Information for applicants

Academic

Applying for a position

Applications are submitted online. Click the 'Begin' button at the bottom of the job advertisement to get started.

As well as answering a few short questions, you will be required to upload a current CV or resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria within the position description.

Your CV or resume should cover the major positions you have held, in chronological order, with your most recent position listed first. Indicate the:

  • Title and level of the position
  • Dates (month and year) employed in the position
  • Reasons for leaving or wanting to leave
  • Responsibilities and main duties for each position

Also, include a summary of your educational qualifications and any relevant training courses you have completed, together with any awards received and memberships of professional bodies.

The selection criteria requirement plays a critical part in the Panel's assessment of your application.

You cover letter should address each of the selection criteria within the position description separately, giving clear and concise examples that demonstrate how you meet the criteria. For example, provide your relevant work experience or describe a situation in which you have demonstrated a required skill or personal attribute.

Applicants who do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

As part of your application, you will also be given the option to provide contact details for two referees, including either your current or a recent supervisor.

Reference checks are usually completed once the preferred candidate has been selected following interviews. Preferred candidates will be notified prior to referees being contacted.

Once you have completed your application, be sure to submit by the closing date.

people in front of window

The selection process 

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We apply the principles of equity and cultural diversity to our recruitment and selection processes and take account of the particular needs of applicants from equity groups such as Indigenous Australians, women, people with a disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Selection for our advertised positions is based on merit and normally involves the following processes: 

After the closing date for the vacant position, all applications received are reviewed by the selection panel as part of the shortlisting process. Applications are compared to the selection criteria to identify the applicants who best match the criteria.  If you are selected during the shortlisting process you will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.

Interviews are held in person or through video-conferencing. Interviews are conducted by a selection panel. The composition of the panel will vary, depending on the nature of the position, but will normally include the following members:

  • The Head of the Work Unit where the position is located;
  • The supervisor of the position;
  • An external panel member from outside the Work Unit, either selected from within the University or external to the University; and
  • A HR representative may also participate on the panel.

During the interview, the panel will ask you a series of questions which focus on the job requirements and the selection criteria for the position. A similar set of questions is asked of each applicant. You will be asked to provide specific examples which demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria.

The selection panel may decide to use other selection techniques to obtain more information about your suitability for the position. Examples of some of the techniques that may be used are:

  • Presentations to the selection panel;
  • Conducting a teaching session;
  • Skills tests such as typing tests or operating machinery or specific computer software; and
  • Evaluating information such as a balance sheet for an accounting position.

At the end of the interview, you will have the opportunity to provide additional information to support your application and to ask questions.

Be prepared for the interview to ensure you give yourself the best chance for success.

Reference checks are usually completed once the preferred candidate has been selected following interviews. Preferred candidates will be notified prior to referees being contacted. References are normally sought verbally or in some circumstances in writing from at least two referees that are current or recent supervisors/managers.

Candidates are generally informed of the outcome within one week of the interviews. On some occasions, further information may be needed or the panel may need to reconvene at a later date to further consider their recommendation.

If you are the preferred candidate, you will typically receive a phone call prior to a written employment contact.

If you are unsuccessful at the interview stage, feedback will be provided by a member of the Selection Panel to help you in your preparation for future applications and interviews.

International applicants

Southern Cross University is proud of its commitment to workplace equity and cultural diversity and we value the contribution that employees from culturally diverse backgrounds bring to our University community.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and commitment to our students, community and strategic direction for those positions open to international applicants. However, before you apply, we recommend that you carefully consider the process of migration and the implications for you and your family.

Student on bike

Working in Australia

To be eligible for employment at Southern Cross University, you must have the right to work in Australia or be a suitable candidate for nomination and sponsorship. Information about Australian citizenship and visas with work rights can be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs website.

For some positions, the University may sponsor you and your dependents for an appropriate visa if you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The Department of Home Affairs have strict rules regarding which positions can be sponsored. Typically, these include academic and senior professional roles.

You will need a Tax File Number (TFN) to receive an income in Australia. You can apply for a TFN over the internet or you can telephone the Australian Taxation Office and have a TFN application form sent to you.

Further information about Australia's tax system can be obtained from the Australian Taxation Office website.

Suitability of overseas qualifications will be assessed as part of the recruitment and /or appointment process.

On commencement, employees with overseas qualifications must provide the original testamurs, transcripts or certificates for academic and professional qualifications together with an accredited translation for qualifications not in English. For information on accredited translations within Australia refer to the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters website.

The type of visa that you are granted will determine whether your family members will be able to work during your time in Australia. Further information is available from the Department of Home Affairs website.

Lismore campus

Living in Australia

Applicant FAQs

Our position descriptions contain useful information about the position however should you wish to speak to someone further, the contact person listed on the advertisement can provide more information on the job requirements.

If you’re experiencing any issues submitting your application online, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Include a summary of your educational and professional qualifications and any training courses you have attended in the CV attached to your application.

If you are the successful candidate for the position, you will be required to submit copies of your testamurs and certificates as part of the online onboarding process.

The length of our recruitment and selection processes can vary depending on the position, availability of panel members and number of applications. Typically they can take anywhere between 4 weeks to 3 months. We aim to inform candidates at each stage of the process through email or phone.

You can update or withdraw your application by logging into your Candidate Profile and selecting the relevant application. Application updates will need to be made prior to the closing date listed on the advertisement.

Southern Cross University launched the Talent Community platform on 6 November 2023, replacing the previous Casual Employment Registers. 

Visit the Talent Community website for more information, and register your interest now!

Privacy notice

Southern Cross University collects, stores and uses personal information for the purposes of administering recruitment and employment processes, and for related statistical and reporting purposes. Providing this information is not required by law, however, our ability to assess your application may be affected if you choose not to provide it. Your information will be treated confidentially and will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent unless we are required to do so by law.

To access or update your personal information, or for more information on our privacy obligations, ask to speak to our Privacy Officer or email [email protected]. See the University's Privacy Management Plan.

To facilitate its recruitment and employment processes, Southern Cross University uses the Acendre e-recruitment system. Information about how Acendre collects, stores and uses personal information can be found in the Acendre privacy statement.