Our recruitment process

The Ministry of Health recruits employees on the basis of merit. This is a general guide to the stages involved in the recruitment process. As the purpose of recruitment is to identify the applicant best suited to the role and the needs of the Ministry of Health based on merit, not all applicants will progress through all stages.

We are committed to employment practices that are fair, responsive and inclusive. This means that only persons from under-represented groups may be eligible to apply for some roles, or different steps may be used to recruit persons from under-represented groups. If this is the case, we will make this clear in the job advertisement.

Stages in the recruitment process

Stage 1 - Application

• Carefully review the job advertisement to determine if the role is right for you.
• Complete your application using the online form on NSW Health Jobs, including your work experience, education and responses to any open-ended 'targeted' questions. If you can't access the online form, please contact the hiring manager or contact person to discuss if alternate methods are possible.
• You may also be able to attach a resume (no more than five pages) and cover letter (no more than one page) to your application as separate files.
• Submit your application by the advertised closing date and time. Late applications may not be accepted.

Stage 2 - Initial screening

• You should prepare a succinct application demonstrating why you believe you are the best person for the role.
• Your application should include responses to the targeted questions and your resume / CV. As you progress through the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide further information and documentation at the appropriate stages.
• Your application will be reviewed against the requirements of the role.
• Depending on the role and the size of the candidate pool, this stage may include an initial phone interview.

Stage 3 - Capability-based assessment

• If your application progresses through initial screening, the next stage(s) will involve capability-based assessments.
• The capabilities for the role you're applying for are described in the role description. The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework provides a common foundation for creating and recruiting to roles.
• Assessments may include online testing, interviews and work sample tasks such as case studies, role plays and group activities. Most assessment activities are timed, and are likely to include reading from a computer screen or paper.
• If you have a disability and require any adjustments to the assessment process, please discuss your requirements with the hiring manager or nominated contact person at any stage of the process.

Stage 4 - Interview

• The interview will generally involve a single interview panel consisting of two or more assessors.
• Interviews will include behaviour-based questions designed to enable candidates to demonstrate how they've successfully applied the focus capabilities of the role in their previous work or studies.
• You can prepare for the interview by reviewing the capability requirements for the role and reflecting on how you've demonstrated these capabilities in the workplace, through your studies or in your personal life.
• If you are invited to an interview, you may be asked to upload a number of documents to your application online. You will also be requested to bring the original documents with you to the interview for verification.

Stage 5 - Reference checks

• When we invite you for an interview, we will also request contact details for your referees.
• Reference checks will be completed prior to offering you employment.

Stage 6 - Other screening checks

If required, additional screening checks may be conducted, including:

• national criminal record check
• education qualification check (for nominated roles)
• citizen or residency status
• credit check and / or bankruptcy check (for nominated roles)
• service check (for current NSW Government employees).

Stage 7 - Employment offer or offer to be included in the recruitment pool

• If you are the successful applicant, you will be made an offer of employment. Information about the terms and conditions of your proposed employment will be included. You will be asked to accept the offer online.
• Candidates who are assessed as meeting the requirements for the role but aren't successful in their application may also be offered a place in recruitment pool for future vacancies.

Given the high number of applications received for some roles as well as our commitments to employment practices that are fair, responsive and inclusive, the time for recruitment does vary and can occasionally take longer than expected.