How to apply | Australian Signals Directorate

The process for joining our organisation is a little different to most other employers and might take a little longer. This is because we make sure that you’re the right fit for us, and we’re the right fit for you.

Image of a man with text "An exception career awaits, ASD"

We’ve created this visual to help you know what you can expect and some indicative timings to help you plan. Learn about our recruitment process here or check out the candidate hub for tips on progressing your application. Depending on the role you are applying for and your circumstances, this process can take between three to 18 months.

Direct entry recruitment process

Begin your application, ensuring you address the selection criteria in the information pack and uploading all the necessary attachments.
Completed applications are assessed, and the shortlist is contacted for an interview and/or a technical assessment.
If you are the preferred candidate a preliminary offer will be issued, conditional on you passing the vetting process.
You will then undergo psychological testing to ensure you have the professional capacity to work in a high security environment.
Security vetting will commence, which reviews your personal, social, residential, employment, financial and criminal history. This process may take some time to complete, but you will be notified of the outcome.
Upon passing your security assessments, you will receive a formal offer and the onboarding process will begin.

Graduate recruitment process

Begin your application, ensuring you address the selection criteria in the information pack and uploading all the necessary attachments.
You will be contacted for cognitive testing, psych testing, and relevant language and technical testing.
Selected candidates will undertake further psychological testing to ensure you have the professional capacity to work in a high security environment.
If you are the preferred candidate a preliminary offer will be issued, conditional on you passing the vetting process.
Security vetting will commence, which reviews your personal, social, residential, employment, financial and criminal history. This process may take some time to complete, but you will be notified of the outcome.
Upon passing your security assessments, you will receive a formal offer and the onboarding process will begin.

How to contact us

For questions regarding your application or an advertised position, please contact the contact officer for the position. Details can be found in the information pack or by accessing your previous applications under my profile.

My profile

Candidate information

We provide all our candidates with information to help them apply for and prepare for the recruitment process.

RecruitAbility scheme

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Cyber skills framework

The ASD Cyber Skills Framework defines the roles, capabilities and skills proficiencies that are essential to cyber missions, and that can be used in both the security and offensive contexts.

The ASD Cyber Skills Framework enables targeted recruitment of cyber specialists, provides a development pathway for current and future cyber staff and aligns skills, knowledge and attributes with national and international industry standards.

The ASD Cyber Skills Framework is relevant to wider government, industry and academia which can be implemented and used as a tool for understanding and profiling cyber skills in any organisation.

Employment decisions

ASD values transparency and encourages all candidates to seek feedback if their application is unsuccessful. We also advise the outcome of recruitment activities here.

Note: We only provide feedback on the employment decision and not the organisational suitability or security clearance outcome.