Application Process & Interviews at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications

I found the assessment process challenging. Having said that I also preferred this process to others as there wasn't any online psychometric testing. I felt my initial written application was read and assessed on its merits, which does not happen with all departments.

Assessment centers are held where an interview, written task and group activity is conducted. The interview was 20 minutes and consisted of four behavioral questions. The assessments were approximately an hour long each and were related to the work the Department does. Assessment centers also included past graduates who would talk to us about the program and answer any questions we had.

The written application was a lot better than most, because it actually asked you why you wanted to work there. From there, we went straight to assessment centre. I appreciated not having to undergo psychometric testing, because I have real doubt as to both the value and the integrity of that kind of online testing. The assessment centre was a pretty good experience

Easy initial process. Interviews comprised of an assessment day which was quite stressful and prolonged.

I had to: submit a written response to selection criteria and a resume. attend a group interview where I undertook a written task, had a face to face interview with selectors and a group task.

Recruitment to the graduate programme is conducted in-house, unlike the vast majority of Australian Public Service employers. It is easier to get a sense of the culture of the Department through the recruitment process than is the case for other departments and agencies, with high-ranking staff frequently directly involved in the recruitment process.

During the application process, you are asked to respond to a series of questions about your experience and reasons for interest in the job. If you pass this, you are invited to an assessment centre. At the assessment centre, you are required to undertake an individual written assessment, a group task, and an individual interview.

The selection panel were warm and friendly, which settled our nerves! I found it is best to be yourself in the interview and assessments. People were also very forthcoming in telling me about their experiences at the Department.

Previous experience. How I work with others. What interests me. What I like doing. How I have overcome and dealt with difficult situations.

Mostly behavioral questions rather than experience based questions.

General behavioral questions - we were given the questions ten minutes before the interview.

Questions were focused on what you would do in a certain situation.

Can't remember exactly but they were all very 'APS selection criteria" - using communication and productive relationships, achieving results...

I was asked general skills based questions during the interview. The group assessment was Infrastructure specific and it focused on delving into a difficult policy problem.

I was asked four questions on my background and what I could offer the Department.

Written brief, group activity based upon comprehension, interview questions based upon competency.

At this point I can't remember, however we were given time to read the questions prior to the interview.

How I had completed different tasks in the past. How I would be suited to work in the Department.

Just be yourself, and think about both what you could add to your organisation, as well as what it could do for you. Experiences like internships and volunteering are highly valued.

Have good reasons for why you want to work here. Explain these clearly in your written application, don't just use generic words that you've copied from other applications.

Research what the Department does. We cover such a broad area it will assist you in the interview process if you have some idea of what section you would like to work in.

Know the Department, know current events, be relaxed, be friendly, show your time management, leadership isn't necessarily doing something first.

Before completing your written application for the position, have a look at the Department's website. Try to incorporate key words from the Department's vision or mission statement in your response, and identify particular areas of interest you may have.

Practise prioritising information in a written response; practise giving oral responses to selection criteria; practise the timing of your interview answers.

Do research on the Department and the work that they will be doing. Also, spend time thinking about your own experiences and how they relate to the role you are applying for.

Read the Department's website and be familiar with the sort of work they do. Other than that, just be a good team player.

Be open, honest and follow your instincts. Read about what the company does and identify some areas of interest. Respect other people. you don't need to be better than anyone else, just make sure you are doing a good job. Help others if the opportunity arises.

Definitely know your "stories". The stories about your achievements and past experiences which can be adapted for tricky interview questions.

Choose examples that can be taken in a lot of different directions. Major projects/achievements typically have elements of all desirable attributes (e.g. communication, teamwork, organisation, research) so choose examples where any of these can be teased out - in detail!

Get in touch with the panel prior to seek clarity of role and what they are looking for. Putting a face to an application is very important. Focus on your personal attributes - with a focus on working within both good and bad teams. Be humble. You can be shown what to do once you're in the role. It is more important to display your personality and how you work with others. Don't be nervous. The Department has a great culture. They are not trying to slip you up. It the questions seems simple, it's because it is. Don't overcomplicate your responses and be natural.

Read the annual report, attend the careers fairs.