Merit Pools and the Australian Public Service (APS)

This website was made to help job applicants understand merit pools within the Australian Public Service.

Numerous threads on Reddit are constantly created asking the same, similar or common questions. This website is intended to collate them.

A merit pool is a list of candidates assessed as suitable (and competitive) for a role or similar roles, created from a recruitment process.

• in many instances, there is a need to recruit several people at once, as part of a bulk recruitment.
• people may decline an offer (because of their own circumstances) so being able to leverage someone else from the pool is important and quicker than starting a new recruitment process.
• there may be similar roles that may also require people quickly. If positions are similar, then using a pool may be quicker and easier.

A merit pool

A merit list

Commonly advertised roles include:

• call centre operators
• executive assistants
• service centre operators
• other entry level roles

Other roles may be advertised as merit pools.

Nothing

You have been found suitable for the role. The application process found that they believe you could do the position that was advertised. If an actual job comes up, you (and/others in the pool) may be offered it.

There is no guarantee you will be offered a job.

No

Those that are ranked as suitable for the position are added to merit pools. If you were not found suitable for the position, you will not be added to the merit pool.

Not all positions will have a merit pool.

Not necessarily

It generally means you’ve been assessed as suitable, but offers depend on vacancies, priorities, and role fit.

No

Where a job has been advertised on APSJobs, the recruitment process must proceed through applications, review, interview and notification to candidates.

Being on a merit pool does not allow you to skip those steps. You will need to apply for any position that is listed.

Not necessarily

It will depend on things like:

• availability of desks in specific offices
• location of the type of work. Some agencies may do specific work in a specific city, region, office.

Tread carefully

If you are already working in the APS:

If you are not working in the APS:

• Confirmation of interest and availability
• Referee details (or updated referees)
• Evidence of qualifications or clearance eligibility (role dependent)
• Any updated resume details

No

You will be contacted by the government agency IF and WHEN an offer becomes available.

Sometimes

There is no guarantee another government agency will look at existing merit pools.

Some agencies have specific requirements for job positions, or may prefer to run their own recruitment process.

Yes

You can decline an offer.

Yes

You will remain in the merit pool while the merit pool remains open (12-18 months) even if you have declined an offer.

You may be considered for similar roles while the merit pool remains open (12-18 months).

No

Wait until you have received a letter of offer from the government agency.

A letter of offer is official correspondence that you have a formal job offer.

A letter of offer will include a start date for the new job. With that information you can:

• Confirm that the start date works for you
• Where needed, you may need to discuss a change to the start date with the government agency. Contact the team that provided the letter of offer
• Plan and provide relevant notice to your current employer about resigning

Potentially any time while the merit pool is open. Usually up to 12 months, sometimes 18 months.

Government agencies that have merit pools MAY occasionally email those in the pool about whether they wish to stay in the merit pool.

By indicating you want to remain in the merit pool, or active in the merit pool means you will still be considered for future positions that may come up.

There is no incoming job offer from this email.

People may wish to withdraw from the merit pool because:

• of a change in personal circumstances
• they may have received a job offer (via the merit pool or another means) and no longer want to be considered for other jobs
• other reasons

This information will be in the letter of offer. This will usually come via email.

If you do not respond within the timeframe, you may be seen as not interested and may have the offer pulled.

It depends

Factors can include:

• Time of year (Public holidays, end of year, school holidays)
• Number of new starters
• Team capacity to process paperwork and steps
• How long it takes you to return paperwork provided to you

It depends

Factors can include:

• Time of year (Public holidays, end of year, school holidays)
• Number of new starters
• Team capacity to process paperwork and steps
• How long it takes you to return paperwork provided to you

Some positions may have specific starting periods. This will be provided if that is the case.

Many positions require security clearances. Depending on the clearance level, this can also impacting start dates. See Timeframes on the AGSVA website for more information.

12 to 18 months

Pool duration varies by organisation and recruitment round. Some expire after a fixed period; others may be refreshed regularly. Most are 12 months, some limited circumstances, up to 18 months.

Yes

Merit pools do not mean you will get a job. Apply for other jobs.

For positions at the same level

For positions at a higher level than the level in the merit pool

For positions that are a completely different role than the position applied in merit pool

Australian Public Service Commission (APSC):

• Home page
• Creating and Sharing Merit Lists or Pools
• Circular 2025/07: Merit list sharing in the APS

APS Jobs:

• Home page and search
• Gazette

NSW Government:

• I got placed in the NSW Government Graduate Program pool, is this the same as being placed in the merit pool in other governments?
• How to Turn Your NSW Government Talent Pool Placement into a Job Offer

VIC Government:

• Is there a merit pool in the VPS? How does one become part of it?