Frustrating experience with the graduate application processes? (Rant)
Hey all. This is my second year in a row applying to graduate development programs. I know this isn't the only pathway into the APS, and is also highly competitive. But I feel like I'm experiencing some inconsistency with application outcomes between last year and this year. Sorry it's a bit of a rant post.
But basically I applied to as many grad programs as possible this year. Because I finished my degree last year and am currently unemployed, I have thoroughly taken time to apply to these programs. I'm talking doing in-depth readings of the job application, researching the department and what they do, drawing from the APS work level standards. And basically being serious with my resume and statements. I even got a senior APS worker to look over my applications and give me the all clear. I have received many rejections, including some where I didn't even make it to the aptitude test stage.
Last year, around the time that all these applications were due, I had some serious personal issues that involved someone close to me passing away, and I struggled to keep up with university courses. It was hard for me to find time and emotional capacity to apply to these programs, but I knew I needed to apply, so I basically just submitted full AI-slop applications.
The AI generated statements were filled with absolute nonsense, sometimes even hallucinating made up stuff completely irrelevant to the department and the program (not an exact example, but imagine applying to Defence talking about how you're excited to contribute to Defence's sole vision of improving language education in Australia. That kinda thing).
Needless to say I managed to get to the final merit pool stage of 3 graduate programs, and made it to many interview stages with barely any outright rejections.
The point of my rant: how did my pure AI slop applications get me so far last year, when they were 100% not my work and didn't reflect the job description or the department at all? This is despite many of them saying they will reject the application if it's evident that AI was used. This year they have been a little bit more open to people using AI. Like do the people who read these applications close their eyes and randomly select applications? I really tried my best this year, and it upsets me that doing the work myself has resulted in such negative outcomes :(