Preparing for Government Interviews: A Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates
Introduction
Congratulations! You've made it through the application stage and have been invited to an interview. If you’re looking for practical advice on how to prepare, you’ve come to the right place.
Government interviews have their own distinctive format: they are highly structured, evidence-focused and designed to assess your capabilities against specific criteria – usually within a 30-minute timeframe.
Like many candidates, you may be wondering how to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the role in such a short timeframe. The good news: with the right preparation, it’s entirely possible. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare.
We’ll cover:
The 30-minute government interview format
The 3-step interview preparation formula
The 30-Minute Government Interview Format
A typical interview runs to a structured timeline:
Minutes 1-2: Introductions and settling in
Minutes 3-25: Core competency questions (usually 3-6 questions)
Minutes 26-28: Your questions for the panel
Minutes 29-30: Wrap-up and next steps
A government interview panel usually includes:
Chair: Often the hiring manager who leads the interview process and ensures all areas are covered systematically.
Technical Expert: A subject matter expert for role-specific questions who evaluates your technical competencies and knowledge relevant to the position.
Team Member: Someone else from the team or a peer-level colleague who assesses cultural fit, collaboration skills and how well you might integrate with the existing team dynamics.
Your preparation should focus not only on answering questions but also on making a professional impression within a short window.
The 3-Step Interview Preparation Formula
Here’s how you can prepare for your next government job interview in three simple steps.
1. Do Your Research
Research the organisation:
Review the department's website, annual reports and corporate plans
Understand its current priorities and challenges
Check recent media coverage or parliamentary discussions
Look up organisational structures in the Australian Government Directory
Analyse the role:
Re-read the job description, selection criteria and your responses
Research similar roles on APS Jobs to benchmark expectations
Identify 2-3 key challenges someone in this role is likely face
Analysing the role in detail will help you anticipate expectations, address likely challenges and show the panel you’re prepared to step into the position with confidence.
Research the panel:
Check LinkedIn profiles of known panel members
Review their publications or recent projects
Understanding each panel member's background allows you to prepare your responses effectively. This includes using appropriate technical language with the Technical Expert, demonstrating leadership capability with the Chair, and preparing relevant questions that reflect each member's area of expertise and organisational priorities.
2. Prepare Your STAR Examples
The STAR method is a government-standard framework that helps you structure clear, concise responses to interview questions. It has four parts:
Situation - Briefly describe the context in which you demonstrated the relevant skills or qualities.
Task - Clearly state your specific role and responsibilities in that situation.
Action - Detail the actions you took and the strategies you applied to achieve the objectives.
Result - Highlight the outcomes of your actions, including what you achieved and how it relates to the role you are applying for.
We recommend preparing 8–10 STAR examples that clearly demonstrate your experience against the selection criteria. By doing so, you’ll be ready to adapt your examples to a range of questions, including those you may not have anticipated.
Government interviews typically include both technical and behavioural questions. The panel will not only assess your answers, but also how effectively you articulate your experience and skills. Ensure your STAR examples demonstrate a balance of your technical expertise and behavioural skills.
Once you have prepared your STAR-based answers, practice communicating them verbally by applying them to the following example questions:
Example Technical Questions
Depending on the role, you may be asked technical questions to test your subject-matter expertise. Use the STAR method where appropriate to frame your responses.
Explain a time when you resolved a complex technical issue under tight timeframes.
Describe a situation where you implemented new technology or a process improvement.
Walk us through how you approached analysing a technical risk and what the outcome was.
Give an example of how you ensured compliance with government standards in a project.
Example Behavioural Questions:
Prepare examples that demonstrate how you applied relevant skills in practice. Aim to describe the situation, the actions you took and the outcomes you achieved.
Tell us about a time you had to implement a new procedure.
Describe how you've managed competing priorities with limited resources.
Give an example of how you've worked with diverse stakeholders.
Tell us about a time you had to learn something new quickly.
Describe a situation where you had to maintain confidentiality while still achieving objectives.
Conclusion
A 30-minute government interview may feel daunting, but with the right preparation you can showcase your skills, experience and potential with confidence. By understanding the interview format, preparing targeted STAR examples and approaching the panel with insightful questions, you’ll position yourself as a capable and compelling candidate.
Remember, every step of preparation you make will bring you closer to success. Use this guide as your roadmap, and when interview day arrives, you’ll be ready to make the most of every minute.
For tailored support in preparing for your next government role, connect with our team – we’re ready to set you up for career success.
Have further questions? We’re just an email or call away.
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Let’s bring you one step closer to achieving your career goals in government, together.