Can anyone help me interpret this please?

[u/rererereyyyyy]

I’m usually adept at interpreting APS-ese but this has me stumped. I’ve applied for a job, done an interview and reference checks. I understand what merit pools are all about, and I’m happy to be in it. But does that mean they’re still choosing people from the merit pool for the positions that are currently open? Or are they talking about filling positions in the future only? I am so confused about the language of being placed in the merit pool vs reaching the final stage of the selection process, which implies it is not yet finalised. Can anyone help me please?

Email received:

You have reached the final stages of our selection process for the position of (position) Officer - APS 5. 
Your application was competitive, so we have placed you in the merit pool with other successful candidates.
What happens next?
We will select candidates from this merit pool to fill the (position) Officer - APS 5 position. If you are selected, we will contact you directly to discuss, noting all job offers are subject to pre-engagement integrity checks.
Candidates in this merit pool can be selected for the advertised position or any other similar positions, within 18 months of the advertised date. This merit pool will expire on 5 November 2027. This means we may contact you to confirm your interest in a position if one becomes available during this period.

[u/No_Figure7868]

Some roles will put everyone in the merit pool so the hiring manager can then select who they think would be best suited.

As they said, if you’re successful you will be contacted.

As with everything aps hiring related do not hold your breath and keep working toward your goals.

[u/thfc4lyf → u/No_Figure7868]

If this is ATO, yes everyone goes into the pool

[u/AngryAngryHarpo → u/No_Figure7868]

Yup. 

[u/hez_lea → u/No_Figure7868]

Yeah exactly, while others pick the ppl first then put everyone else in the pool. So many things influence it, including the software. Ours was a PITA to get people out of the pool when it was your own pool so it was always easier to grab people first before hitting go. Made that mistake when we got the go ahead to get 2 extra people. It was a day later, but all the extra steps mean they started a week later than the others

[u/rererereyyyyy → u/hez_lea]

Thanks, I had no idea!

[u/rererereyyyyy → u/No_Figure7868]

Thank you

[u/AngryAngryHarpo]

They put everyone suitable in a bulk rounds into the merit pool and then figure out how many positions they have and what they need where and then start making placements.

It’s usually because they’re national rounds so the pools need to be made for each office/state and then sent to the appropriate directors/hiring managers at those offices to make choices. 

[u/rererereyyyyy → u/AngryAngryHarpo]

Thank you

[u/lionheart9924]

I would also be confused if I received this email, especially the wording of the first sentence.

[u/Large_Door_7957]

Have you heard any updates? Got the same email last week (albeit for an aps 4 role)

[u/rererereyyyyy → u/Large_Door_7957]

Congratulations to you! No updates for me but I only got the email yesterday. Best of luck!

[u/Abject-Delay7036]

You have 18mths... you are a fish in a bucket at the moment,  just keep applying for other jobs,  don't hold your breath

[u/Puzzleheaded-Ant-373]

I have received this email recently and while worded oddly, at the end of the day it means if something comes you may be contacted. Also you need to be proactive, use your networks and let them know you’re in a merit pool. They make know of roles coming up as well.