Government jobs: are they already taken?

Ask Kate Column: “Insider” has written in about one of my previous columns where an Ask Kate reader suggested job interviewers pay candidate’s for their time.

The reader also suggested that the public service ‘always has someone in mind’ when they advertise jobs.

Actually, I have had quite a few emails from people going for government jobs who were eventually told that the job went to an internal candidate.

The external candidates felt this was the plan all along and that their time had been wasted particularly as applying for the job involved the laborious “selection criteria” process.

Insider responds: “I work in a large Queensland public service organisation in an office role and have employed staff. Now, perhaps some employers advertise with someone in mind. I myself, have applied for, and been knocked back, many times. I do seek challenging roles but I always request feedback from the panel. That free service not only helps me develop my career but also assists me in making more mature and professional future applications. I am not charged for this service.”

 Recruitment costs employers regardless of whether it is in house or outsourced. 

 Finally, and this is just one example, the public service has temporary positions where future funding depends on current and perceived future ability to deliver value.

 If this crops up then the role must be advertised externally as permanent.

Recently, a colleague in such a role, having already demonstrated their competency over quite some time, was still rated behind a candidate from a private firm.

 The new starter commences shortly, while a sad farewell to our colleague is warranted.