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Last updated: : 22 December 2004
Ongoing employment – Recruitment and related issues
Frequently Asked Questions
15. Can a work area use one selection exercise to select for employment opportunities at a number of classifications?
An agency can choose to conduct a single selection exercise for engagement or promotion to employment opportunities at a number of different classifications. This would usually only be done if the selection criteria are similar (eg the duties at the levels are similar but vary in the level of supervision or degree of complexity of the duties).
If a short-listed applicant has not applied for both or all levels, that applicant can only be considered for the employment opportunity at the classification for which they have applied.
Agencies should consider the situation that can arise where an applicant for a lower classification is rated highly against the criteria for a higher classification. If the applicant has not applied for the higher classification, they cannot be engaged or promoted to it. This situation can be avoided if applicants are asked if they wish to be considered for selection at all classifications before any further assessment. This action is not considered patronage or favouritism as long as there are no expectations given to applicants and they are assessed fairly with other applicants (ie all applicants are given the same opportunity). Both the request and the answer should be documented.
