Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Justice of the Peace (JP) and where can I find one?
Information about JP’s around Australia can be found on the Australian Government's JP Website
2. What information is required in a professional reference letter?
A professional reference letter should be written by someone within your organization of a more senior standing than yourself.
Reference letters vary in style and content, however in this case it should refer to such matters as your position within the organization, how long you have held that position, what your role involves, your leadership skills and potential, your work-related skills and accomplishments, and any other information which will support your application for the AKYLEP. The referee should also comment on to what degree they would recommend you for the program.
3. What information is required in a personal reference letter?
Your personal referee should refer to how long they have known you and in what capacity. As with the professional reference letter, they may wish to refer to your potential, skills, abilities and strengths and accomplishments. Most importantly they should refer to your character, reliability and level of commitment.
Further information on writing reference letters can be found on some of the numerous websites dedicated to reference/recommendation letter writing.
4. Am I limited to writing in the space provided on the application form, or can I write more than that?
You are not limited to the space on the application form. You should include as much information as you think is necessary and relevant to the application, bearing in mind that the selection committee will have a large number of applications to read through.
5. Am I eligible to apply if I do not meet the age requirements on the date applications close?
No. You must be aged between 25 and 45 on the 28th September 2007 to be eligible to apply.
6. What is the latest I can send my application in?
All applications must be received at RIAP by 5pm Sydney time, on Friday 28th September 2007.
7. Can I send my application in by email instead of by post?
No, all applications must be sent by post, as we require original signatures on your certified documentation.
8. What if I can’t post my application to you in time?
Please allow sufficient time to post your application to us so that we receive it by the deadline. You may decide to send your application by registered post to confirm when it was received.
9. Can RIAP staff certify the documentation instead of a JP?
No, the original documentation needs to be sighted by a Justice of the Peace, and the copy of the documentation should then be signed by the JP.
If you are temporarily overseas at the time of the application, and therefore do not have access to a JP, you may take the documentation to the local Australian Embassy or Consulate for certification instead.
10. Do professional references have to be on official company letterhead?
Yes, professional references must be on official company letterhead, and must include the original signature of the referee.
11. Can I send a photocopy of a signed reference letter and/or photocopies of certified documents?
No. Although you will send us photocopies of your passport and identification, the signature on them must be original and can not be a photocopy. Reference letters must be original documents, with original signatures and contact details for the referee.