Application Process & Interviews at NSW Government

I was recruited through a nsw govt graduate program and offered a role at this workplace for the first rotation. The process was long as I had to fill in the interest forms, then some assessments and interview before finding out I was placed into the graduate pool, which went over several months. Initally I did an online assessment which has a few problem questions where I had to write answers and justify my response in relation to what was asked. Then I did some group assessment where I worked with other applications to answer questions. We managed to work well together and presented our solution to the interviewer. After that I did a more formal interview where it was me and two interviewers asking me questions and I had 20 minutes to answer all the questions. After that, I got notified I was put into a pool of graduates and completed a short video of myself explaining who I was and my interests/what part area was I looking to work in.

It is a lengthy recruitment process and is very comprehensive. At the end of the process, we get a report which gives feedback.

The hiring process is lengthy and not transparent

5-6 months is a very long time from start to finish of the recruitment process. I understand the need for the successful pool process, but the naming is clearly wrong when not everyone gets a job, and is very stressful on everyone involved. I also feel like the summary of my results is a poor reflection of who I am as a person.

The process is quite lengthy.

Innovative and encompassing

Interview and assessment process where fine. However, they were not transparent with what happens at each stage, and you can feel a little lost waiting for answers.

Elaborate. Numerous online tests. Group interview. Video.

Although there are many steps to the hiring process, it is very well thought out and rewarding.

The graduate program recruitment process was a bit odd, but then again a graduate program is not hiring for a single position only, so a non-traditional process is not really that surprising. Overall the process was fairly smooth, though the requirement to film a "get to know you" video was the least enjoyable aspect.

Very intense but interesting types of assessments.

Graduate intake. Long staged process - initial application, series of aptitude tests, in person session, interview.

Lengthy and thorough

scenario based questions personality test psychometric test one on one interview group interview video interview task to complete

I did not come into the NSW public service the 'normal' way, rather joining via the government graduate program. The program runs its own recruitment process, separate to the usual government processes.

Many stages and lots of ways to test the candidate

Many steps to get into the Graduate program. Answered targeted and situational questions and a cognitive ability assessment. Then did pre-assessment center activities which was a written task and a personality test. Then a virtual assessment centre which was an interview and group activity. Don't stress over them too much, just try and do your best, and if you don't get through try again next year

The graduate program selection process was very strenuous. There were many rounds of testing to get into the candidate pool, and getting into the candidate pool did not even guarantee a position in the program.

4-5 rounds including resume application, aptitude and personality tests, group interviews, 1 on 1 interviews and then finally individual interviews with hiring managers.

The hiring process for the Graduate Program was very long. It was done by the PSC, not DRNSW. Application, online testing, interviews.

I was assessed on the key capabilities required for the role and questions around that.

All things regarding the grad capabilities used to measure success and progress (at least for the in person component). All up I think there were ~7 different "stages", though.

All questions were related to the capabilities for the role in the job advertisement.

I cannot remember specifically. I believe they were relatively generic about my experience and desire to work in the public sector.

My educational background and personal and professional experience.

Questions centred on the core competencies set out in NSW Government hiring materials.

Questions focus on the capabilities expected of a grad.

The hiring process took seven months from beginning to end, comprised of four stages. The first stage was an online application and questionnaire. The second stage was a psychological / cognitive test. The third was an online group interview; the fourth was a two-on-one interview. After a gap of a couple of months, I received notice of my acceptance into the program.

More focused on values and attitudes, values and how you operate in a team environment, and your reasons for your desire to work there. Minimal focus on work experience, more on the individual.

Questions based on the capabilities

The questions were largely based upon the capabilities framework and the core values.

In our individual interview, we were asked behavioural questions (eg. tell us about a time you shows accountability/integrity/managed a conflict of interest).

Questions were focused on the values of the NSW government, and how your experiences lined up with the principles as outlined in the Ethical frameworki. There were also capability questions, similar to other interviews in the NSW government, where the questions examine your capabilities as outlined in the graduate role.

Questions primarily focussed on values and reasoning for applying for the role. They also asked us to describe examples of where we had demonstrated a certain skill or managed certain situations. The group interview gave us a mock problem to discuss solutions to after a short period of individual brainstorming.

Cannot remember

Team work, managing challenges, managing stakeholders, my use of technology and learning, introducing myself.

They asked about the Public Service values, about difficult previous experiences in work/ education and how you dealt with it, and why you'd be a good fit for the position. Things like that.

How do I align with the values of the company and explain a time when I had showed those values.

The interview was not skill or experience based at all, it was entirely values based. They asked me to give detailed descriptions of times I had displayed the NSW Gov Public Servant values.

Why I was interested in working in the public service, both in terms of values and the kind of work. Also the standard interview questions about how I'd learned from failure and similar.

I think there is a bunch of generic questions asked based around particular scenarios. I think it is helpful if you prepare for interviews by having a few different situations in mind where you have used problem solving skills, conflict management, teamwork, using your moral stance and anything else along those lines. Having those kind of scenarios in your mind really helps for the interview process and you won't be sitting there thinking for too long on how to answer the questions they ask. Also for the assessments, I recommend not rushing through it and use up most if not all of the time that they give you to complete it. Its good to pace your way through the material rather than rushing all the way through.

look at the capabilities they are looking for and come prepared with situations where you demonstrated those capabilities.

Answer all interview 1:1 questions in the STAR format. Be polite but assertive in the group interviews. Do all practice material provided (eg. there was a "virtual internship" available, I HIGHLY recommend it)

Study the capabilities required and prepare answers that address them.

Leaving ample time to complete the assessments & practicing before the interview - not being afraid to speak up in group scenarios.

Portray your strengths in all steps of the recruitment process as much as possible.

Read up on the core competencies, these are what you will be assessed against, make sure you have an example for each of the four. If you can, have someone that works in the public service look over you CV, the expectations are different in government as opposed to the private sector.

Prepare as many examples about yourself as possible.

prepare scenario based answers familiarise with the nsw government core values be a team player

Jump through the hoops placed in front of you and persist. They will get back to you, even if it takes months at a time.

Make yourself familiar with the Capability Framework of the NSW Sector. Most of the questions are around it.

Familiarize yourself with the role description

Know the NSW Government values

Be positive, answer questions with the advised structure, and be ready to talk about yourself, and what experiences and values you bring to the table.

Know the values. Know the capabilities and be ready with answers for any question based on them.

Read up on the core values and capabilities that are expected from you, particularly any stream specific ones as well.

Definitely look at the values of the NSW government and prepare examples that tie back to the values. I googled a list of 'behavioural interview questions" which I then used to help me prepare and practice answers.

Understand the capability framework, and reflect on how your experiences line up with the expected capabilities of the role you are applying for. And do the same for the values and principles of the NSW government (outlined in the ethical framework)

Make sure you look into the capabilities listed in the role description and reflect on how you meet them. The Public Sector Ways of Working is also a good resource when considering your answers to potential interview questions.

Be honest