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Common Questions

Searching for a job

  1. What's the best way to search for a job?
  2. How do I apply online?
  3. How do I withdraw an application?
  4. Can I access the job details for jobs I applied for in the past?
  5. How do I register for a My SmartJob account?
  6. How do I set up a job alert?
  7. How do I update my contact details?
  8. What do I do if I have forgotten my username or password?
  9. Who do I contact if I am having trouble registering, searching or applying for jobs online?
  10. Can I apply by post instead of online?
  11. What is a Job Reference or Position Number?
  12. What does "Classification" on the Search page mean?
  13. What is a Temporary job?

Working in government

  1. Are all Queensland Government jobs advertised on this website?
  2. Can I find local government jobs on this website?
  3. Where can I find out more about a career with the Queensland Government?
  4. How do I find out more about a job advertised online or in the press?
  5. Can I apply for a job that no longer appears on the website?
  6. If I have a criminal record does that mean I'm not eligible to apply?
  7. How can I contact Smart jobs and careers if I have a question?

1. What's the best way to search for a job?

You can do a quick search from any page in the site using the yellow quick search box on the right-hand side of the screen.

For an advanced search you can either go to the Search page in the ‘Jobs with us’ section or click ‘advanced search’ in the quick search box.

The Search page gives you many options for customising your search. For tips on using the search function click on the question mark icon next to the search field.

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2. How do I apply online?

Once you have found a job you are interested in, download and read the full job description and application instructions. It’s a good idea to save these documents for future reference.

Scroll down to the bottom of the job ad and you will see the ‘Apply Now’ button. This will launch the online application form for that job. If you haven’t already registered for a My SmartJob account you will be asked to do so, or login if you already have an account.

To complete the application, please follow the instructions you downloaded. You can attach up to 3 files to your application.

If you aren’t ready to submit the application straight away, you can save your application as a draft and return to it any time before the closing date.

Some jobs will have questionnaires attached to the application form. Instead of ‘submit’, a ‘next’ button is visible. ‘Next’ acts in the same way as ‘submit’: Once you click it you cannot go back to the application form so ensure you are ready to submit the entire application beforehand.

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3. How do I withdraw an application?

You can withdraw an application from the My Applications area of your My SmartJob account. If you withdraw an application you will not be able to resubmit for the same job online via My SmartJob. So, if you change your mind, please check with the job contact person to see how you can send a new application.

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4. Can I access the job details for jobs I applied for in the past?

After the closing date, jobs are not visible on the website. If you need the job ad and accompanying details for future reference please save a copy.

Your applications are saved in the My Applications area for you to track them. You can view the application form and any attachments you submitted.

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5. How do I register for a My SmartJob account?

If you register for a free My SmartJob account you can:

You need to have an account to apply for jobs online. Make sure you read and agree to the privacy collection notice.

Once you register your details, the information will automatically transfer to any online application for a job.

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6. How do I set up a job alert?

The job alert service sends you an email as soon as any new jobs matching your preferences are advertised. Login to your My SmartJob account, then select job alert in the left hand menu. Specify your preferences, test and then save the profile, which is set for 90 days.

Each time you receive a job alert, you will be notified of the number of days remaining on your registration. You can re-set it for another 90 days at any time by logging in to your My SmartJob account.

You can cancel your job alert at any time. It will automatically be suspended after 90 days if you don’t wish to extend it.

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7. How do I update my contact details?

Login to your My SmartJob account. Select update details in the left hand menu, enter your old password and make any changes you wish to make. You will be asked to choose a new password. This will now be your login password.

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8. What do I do if I have forgotten my username or password?

Don't worry. Go to the My SmartJob page and click the ‘Forgotten your password’ link on the login box. Enter your username or registered email address and click submit. Your password will be sent to your registered email address.

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9. Who do I contact if I am having trouble registering, searching or applying for jobs online?

First of all, make sure your computer meets the minimum systems requirements to view and download documents or send information.

Have you updated your internet browser recently? You should have either:

The latest version can be downloaded free from the provider’s website.

Other minimum requirements for using the online job service are:

If you're still having trouble, there could be many technical reasons for the problem. We suggest you consult a computer vendor or your Internet provider to resolve the problem.

Check to see if you can use another computer, e.g. at a library or internet café.

If you think it’s a problem with this website, contact our help centre by filling in the online form on the contact us page. Please provide as much detail as possible about the issue you are experiencing.

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10. Can I apply by post instead of online?

Applying online is fast, efficient and saves a trip to the Post Office. However, you can post or email your application as long as it is received by the closing date. Please check the application instructions attached to the job for correct address details.

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11. What is a Job Reference or Position Number?

A job reference number uniquely identifies each advertised job. There are lots of jobs in the Queensland Government, often using identical job titles, so the reference number helps us track the job and your application through the recruitment process.

If applying by mail, please ensure you include the reference number in your application.

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12. What does "Classification" on the Search page mean?

The classification of a job reflects the value of the work performed. Some of the classifications cover a wide variety of occupations.

Classifications can vary between government agencies so we recommend that you search for jobs based on other criteria such as job category.

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13. What is a Temporary job?

A temporary job is one which has all the same conditions and entitlements as a permanent job but has a fixed start and end date.

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14. Are all Queensland Government jobs advertised on this website?

Most of them are. All jobs for 12 months and over are required to be advertised on this website. However, there are some exceptions.

Some jobs have special recruitment needs and you apply directly to the department. These are:

Entry level jobs are often advertised through employment agencies.

Short-term contract or temporary jobs may be advertised through employment agencies. A list of preferred employment agencies is on the Entry level jobs page.

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15. Can I find local government jobs on this website?

Only Queensland State Government jobs are advertised on the Smart jobs and careers website.

For local government jobs go to the Local Government Association of Queensland website at http://www.lgaq.asn.au.

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16. Where can I find out more about a career with the Queensland Government?

Just explore this website! Go to Working with us to find out more about the Queensland Government and the types of work available. For information on general employment conditions and benefits go to Benefits.

Feel free to contact an organisation directly to find out specific details. Click here for a full list of government organisation websites.

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17. How do I find out more about a job advertised online or in the press?

Each advertised job has an attached job description, application instructions and a contact name and phone number. The contact person can answer any further questions you have about the job. You can call anytime during normal business hours.

You can find out more about the organisation advertising the job by visiting their website.

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18. Can I apply for a job that no longer appears on the website?

After the closing date, jobs are removed from the website so applications cannot be submitted online.

Organisations may accept late applications if there are good reasons for lateness. If you miss the closing date you should check with the job contact person to see if you can send a late application via another method.

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19. If I have a criminal record does that mean I'm not eligible to apply?

A criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from getting a job in government. Due to the nature of some positions, criminal history checks may be conducted. Check the job description to see if this applies to the job you are interested in.

The agency will consider the nature and severity of the crime and the kind of job involved.

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20. How can I contact Smart jobs and careers if I have a question?

Use the contact us form. The help centre will send your query to the appropriate person and a representative will be in touch with you shortly.

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