Your First Government Contract: A Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates
Introduction
Venturing into government contracting for the first time can feel like stepping into a world of acronyms, panels and unfamiliar processes. While the opportunities are immense, offering rewarding work and professional growth, the path to securing your first government contract role can be opaque.
At Resolve Recruit, we’ve guided hundreds of candidates through this process. To help demystify it, this guide unpacks what you can expect, from the initial application through to onboarding and post-placement care.
Why This Matters
Many candidates are unaware of the government procurement process and the layers of approval involved.
Selection criteria, contract engagement methods and onboarding requirements are often not well understood.
Agencies vary in how they support you. Choosing the right recruitment partner can make all the difference.
The Recruitment Journey: Step-by-Step
1. Expression of Interest
There are several ways to enter the pipeline for a government contract:
Apply online – via LinkedIn, SEEK or a recruitment firm’s website.
Direct outreach – a recruiter may contact you if your profile matches a live opportunity.
Bring-your-own (BYO) contract – already sourced your own role? Many approved suppliers, including us, can formalise the engagement through our panel arrangements.
Resolve Recruit Tip: Already have a contract lined up? Our BYO Contract option helps you stay compliant and get paid – quickly and smoothly.
2. Initial Conversation with the Recruitment Agency
After expressing interest, you’ll usually have an initial screening call with a consultant. This is your chance to:
Share your experience, skills and goals
Clarify what you’re looking for in a role and team
Learn more about the opportunity
Discuss availability, work arrangements and salary expectations
You’ll also be asked if another agency has approached you for the same role – duplication can disqualify you.
3. Role Briefing & Submission Requirements
If you’re keen to proceed, your consultant will provide a Role Brief Pack that usually includes:
Position description
Selection criteria (if required)
Submission templates and deadlines
Important: Submission rules are strict. Inconsistent formatting or missing attachments can disqualify you – even if you’re a perfect match.
4. Second Interview & Recruitment Agency Alignment
Next comes a deeper discussion to align on:
Role responsibilities
Career motivations
Competing opportunities and timing
If multiple agencies are involved, this is where you’ll choose which one represents you. Consider factors like:
Track record with the department
Transparency
Communication
Alignment with your goals
Level of support
Value-added services
Application quality and presentation
5. Shortlisting Process
Most government RFQs allow agencies to submit 2–3 candidates only. Even strong candidates may not be submitted due to internal prioritisation. If you’re not selected, your recruiter can position you for future roles.
6. Selection Criteria & Resume Refinement
At this point, you’ll need to:
Respond to selection criteria using frameworks like STAR
Tailor your resume to match the role
Submit drafts early so your recruiter can review and support improvements.
Resolve Recruit Tip: Want insight into writing great APS applications? Search for “Applying for an APS job: cracking the code” by the Australian Public Service Commission.
7. Application Submission
Your recruiter will compile and submit your application according to panel rules. You’ll receive a final copy of what’s submitted.
8. Client Evaluation & Shortlisting
The process includes:
Compliance check by procurement
Evaluation by the business area
Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates
This stage can take 2 to 6 weeks.
9. Interview (If Shortlisted)
Expect a 30–45 minute panel interview covering both technical and behavioural questions. Prepare by:
Reviewing the role description and your application
Using STAR responses
Researching the agency’s values and priorities
Most interviews are now virtual (usually via Microsoft Teams). Presentation matters – test your setup and dress professionally.
Resolve Recruit offers coaching and branded virtual backgrounds to help you present well.
10. Referee Checks
If successful at interview, referees are contacted next. You’ll need two recent managers or supervisors. Your recruiter will:
Confirm referee availability
Brief them on the role
Ask structured questions
Compile written reports for the client
Choose referees who can speak to your strengths relevant to the role.
11. Offer Management
Your recruiter will deliver the offer verbally and in writing. They’ll walk you through:
Contract type (employee or Pty Ltd contractor)
Remaining checks
Start date confirmation
At Resolve Recruit, we help you understand and negotiate the offer where needed.
Post-Offer: Contracts & Onboarding
12. Choosing Your Engagement Method
Once the Work Order is issued, you’ll choose how you want to be engaged:
Direct employee of the agency
Contractor via your own Pty Ltd
We help you make the right choice based on your needs.
Resolve Recruit Tip: Not sure which method suits you? As part of a Chartered Accounting group, we can advise you on the pros and cons of each.
13. Onboarding Requirements
Client onboarding may include:
ID checks
Conflict of interest forms
National Police Check
Security clearance
Agency onboarding depends on your engagement type:
Employees: bank details, super, TFN
Contractors: company details, insurance certificates
We streamline this with digital forms and hands-on support.
14. Your First Day
You’ll receive a Day One pack with:
Start time and location
Contact details
System access instructions
Equipment info (if applicable)
Your consultant will check in within 48 hours to ensure things went smoothly.
15. Ongoing Contractor Care
Support continues after placement. With Resolve Recruit, you can expect:
Regular check-ins
One point of contact
Invitations to networking events
Feedback channels
Coaching services (career, executive, holistic)
Business support (accounting, compliance, insurance)
Free coworking access
We don’t just place you – we support your long-term success.
Conclusion
Government contracting is a rewarding career path, but navigating it requires the right support. This guide was designed to help you feel confident through every stage.
At Resolve Recruit, we’re here to support you from day one – and well beyond.
Have questions?
Contact us:
Let’s navigate the journey together.