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.
 
 
 

Be part of the team that helps keep Australia secure
Be part of the team that helps keep Australia secure

Candidate information

Learn more about how to apply for a role at ASD and how to prepare for the recruitment process.

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.

See the 6 steps below.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a preliminary offer, conditional on you passing an Organisational Security Assessment (OSA) and security clearance vetting.
  4. You will then undergo an OSA to confirm you are suitable to work in a high security environment.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

See the 8 steps below
  1. 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.
  2. You will complete abstract reasoning testing.
  3. You will complete a video interview.
  4. You will complete any relevant language and technical testing.
  5. You will participate in an assessment centre.
  6. You will then undergo an Organisational Security Assessment (OSA) to confirm you are suitable to work in a high security environment.
  7. 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.
  8. Once you have passed your OSA and you are granted a security clearance, you will be placed into a merit pool. If selected for a position from the merit pool, you will receive a formal offer, and 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

RecruitAbility scheme

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Cyber skills framework

The ASD Cyber Skills Framework defines the roles, capabilities and skills proficiencies that are essential to cyber missions and that can be used in both the security and offensive contexts.

The ASD Cyber Skills Framework enables targeted recruitment of cyber specialists, provides a development pathway for current and future cyber staff, and aligns skills, knowledge and attributes with national and international industry standards.

The ASD Cyber Skills Framework is relevant to wider government, industry and academia, which can be implemented and used as a tool for understanding and profiling cyber skills in any organisation.

Employment decisions

We value transparency and encourage all candidates to seek feedback if their application is unsuccessful. We also advise the outcome of recruitment activities here.

Note: We only provide feedback on the employment decision and not the organisational suitability or security clearance outcome.

Acknowledgement of Country icon

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connections to land, sea and communities. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and their Elders; past, present and emerging. We also recognise Australia's First Peoples' enduring contribution to Australia's national security.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra