Employment Register FAQ
What are employment registers?
Employment registers (Registers) are used to fill certain fixed-term and casual positions of up to 12 months, including Aboriginal ‘identified’ and ‘tagged’ positions.
Registers allow us to appoint people to jobs quickly, often when there isn’t enough time to advertise. An example of when a register would be used is to backfill someone who is going on leave or is sick.
Often the positions listed on the Registers are entry level (Band 1 to 4), and are a good option if you are looking to get your foot in the door.
Like advertised positions, you need to apply to be placed on a Register. However, the difference is that if you are successful and placed on the Register, you will remain on there for the life of the Register, which can be up to two years.
If you are successful in being placed on a Register, please note that this doesn’t guarantee you an offer of employment so we encourage you to continue to pursue other employment opportunities.
How do Registers work and how can I register?
All the Registers are listed on the Employment Registers page on the Jobs website. Some of the Registers will have one position listed and others will have multiple positions listed.
Once you have found a Register(s) that you would like to be placed on, you will need to go through a process to be ‘registered’.
Each Register will specify what you need to submit with your application. Make sure you read the information provided on the Register advert. Most often you will be required to submit a Resume and address the Selection Criteria. To find out more about how to prepare these, go to our preparing your applications section.
Once you have prepared all the documents you have been asked to provide, you can submit your application online via the ‘Apply Now’ button on the Register advertisement. This will take you through an online application form which will ask you some questions related to your application and provide a link to upload your application.
What happens to my application to the Register after it has been submitted?
Each agency may have a different process for managing applications that come through a Register. Normally your application will be assessed against the specified duties to determine your suitability for the job in question. If the agency determines that you are suitable to be placed on the Register, you will be notified that you have been added to the Register. If you have been determined unsuitable, you will be notified.
I you have been placed on the Register, your information will remain on the Register until the Register closes. To check when a Register closes, you can view the advertisement.
When a suitable position becomes vacant, the agency will go to the list of registered applicants and undertake a merit assessment. This process involves comparing registered applicants to determine the most suitable to undertake the duties required. The agency may contact you for further information or ask you to attend an interview.
What happened to the TSS Aboriginal Employment Register?
For many years, we had a Register that was specifically used to fill some Aboriginal identified positions as well as positions targeted to specific Aboriginal recruitment strategies. This was known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Register.
A review of the Register was undertaken and a working group formed to assess its effectiveness at attracting, recruiting and retaining Aboriginal people. The review found that although the Register had provided some employment opportunities for Aboriginal People, opportunities existed to explore other options.
The Register has now been replaced by the Aboriginal Employment Portal. This portal is designed to provide Aboriginal people with information support and resources related to getting work ready, job opportunities and job applications. This portal is new and will continue to be updated. New content will be added over time so it’s definitely worth checking in regularly.
Are there any Aboriginal Employment Registers?
Yes! The same opportunities exist to register for short term Aboriginal identified and tagged positions. The only change is where you will register.
Below are the Registers that contain Aboriginal specific positions. Like the previous Aboriginal Employment Register, these agency Registers require you to submit an application to be registered. Each Register will have different criteria and may require different information so make sure you read them carefully.
Generally, when applying for Aboriginal specific positions through the Registers, you will be required to submit your Resume, address the selection criteria (long or short form), and confirm your eligibility (if you haven’t previously).
If you are unsure whether your Aboriginal eligibility has been previously confirmed, contact the Contact Officer for the Register and they will be able to check for you.
