The WA public sector recruitment process has its own set of rules and expectations.
If you’re applying for a job with a Western Australian Government agency, you need to follow the WA Public Sector Commission (PSC) guidelines while also making your resume stand out.
This guide answers the most common questions I’m asked about WA Government resumes — from page length to addressing “demonstrated experience” requirements.
Do I Have to Follow the WA Public Sector Commission Guidelines Exactly?
The WA PSC provides clear guidance on applications, and while you don’t have to use their exact template, you do need to follow their content requirements.
This means your resume should include:
- Personal details (name, contact info — no photo)
- Summary of skills and experience
- Employment history in reverse chronological order
- Education and training
- Referees (usually requested up front in WA)
Using your own design is fine as long as it meets these criteria and is ATS-friendly.
How Long Should a WA Government Resume Be?
Most WA agencies prefer a 2–3 page resume for mid-level roles and up to 4 pages for senior positions.
Focus on relevant achievements and remove unrelated details — PSC panels value clarity over volume.
How Do I Address ‘Demonstrated Experience’ in My Resume?
WA job ads often use wording like “demonstrated experience in…”.
You should:
- Weave short, mini-STAR examples into your employment history to show this experience
- Ensure the skills and scenarios match the examples you’ll give in your selection criteria document
Example:
“Led a team of five in delivering an ICT system upgrade (demonstrating project management and leadership skills), completing the project two weeks early.”
Do I Combine or Separate My Resume and Selection Criteria?
Always follow the instructions in the job ad.
Some WA agencies accept integrated applications (resume with embedded criteria responses), while others require a separate document.
If integrated, use clear headings for each criterion and include your work history in the same document.
Should My Resume Include STAR Examples?
Yes, but keep them brief.
Use your resume for high-level context and measurable outcomes, and your selection criteria responses for the full STAR detail.
Do WA Recruiters Use ATS?
Yes — particularly for online submissions.
To pass ATS screening:
- Use the job title and keywords from the ad
- Spell out acronyms before abbreviating
- Avoid graphics, tables, or multi-column layouts that can break parsing
Where Do Referees Go?
WA agencies often request referee details upfront.
Include them at the end of your resume unless told otherwise:
- Name
- Job title
- Organisation
- Phone number
Should I Tailor My Resume for Each WA Government Role?
Yes. Even within the same department, key accountabilities can change significantly.
Customise your professional summary, achievement statements, and keywords to match each position description.
Do I Need to Show Public Sector Merit Principles in My Resume?
WA recruitment is merit-based.
You can reflect this by showing:
- Measurable results achieved fairly and transparently
- Examples of collaboration, ethical conduct, and adherence to policy
- Achievements that align with the WA Public Sector Capability Framework
How Do I Handle Acting or Higher Duties Roles?
Show them under your main role entry to demonstrate progression:
Administration Officer (Acting Senior Administration Officer) — Mar 2024 to Jun 2024
Coordinated procurement activities in line with PSC policy, delivering all contracts on schedule.
Where Do I Put Mandatory Qualifications and Clearances?
Include them in a Licences & Certifications section.
Example:
- C Class Driver Licence – Current
- National Police Clearance – Cleared (2025)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring PSC guidelines and submitting an incomplete application
- Overloading with unrelated private-sector history
- Copying criteria wording without evidence
- Using generic, non-measurable claims
- Leaving out referee details when they are requested in the ad
Final Word
A competitive WA Government resume will:
- Meet PSC content requirements
- Address “demonstrated experience” with evidence
- Be tailored to the position description
- Work alongside your selection criteria responses
- Be ATS-friendly and referee-ready
