Understanding how to write your APS resume (along with your statement of claims or APS pitch) is key to securing a role in the Australian Public Service.
There area number of ‘clues’ you should review before starting to write your resume:
Clue #1: APS Resume General Guidelines – ‘Cracking the Code’
The APS provides important information about writing your APS resume in its ‘Cracking the Code’ guidelines. Unfortunately, this doesn’t cover everything (we hope this guide does!).
Clue #2: The Role-Specific Resume Guidelines
Sometimes, different departments or roles may have specific requirements for how to structure your resume. For example, they may ask for a maximum number of pages, or that certain information is highlighted. It is therefore critical that you review these guidelines before you prepare your resume.
Clue #3: The Role Selection Criteria
Your selection criteria or claims need to align with your resume. This is because the selection panel will be reviewing your selection criteria and your resume at the same time.
For example, in your selection criteria, you might write: “In my role as an Project Manager, I led a…” You must therefore clearly document the details (including dates and the name of the organisation you worked in) of your Project Manager role in your resume.
There is no need to repeat information in your selection criteria that you have already explained in your resume, so consider carefully what you include in each.
Tips for Preparing Your ATS Resume
Use at ATS-Compliant APS Resume Template
An ATS-compliant resume is one that can get through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software, often used to ‘screen’ resumes before they are viewed by a human. This is important in all Australian resume writing, including APS applications.
Here is an APS resume template to download and use. Note, this resume template can be used as an APS resume template, as well as for other government departments.
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Government Resume Template$7.95 includes GST
APS Resume Formatting
APS resumes should usually be between two and six pages (if no guidance is provided in your application guidelines).
Generally, government resumes are plainer and ‘less showy’ than resumes in other industries.
Government panels tend to prefer resumes using plain, consistent font (e.g., Arial size 10-11), in black and white. Do not include any photos or graphics.
APS Resume Content
Your APS resume should include the following sections:
Personal Details
Include your name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Include a summary job title e.g., Administration Professional or Customer Service Professional (make sure these fits with both your career history and the role you are applying for).
Profile and Key Skills
You may wish to mention three of four key skills. Make sure these are relevant to the role you are applying for.
Education
Detail all your relevant qualifications and education. Leave off qualifications that are irrelevant to the role, or very outdated.
Employment Experience and Achievements
Detail your employment history in chronological order.
Discuss your achievements or accomplishments especially when they are relevant to the role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a project management role that requires experience in project management methodologies, highlight achievements relevant to this.
Detail Your Previous APS Levels, if Applicable
If you have experience working in the APS, include details for each APS level (e.g. APS4). Include details of when you have acted in higher roles if relevant.
Volunteer Roles
Include any relevant volunteer roles or community engagement. For example, a finance officer may mention volunteer work as a treasurer of a school committee.
Referees
Include two referees. Include their names, positions, organisations, and contact details.
Leave Off Irrelevant Information (or Information That May Be Used Against You)
There’s no need to include any personal details like your date of birth, gender or family status. You don’t need to include a photo of yourself either (since your looks have no bearing on your ability to perform the role).
APS Resume Example
JOHN PETERS
Project Manager
PH:0400 000 000 | E:johnp@email.com
A: 41 Example Street, Example
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-peters
PROFILE & KEY SKILLS
Leadership: Strong leadership skills with proven ability to guide teams effectively, inspire confidence, and motivate team members to achieve project goals. Delegates tasks, provides direction, resolves conflicts, and fosters a positive and productive team environment.
Communication: Skilled in conveying goals, expectations, and deadlines clearly to team members and stakeholders. Able to listen actively, provide feedback, facilitate discussions, and present information in a concise and understandable manner.
Organisational Skills: Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and resources efficiently. Experienced in developing project plans, setting timelines, allocating resources, and monitoring progress to ensure projects stay on track and meets its objectives.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
January 2019 – Current
Project Manager (AO4) | The Department of ABC
Key Achievements:
- Successfully led a cross-functional team to deliver a complex project ahead of schedule and under budget, resulting in a cost savings of [specific amount] and exceeding client expectations for quality and delivery.
- Achievement 2 etc.
Duties:
- Provide administrative support to a senior executive.
- Duty 2 etc.
November 2016 – December 2018
JOB TITLE | Organisation
Key Achievements:
- Achievement 1.
- Achievement 2 etc.
Duties:
- Duty 1.
- Duty 2 etc.
February 2010 – October 2016
JOB TITLE | Organisation
Key Achievements:
- Achievement 1.
- Achievement 2 etc.
Duties:
- Duty 1.
- Duty 2 etc.
EDUCATION
Diploma in Project Management | XYZ Training | 2019
VOLUNTEER/ OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
President of ABC PMI (Project Management Institute) chapter (2019 – Current)
REFEREES
Andy Smith | Program Manager | ABC Organisation | Email | Phone
Name | Job Title | Organisation | Email address | Phone number
Our APS resume team can help write your resume for government job applications to create a resume that is easy to read and navigate, and that highlights your skills and experience in a way that is relevant to the job.
Contact us for more information.
