APS interviews and tips
For anyone looking to get into APS, just this past year I did 3 interviews for three different jobs and got offered the job with two of them and merit pool with the other.
I come from a health background and was applying for all APS 4 roles (admin).
I read so much on here about how to do well in an interview and I wanted to give tips on what I did and what I believe helped me.
Read about the job and find out about the company. If you know some background info you can feel more confident. Do not go in and try to wing it, as the more prepared I was the more confident I felt.
Take in notes - All of my interviews were on teams, so it was easier for me to refer to notes, but they helped SO much if my mind went blank. They also like if you have notes as it shows you care about the role you’re applying for. I had a piece of paper for each question and the answer below it. I wrote down the standard questions I thought I would be asked - Competing priorities, confidentiality, team work, conflict etc.
I used chat GPT a lot with my cover letters and to help me answer questions that may arise in interviews. It’s a wonderful tool when used properly.
I always make sure I guide it and ask for Australian English with all the answers.
Also, make sure you read census results when applying to different roles, this really helps you figure out what it’s like working in different departments.
These are just things I have found helpful to know along the way, and may not work for everyone but they certainly helped to get me the job I wanted.