The process for joining our organisation is different to most employers and is likely to take longer. This is because we make sure that you’re the right fit for us, and we’re the right fit for you.
Recruitment process
We’ve created these visuals to help you know what to expect during our recruitment process. Learn about our recruitment process here, or check out Candidate information for tips on applying.
Depending on the role you are applying for and your circumstances, the recruitment process can take 3 to 18 months.
This process applies for most roles.
- Submit your application. Make sure you take the time to understand and address the eligibility or assessment criteria in the information pack and upload all necessary attachments.
- We will assess your application. If you are shortlisted, you may complete an interview. For some roles, you may also need to complete a technical assessment or a different type of assessment.
- If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a preliminary offer, conditional on you passing an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) and security clearance vetting.
- You will then undergo an OSA to confirm you are suitable to work in a high security environment.
- Security clearance vetting will commence via the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), reviewing your personal, social, residential, employment, financial and criminal history. This process may take some time to complete, but we will notify you of the outcome.
- Once you have passed your OSA and you are granted a security clearance, you will receive a formal offer and the onboarding process will begin.
Entry-level program recruitment process
This process is for our Graduate, Cadetship and Apprenticeship programs.
We assess your application at each step of the process to determine if it progresses to the next step.
- Submit your application. Make sure you take the time to understand and address the eligibility or assessment criteria in the information pack and upload all necessary attachments.
- You will complete abstract reasoning testing.
- You will complete a video interview.
- You will complete any relevant language and technical testing.
- You will participate in an assessment centre.
- You will be placed into a merit pool.
- If selected for a position from a merit pool, you will undergo an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) to confirm you are suitable to work in a high security environment.
- Security clearance vetting will commence via the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), reviewing your personal, social, residential, employment, financial and criminal history. This process may take some time to complete, but we will notify you of the outcome.
- Once you have passed your OSA and you are granted a security clearance, the onboarding process will begin.
How to contact us
For questions about your application or an advertised position, get in touch with the contact officer listed in the Candidate Information Pack, Recruitment at asd.recruitment@defence.gov.au or Recruitment for Entry-level Programs at asd.elp.recruitment@defence.gov.au