The General Administrative Support Officer (GASO) position with the NSW Police Force offers an exceptional entry point into government service. Based at local police stations, these roles immerse you in the intricacies of government bureaucracy—in the best way possible.
| Organisation / Entity | NSW Police Force |
|---|---|
| Job Location | Statewide – currently recruiting in Bega, Batemans Bay, Ulladulla, Nowra, Dee Why, Manly, Chatswood, and North Sydney |
| Work Type | Full-Time |
| Total Remuneration Package | Clerk Grade 1/2 – $86,341 (includes salary of $70,694 – $76,857, employer’s contribution to superannuation, and annual leave loading) |
| Closing Date | 20/10/2024 – 11:59 PM |
Why the GASO Role is a Great Career Move
If you’re looking to kickstart your career in the public sector, the GASO position is a fantastic opportunity. Not only will you gain valuable experience in customer service by handling enquiries and managing telephones, but you’ll also develop a broad range of administrative skills. These include data entry, distributing requests and correspondence, email management, purchasing, meeting scheduling, and auditing tasks. It’s the perfect role for an administrative all-rounder looking to make a meaningful impact.
Abundant Opportunities Across Multiple Locations
One of the standout features of this role is the sheer number of positions available statewide. Each police station typically has multiple GASO positions. As of now, the NSW Police Force is recruiting in eight different locations: Bega, Batemans Bay, Ulladulla, Nowra, Dee Why, Manly, Chatswood, and North Sydney. By applying once, you open doors to numerous opportunities, not just a single job. Moreover, the hiring managers often create a talent pool, increasing your chances of placement in future openings across various locations.
Understanding the Recruitment Process for General Administrative Support Officers
Essential Requirements
To apply for the GASO position, you’ll need to submit:
- A Cover Letter (maximum of 2 pages)
- An Up-to-Date Resume
Your cover letter and resume must address the essential requirement of the role:
- Obtain and maintain the requisite security clearances for this position.
Additionally, your cover letter should address the focus capabilities and respond to the target questions provided.
Focus Capabilities
The four focus capabilities for this role are:
| Capability | Behavioral Indicators |
|---|---|
| Display Resilience and Courage – Intermediate Level | Be flexible and adaptable; respond quickly when situations change. Offer your own opinion and raise challenging issues. Listen when ideas are challenged and respond reasonably. Work through challenges. Stay calm and focused in challenging situations. |
| Commit to Customer Service – Intermediate Level | Support a culture of quality customer service. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the services provided and relay this to customers. Identify and respond quickly to customer needs. Develop solutions to meet customer service requirements. Resolve complex customer issues. Collaborate across work areas to improve customer outcomes. |
| Think and Solve Problems – Foundational Level | Find and verify information needed to complete tasks. Inform your supervisor of issues that may impact task completion. Escalate complex issues when identified. Share ideas for improving tasks and solving problems. Suggest team improvements. |
| Technology – Foundational Level | Display familiarity and confidence in using core office software and technology. Understand the use of computers, telecommunications, and audiovisual equipment. Comprehend information, communication, and document control policies and security protocols. Comply with policies on acceptable technology use. |
Target Questions for General Administrative Support Officer
- Target Question 1:Please provide an example of how you have worked collaboratively with others in your current or previous roles. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?
- Target Question 2:Drawing on your previous experience of administration systems, processes, and computer-based applications, please provide an example of a time when you had to adapt existing skills to a new situation. What was the outcome?
Mastering the Focus Capabilities in Your Application
All NSW Public Sector roles come with a set of focus capabilities. For entry-level positions like GASO, there are typically around four. The NSW Capability Framework outlines different behavioural indicators for each capability at various levels.
To stand out, tailor your resume and cover letter to mirror the focus capabilities described for the role. Use similar language and provide concrete examples from your previous experience. For instance, if you worked in a busy supermarket, you might say:
“Developed an up-to-date knowledge of store services and consistently relayed this information to customers to enhance their shopping experience.”
This directly addresses the behaviour indicators under “Commit to Customer Service.”
By aligning your application with these capabilities, you make it easier for hiring managers—who may be sifting through hundreds of applications—to identify you as a strong candidate for an interview.
Example Application for General Administrative Support Officer
Meet Jackson, a shift manager at a local Woolworths in a regional town. Eager to transition into the public sector and intrigued by police work (though not ready to become an officer himself), Jackson is applying for the GASO position. Below is his example cover letter, which references the focus capabilities and answers the two target questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the General Administrative Support Officer position with the NSW Police Force. With over five years of experience in customer service and administrative roles at Woolworths, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team. I am prepared to obtain and maintain the requisite security clearances for this position.
In my current role as a Shift Manager, I have developed strong skills that align closely with the requirements of this position. I consistently support a culture of quality customer service by demonstrating thorough knowledge of our services and effectively relaying this information to customers. I proactively identify and respond quickly to customer needs, often developing tailored solutions to meet specific requests. By collaborating with colleagues across different departments, I improve outcomes for customers and resolve complex issues efficiently.
I am known for being flexible and adaptable, especially in high-pressure situations. When unexpected challenges arise, such as staff shortages or sudden influxes of customers, I respond quickly to reassign tasks and maintain smooth operations. I make it a point to offer my own opinion and raise challenging issues during team meetings to enhance our processes. Throughout these situations, I remain calm and focused, helping the team navigate obstacles effectively.
I actively find and verify information needed to complete tasks and inform my supervisor of any issues that may impact completion. When complex problems emerge, I escalate them appropriately while also sharing ideas for improving tasks and solving problems. For instance, I suggested implementing a new inventory tracking system to reduce discrepancies, which was adopted and led to improved accuracy.
Proficient with core office software applications like Microsoft Office Suite and inventory management systems, I display familiarity and confidence in using technology. I understand the importance of information security protocols and always comply with policies on acceptable technology use, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
Please provide an example of how you have worked collaboratively with others in your current or previous roles. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?
During the peak holiday season at Woolworths, we faced an unexpected surge in customer volume coupled with several staff absences. The challenge was to manage the increased workload without compromising customer service quality. I took the initiative to coordinate with team members across different departments to redistribute responsibilities. By encouraging open communication and addressing concerns promptly, we worked collaboratively to maintain our service standards. This teamwork resulted in a 20% increase in sales compared to the previous year, and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.
Drawing on your previous experience of administration systems, processes, and computer-based applications, please provide an example of a time when you had to adapt existing skills to a new situation. What was the outcome?
When our store transitioned to a new point-of-sale system that differed significantly from the previous one, I needed to quickly learn this new system to train staff and ensure seamless transactions. Leveraging my existing knowledge of sales processes, I dedicated extra time to understand the new functionalities. I then developed a training module for staff, incorporating hands-on practice and addressing common concerns. As a result, the team adapted to the new system ahead of schedule, reducing transaction times by 15%. My ability to adapt existing skills to a new situation ensured a smooth transition with minimal impact on customer service.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the NSW Police Force. I believe that my commitment to customer service, ability to adapt, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with technology make me a strong candidate for the General Administrative Support Officer role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and supporting the important work of the NSW Police Force.
Sincerely,
Jackson Smith
Preparing for the Interview
Understanding the focus capabilities not only strengthens your application but also prepares you for potential interview questions. For example, based on the “Think and Solve Problems” capability, you might be asked an administrative-focused question such as:
“Can you describe a situation where you had to find and verify information to complete a task, and how you addressed any challenges that arose?”
Example Answer
“In my role as a Shift Manager at Woolworths, I was responsible for preparing weekly sales reports for upper management. One week, I noticed that the sales figures for a particular product line were unusually low compared to previous weeks. This discrepancy could have affected inventory orders and sales strategies.
To find and verify information needed to complete the task, I delved into our sales database and cross-referenced the figures with point-of-sale records. I discovered that the barcode for the product line had been updated but not correctly entered into the system, causing sales to be recorded inaccurately.
Recognizing the potential impact, I informed my supervisor of the issue immediately. Together, we decided to escalate the problem to the IT department to correct the barcode entry in the system. In the meantime, I manually adjusted the sales report to reflect the accurate figures.
To prevent similar issues in the future, I suggested improvements to our product update process, including a double-verification system whenever new products or barcodes are entered. This experience not only resolved the immediate issue but also enhanced our data accuracy processes, ensuring reliable sales reporting moving forward.”
By preparing thoughtful answers like this, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve problems—key qualities for a General Administrative Support Officer – NSW Police. Reflect on your past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated challenges, and be ready to discuss them confidently during your interview.
The NSW Public Service Commission offers a Capability Application Tool with numerous example interview questions to help you prepare further.
Congratulations on Taking the Next Step
If you’re successful, you’ll join a talent pool for a role with ample opportunities to grow and gain experience rapidly. The GASO position is an excellent entry-level role that can serve as a springboard for a rewarding career in the public sector.
