If you've been promoted or are approaching the end of your current assignment you’ll need to complete an electronic posting preference proforma (ePPP).
Accessible via Lums on Modnet or the Career Management Portal on the Defence Gateway, it’s crucial to fill it out properly if you want to secure your role of choice. Check out these pointers from Sgt Cam Eden (RLC), known to his YouTube followers as the Savvy Squaddie…
Don’t leave the My Profile box blank
This is important because it could mean the difference between getting the job you want and it going to someone else who took the time to fill it out. It’s where you give the board an overview of your long-term aspirations, location preferences, domestic considerations and other factors. Use the 2,000-character limit to clearly and concisely showcase who you are.
Use Word to draft your input
There is no spell-checker in the portal, so to avoid errors, copy and paste from Word. The last thing you want is spelling or grammatical mistakes when you are trying to sell yourself.
Narrow down your selection with the filter function
When you click on the ‘job applications’ tab, all of the available positions will come up. The filter allows you to highlight the roles or locations that interest you. Give the ones you fancy a thumbs-up to create a shortlist – this doesn’t mean you have applied yet.
Don’t just apply for one role if there are several similar ones at a unit
Just because you’ve applied for one, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be considered for all of them.
Understand the preference options
Once you click apply, three boxes pop up. The first is the preference – whether the job is your first, second or third choice and so on. Underneath that you can rate your level of interest – either ‘would love’, ‘wouldn’t mind’ or ‘not preferred’. For example, your number one choice would be first and ‘would love’. You should only use ‘not preferred’ if you have been told that you need to put certain jobs down but they don’t interest you.
Sell yourself in the notes section
Why would you be the best fit for that position? Start with a BLUF (bottom line up front), then list your knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours (KSEB) – backing up what you say with relevant qualifications and annual reports. Don’t copy and paste for each job you’re applying for. Make life easy for the board by keeping the layout and structure clean. Remember, you are competing for these jobs against other personnel.
Scores aren’t everything
Don’t be disheartened if you didn’t place highly on the promotion board – you just need to bring something else to the table in the form of KSEB to set you apart from the rest. If you are after a specific job in future, have a chat with your careers officer so they can assist you with getting the right qualifications.
