Industry secrets

Your comprehensive guide to landing an Australian Government interview.

Games

Learn by doing. These interactive games make mastering government job applications actually fun.

John Doe
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Resume Game

Identify common resume mistakes and learn what makes a great government CV stand out.

7 trapsQuiz-basedBonus tips
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S
T
A
R

STAR Builder

Build winning capability statements in this drag-and-drop STAR method challenge.

3 roundsBuild itSTAR power
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"Tell me about yourself..."

Interview Simulator

Face real interview questions and get instant AI coaching on your answers.

4 stagesLive fireAI coach
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STAR Method

Master the essential framework for behavioral answers.

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Statement of Claims

Narrative vs point-by-point formats explained.

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APS Pitch

Write compelling 500-700 word pitches for federal roles.

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Resume Writer Alternative

Compare AI generation with traditional resume writing services.

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Criteria Writer Alternative

Compare Govy against $400 agency selection criteria services.

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Cover Letter Alternative

Write compelling cover letters instantly without agency fees.

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AI Optimised

Statement

AI-powered capability statements tailored to any APS role.

To the Selection Panel,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the advertised role. My extensive background in public policy and stakeholder engagement aligns perfectly with the requirements.

Throughout my career in the APS, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to deliver high-quality outcomes.

In my recent role, I led a cross-departmental taskforce to redesign a key Government programme...

100% match

Resume

Tailor your CV to match any government job perfectly.

Jane Doe
Canberra, ACT - jane.doe@email.com
SUMMARY

Dedicated APS professional with 7+ years of experience delivering strategic government programmes.

EXPERIENCE
Senior Policy Officer2021 - Present
  • Spearheaded the redesign of reporting framework
  • Drafted ministerial briefs and cabinet submissions
APS Level

Selection Criteria

STAR-method responses for every government criterion.

Criterion 1: Shapes Strategic Thinking
SThe department needed to overhaul its legacy reporting systems to align with new legislation.
TAs Lead Project Officer, I was tasked with mapping current data flows and identifying gaps.
AI initiated a comprehensive audit, conducting workshops with 5 branch heads.
RFramework endorsed by Deputy Secretary without amendments.

The STAR method

For any question that asks you to "Tell me about a time when...", the STAR method is the best way to structure your answer. It provides clear evidence of your capabilities through specific examples from your experience.

Recommended time allocation per answer (2-3 minutes total)

S
T
Action 50%
R
Situation
20%
Task
10%
Action
50%
Result
20%
Situation
Briefly describe the context and set the scene.
Task
What was your specific responsibility or goal?
Action
What specific steps did you take? This is the core.
Result
What was the outcome? Quantify if possible.

Detailed breakdown

Situation (20%)

Set the scene briefly. Who were you working for? What was the context? What was the challenge or opportunity? Keep this concise - the panel needs just enough context to understand your example.

Task (10%)

What was your specific role or responsibility? What were you trying to achieve? Be clear about what was expected of you personally.

Action (50%)

This is the most important part. What specific steps did YOU take? Use strong verbs like "analysed", "developed", "negotiated", "implemented". Explain your reasoning and decision-making. Focus on your individual contribution.

Result (20%)

What was the outcome? Use numbers where possible: "reduced processing time by 30%", "saved $50,000 annually", "increased customer satisfaction from 78% to 92%". If you received positive feedback or recognition, mention it.

Full example: Managing conflicting priorities

Situation: I was finalising a major ministerial briefing due at 3pm when an urgent request came from the Director's office for a detailed cost-benefit analysis, also due the same afternoon.

Task: As the primary author of both documents, I needed to deliver high-quality, accurate work on both tasks without compromising either deadline or the quality standards expected by senior leadership.

Action: I quickly assessed both tasks and identified that the briefing required my expertise while the analysis could be partially delegated. I: (1) confirmed exact deadlines and expectations with both requestors; (2) outlined key points for each document; (3) briefed a colleague on the analysis framework and reviewed their draft; (4) dedicated focused time blocks to each task, minimising interruptions; (5) quality-checked both documents before submission.

Result: Both documents were submitted on time. The ministerial briefing was praised by my Director for its clarity, and the cost-benefit analysis was used in a funding submission that was subsequently approved. My manager specifically noted my calm approach under pressure in my performance review.

Best practices

  • +Use "I" not "we" - Panels want to know YOUR specific contribution, not the team's
  • +Be specific - Avoid vague claims like "I improved efficiency" - say by how much
  • +Prepare 6-8 examples - Have a bank of stories you can adapt to different questions
  • +Time your answers - Each STAR example should take 2-3 minutes to deliver

Common mistakes to avoid

  • !Spending too long on the situation - keep it brief
  • !Describing what the team did instead of your individual contribution
  • !Forgetting to mention the result or outcome
  • !Using hypothetical or generalised examples instead of real situations
  • !Not connecting the example back to the capability being assessed

Common interview questions

Prepare for these frequently asked questions. APS interviews typically include behavioural questions, hypothetical scenarios, and questions about your experience and work style. Click each category to expand.

What selection panels look for

  • *Clear, concise communication with structured responses
  • *Specific examples that demonstrate relevant capabilities
  • *Self-awareness and ability to reflect on experiences
  • *Alignment with APS Values and the agency's culture
  • *Genuine interest in the role and understanding of the work
  • *Professionalism and interpersonal skills throughout the process
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • What is your biggest weakness?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What do you know about our agency?
  • Do you have any questions for us?

Use the STAR method for these - prepare specific examples from your experience:

  • Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
  • Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities.
  • Give an example of when you worked effectively under pressure.
  • Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult colleague or stakeholder.
  • Describe a time when your work was criticised. How did you respond?
  • Tell me about your greatest failure and what you learned.
  • Give an example of when you went above and beyond.
  • Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to a significant change.
  • Tell me about a time you improved a process or made a suggestion that helped the team.
  • How would you describe your work style?
  • Are you big-picture or detail-oriented?
  • What were the key responsibilities of your last position?
  • Why are you leaving your current role?
  • What accomplishment are you most proud of?
  • How do you handle tight deadlines?
  • Describe your experience working in a team environment.
  • What would you do in your first 30 days in this role?
  • How would you establish credibility with your new team?
  • Describe your strategy for the first 90 days.
  • What would you do if you realised you made a mistake in your first week?
  • What do you understand about the APS Values and how would you demonstrate them?
  • How do you stay current with government policy changes?
  • Describe your experience working with stakeholders across different agencies.
  • What challenges do you think the APS is facing currently?
  • How would you handle a request that you believed was unethical?
  • Tell me about a time you had to interpret and apply legislation or policy.

Interview tips

  • +Take your time - It's okay to pause and think before answering. Ask for clarification if needed.
  • +Be authentic - Panels can detect rehearsed answers. Be genuine and let your personality show.
  • +Use specific examples - Always back up claims with concrete examples using the STAR method.
  • +Know the role - Review the position description and be ready to explain how you meet each criterion.
  • +Prepare questions - Have 2-3 thoughtful questions ready about the role, team, or agency priorities.

Questions to ask the panel

Always prepare thoughtful questions - this shows genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is right for you.

  • What does success look like in this role after 6 months?
  • What are the key challenges facing the team right now?
  • How would you describe the team culture?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development?
  • What are the agency's strategic priorities for the coming year?

Resume writing for government roles

Your APS resume is a key part of your application. Unlike private sector CVs, government resumes are typically shorter (2-3 pages) and focus on demonstrating your capabilities through concrete achievements.

Key principles

  • +Keep it to 2-3 pages - APS resumes are typically shorter than private sector. Be concise and relevant.
  • +Use silent first person - Write "Managed budgets" not "I managed budgets" - saves space and sounds professional.
  • +Tailor to the role - Mirror language from the position description. Highlight relevant experience first.
  • +Focus on achievements - Show impact with quantified results, not just a list of duties.
  • +Clean, professional format - Use a simple layout with clear headings. No photos, graphics, or fancy designs.

1. Contact details

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • LinkedIn profile (optional)
  • Citizenship status (if required)

2. Career summary

  • 3-4 sentences maximum
  • Tailored to the specific role
  • Highlights your most relevant experience and skills

3. Work experience

  • List chronologically (most recent first)
  • Include dates, employer, job title
  • Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities
  • Quantify results where possible

4. Education

  • Relevant qualifications only
  • Include institution and year completed
  • Omit secondary education if you have tertiary qualifications

5. Skills

  • Technical skills (software, systems)
  • Core capabilities relevant to the role
  • Any certifications or clearances

Writing achievement-focused bullets

Instead of listing duties, show the impact you made. Use this formula:

Action verb + what you did + the result

Responsible for managing projects

Better: "Managed 3 concurrent projects valued at $2M, all delivered on time and within budget"

Handled customer enquiries

Better: "Resolved 50+ stakeholder enquiries weekly with 98% satisfaction rating"

achievedanalysedbuiltcoordinateddelivereddevelopeddirectedestablishedfacilitatedimplementedimprovedincreasedledmanagednegotiatedoptimisedoversawplannedreducedstreamlined

What NOT to include

  • xDate of birth or age
  • xMarital status or family details
  • xPhoto or headshot
  • xFull home address (suburb/state is fine)
  • xSalary expectations
  • xReasons for leaving previous jobs
  • xReferences (provide separately if requested)
  • xIrrelevant hobbies or personal interests

Writing your APS pitch

Your pitch is your opportunity to directly address how you meet the requirements of the role. This is often the most important part of your application. It may also be called a capability statement, suitability statement, statement of claims, or one-page pitch depending on the agency — they all serve the same purpose.

What is a pitch?

  • -A pitch (or statement of claims) explains how your skills, experience and knowledge make you suitable for the role
  • -Typically 500-700 words or 1-2 pages, depending on the agency requirements
  • -Read alongside your resume to create a complete picture of your candidacy
  • -Assessed against the selection criteria outlined in the position description

Key tips for a strong pitch

  • +Start with your strongest example - Lead with your most compelling evidence of capability
  • +Use STAR format for examples - Structure each example clearly with Situation, Task, Action, Result
  • +Address the specific capabilities - Reference the exact wording from the position description
  • +One example can cover multiple criteria - A single strong example might demonstrate several capabilities
  • +Quantify your achievements - Use numbers, percentages and specific outcomes where possible
  • +Write in first person - Unlike your resume, use "I" to clearly own your achievements

1. Opening paragraph

State your strongest capability claim with a brief example. Hook the reader immediately.

2. Body paragraphs

Address each key capability with specific STAR examples. Bold the capability name at the start of each paragraph.

3. Supporting evidence

Weave in achievements, outcomes and feedback that demonstrate your impact.

4. Closing

Briefly reinforce your fit for the role and enthusiasm. Keep it short - 1-2 sentences.

Good example:

"I have demonstrated strong stakeholder engagement capabilities throughout my career. As a Senior Policy Officer at Department X, I led consultations with over 30 community organisations to develop new regulatory guidelines..."

Good example:

"My project management experience includes delivering a $2M digital transformation initiative on time and under budget. As Project Lead, I coordinated cross-agency teams and..."

Avoid:

"I am writing to apply for the position of [role]. I believe I have the skills and experience required for this role. I am a hard worker and quick learner..."

Avoid:

"Dear Selection Committee, I am very excited about this opportunity. I have always wanted to work for [agency] because..."

What NOT to include

  • xGreetings like "Dear Selection Committee" or "To Whom It May Concern"
  • xGeneric opening lines about being excited or passionate
  • xFull address blocks or dates at the top
  • xLengthy introduction or conclusion paragraphs
  • xClaims without supporting evidence
  • xCopying text directly from the position description
  • xInformation already clearly stated in your resume

Before you submit - quick checklist

  • [ ]Have I addressed all the key selection criteria?
  • [ ]Is every claim backed by a specific example?
  • [ ]Have I used the STAR method to structure examples?
  • [ ]Are my examples recent and relevant?
  • [ ]Have I quantified outcomes where possible?
  • [ ]Is my writing clear and within the word limit?
  • [ ]Have I proofread for spelling and grammar?

Additional resources

Official APS resources

Integrated Leadership System (ILS)

Understand the capabilities expected at each APS level and align your examples accordingly.

Learn more

APS Work Level Standards

Detailed descriptors for what's expected at APS 1-6 and Executive levels.

Learn more

APS Values and Code of Conduct

Essential reading - demonstrate these values in your application and interview.

Learn more

RecruitAbility

Information about disability-inclusive recruitment practices and adjustments.

Learn more

APS Employee Census 2024

Insights into the APS workforce - useful for understanding agency culture and employee experiences.

Learn more

QLD Digital Projects Dashboard

Explore digital transformation initiatives across Queensland Government - great for research before interviews.

Learn more

Interview preparation tips

  • Prepare 6-8 STAR examples you can adapt to different questions
  • Practice speaking your examples out loud - aim for 2-3 minutes each
  • Research the panel members if their names are provided
  • Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and team
  • Know the agency's strategic priorities and recent initiatives
  • Plan your route and arrive 10-15 minutes early (or test your tech for video interviews)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Vague examples without specific outcomes or metrics
  • Using "we" instead of "I" - panels want to know YOUR contribution
  • Copying job description language instead of demonstrating capabilities
  • Submitting a generic resume not tailored to the role
  • Missing the deadline - late applications are rarely accepted
  • Not preparing for behavioural interview questions
  • Failing to research the agency and its current priorities

Final application checklist

  • Resume tailored to position description
  • Pitch addresses all key capabilities with STAR examples
  • Concrete examples with quantified results
  • Professional formatting, error-free
  • Referees contacted and details current
  • Application submitted before deadline

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