Application Process & Interviews at Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Initial application required a one-page pitch to be submitted, followed by a generic cognitive test, followed by a STEM graduate analytical test, followed by a department panel interview, and finalised with a fit interview with NMI The waiting period between each stage was approximately 1-2 months.

psychometric training, interview and work assessment.

initial writing portion with two interviews that followed

Honestly, I cannot remember the interview process for this department, I think I did about 4 in a week for different departments and they were all the same, all the same interview questions, all the same psychometric tests.

I had a psychological assessment, followed by a written assessment of my work capabilities. The final step was an online interview that had a representative of a recruitment agency and a representative from the department.

The previous grad team were really good about staying in contact and letting us know what was happening

The hiring process overall was good, pretty standard process of application, interview and written task. Noting that there are a variety of ways to enter the department as a grad either directly through DISR or APS wide application. Noting they have slightly different processes. For example, I did not have a group interview but know that other grads in my cohort did. An issue I faced was once receiving my offer and accepting it, my contact for the department (in the employment programs team) had left along with the rest of the team without providing new contacts. This was extremely stressful as I was moving from Western Australia and had to make a million calls to try and get any information before my move which I didn't end up receiving.

The process was excessively long in getting back to me between stages, sometimes months at a time, making me wonder if I had been unsuccessful and not been informed many times. interview processes were online and routine enough. Assessments felt a little overwhelming having so many to get through.

It is not practical or reasonable to have a year long hiring process. Especially given that many of the tasks were released only a few days before they were due and required several hours of work. The STEM grad hiring process also did not offer any opportunities to demonstrate capability in STEM subjects beyond having a STEM degree.

I was interviewed and did some very basic examinations, there was also a personality examination

The interviews and assessments felt thorough and competitive.

The interview process was fairly arduous and difficult. However this was consistent with interview processes and assessments run for similar government graduate programs, and corporate graduate programs.

The interview process was tidy and efficient.

It was extremely long winded. To get into the Departmental Graduate Program a number of assessments had to be passed including written pitches, pre-recorded interviews, interviews with government employees and then being merit listed and waiting to hear if a job offer would be made.

After applying, many many months went by before I heard that I had been successful in getting into the assessment and interview process. I had no idea what to expect and there was little information about what the assessment would involve. The first assessment included some questions about myself and then I had a few minutes to prepare to film a 60 second video acting out that I was meeting the Secretary and introducing myself. Then I was given a topic and had to write a brief about the topic. It was all very stressful, because I didn't know what a Government brief was. A few went by and I found out I got through to the group interview. The group interview was great and involved participating with other applicants in discussing and solving problems and presenting information.

Like all graduate applications - the process was lengthy.

I applied to join the company's graduate program in April. The next steps included a recorded interview in June, and a virtual interview in August. Each step were clearly communicated. The offer to join the department came in October.

Interview over the phone and one written assessment - MIR

The interview process involved an assessment centre half day session that included a panel interview, written assessment and a team work assessment.

It wasn't too difficult I think. Some departments have parts of the assessment process that I can't complete because of my disability but this one was quite inclusive. I wasn't sure about flying to Canberra to interview, I feel like it put me at a disadvantage because the flight made me tired.

Asked about scenario questions, questions asking about my motivations and general background questions.

I think I was asked about what my elevator pitch would be about why I want to work at DISR.

Basic get to know you questions. Some technical questions after like problems do you expect to encounter.

I personally never interviewed for DISR; it was a pretty confusing process, but I believe when you apply for one department you can tick an option to be considered for all departments. I completed an interview for the Department of Finance, with 2 staff members who I believe were Managers within the department. This interview was heavily focused on finance and accounting skills. I personally have no experience with either so openly stated that and ended up talking about other interests and skills of mine. And they noted they would recommend me for departments more suited to my skills.

I was asked my previous workplace experience. I was also asked several questions about my experience working with diverse peoples.

I was asked a lot of questions about my ability to work cooperatively

dont remember

Questions were fairly standard from memory, though I do not remember them fully due to time and other interviews for different departments at the time.

I was not asked any interview questions, I was given automated cognitive tests to fill out and video interview topics with no interaction or feedback. I was also not given any significant opportunity to investigate the culture and opportunities of different departments, beyond a superficial brochure.

I was asked to explain my interests and motivations for applying, and required to do a group activity

Questions concerning how I work in a team; overcoming challenges and difficulties; previous experiences that demonstrate day-to-day behaviour and functions.

I was asked about my university and professional expertise, how I worked in a team and reasons for applying for the job.

I was asked about how I work in teams, and how and why I overcame obstacles and challenges in pursuit of goals and objectives.

Relevant skills, experience etc

I was asked to provide examples of how I developed the skills/experience requested in the selection criteria. All of the questions I was asked were expected and not out of the blue.

about my degree, there was also an essay and a team task where we had to solve a problem.

Previous experience, communication skills, challenges faced

I honestly don't remember, but they were quite general. I remember finding similar questions online for other government agencies.

Behavioural questions (I don't remember what they were anymore as it has been quite some time).

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Be your authentic selves and put your best experiences forward. Give yourself the best environment to do the writtien/analytical tests, and don't rush yourself as you only have a limited timeframe to complete it. Academic history is great, but looking into life experiences will give you more diversity in your answer. Prepare in advance your interview answers by looking back and reflection on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) will give you the best shot for interview.

STAR method

Same as anywhere, do you research on the department and what it does, what's its roles are, the programs it has and what policy comes out of it. And then try to learn as much as you can about different grad programs at different Departments, they all differ slightly. But apply for everything!

Research the company and line your answers up to the APS ALS of the position you are applying for. Also have a question prepared to ask the interviewers.

I would tell potential candidates not to be discouraged if they don't hear anything for a number of months after completing the final steps of the hiring process. I would recommend candidates advocate for how their previous experience in areas that may not translate directly to the office environment, are still a valuable addition.

If you are keen on working in the public service, I would recommend applying for the whole of APS graduate program as it saves you from applying to every department. Otherwise, if you are only interested in specific department's then I suggest personalising your resume to match the department's work. With interviews being online I recommend being calm and collected, ensuring you are in a clean environment and present yourself professionally. Also be aware that graduate programs are traditionally based in Canberra but that appears to be changing with time.

Practise the standard cognitive tests.

Be prepared that communication may be poor and that you may need to wait long periods of time to get a response. Formal writing is key.

I would tell them to remain calm and carry on. also practice interview questions with an APS employee if you can find one and just think to some times where you had to work with a group, some challenges in uni you faced and overcame.

Gets better with practice, the more you do the better

Show an eagerness to learn and study the facets, functions and role of government. Be curious and open-minded about what is to come. Be prepared to have your work constructively critiqued, sent back, and/or never materialise into policy. Ask questions whenever you're uncertain. Back yourself in with what you do.

I would recommend answering typical interview questions in as honest as possible a manner.

Research the organisation. Look at their portfolio of work and what they do. Watch any videos if you can. If you were like me and have no idea what Government APS workers did, then try and find out. Be genuine during the interview.

Understand the public service's role is to serve the government of the day. Avoid bringing your own political opinions to the application process and aim to deliver the best advice possible.

I suggest future candidates to have an open mind, think about problems using the SMART goals process, maintain professionality and respect, listen to other points of view and feedback, study about the company's vision, role and programs, and back yourself to have a go.

Research the Department's annual statement

For the interview make sure you are very familiar with the selection criteria, and try to be as relaxed and genuine as possible. If the team exercise is part of your assessment, find the balance between making sure your voice is heard and contribute effectively and being respectful of others chance to contribute. The loudest voice in the room is not always the best.

I don't know that you can prepare much but it's good to be yourself, a lot of people in the group seemed really fake or like they were acting and none of them ended up in the grad program. they want to see how you work as you not who you think they want.

Prepare STAR responses

Be familiar with some of the large initiatives in the Department's portfolio areas, and where you may be interested in working.