Top 30 APS
Interview Questions and Answers
Pass Your Australian Public Service Interview at the FIRST Attempt!
Top 30 APS
Here’s the FULL LIST of APS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Q1. Why do you want to work for the Australian Public Service?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
“I want to work for the Australian Public Service because I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, long-term outcomes that benefit society. The APS provides a unique platform to serve the community, ensuring that government policies and services positively impact people’s lives. Its commitment to values like integrity, accountability, and impartiality resonates with my own professional principles, and I am eager to work in an environment that prioritizes public interest. This role, in particular, excites me because it aligns with my skills in [specific area relevant to the role], allowing me to bring my expertise to a position where I can make a tangible difference. I am passionate about [aspect of the role, such as policy development, service delivery, etc.] and believe that working within APS will not only challenge and develop me but also enable me to contribute to the broader objectives of good governance and public service excellence.”
Q2. Tell us about a time you demonstrated the ability to deliver results under tight deadlines.
SUGGESTED ANSWER
“Situation: During a critical project at my previous role, I was tasked with leading a team to deliver a comprehensive report for a key client. The deadline was exceptionally tight, and mid-way through the project, the scope expanded, significantly increasing the workload and pressure.
Task: My primary responsibility was to ensure that the expanded project scope was delivered on time, without compromising the quality of the report. This required careful task management, delegation, and ensuring the team remained focused despite the tight deadline.
Action: To stay on track, I quickly reassessed our priorities and streamlined the project plan. I delegated responsibilities based on each team member’s strengths and established daily check-ins to monitor progress. I also encouraged open communication and focused on the most critical deliverables, cutting out non-essential tasks to manage time efficiently.
Result: We successfully delivered the report ahead of schedule, maintaining a high level of quality. The client provided positive feedback on both the accuracy and thoroughness of the report, praising our ability to deliver under pressure.
Reflection: This experience reinforced my ability to remain calm, organized, and focused in high-pressure situations. These qualities, combined with my leadership and communication skills, make me well-equipped to deliver impactful results in any role within the Australian Public Service.”
Q3. Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to change. How did you handle it?
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Q4. How do you ensure accountability and transparency in your work?
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Q5. Give an example of how you have contributed to a culture of innovation or continuous improvement.
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Q6. How do you approach working in a team, especially in a diverse environment?
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Q7. Tell us about a time you had to make a difficult decision. How did you ensure it was the right one?
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Q8. How do you handle conflicting priorities or competing deadlines?
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Q9. Tell us about a time when you improved a process or system.
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Q10. How do you manage relationships with stakeholders in a public sector role?
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Q11. Tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult stakeholder. How did you manage the situation?
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Q12. How do you ensure that your work aligns with APS values?
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Q13. Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict within your team.
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Q14. How do you stay organized and ensure that your work is completed on time?
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Q15. How do you approach making decisions in a public sector role?
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Q16. How do you handle feedback, both positive and negative?
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Q17. Tell us about a time when you worked on a project that involved multiple stakeholders. How did you manage their differing expectations?
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Q18. How do you ensure that the work you deliver is of high quality?
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Q19. How do you manage stress or pressure in the workplace?
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Q20. Tell us about a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly to complete a task.
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Q21. How do you handle competing demands in your work?
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Q22. Tell us about a time when you exceeded expectations in your role.
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Q23. How do you approach problem-solving when faced with complex issues?
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Q24. Tell us about a time when you took initiative on a project.
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Q25. How do you ensure effective communication in a team setting?
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Q26. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with conflicting instructions from different supervisors. How did you handle it?
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Q27. How do you keep yourself motivated during challenging or repetitive tasks?
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Q28. Tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with another team or department to achieve a goal.
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Q29. How do you approach professional development and continuous learning?
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Q30. Tell us about a time when you had to manage a project from start to finish. How did you ensure its success?
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Yes! I Want To Pass My Interview!Interview Advice for an Australian Public Service Interview Q&A
What are APS interviews like?
Australian Public Service (APS) interviews are typically structured and competency-based. The goal is to assess your alignment with APS values, your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role, and how well your skills match the job requirements. Interview panels often consist of two to three members, and you may be asked to provide examples from your past work experiences using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or STARR format to demonstrate key competencies.
You can expect questions to cover areas such as teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and your ability to adapt to change. Additionally, the panel may ask specific technical questions depending on the role, alongside situational and behavioral questions aimed at assessing how you align with the APS values.
How do I prepare for a government interview in Australia?
Preparing for an APS interview requires research, self-reflection, and practice. Start by thoroughly reviewing the job description and APS values, as these will often shape the interview questions. Understand the specific skills and behaviors the role requires and prepare STAR or STARR responses that showcase your relevant experience.
Research the department or agency you’re applying to, including their goals, priorities, and recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you demonstrate genuine interest in the role. Additionally, practice answering common APS interview questions out loud, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and relevance.
What to bring to an APS interview?
For an APS interview, bring multiple copies of your resume, a list of professional references, and any supporting documentation mentioned in the job application (e.g., certifications or identification). It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook and pen for jotting down notes during the interview, as well as a copy of the job description and your application responses for quick reference before the interview begins.
If you’re asked to deliver a presentation or complete any pre-interview tasks, ensure you bring any required materials or equipment.
What to wear to an APS interview?
When attending an APS interview, it’s important to dress in professional attire, even if the workplace may seem more casual. Business formal or business casual is typically the best approach. For men, this could mean a tailored suit or dress pants with a collared shirt. For women, a professional dress, skirt and blouse, or tailored pantsuit is appropriate. Ensure your clothing is clean, neat, and fits well, as a polished appearance helps create a positive first impression.
Comfort is also key, so wear shoes that are professional but practical, as interviews can sometimes be lengthy.
By preparing thoroughly and presenting yourself professionally, you’ll be well-positioned to make a strong impression at your APS interview.
5 Interview Tips for a APS Interview
1. Research the Department or Agency
Before your interview, thoroughly research the specific government department or agency you’re applying to. Understand their key priorities, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses to align with their objectives and show genuine interest in the role. Being able to mention current projects or policies during your interview demonstrates that you’re well-prepared and motivated to contribute to their mission.
2. Align Your Answers with APS Values
APS interviews often focus on how well you align with APS values, such as integrity, accountability, and respect. Prepare examples from your past experiences that reflect these values. Use the STAR or STARR format to structure your answers and ensure you demonstrate the specific skills and behaviors relevant to the role. Show that you not only have the technical expertise but also embody the ethical standards expected of APS employees.
3. Practice Behavioral Questions
APS interviews frequently include behavioral questions that start with, “Tell me about a time when…” These are designed to assess how you handle various work situations. Practice answering these types of questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on real examples that highlight your problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. Be concise but specific, showing how your actions led to positive outcomes.
4. Stay Calm and Organized
Interviews can be stressful, but staying calm is key to delivering confident answers. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering each question. Organize your responses clearly and logically. If you’re unsure about a question, it’s okay to ask for clarification. Staying composed and thoughtful under pressure demonstrates professionalism, a quality highly valued in APS roles.
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions at the End of the Interview
Asking insightful questions at the end of the interview shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organization. Here are three standout questions to ask:
- “How does this role contribute to the department’s long-term goals and priorities?”
This shows you’re thinking strategically and want to understand how your work fits into the bigger picture. - “What does success look like for someone in this position over the next 6 to 12 months?”
This question demonstrates that you’re goal-oriented and eager to meet expectations. - “Can you describe the team culture and how collaboration happens across departments?”
This shows your interest in team dynamics and cross-departmental collaboration, which are often essential in government roles.
These questions highlight your engagement, enthusiasm, and forward-thinking, making you a standout candidate.
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I have an interview tomorrow 🙈
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2 weeks ago (edited)
Thank you so much for this! Honestly this information gave me a sense on how to handle my interview as well as improve my interview skills.
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3 months ago (edited)
Thank you so much! I went today and got the job on the spot!
3 weeks ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH! VERY INSIGHTFUL ✨
7 months ago
Im on step two ! So many notes already, would have went into this interview the wrong way. God bless u mate and taking the time to help a lad out like mw who is in over his head
3 months ago
Thank you so much..i have an interview later...it helped a lot to boost my confidence.
1 week ago
I have an interview today ill update you on how i do :).
UPDATE: I GOT THE JOB THANK YOU!
5 days ago
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2 months ago
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1 month ago
This is so helpful. Thank you so much for the tips and advice!
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2 months ago
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