Frequently asked questions – application process
When will assessments and interviews occur?
See the section on the Recruitment process.
When is the cut-off date for me to submit my application?
Applications for the 2013 graduate development program have closed.
Who can I contact if I have an enquiry regarding these jobs or the application process?
Email GraduateProgram@ato.gov.au.
Do I get to nominate the location I wish to work in?
You can identify the city you are applying for but you cannot nominate an office in that city. Graduates may move to different offices in their nominated city for their rotations.
Can I apply for vacancies in locations outside of where I currently live?
Yes, you can identify the location you wish to apply for on the application form.
Where can I find out more about the ATO?
For more information see the About us section or go to the ATO website(external link).
Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work for the ATO?
To be eligible for employment in the ATO graduate development program, you must be an Australian citizen by 12 July 2012.
Can I lodge a late application?
Late applications may not be considered. To check if a late submission may be accepted email GraduateProgram@ato.gov.au.
I submitted my application online but have not received an acknowledgement, how do I know it has been received?
You should first check if one was sent by logging on to e-Recruitment(external link), and clicking on ‘My Profile’ then ‘My Emails’. If your acknowledgement is not shown then email GraduateProgram@ato.gov.au.
Can I make changes to my application after I lodge it?
You are able to log into e-Recruitment(external link) and update your personal details at any time. However, you cannot change other details in your application such as your employment and education history, or your statement detailing your claims to the position. You are also unable to update your site preferences. If there are significant issues that affect the information in your application you should email GraduateProgram@ato.gov.au detailing your concerns.
When does the 2013 graduate development program start?
It is proposed that the 2013 graduate development program will commence on Monday 4 February 2013.
Am I able to defer my start date?
You are not able to defer your start date to later in the year, or to subsequent years.
What's involved in a criminal history records check?
It is a condition of employment in the ATO that you agree to have a criminal history records check. You’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and to give us the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police.
What qualification do I need?
You must have successfully completed a suitable degree at the end of semester two, 2012. See the stream information pages to view the list of acceptable degree types for the stream you are interested in.
Where will I be working?
The ATO has offices in most major cities and graduates are expected to move to different offices within their nominated city during their first year to gain experience and exposure to the different work these offices undertake.
Frequently asked questions – graduate programs
What sort of training will I receive?
You’ll undertake a comprehensive, structured training and development program in your first year. This will include work placements; corporate, stream specific and technical training, as well as on-the-job training in a range of work areas. You’ll be assessed on your progress regularly during the program.
Are there other ways of joining the ATO without being a graduate?
Yes, you can apply for positions advertised on the ATO careers website(external link), in the Australian Public Service Gazette(external link) or in newspapers.
Can I apply for more than one stream?
Yes, if your degree meets the minimum requirements for that stream.
What type of work will I be doing?
This will depend on the stream you have selected. All graduates are rotated through different areas of the office.
What support do graduate officers get?
The graduate development program has three dedicated areas to assist in your development. Firstly, you will have a program manager who will manage your overall development and performance within the program. Our trainers will deliver the different training components of the program. You will also have a team leader in each work rotation to support and assist you while you are working in their area.
How will my performance be evaluated?
Your program manager liaises with your team leader and trainers to evaluate your performance. You will develop a Performance and Development Agreement with your program manager and this is renewed in each new work rotation. When this agreement is put into place, your performance is discussed and reviewed. This is all part of the developmental nature of our program.
Is it possible to undertake external study while on the graduate program?
Further external study is not encouraged during the graduate program and will not be supported by the office (that is, additional leave and funding is not available for the first 12 months). Graduates can expect a challenging year and may need to complete some aspects of the program in their own time.
How many graduates does the ATO typically employ each year?
The numbers of graduates we employ each year varies. Typically we recruit up to 200 graduates across all streams. In 2011 we filled over 400 positions for varying disciplines in different locations, while 2012 saw us fill over 280 positions within the program.
What level of ATO knowledge and its processes do I need?
The graduate program is designed to develop and build a graduate’s understanding of the ATO and the role it plays in our society. All necessary training is provided.
Do I have to work in Canberra?
The program recruits nationally. We generally recruit graduates for this program in all major capital cities and some regional cities. The website will provide specific locations for the graduate program you want to apply for.
If I need to relocate, will the ATO give me any assistance?
Where graduate positions were not advertised as being available in your state and you are required to move to another locality to take up this offer of employment, the ATO may advance an amount up to $5,000 to cover removal costs (including insurance) under certain conditions.
What’s the social life like at the ATO?
Joining the ATO through the graduate development program means you join with a group of graduates all doing the same program. This will give you an excellent social and networking base. In some sites there are networks of graduates from across the APS who provide a range of social events.
In addition, most sites have active social clubs. A range of events are often co-ordinated locally including sporting competitions and teams, family fun days and happy hours. The national network of social clubs hosts a sports carnival every two years. Canberra will be hosting the next carnival in March 2013. You can represent your site and state in events or just come along to enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
What happens at the end of my graduate year?
You may be eligible for further advancement to the next classification level, you can be involved in a mentoring program, apply for further external study, and commence your first career launching placement in an ATO business line.
Can I choose the location of my post program placement?
Several factors are taken into account when making decisions about post program placements. This means you may be required to work in any ATO office within the greater metropolitan area of your city.