Information for applicants | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Information for applicants

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, selection and appointment to the university is based on merit. The principle of 'equity' is also applied to our recruitment and selection practices; we seek to create conditions under which all persons will have an equal opportunity to seek and obtain employment.

To find out more about the terms and conditions of employment at UniSC, read the Enterprise Agreement (2023).

How to apply

Please review the advertisement, position description, and any supporting information to determine your alignment to the responsibilities and selection criteria for the position.

All positions advertised at UniSC will include a contact person for questions and confidential discussions, we encourage you to reach out to discuss your application and alignment to the position.

Your application

UniSC promotes a targeted approach to application preparation. In some instances, you may be asked to apply for a position submitting your resume only, in others, you may be asked to submit supplementary documentation such as a response to selection criteria or a statement of suitability.

Resume only:

Upload a copy of your current Industry CV (resume) or Academic CV.

Your resume should include your current and past employment information, responsibilities, education and should not exceed 7-10 years of experience.

Your Academic CV should include your industry information as detailed above, in addition to your achievements in Academia. For example; Research; Publications; Teaching experience; Speaking engagements; Volunteer experience; Community involvement; Board memberships; Honors and awards; Distinctions; Professional associations etc.

Your resume/CV will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description for the position, so it is important to ensure that your document reflects the knowledge and skills the selection criteria is asking for.

Statement of suitability and Resume:

Your suitability statement will be used to align your experience to the requirements detailed within the selection criteria. This is your opportunity to reflect your interests, professional/board/volunteer experience and achievements to the position advertised; and to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

You should clearly demonstrate how your qualifications, skills, knowledge and attributes align to the requirements found within the selection criteria to make you a success at UniSC.

Selection criteria and Resume:

Selection criteria is listed within the position description and describe the qualifications, skills, knowledge, abilities and personal qualities required to perform the duties of the position successfully. Selection criteria is classified as either essential or desirable. Applicants must individually address all the criteria in their application, including both the essential and desirable selection criteria. Your response to each individual selection criteria should be brief and to the point, we recommend using STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result) to format your responses where appropriate.

Submit your application

After preparing your application, please visit UniSC's career portal, input your personal details where requested, upload your supporting documents and submit.

Applications received via email will not be reviewed.

You are not required to include evidence of qualifications including academic transcripts, certificates and licenses in your application. If you are the successful appointee, you will be requested to provide original documents upon request.

Applying Online - Troubleshooting

If you are having difficulty applying online for a vacancy, please check the following:

  • Google Chrome and FireFox browsers are optimised for our e-recruitment system
  • Only have one tab/browser open at a time and clear your cache
  • Only upload the documents requested within the advertisement. Additional documents will not be able to be uploaded.

How applications are processed

You will receive an automated email acknowledgment upon submission of your application. Shortlisting usually takes place within four weeks of the closing date for applications.

The selection panel decide which applicants meet the requirements sufficiently to be placed on a shortlist. If your application is successful in being shortlisted, we will contact you to invite you to attend an interview. Shortlisted applicants should advise of any access or support requirements they need addressed to attend the interview (for example, accessible parking or adaptive equipment).

Preparing for an interview

Careful preparation for the interview will ensure that you give yourself the best possible chance for success. Some suggestions include:

  • Research UniSC. Find out about our history, what we offer, and our strategic direction.
  • Interview questions will relate to the duties, responsibilities and selection criteria, so plan your answers to the questions you are likely to be asked in the interview. You could be asked to provide specific examples of your past behaviour and performance.
  • You may be requested to bring to the interview documents and work samples which support your application and suitability (for example, original copies of relevant educational qualifications, samples of relevant work and written evaluations of your work).
  • Determine which questions you will ask the selection committee.
  • Know the directions and parking arrangements for the campus you are attending and arrive on time for the interview.

Positive interview behaviours

Use the opportunity of an interview to give the selection panel to learn more about you and for you to understand more about the opportunity and UniSC:

  • Be succinct and honest.
  • Listen and ask questions.
  • Volunteer relevant information to support your application.
  • Be aware of your body language.

Reference checks

Reference checks may be conducted for preferred applicants with their nominated referees to verify and supplement information. Reference checks may be undertaken virtually via our third-party provider Xref, or over the phone by the Chair of the selection committee. Unverified written references will not be accepted.

Notification of appointment

In making an appointment selection, the panel will determine alignment of the applicant to the selection criteria. The panel’s decision will consider the application, interview, reference reports and other selection measures where applicable, such as work-based tests.

If successful, you will be telephoned by a member of the committee, which will be followed by a written offer of employment.

If you have been interviewed and are unsuccessful, you will be contacted by a member of the committee and notified of the outcome.

Those who have not been successful in gaining an interview will be notified by email.

If you have any further questions, please contact our People and Culture team.

We wish you all the best in your recruitment journey with UniSC and encourage you to connect with us on LinkedIn.