Veterans bring valuable skills to the Australian Public Service (APS): leadership, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, problem solving and a strong commitment to service. These skills are highly relevant across APS roles from service delivery and operations to policy, project management, corporate services, technical roles and leadership.

This page helps you understand how APS jobs work, where to find vacancies, how to translate your ADF experience into civilian language and how to prepare a strong application. You can also use the Australian Public Service Commission’s Cracking the Code guide for more detailed advice.

If you have served in the Australian Defence Force, including as a reservist, there are many ways to continue serving the Australian community through APS employment.

Explore APS employment topics

Use the topics below to find practical information about APS careers, applications and veteran employment pathways.

Why join the APS?
See how your service experience can support meaningful work in Australia.

Types of APS jobs
Explore the range of roles that you can choose across government. 

APS classifications
Understand classification levels, pay bands and where your experience may fit.

Finding APS jobs
Learn where vacancies are advertised and what to look for in a job ad.

Applying for an APS job
Understand where to start when you choose to apply for an APS role.

Writing your application
Turn your ADF experience into a strong CV, pitch or selection criteria response.

Interviews and assessment
Learn more about preparing for interviews, assessment tasks and referee checks. 

Translate your skills
Describe your military experience in language APS recruiters understand.

APS VetPaths
Find out about your development when joining the APS.

Need help?
Know who to contact and how to ask useful questions.

 

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