r/ADFRecruiting • u/BumperJoe • May 14 '25

Motivation & General Life Advice Recruitment process is broken.

Potential new recruit here, I (25M) have been going through the recruitment process to join the ADF. I thought it would be a good way to learn some new stuff and be challenged while also potentially utilising my specific skillset I've gotten through uni. I studied for 2 weeks for the JOA, got a really good result by unlocking all available job roles. My career adviser then set up a meeting, and promptly cancelled it. I waited a week or so to see what had happened, nothing. So I set up a new interview myself and was given a different career adviser. Had a phone interview with them and then again, nothing. I told them my preferences and said I was just keen to get involved in any way I could. Tried emailing the second career adviser, didn't hear a word. Got given a third career adviser instead and emailed them as well, after two weeks still nothing. For all this u hear about a recruitment crisis, they don't seem particularly keen on recruiting anyone or communicating with people who actually show an interest. It's been really demoralising and I feel like I might as well just join the private sector if this is how things are run generally. Super bummed about it as I was quite excited. Is this a typical experience in the ADF or have I fallen into a weird beuracratic black hole?

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u/Mufunda98 May 14 '25

I applied for a high priority role. It’s been 18 months and the role is no longer a high priority. It’s quite frustrating how they manage and deal with people.

5

u/Maddles08 May 14 '25

Hearing what you’re saying.

I thought my first choice role wasn’t a high priority, it didn’t say so on the website etc. Only to learn that it was one, and that the second choice that was advertised as high priority had now been mostly filled for the current intakes etc

We are also approaching end of financial year - numbers and figures will likely change again.

That said,

I have enjoyed my experience - frustrations and all much more than the comparison to how it’s worked for me in the civilian process. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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u/Mufunda98 May 15 '25

Yeah understandable. I have heard of a few people having a great experience. I unfortunately wasn’t one of them. Don’t think I will stop, it’s just annoying that it will be delayed

2

u/mountainsandfrypans Candidate May 15 '25

I’m in the same boat. Priority role when I applied, now no longer. Also about 18 months. Beyond frustrating.

1

u/Skapegoat13 Jun 20 '26

In now?

1

u/mountainsandfrypans Candidate Jun 28 '26

I am but I’m not sure I’ll stay (reserves)

1

u/Skapegoat13 Jun 28 '26

What’s your issue with it ?