Application Process & Interviews at Department of Health and Aged Care

Very long process with little-to-no feedback to close the loop unless you progressed to the next stage. Seemed like HR team were under resourced to facilitate a timely process of recruitment

The current application and interview format clearly favours current public servants.

The process was pretty comparable to other agencies. Like most APS agencies the process was quite long and slow, particularly for the graduate program.

I applied through the graduate program and had a few online interviews but the process was relatively quick and easy

The hiring process was very lengthy and often difficult to navigate. There were about 7 steps of the recruitment process and was quite drawn out.

The hiring processes are extremely long

Smooth, seamless and completely virtual.

The interview process to get into the graduate program was horrendous. I understand it was used to narrow down the number of candidates but it was very long. First was a simple online application. Next was a personality test and app game to identify your strengths. Next was another app statistics and English test. Next was a virtual recorded interview. Finally we arrived at the assessment centre with an interview and writing test.

Was all online due to COVID, processes were standard. Psychometric assessments, testing and then panel interview/normal interview.

Convoluted and cumbersome

Interviews are set up in a pretty standard way with multiple panel members and selection criteria/questions

You have to have some patience/flexibility, as the hiring process for the Health graduate program is quite lengthy with multiple stages of assessment. This included an initial review of CVs and why you wanted to work for the agency, some intellectual and personality tests, recorded video interview, a face-to-face interview panel and finally reference checks.

Multiple steps across a span of approximately 6 months

I came in through the graduate program - so like other departments they had a system where you came in and did 3 tasks, a written task, a team task, and an interview.

The interview process was very lengthy and some of the initial phone game assessments weren't a good reflection of my skills (for example, solving mathematic problems in a short timeframe). I was unhappy about the security clearance process and I wish the Department had been upfront with me about the intrusive nature of the questions, and the length of time it takes to complete. I would have still applied if I had known about this, but it would have been less of a shock and I could have asked my family if they were comfortable with me sharing their details.

Application, psychometric testing, video interview, assessment centre

written application, testing, video interview, assessment centre (in-person interview and written task)

The interview process was lengthy, however it is what you expect - application, psychometric testing, interviews, and offer. I have found that the people were lovely.

How did I support staff through change, dealing with difficult stakeholders.

I don't remember the specific questions but it was about my personal qualifications and questions that followed the 'tell us about a time where you...' framework.

I cannot comment as the interview was over 2 years ago, however I recall there being questions that required the STAR method to form the answer.

I don't recall I was interviewed in 2022

Standard behavioural based questions.

Team work, conflict management. Priority management. I can't remember the rest.

General experiences, strengths, weaknesses etc.

technically relevant questions

questions that directly related to the area and role: - a question about writing an important document - something about reporting to and working with executive for a task - a question on sharing information or leading a process of change in the workplace

Typical questions regarding your motivations to work for the agency and how you'd respond in situation work situations (e.g. difficult team members, stressful workloads etc.).

I was asked questions about my ability to complete projects, cope with challenges and work in a group

Why do you want to work in the Department Give an example of a situation that required cooperation, that had multiple steps and was complex.

Questions aligned with the work level standards of the role

I remember being asked about my ability to work in a team, and work in a diverse workplace with people of different backgrounds. I believe I was also asked about organisation and managing conflict.

Draw on a variety of experience and focus on clearly articulating the challenges, results and achievements you have completed during these experiences. Additionally, interpersonal and social skills are just as important as academia or listed experience on a CV.

Prepare formulaic STAR responses to ILS standards.

prepare for questions along the 'tell us about a time where you...' framework as most interview questions assess you as a person overcoming challenges and problems rather than why you are best suited for the role.

No just being authentically you should be enough

Practice recording yourself to prepare for one-way virtual interviews. This will allow you to get more comfortable with the process, as it can be daunting.

Think of examples of when you worked well in a team, took initiative, managed competing priorities etc.

Look at the ILS.

STAR, allow lots of time for government recruiting

Research the department and understand what the latest priorities of the portfolio are including from the latest budget and key policies in place e.g. national strategies, reform plans and agreements

Be yourself in all assessments. Practice answering potential interview questions using the STAR method. Have a couple of scenarios up your sleeve to answer questions so that you can illustrate your breadth of experiences and skills.

Have a set of examples of you previous work experience ready for the interview and understand STAR method

Read up about the department and goals etc. try to find out what are the big issues in that space and get familiar with the topics

Having a year or two of work experience in your field can be a benefit. Read about the process, especially the phone app assessments. Practice doing verbal and mathematical reasoning problems in a short timeframe. Practice doing interviews with family or friends beforehand and look up common questions. Think about why you want to work for the Department. Use the STAR technique in interviews (i.e. make sure to give real life examples).

Look into what the Department of Health does. Practice being interviewed.

learn about the company and what they do. find something that you would want to work on. prepare your interview responses in STAR format

I would recommend that they re-do their resume to know exactly what skills and experiences they can bring to the role. Ultimately, to just be yourself and have good motives for working in an environment that is passionate about peoples health and wellbeing in the office and outside.