r/AusPublicService

Does anyone have any resources they can share to help with APS applications. I apply for roles that I know I am qualified for but I don’t get anywhere and I need to improve my cover letter skills, especially with STAR models. I have tried to use AI to help but I find it takes more work to try and get it to a good draft than just doing it myself.

I’d also like to know if there are any recruitment agents worth reaching out to? Or someone who can at least help with a cover letter?

I applied for a position with ASIC and had two interviews, a psychometric assessment and they called for references. The interviews went well and I felt like I answered their questions well. I have been in regular contact with the hiring manager by phone and email. However after the last interview, it’s been silent. I sent a follow up email after about a week politely enquiring about next steps in the process and if they need anything further from me. I left a voicemail with the hiring manager after two weeks. It’s now been 4 weeks and crickets.

For a federal government organisation with such a strict hiring process, I find it strange that there would be no contact at all. I assume I haven’t got the job, but at least let me know! It’s unprofessional and just plain rude. Has anyone else had an experience like this with ASIC?

Hi all

Just curious to know if any former merit pool candidates were able to secure a position after emailing the recruitment team to express their interest, despite not receiving an offer in the 1st or 2nd rounds?

Keen to hear if anyone has had any luck with this approach!

Hi everyone,

I recently interviewed for a financial position with NSW department of transport. It went well, and they called me to ask for references and made out that I was a preferred candidate.

I’ve submitted my references and had my police check completed but have heard nothing for weeks now, and the HR contact doesn’t respond to my calls or emails.

Is this normal? I would prefer to know if I have the role or not, but it’s radio silence from the recruitment team.

Any ideas?

Applied for an AO6 role with a Queensland Government agency. Went through a phone screen and a panel interview, then the hiring Director called the same day to say I was progressing to reference and criminal history checks.

Since then, both my referees have completed their reports and the criminal history form is submitted, just the police check outstanding (can take two to six weeks).

Does this progression usually mean I’m the preferred candidate, or could I still just be going into a general merit pool for future vacancies? Would love to hear from anyone who’s been through similar experience with Queensland Government.

Tell me your thought or experiences - is agism a problem in the public sector?

I noticed that in an application for an APS job you are required to provide two referees, and it says that they will be contacted automatically once someone reaches that stage.
Is it common to be required to put your referees' contact details down, even before getting to the interview stage? What are the chances of having your referees contacted but not receiving an offer? (Assuming the referees have good feedback)

I’m looking at applying for some roles with the ATO and was hoping to get a little guidance around resume layout and tailoring.

I’ve noticed that some ATO vacancies don’t include application questions or a separate statement of claims, and seem to place more emphasis on a tailored resume. I’m interested in understanding a little more about how this approach works and what the ATO generally looks for when assessing candidates through their resume.

If you have any advice around preferred resume formats, structure or tailoring for these types of roles, I’d really appreciate any guidance you could provide.

I’ve been in my role for a while and want to broaden my experience. My current role while supportive doesn’t have much in the way of stuff that can expose me to new things and new skills etc. But at current there is very little due to the unofficial hiring freeze. Anyone with more experience have any idea how long this situation will last?

I have been applying for roles for over a year now at EL1 & 2 level as an external candidate. At first I was getting interviews, but now I am not even being shortlisted. Is it even possible to get in as an external candidate at these levels at the moment?

I was asked to complete tb checks and an occupational assessment as I asked for adjustments. I've provided wwcc and ID. I was told I'm the preferred candidate and the recommendation report to start with the team was approved. Am I sure to get the job? I have another offer and I want to be sure before rejecting it.

Hello there
Just wanted to know which one is better to work as APS 4 as contact/customer service officer ?
What DEWR Aps 4 does as contact service officer? And how is work culture and everything. Ps reply here or DM me . TIA

I have raised concerns about questionable work that a senior leader has been asking me to perform.

This senior leader invited me to a one-on-one meeting and asked me to carry out this work. I tried to distance myself from the situation by explaining that I was busy with other work.

This person later invited me to another one-on-one meeting and accused me of having performance issues, as well as having a personal issue with them because of their gender. They also made several other accusations. I became uncomfortable during the call and ended the call before it could continue.

I am male and this person is female.

This person is not my direct manager. I emailed the claims this person made to my manager, explaining that I was not comfortable having one-on-one conversations with this person.

Following this, my manager removed me from all of the projects I had been working on, some of which barely involved any interaction with this person. I have been reallocated to new projects.

The concerns around the questionable work were never acknowledged by my manager when I had a conversation with him. I did not put them in an email because I was worried it may escalate the situation a lot further.

I may have also made the mistake of not writing the email properly, as I was very emotional, and my manager may see it as a threat that I will escalate the issue even further.

He also asked me to hand over my work to other people on the team, who subsequently presented the work to the rest of the team as their own.

My performance could not be questioned because only a few days earlier, two people had provided me with written feedback praising my work on same project

I am now concerned that my manager may target me because he works closely with the senior leader I raised the concerns about. I am also concerned that he may not provide me with a fair reference if I try to move to another role.

I feel stuck and suffocated in my current situation, and I want to move away from this role.

The senior leader has made accusations relating to gender against me without any proof or basis.

What options do I have to move away from this role? What can I do if I believe my manager may try to damage my reputation or provide an unfair reference? Could I have done anything differently?

Hi! Can anyone tell me anything about what the ndia graduate program is like? I have applied this year, but am finding it hard to find information on what day to day on the job could look like/typical tasks, what team/branch you might be, what workload and support/training is like and how much flexibility there might be with work arrangements/not. If anyone has done it what would you consider some pros and cons or things you liked or disliked? Also, are most roles client facing or not?

I would be taking a significant pay cut, giving up a job with a good team culture and benefits, and adding a significant commute to my day, so trying to weigh up if the rotational opportunities and federal gov experience might be worth it in the long term to see if the style of work is a good fit for me

Hi all,
Long story short, would love some tips and any guidance on what to expect with work, work load, etc. when I begin my first APS role in approx a few weeks time!
Have only ever had experience in the private sector, which I enjoyed but was also worked absolutely down to the bone without seeing any future reward.
I’m also a parent to and hoping it’s a great place to begin where you can balance both work AND life. As much as I loved my previous work, was unable to do that hence why I have chosen to make the move.
😊

Hi guys just wondering I landed a job at asic which says i will only be temporary they told me my start date and end date, do they do this for everyone? do they keep anyone on or decide to based on your work? Thanks

Hi all, seeking some advice on how to get into this field.

To the best of my knowledge, the only two departments that relate to international affairs and trade are DFAT and Austrade. I reached the merit pool stage for 2027 DFAT grad program but it seems that I will not be given a verbal offer. I've also applied for the Austrade grad program but I don't believe it will progress further.

I did a masters in international trade law and was fascinated and engaged by the topic hence the application to both departments. However, I am stuck as an accountant in public practice which is about as enjoyable as a root canal.

I would appreciate any advice/opinions on how to get into this field. I can't do timesheets for another 40 years.

Thanks

Hi all,

Currently 22 looking for a career switch into APS (not 100% sure what yet but just need to leave public accounting). Would I need to start at APS Level 1? (I have a degree in accounting and a degree in data science with 2.5 yrs accounting experience + looking at starting a degree in environmental science mostly for my own enjoyment but would be cool to work in the field).

Mostly just looking for a spark of inspiration, so as per the title: What was your first APS role, and where have you ended up on your career path?