Application Process & Interviews at Department of Transport and Main Roads

Open, transparent, and fair.

Good, but they should give priority to those who already have experience at TMR in the beginning of interview process to move forward to the last step fast.

It takes longer time compared to others

The process was quite good, little bit drawn out, but it is understandable due to the number of applicants. Finding out if I got the job was a delayed process, it was nearly 2 months between my final interview and hearing back from the recruitment team.

They interviewed in friendly atmosphere online and assessments are fair.

Seemed good to me, but the induction was a bit patchy.

I was given the questions at the start of the interview and given 30 minutes to peruse and prepare my responses alone, after which the interview panel entered and asked me the questions. I very much appreciated the time to go over the questions myself as this made the process a lot less stressful and meant I could focus on providing the best responses, rather than just trying to respond quickly.

The hiring took significant amount of time which created difficulty in figuring out and planning the career. Along with that, it wasn't the best day one as nobody knew which time I would be working in and I had to reach out to all the technical services team and figure out who I am working for.

Interview process and assessments were satisfactory, timeline between the application process was a challenge.

You need to pass some technical tests and the interview is in groups and individually.

Panel interview with 3-4 questions. Typically given 10-15 minutes prep time before the interview itself to read and prepare for the questions.

For my graduate program, I was assessed extensively with interviews and assessments. I found the process was well communicated and streamlined.

There are 3 rounds of hiring process for my positions: Interpersonal Skills test, Psychometric and aptitude test, Panel interview with prospect managers.

The interview process was great. It consisted of an online pysch test and an online panel interview. The hiring team were always happy to help if needed. The only minor issue was that it can take months to hear anything.

TMR was one of the only places I applied for that didn't use psychometric testing in their recruitment process. which made a big difference. I had to submit answers to some questions and then prepare for an individual interview, which was fairly casual in comparison to others.

The interview for my current role was well organised and structured for me to understand what the expectations of the team were. They were efficient and kept communication open throughought the whole process from application to appointment. This has been the case for most internal roles I've applied for at TMR. The recruitment process for the TMR Graduate program in 2020 was arduous and extensive, with several delays to communication that caused a lot of anxiety at the time.

Was straight forward and had good feedback, was given an opportunity

The process included (mind you with was during covid-19) a short written activity, online group assessment and individual (~20min) interview. The process took approximately 6 months for the grad program.

I submitted my resume online then completed an online literacy and numeracy test. After that I had an interview with 2 interviewers. They asked for and checked my references. I was then offered the job.

Process was good except dragged on a little. The different types of assessments including psychometric testing were good as well.

I was asked 4 questions with 15 minutes to review and write down answers. This was more than fair.

How I faced technical challenges at work.

My work experience

There were some leadership questions, questions regarding experience de escalating conflict. Job experience etc. I can't remember in detail.

What can you bring to the people of Queensland?

I was provided with a technical assessment and given 30 mins to complete in-person. It tested my knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, networking and my previous work experience.

Mostly about my experience and my capability suitable to tasks

Software related and then another that I can't remember.

3 different versions of "Provide an example of a time when you ...", and some follow-up questions after providing my responses.

Questions related to my personality and previous work experience.

Provide examples questions relating to the role. Often about managing deadlines and colleagues but also of work produced.

I was asked mostly about situations were I had overcome challenges, worked with challenging people etc. The questions seemed to focus on how I deal with situations. I was able to draw extensively on my experience at university to provide examples of how I have dealt with challenging projects.

What do I think is the main issue with transport network in Queensland.

Technical challenges I have faced

"What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" "Can you describe a challenge you've faced and how you dealt with it?" "How do you prioritise your tasks?" "Tell me about a time when you worked in a team." "What is your preferred working style?"

From memory the questions were fairly normal - why TMR, weaknesses and strengths, working in a team etc. I didn't feel blindsided by any of the questions

Most recently, I was asked to deliver a presentation (reflective of the role's key work package) which was a fun an engaging way to test suitability. My questions generally relate to relationship building and continuous improvement.

My interview was approximately 2 years ago, so I don't remember much. Standard interview questions I believe - When was a time teamwork worked well and when did it not etc.

A time when you overcame a challenging experience what you would do differently in that situation next time When I am graduating from university

How I work in a team, questions about previous experience

Practise for the interview using STAR method

Prepare an overall introduction about the experience, character, working style, achievements and qualifications.

Be honest be fair. Governments look to voice reasonable, honest and fair workers that care about all.

Learn how to write cover letters in using the SMART method (you can Google it). You will also want to practice answering interview questions using the SMART method.

Show your passion on area you want to work and learning attitude for work

Hard to answer. TMR is huge. Read the application guides.

Just be truthful to yourself by writing accurate information in your resume. Stay confident and it isn't just about the experiences you had, but also how keen and indulged were you in it.

Be enthusiastic and excited. Be happy to learn and give things a shot.

Focus on the goals of the tasks and be a very good communicator.

Think over examples you have done in previous roles that align with the role description. Think of phrasing them as the situation/background, what you did, what the results of your actions where, and any learnings you gained for how you may handle it differently in the future. Write down high level summaries of them that you can then selection the most appropriate of and elaborate in the interview.

Prepare yourself for situation-based interview questions. Spend some time thinking about your previous work/study experiences and how you have dealt with challenges in the past.

I would recommend them to think about the sort of jobs and tasks they would like to undertake every day at their job and communicate with the prospective managers. They should also think about how their passions align with the prospective workplace.

Prepare using STAR method, that's TMR langauge

When applying to the Queensland Government, research the specific department and the role's requirements thoroughly, ensuring your application aligns with the job description and the public service's core values. Prepare to address selection criteria directly, using the STAR format to articulate your experiences, and be ready to discuss how your skills and background suit the position. Understand relevant policies, exhibit strong ethical standards, and have examples ready that demonstrate your problem-solving capabilities. Dress professionally for your interview, where you should communicate clearly and concisely, and always follow up with a thank-you email to express your continued interest.

Prepare questions for the interview, understand the department's role

I always recommend people who are new to, or trying to find jobs in Queensland Government to familiarise themselves with the leadership competencies for Queensland so they can align to role descriptions in a way that is appreciated; and to always provide tangible examples rather than just repeat key words and phrases.

Keep your head up, always try

Read the job description to understand what you are applying for so you can tailor your cover letter and resume to the job as to highlight that the skills and/or experiences you have align with the position you are applying. Don't be afraid to ask extra questions about the role i.e find out what other tasks the interviewer may expect you to do in the role (tasks that weren't included on the role description).

By reading up on the department and what they do as well as the public service in general. Ask questions of your interviewers like what it's like working at TMR etc.

Just be yourself and be confident with what you already know