Frequently asked questions
FAQ's
What is procurement anyway?
Put simply, procurement is all about getting the right goods and services to the right users, at the right time, within budget. Procurement involves more than just purchasing; it is the complete end-to-end cycle of assessing need through to the delivering of goods and services.
In Queensland Government, procurement entails developing Corporate Procurement Plans and planning for significant areas of spend at both corporate and project levels. For more details, check out the State Procurement Policy.
What type of degree do I need?
You must have a bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Business. We also accept related fields such as Accountancy, Commerce, Economics, Management, Marketing, International Business, or double degrees e.g. Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of IT etc. Please email graduates@qgcpo.qld.gov.au if you have any questions about your area of study.
If you have a postgraduate degree, please read the FAQs below concerning postgraduate qualifications.
What if all my results aren’t available when I apply?
We understand that some applicants won’t have their final semester marks when our applications close. Put in your most recent academic transcript and list your current semester subjects in your resume. If you are short-listed, you will need to produce your results during the final stages of the interview process. You must show that you have completed your degree before you can begin working.
I graduate at the end of this year, can I apply?
Yes. Please read previous FAQ about academic results.
I graduate in the middle of this year, can I still apply?
Yes. As long as you are prepared to start working in January/February 2009, it doesn’t matter if you finished in the middle of the previous year.
I have completed postgraduate qualifications, can I apply?
Yes - as long as your recent postgraduate qualifications are business related.
No - if your undergraduate degree is more than 3 years old and your most recent postgraduate qualification in a totally unrelated field (like Anthropology!)
I finished my degree a few years ago now, can I apply?
We consider applicants whose degree is up to 3 years old. For the 2009 intake, you need to have graduated in 2006 onwards.
I am a mature age university graduate, can I apply?
Yes. Some of our current graduates are ‘mature age’ graduates. The Queensland Government is an equal opportunity employer and job offers are made on merit.
I have a degree from overseas, do you accept that?
If your degree is from an overseas university it must be recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). Please note that it is your responsibility to gain recognition through NOOSR at your own cost. NOOSR can be contacted on 1800020086 or visit their website http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Default.htm
I am an international student, can I apply?
To work in the Queensland Public Service, you must be:
- an Australian citizen; OR
- a permanent Australian resident;
- or a New Zealand citizen who can hold a special category visa under the Migration Act 1958.
For more information about working in Australia, please see the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website
http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm.
For more information about working in the Queensland Public Service, please see the Smart Jobs and Careers website
http://www.jobs.qld.gov.au/working/whocanwork.asp.
How important is academic achievement?
Your university results are important but we look at the whole package!
Things we are interested in:
- the types of subjects you have chosen
- whether you have successfully combined work, study, and/or other responsibilities
- your level of motivation
- your interest in procurement.
What are the key skills & attributes you are looking for?
Apart from generic skills that you will be asked to cover in your application you also need to show us that you have the following important procurement skills too.
1. Self-starter, you are willing to:
- find out what needs to be done
- ask how it needs to be achieved
- manage your work to achieve the desired outcomes.
2. Team player, you are able to:
- participate in team projects
- support other staff with their projects
- contribute work within appropriate timeframes.
3. Able to manage conflicting time frames
4. Capable of working independently when required
5. Able to think laterally in solving problems
6. Confident in communicating and negotiating
What are the key dates for the selection process?
Applications open from Monday 21 July 2008 and close on Monday 1 September 2008.
Interviews will occur in October.
Short-listed candidates meet with participating organisations in mid November (to avoid clashing with exam schedules).
Positions begin January 2009 (depending on placement location).
Please Note: Applicants must be willing to participate in all stages of the selection process.
How does the selection process work?
Our application process is straight forward
- fill in the application form/questionnaire with your details
- attach a current resume/cv and your academic records
- answer the selection criteria
- lodge before the closing date.
The panel reads all the applications, short-lists for interviews, then short-lists again. This final group attends a ‘Meet & Greet’ event where they are interviewed by representatives from participating organisations. Successful candidates are contacted as soon as a final decision is reached and offered a position.
At the end of each stage of the process, unsuccessful applicants are notified by mail.
How can I find out more about writing to the selection criteria?
When answering selection criteria questions:
- tell us about the skills you have – demonstrate them with real examples
- describe how you did something – don’t expect the panel to read between the lines
- use positive language
- experiences you have outside paid work are just as valid – e.g. coaching a team successfully in your spare time demonstrates a number of important skills which can be transferred to the workplace.
Also check out the Queensland Government SmartJobs website http://jobs.govnet.qld.gov.au/jobswithus/tipsandhints.asp
How can I make my application and resume stand out?
Do some research first! Check out www.qgcpo.qld.gov.au and read more about procurement so you know what you are writing about. Follow some of the procurement links listed in the first FAQ.
Spell-check and proof-read your application - sounds obvious but simple typing errors make your application stand out for the wrong reasons. Ask someone to check it over for you to give constructive feedback.
Never underestimate any of your experience.
In your resume include information such as:
- positions held
- length of employment
- brief statement of major achievements & responsibilities
- your education & training qualifications.
Set it out clearly, and use headings and bullet points to make it easy to read.
Never write anything that you can’t back-up.
Choose your referees carefully – friends are not appropriate. Select referees who can comment positively on your work performance. Current or previous work supervisors are best, but if you have been involved in a community organisation or group, consider these contacts as referees also. Always ask your referee if you can list them as a contact, and provide them with a copy of your application.
Do I need to include a photo?
No. It is not necessary to send photos.
When do you conduct interviews?
We will be conducting interviews in October 2008.
What can I expect at the interview?
There will be a panel of interviewers, but we will try to make you as comfortable as possible. It is not a memory test, so bring along your application and any supporting documents – this way you can refer to it while you are waiting to come in. We will ask you a series of question related to the selection criteria and give you ample time to answer them. Before you come to the interview, spend some time preparing other examples based on the selection criteria.
The following resources provide assistance with responding to selection criteria and tips on interview techniques:
What do I need to bring to the interview?
Bring along a current copy of your academic transcript. You can also bring ‘work samples’ such as university assignments or reports that you have written if you have mentioned them in your application. We don’t need to keep these, but it’s a good way to back-up your application. You are welcome to bring a copy of your application to refer to and/or notes on the selection criteria.
Where are the positions located?
Most of our graduates are located in Brisbane CBD or in departmental headquarters within 10 kilometers of the CBD. In the past we have also secured positions in regional areas, including Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast.
What departments are involved in the program?
Our program involves a number of Queensland Government departments, agencies and Government Owned Corporations. Our participating organisations change from year to year, depending on their human resources requirements.
2008 graduates were placed in Queensland Rail, Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office, Queensland Police, Emergency Services, QBuild, Queensland Health, Department of Main Roads, Disability Services Queensland and Tarong Energy.
How do you choose where I would be located?
We look at the needs and requirements of the business area and attempt to match that need with the interest and background of the graduate – i.e. a graduate that has done an IT major might be placed in an agency that has a large IT procurement project coming up.
When do the positions actually start?
January 2009– exact dates depend on the organisation that employs you.
What is the starting salary?
Approximately $46,000 per annum, paid fortnightly, depending on your host department (plus leave loading and superannuation).
What are the conditions of my employment?
Exact conditions are subject to the Enterprise Bargaining Agreements of each of the participating organisations.
Why would I need to undergo a criminal records check?
Some of our participating organisations require security clearance for all employees which means undergoing a criminal records check.
What training and development is offered during the program?
This is an accelerated program of formal and informal training, coupled with on the job learning and mentoring.
Your 12 month program includes core elements from the internationally recognised and CIPS accredited QGCPO Training and Certification Program, and you will develop critical skills for the public sector through writing and leadership training. You will also attend lunch seminars with procurement professionals and participate in networking opportunities on a regular basis. Assistance in career planning/job searching is provided towards the end of the program.
Other training opportunities may be provided by, and specific to, the agency you are placed with.
What type of work will I be doing?
There is no typical workday for procurement officers. Some days will entail attending meetings with end-users and/or vendors. Others will be spent providing advice to steering committees or involve purchasing and order entry.
Our aim is that you have changing and varied roles and responsibilities throughout the program. Graduates usually start out performing operational activities and with experience and reputation, are assigned more responsibility and project work. Ultimately, the roles become what you make them.Back to top
What happens after 12 months in the program?
Under your conditions of employment, you are employed for a 12 month period. Throughout the 12 months, we will help you develop skills required for permanent procurement positions. We will also give you practical support to apply for procurement positions within the State Government towards the end of the period.
Do you offer internships or vacation work?
No.
Last updated March 2008
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