Application Process & Interviews at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Online application, video interview and an assessment centre day.

The process was quite intensive but necessary. There were a number of activities at the assessment centre that were challenging but appropriate. Such as a presentation, debate and technical interview.

The interview process was a bit intimidating with the online environment - not face to face. The assessment centre itself (face to face) once passing the online portion was much better in my opinion, I felt it was paced well.

The interview process was standard for a graduate role. The process consisted of an initial online application, followed by a phone/video interview and then a two day assessment centre. The assessment centre involved both group activities and individual interviews.

1. A written application with CV and transcript 2. A video interview: around 5 really short answers recorded with webcam 3. A phone interview with an ANSTO person in your field, including some more specific questions 4. An assessment centre: group exercises and an individual interview

Fun, but extensive.

It seemed to be mostly gauging my social aptitude, with the technical aspects of my skillset to be assumed at a sufficient level. There were technical questions that were asked that didn't play to my strengths, but I was encouraged to answer to my best ability.

I was mainly questioned on concepts and skills related directly to my degree, such as technical drawing and process design. There were also a few questions on safety culture and minimising risk.

I was asked about when I had led teams, and when I had worked on teams. I was asked about my design experience and when I had made design decisions.

We were asked both technical and behavioural questions in the interviews. We were also asked questions around why we want to, and why we think we are suited to work at ANSTO.

Questions ranged from personal qualities and values, to 'give me an example...' to gauge technical knowledge

Experience and qualifications. Dealing with workplace conflict. Risk minimisation. Safety.

Learn about ANSTO and the work that they do. Be well-rounded.

Research the company and its values. Don't be shy, show that you can hold a discussion. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something, but try to logically step through and develop and answer. Ensure you have a sound knowledge of safety, safety culture and ways to minimise risk.

Network with the industry if you can, be genuinely interested in your field of work or you won't have a strong chance of convincing the company to employ you. Besides this be calm, and try not to be too competitive, ANSTO is full of very down to earth type people. Play to your strengths and be ready to extend your comfort zone.

Talk to as many staff members as possible.

Make sure you look up the values of the company, and have points to demonstrate how you best display those values.

Any experience you can previously obtain at ANSTO (for example internships or year in industry) would be very beneficial. Prepare by learning as much as you can about the group/division you are interviewing for.

Don't worry if you don't have much experience in nuclear (how can you?) but read around Australia's position on key nuclear issues. Get across the basics of (some of) what ANSTO does (which is a lot).

Look up ANSTO values.