where you are unlikely to be disrupted.

Assessment centres

The next step for successful candidates is a three-hour assessment centre.

In this part of the process you will be introduced to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) Graduate program, its operations and Roads and Maritime Services' (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) culture. This is a good time to ask questions about the organisation.

There will be a number of group and individual activities designed to showcase your skills and strengths.

TIPS

Be yourself – don't try and predict the behaviours Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) is looking for.
In group activities try and ensure everybody has a chance to be involved in the activity.

Online behavioural profile

This is a further online assessment of your suitability for Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority). Make sure you answer questions honestly.

Panel interview

If you've successfully progressed through all the previous steps, you'll be invited to a face-to-face interview with the selection panel.

The questions in the interview will be behavioural questions. In other words, you'll be asked about situations you have been in, or how you might react to situations relating to the job requirements.

In your answers, try to draw on your personal experiences – they could be experiences in your profession, at university or in other aspects of your life.

Answering techniques

Behavioural questions ask you to give examples relating to how respond to events, others or specific situations. A good technique to use when answering this type of question in an interview is the STAR technique:

Situation: What was the situation at the time? Be specific to a real example, not vague and general.
Task: What did you have to do?.
Action: What did you need to do? You can also discuss the planning stage (looking at alternative actions) and why you chose your course of action.
Results: Describe the outcome, including any unexpected hurdles or problems that arose and how you dealt with them. Also discuss what you learnt or accomplished.

TIPS

Practice answering question using the STAR method. Common questions such as 'Tell us about a time you have had to deal with conflict' are a great way to get comfortable with the technique.
Be on time – if you are delayed due to reasons beyond your control make sure you call and explain.
Don't make derogatory remarks about former or current employers.
Review your resume before the interview and think about how your experience might relate to possible questions.
If you are very nervous, verbalise it. For example: "I haven't had many interviews before and I'm a little surprised by how nervous I am". Expressing your nerves may help calm them.
Use the term 'I' not 'we' when describing your actions.
Ask questions. This is a good opportunity for you to engage the interviewer with questions about the organisation, your role in it or its future direction. Try and think of a few questions in advance.

Requirements for the interview

You will need to bring details of two Australian referees and a completed Criminal and Investigation Check form. These are compulsory for all applicants.

TIPS

Practice answering questions using the STAR method. Common questions such as 'Tell us about a time you have had to deal with conflict' are a great way to get comfortable with the technique.
Be on time – if you are delayed due to reasons beyond your control make sure you call and explain.
Don't make derogatory remarks about former or current employers.
Review your resume before the interview and think about how your experience might relate to possible questions.
If you are very nervous, verbalise it. For example: "I haven't had many interviews before and I'm a little surprised by how nervous I am". Expressing your nerves may help calm them.
Use the term 'I' not 'we' when describing your actions.
Ask questions. This is a good opportunity for you to engage the interviewer with questions about the organisation, your role in it or its future direction. Try and think of a few questions in advance.

Offer

If you're successful, Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will offer you the job verbally, and then send you an official offer and some related documentation.

You will have two weeks from the day you receive the official offer to return the paperwork accepting the position.

Be sure to read the offer in its entirety to ensure that you are comfortable with the conditions outlined.

TIPS

If you have any questions, contact Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) and ask to discuss the matter further.
Make sure you get your acceptance back on time!