Applying to work with us

Steps to apply for a job at the ATO

Follow these steps to apply for the job that's right for you.

Contact officers can answer questions you may have about the recruitment process. You'll find their details in the candidate kit or job advertisement.

1. Start your job application

To start an application:

1. View the Current vacanciesExternal Link and find the job you want to apply for.
2. Select Start new application under the Action heading.
3. Take note of the job closing date and time (including the noted time zone) and allow enough time to finish and submit your application.
4. Save your application as you progress to avoid the session timing out.

Preview your application

To preview an application form before applying:

1. Go to the vacancy you want to preview in Current vacanciesExternal Link.
2. Select Preview application form under the Action heading.

Upload your resume

Your resume should be tailored specifically to the advertised role, using the information provided in the candidate information kit – including the role description and the ideal candidate points listed under 'Who we're looking for'.

Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience, knowledge, skills and cultural alignment match the ideal candidate points. Generic or previously used resumes may not adequately demonstrate your suitability and could limit your chances of being shortlisted.

Your tailored resume should include:

• job titles, including classification level (where relevant) and specific dates for positions you have held.
• examples of your outcomes and achievements relevant to the role. You should include your most significant and relevant accomplishments and use quantifiable data to emphasise the level of results you achieved.
• relevant professional experience – if you mention any extracurricular activities, interests, volunteer work or community work, show how this relates to the job.
• details of your education or qualifications that relate to the job.

Use your resume to show us why you are the ideal candidate for this position – not just what you have done, but how it aligns with what we are looking for. A tailored resume is essential for your application to be competitive.

To upload your resume, select the Browse button on your application form and select the document you want to upload.

To make any changes to your resume after you upload it, you'll need to upload a new version. Uploading the new version will replace the previous one. You can't upload a revised resume once you've submitted your application.

Some mobile devices won't let you search their file system for documents like your resume. In this case, use a desktop or laptop computer instead.

There is a 5MB size limit for resume uploads.

Enter your written response (if required)

You may need to submit a written response that:

• outlines your skills, knowledge, experience and attributes. This should match the role description and ‘who we're looking for’ information in our job ad and candidate information kit.
• considers the work we do, the core skills we seek and any job specific skills and knowledge capabilities.

If you are asked to provide a written response, use the STAR modelExternal Link to structure your response.

Watch our video on how to prepare your written response.

2. Submit your job application

Make sure you're happy with the information you've entered before submitting your application. You can save and return to it later if the job hasn’t closed and you haven't submitted it. Your application can't be edited once submitted.

To submit your application:

1. Select Submit application at the top of the Preview and submit page and confirm you're ready to submit it.
2. If you can't see the Submit application button at the top of the page, check you've answered all the mandatory questions and selected Save and continue for each page of your application form.

You'll get an email confirming the application is submitted. If successful, the application status will change to 'submitted' on My profile.

We’ll only communicate directly with you regarding your application and not with external parties, including recruitment providers.

Late applications

We'll only accept late application requests in exceptional circumstances. If you can't submit your application by the closing date, get in touch with the contact officer listed in the candidate information kit or job advertisement. You'll still need to submit your application through ATO careers.

After you apply

You can view or withdraw your submitted application after you've applied.

View your submitted application

To access applications you've previously submitted:

1. Log in to ATO careersExternal Link.
2. Go to My profile and select My applications.
3. Select the application you want to view.

Withdraw your application

If you change your mind about applying for a role after you've submitted an application, you can withdraw it at any time.

To withdraw your application:

1. Log in to ATO careersExternal Link.
2. Go to My profile and select My applications.
3. Find and select the application you wish to withdraw.
4. Select Application summary.
5. Select the Withdraw application button at the top of the application summary page.
6. Confirm your withdrawal on the next page and provide the reason why you are withdrawing.

Once you've withdrawn your application, you'll see the confirmation on screen, in your history and by email.

If you start an application but don’t want to submit it, you don’t need to withdraw it. We only consider complete applications.

You can't withdraw your application and then resubmit or start another application for the same position. If you didn't mean to withdraw your application, email ATOcareers@ato.gov.au.

Our recruitment process

How we recruit

You may be asked to complete a range of assessments depending on the job advertised. Generally, you'll be asked to complete 3 or more of the following activities as part of a merit-based selection process:

• resume
• written response
• interview (virtual, in person, video recording, phone)
• work sample test
• online testing
• assessment centre
• referee reports.

Our most common recruitment process includes a resume assessment, virtual interview and referee report.

All candidates are assessed on the same work-related qualities and capabilities so the selection panel can make a fair comparison. The selection panel considers all the information provided in the application and other assessments to make an informed assessment.

Adjustments

We provide reasonable adjustments to allow you to participate equitably at every stage of our recruitment process.

Adjustments you can request include, but are not limited to:

• recruitment materials in accessible and alternative formats
• clear written and visual information about the interview process
• provision of interpreters, readers, attendants or other work-related assistance
• interview via phone or video
• questions in advance of the interview to help you prepare
• additional time allowed for an interview
• opportunity to have a support person attend.

You can request an adjustment on the job application form or discuss with the contact officer.

Referee check

You should nominate a referee (preferably your current manager or supervisor) who can comment on your work-related skills and abilities, work performance and capacity to perform in the advertised role. Before nominating your referee please confirm their availability to complete a referee report should they be conducted.

We will contact your referee as part of our assessment of your suitability for the role, during the recruitment process. This will usually be after the last assessment task (for example, your interview) and before creating a merit pool.

Create a merit pool

If you are successful, you'll be placed in a merit pool with other suitable candidates. This means when a business area receives approval to fill a job, they may offer you the advertised job or a similar job in a similar location. Being placed in a merit pool does not guarantee you'll be offered a job. Merit pools are valid for up to 18 months from the advertised vacancy date.

We consider the following office locations to be similar:

• Brisbane, Upper Mount Gravatt
• Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith
• Melbourne, Box Hill, Dandenong, Moonee Ponds.

It's a common practice in the Australian Public Service (APS) to Create, use and share merit listsExternal Link across agencies for similar vacancies. This means if you're in our merit pool, you may be contacted about a job opportunity in another agency.

Once we finalise the merit pool, we will tell you the outcome of your application.

Pre-engagement integrity checks

If you're selected from the merit pool for a job, we'll contact you. You'll need to complete and satisfy our pre-engagement integrity checks.

Once the approvals and checks are complete, we'll send you an email with details on how to access your letter of offer.

Application and interview tips videos

Watch our videos on how to prepare to help with your application or interview.

Application writing tips

Preparation tips for candidate interviews