Our selection process

Start your journey by submitting an online application. This includes:

• answering a few quick questions to confirm your eligibility for the program
• providing basic contact and demographic information, including details about your studies
• uploading your resume (no cover letter required!)
• uploading your most recent academic transcript (if your qualification/s is from overseas, please include your overseas qualification recognition )
• uploading your Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check to confirm your right to work in Australia (if applicable).

We’ll also ask you whether you require any adjustments  during the recruitment process. Requesting adjustments will not affect your application or selection. Instead, it allows us the opportunity to connect with you to ensure we provide the support you need to succeed.

How to prepare

• Learn how to write a resume.
• Download the be work smart pre-employment skills workbook for extra guidance.
• Check your eligibility.

If your application meets our eligibility criteria, you'll be invited to complete an untimed online assessment. This assessment includes a mix of cognitive and behavioural questions designed to help us better understand how you work, assess your strengths and determine your overall alignment to the role.

How to prepare

• Visit the candidate preparation hub to learn more about the online assessment, including preparation tips and practice questions.
• Ensure technology is working properly and you have a reliable internet connection.
• Find a quiet space where you can focus with no distractions.

Carefully read and follow the instructions provided in your invitation email.

Following the online assessment, you’ll be invited to participate in an immersive job simulation. During this stage, you'll respond to a series of video and written response questions. The job simulation is designed to provide you insights into scenarios you might face as a Future Leaders graduate, and assess your problem-solving, communication and decision-making skills.

How to prepare

• Visit the candidate preparation hub to learn more about the job simulation, including tips on preparing for your video responses.
• Ensure technology is working properly and you have a reliable internet connection.
• Find a quiet space where you can focus with no distractions.
• Carefully read and follow the instructions provided in your invitation email.

The final phase of our recruitment process is the assessment centre, where you’ll be invited to attend either in person or virtually, depending on your circumstances and location. The assessment centres is an opportunity for us to meet you and learn more about your skills and potential. Throughout the assessment centre you’ll participate in:

• a group activity where you’ll work collaboratively with other candidates to complete a task
• an individual interview where you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences, skills and insights with our assessors.

We acknowledge that assessment centres can feel daunting—that’s why our assessment centres are designed to be fun, engaging and relaxed so you feel comfortable and confident to shine.

How to prepare

• Reflect on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through your life, studies, and any paid/unpaid work that you could use as examples when answering interview questions.
• Familiarise yourself with behavioural interview questions and the STAR response framework to help structure your answers.
• Review the Graduate Officer Role Description, and Leadership Competencies for Queensland (PDF, 254 KB) to understand the key skills and behaviours we’re looking for.
• Most importantly, just be yourself!

Following the assessment centre, we will contact your nominated referee(s) to conduct a reference check.

If you’re successful, you can expect to receive an offer in mid-June. This offer will be subject to the completion of pre-employment checks, including criminal history and commencement paperwork.

The 2027 program will officially commence on Monday 15 February 2027.

Key dates:

• applications open 10 March 2026
• applications close 8 April 2026
• assessment centres held between 25 May to 5 June 2026
• offers from mid-June 2026
• program commences 15 February 2027.

Have questions or need more information? Reach out anytime via futureleadersgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au.