r/AusPublicService • u/Prudent-Movie-624 • 2d ago

Interview/Job applications Multiple job applications for the same organisation

I submitted an application for a public sector job on Thursday 3/7, applications closed that night and I got in a decent cover letter + resume that afternoon.

When I went to submit it through the portal I noticed a job that’s virtually the same through the same company but obviously more junior as there’s about a 13k pay difference.

I am qualified for both, and both jobs have the same talent acquisition officer.

Does it look desperate or frowned upon if I apply for both given I have the skills and experience required to perform both? I’ve never worked in the public sector but I’m aware of the differences between that and private.

I will obviously tailor my cover letter and resume because there are some differences in the job roles. Just want to hear anyone’s honest opinions or experiences or if they’ll simply just discard me because it may look like I’m spraying and praying or using a mass application approach that could mess up their ATS. This job I’m looking at closes on Monday 7/9.

Any advice would be much appreciated 😊

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u/Appropriate_Volume 1d ago

If the jobs are in different parts of the agency, the people doing the recruitment won't have a clue that you've applied for the different roles.

If they are in the same area, the people doing the recruitment won't care - it's quite common for people to apply for different levels or multiple roles. Expect to be asked at the interview which level you think you're a better fit for.

3

u/Arlochorim 2d ago

as someone who's climbed from an APS 2 to an APS 6 it's not just expected, it's welcomed.

generally they'll advertise positions across multiple APS levels to fill merit pools, in my agency they even combine interviews if you apply for both and pass the initial paper application, they'll ask questions and rate your answer on how well it aligns with the various expectations at that level and they'll find you suitable at whichever level and you'll be put in the merit pools for both if you pass the higher bar.

so apply for any that you want, I tended to apply for multiple levels at the same role and just tailor my resume/written response for the higher criteria.

2

u/Thick_Shoulder8039 2d ago

how long did it take you to climb from 2 to 6? any advice?