Application Process & Interviews at WA Department of Health

The selection process consisted of written applications, a group assessment centre day and subsequently an individual interview in front of a panel.

There is a very involved and comprehensive assessment process to enter the department through their graduate development program.

Selection criteria, followed by a group interview and written assessment piece. The final round was an individual interview with a panel and set time period to answer questions, following a 10 minute preparation period.

Group interview and the panel interview.

The recruitment process for the graduate program was long and thorough however well organised. I am currently involved in a new recruitment process still with the same company and this will be a 6 month process from submitting my application and receiving my letter of offer- this is inefficient and ridiculous! The process is drawn out involves too many people and bureaucracy should be streamlined to reduce human error (paperwork sitting and waiting while people are on leave)

Government interviews are generally much more intense that non-government. Prospective employees are rated against their written statement addressing the selection criteria, a panel based interview, and then finally referee reports.

Questions in the interviews are designed to see how well you work with others, and whether you would have the potential to be a leader within WA Health.

There were several rounds of assessment including group activities, written assessments and a more traditional individual interview. Many of the questions in the one-on-one interview were guided by public sector recruitment standards, however the whole assessment process was an opportunity to demonstrate how my individual skill set would contribute to improving the organisation.

What are the major problems facing the health system into the future? Describe a time where you've worked as a team. Describe a time you had to solve a difficult problem.

Group interview involved scenario questions requiring problem solving and interaction with peers.

I was asked ~8 questions- some specific to the role others about my leadership, communication and interpersonal skills: -Explain your communication skills- when have you have you successfully negotiated with a stakeholder, how did you manage difficult personalities, changing opinions and conflict management and resolution. What would you do differently. -When have you worked autonomously- how did you manage work priorities to meet key deadlines - Please explain you written communication style- (I was asked to bring 2 examples) and talk through them

To demonstrate experience in; - project management, - written and verbal communication skills, - conceptual and analytical skills - presentation skills - the ability to manage competing priorities

Candidates would do well to read a book entitled "How to write a winning job application" by Lloyd White. It specifically covers applications to public sector agencies which are quite different to private sector applications

Reference how your extracurricular experiences and life outside of university has developed your skills set - there's a fair chance the best examples of what you can offer your future employer occurred outside the four walls of the classroom.

Do a lot of research on the current state of the health system, and the direction of the Department of Health. Study the STAR model of answering selection criteria/interview questions and have answers to common questions prepared.

Read the website; Be informed about current issues; and Ask someone to do a mock interview with you.

Update your resume to be outcome based i.e. I successfully negotiated with stakeholders to achieve.. Research selection criteria- write one tailored to the role, use the language that is included in the job advertisement. Have some key examples for stakeholder consultation, conflict management that you can tailor to each question. Review your selection criteria, and do mock interviews- practice by writing responses to different questions and then also verbally practice- this is very helpful- although you will never know what the questions are you can always gauge the questions they may ask. Being prepared in your response will allow for you to confidently answer questions and show that you really are interested in the role. Write the questions down that you were asked after the interview Keep all interview and job applications in a file so you have notes available for the next job Ask for feedback whether you were successful or not.

Make sure that you have used a similar method to the STAR or SAO approach when completing written selection criteria, and practice out loud for any potential interview questions.