Applying for a Position with the Inland Revenue Division

A Candidate’s Guide to Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in working with the Inland Revenue Division (IRD)

Choosing where to work is one of the most important career decisions you will make. At IRD, we are committed to building a modern, high-performing and inclusive organisation where people are supported to learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution to the people and future of Solomon Islands.

Whether you are beginning your career, seeking new challenges or considering a career in the public service for the first time, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available at IRD. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience who bring a positive attitude to their work, embrace continuous learning, and are committed to serving the community and making a positive difference.

We understand that applying for a position can sometimes feel challenging, particularly if you have not applied for a role before or are unsure what to expect. This guide has been developed to help you understand our recruitment process, prepare effectively for each stage, and put your best foot forward.

Recruitment at IRD

At IRD, we are committed to recruiting employees fairly, transparently and based on merit. Our goal is to attract capable people who have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to perform the role successfully, and who demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a positive approach to their work.

We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and enhances the services we provide to the people of Solomon Islands. We welcome applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds and value the different skills, experiences and perspectives they can bring to IRD. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive workforce, we encourage women to apply for positions at all levels of the organisation, including leadership roles, to help increase their representation across the workforce. We also welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities.

If you decide to apply, your application will be assessed against the requirements of the advertised role. Understanding how the recruitment process works can help you prepare a stronger application.

A typical recruitment process at IRD includes the following stages:

1

Vacancy advertised

2

Candidate information sessions

3

Applications registered

4

Eligibility screening

5

Shortlisting

6

Interviews & other assessments

7

Reference checks

8

Selection recommendation

9

PSC approval & offer of appointment

QUICK OVERVIEW

For a quick overview of the recruitment process, refer to Your Recruitment Journey at IRD: What
to Expect When You Apply, which provides a summary of each stage and what it means for you
as an applicant.

Your Recruitment Journey at IRD

Candidate Information Sessions

IRD may offer candidate information sessions while applications are open for advertised positions. These sessions are designed to help prospective applicants better understand the recruitment process and prepare their applications. During a session, you may receive information about:

  • The different stages of IRD's recruitment process;
  • How to read and understand a vacancy advertisement;
  • Completing the application form and preparing your curriculum vitae;
  • Addressing the key selection criteria and providing relevant examples;
  • The documents that need to be submitted with your application; and

You will also have an opportunity to ask general questions about the recruitment process and application requirements.

Before You Apply

Before preparing your application, take time to carefully read the vacancy advertisement and the requirements of the job. Consider whether the position is a good fit for you and if you have the knowledge, skills and experience required.

Pay particular attention to the:

  • Key duties and deliverables
  • Mandatory and desirable qualifications
  • Capabilities required
  • Key selection criteria
  • Documents you need to submit
  • Application closing date and any other instructions

You will also have an opportunity to ask general questions about the recruitment process and application requirements.

REMEMBER

Please not rule yourself out because you do not meet every desirable qualification or have experience in every aspect of the role. Focus instead on whether you meet the essential requirements of the position and believe your overall experience and capabilities make you a suitable candidate.

Addressing the Selection Criteria

Selection criteria describe the specific requirements against which applicants will be assessed. They provide a fair and consistent basis for evaluating and comparing candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Selection criteria may relate to areas such as:

Communication skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Technical knowledge

Planning and organisation

Leadership

Problem solving

Commitment to gender equality

Integrity and professionalism

When preparing your application, consider each selection criterion individually. Think about your own knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes, and identify examples that demonstrate how you meet each of the advertised requirements. Examples may come from paid employment, education, volunteer work, church or community activities, sporting organisations and other life experiences.

REMEMBER

The selection panel can only assess the information you provide. Do not assume that your qualifications, previous positions or experience speak for themselves. Clearly explain how your experience relates to the requirements of the position and, wherever possible, provide specific examples to demonstrate your suitability.

Preparing Your Application and Curriculum Vitae

Prepare your application and curriculum vitae using the standardised forms provided, and ensure all requested information is included.

APPLICATION FORM

The application form asks for your personal details and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate how you meet the key selection criteria for the position.

CURRICULUM VITAE

The curriculum vitae provides a more complete picture of your background, including your academic qualifications, relevant training, employment history and key duties, as well as details of your referees. Your referees should be people who know your work well and, if contacted, can speak about your experience, capabilities and personal attributes. This should include your most recent employer or supervisor or, where relevant, someone who has supervised or observed your work through volunteer, church, community or other unpaid activities.

Together, these documents provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your overall suitability for the advertised position. Use them to clearly describe the work you have performed, the responsibilities you have undertaken, the results you have achieved, and the knowledge, skills and personal attributes you would bring to the role.

Although standardised forms are used, each application should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for. If you have applied for another position previously, do not simply reuse the same information. Review and update your application to ensure that the information and examples you provide are relevant to the requirements of the position currently being advertised.

Reviewing Your Application

Before submitting your application, take time to review it carefully. A well-prepared application demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail and genuine interest in the position.

Application submission checklist:

  • I have read the vacancy advertisement carefully and understand the application requirements.
  • I have completed, dated and signed the Public Service Cover Sheet (RS Form 6 Application for Employment).
  • I have completed, dated and signed the Application Letter (Information Sheet 1), tailored it to the advertised position and demonstrated how I meet the Key Selection Criteria.
  • I have prepared my Curriculum Vitae (Information Sheet 2 – Sample CV Preparation Guide) and ensured that it is current and accurately reflects my qualifications, experience and achievements.
  • I have included all required supporting documents, including certified copies of my qualifications, referee details and reference letters, as required.
  • I am submitting one application for one advertised position.
  • I have checked the closing date and allowed enough time to submit my application before the deadline.

What Happens After You Have Submitted Your Application?

After the closing date, applications move through several stages. The following explains what happens at each stage:

Registration and Eligibility Screening

Applications are first registered and checked to determine whether they meet the basic requirements of the position. This includes confirming that all required information and documents have been provided and that the applicant meets the mandatory qualifications.

Shortlisting

Applications that meet the eligibility requirements then move to the shortlisting stage. Where there are more eligible applicants than can reasonably be interviewed, applications are assessed against the advertised requirements to identify those candidates who most clearly demonstrate their suitability for the position.

Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will normally be invited to attend an interview. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss your knowledge, skills and experience in more detail and demonstrate how they relate to the requirements of the position.

During the interview, you will be asked questions related to the role and the advertised selection criteria. You may also be asked to provide examples from your previous experience or explain how you would respond to a particular situation. Take the opportunity to draw on relevant examples and explain clearly what you did, how you approached the situation and what results you achieved.

The interview also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the position and IRD and to ask any questions you may have about the role.

For some positions, the selection process may include additional assessments alongside the interview to assess particular skills or capabilities required for the role. If an additional assessment is required, you will be advised in advance about what to expect.

Reference Checks

Following the interview, your referees may be contacted as part of the recruitment process. Reference checks help verify the information you have provided and gather further information about your work experience, capabilities, personal attributes and suitability for the position.

Selection Recommendation and Appointment

Following the interview, other required assessments, and reference checks, the information gathered throughout the recruitment process is considered to determine the candidate who best meets the requirements of the position.

A recommendation for appointment is then prepared and submitted through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury’s approval process to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for consideration. Being recommended for appointment does not mean that an appointment has been confirmed. The appointment remains subject to the required approvals.

Once the appointment has been approved, the successful candidate will be contacted and issued with a formal letter of appointment setting out the terms and conditions of their appointment.

Preparing for Your Interview

It is natural to feel nervous about an interview, regardless of your level of experience. Taking time to prepare can help you feel more confident, organise your thoughts and present yourself at your best.

Before your interview:

  • Learn more about IRD and the work it does.
  • Read the position description again and remind yourself of the key requirements of the role.
  • Review your application and curriculum vitae.
  • Think about examples you can use to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
  • Bring any documents you have been asked to provide.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Arrive early.

You will also have an opportunity to ask general questions about the recruitment process and application requirements.

Answering Interview Questions

Interview questions are designed to help assess your suitability for the position by exploring your knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes. Listen carefully to each question and take a moment to think before answering. It is fine to pause briefly to gather your thoughts or ask for a question to be repeated or clarified.

Where possible, support your answers with specific examples from your own experience. Real examples help demonstrate what you have done, how you approached different situations and what you achieved, providing a clearer picture of what you could bring to the role.

If you have limited work experience, remember that relevant examples can also come from education, volunteer work, church activities, community organisations, sporting clubs or other life experiences. These experiences can also provide valuable evidence of your suitability for the position.

BE YOURSELF

There is no need to memorise responses or exaggerate your experience. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is acceptable to say so and explain how you would approach the situation or where you would seek further information. Honest and well-considered responses will help you present your experience and capabilities clearly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even capable applicants can reduce their chances of success if their application does not clearly demonstrate their suitability or if they are not well prepared for the interview. Taking a little extra time to prepare can make a significant difference.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

  • Submitting an application after the closing date
  • Forgetting to sign and include required documents
  • Not providing sufficient information or examples to demonstrate how you meet the key selection criteria
  • Arriving late for an interview
  • Speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues
  • Exaggerating your qualifications, experience or achievements
  • Not tailoring your application to the advertised position

If You Are Not Successful

Not every application will result in an offer of employment. Recruitment processes can be highly competitive, with many capable applicants competing for the same position.

If you are not successful, don’t be discouraged. It does not mean you are not capable or that you should stop applying for opportunities. Many successful IRD employees have applied more than once before securing a position.

If feedback is available, take the opportunity to reflect on it and consider how you might strengthen future applications. If you have questions about the outcome or the recruitment process, you will also have an opportunity to contact HR for further information.

We encourage you to continue building your knowledge, skills and experience, and to apply again when future opportunities arise.

Considering a Career with IRD

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide and for considering a career with the Inland Revenue Division. We hope the information and practical guidance provided will help you better understand IRD’s recruitment process and prepare for future employment opportunities with IRD.

We wish you every success in your career journey.