Application Process & Interviews at Queensland Government

Interview process was straight forward and easy. Heaps of information. Slow to start job.

Interview process was fantastic. Made it quite easy and did not have to jump through hurdles just to get the job.

I submitted my application on the Smart Jobs portal and completed a few online tests. Part of my application included a video message, which is a great way for employers to get a sense of who you are. Only downside to the application process was the wait time, it took a few months before I was selected for an interview. I was offered my role approximately three weeks after my interview.

Just one interview over teams. Process was a little odd as I later received word that I had made it through to second round of interviews, but never had one and just received a job offer.

Really easy interview where I met the majority of the managers/AO6/7 in my department (though I didn't realise it was that small at the time) and had a great conversation with them through the interview. After that though the actual process of going from a verbal offer to confirmed employment (and a desk apparently) took roughly 3-4 months in total.

I was hired through a graduate program with a different department, so I can't really comment on the full process, but the final interview with the Department of Transport and Main Roads was what made me choose them over another department I got an offer from. They were friendly and discussed my experience and what I would be doing with me as a conversation.

Interview Process is quite long and lengthy but worth it. Hiring manager and team manager will understand the staff in detail.

Some required small quizzes however this one was more how to respond to specific data science related problems.

Uploaded an unlisted YouTube video where I gave a quick explanation of why I was interested in the QLD Government ICT Graduate Program. I was then invited for a virtual panel interview.

The interview process was well structured and very comfortable to have experienced. Other than my application through the graduate program, there was no formal assessment that I had to take, just a interview that was mostly about the type of work the department does.

Had to video myself answering questions - felt horrible and unnatural (I did my interview during covid) for the first lot of interviews and did the other interviews over Teams calls.

Simple 20-30-minute interview, three panel members and three - five questions.

Video assessment, psychometric assessment, in-person interview and confirmation took almost 4 months. During interview, panel members were very welcoming and made me feel very comfortable

Interview was pretty straight forward and interesting

Some logic tests before being requested to record a short video about myself. Once shortlisted, proceeded to an interview with three members on the panel.

Comfortable and casual interview environment. No unnecessary repeating of information already in the resume.

I was given a list of tasks and how I would prioritise them. What was my work experience? What skills do I have that can be applied to my role?

Basic interpersonal skills examples, and what my experience with writing was.

It was 6 months ago - so vaguely relevant topics like what CIA principles are, what's the difference between risk, vulnerability, and threats, and probably how to handle an incident too.

Informal questions because my hiring manager said my resume had already been submitted, so it's better to know about the person.

How would you handle missing data?

I was asked about how I get tasks done. I was also asked to describe a time I dealt with a difficult colleague/classmate.

I was asked what kind of work or experiences in the past would benefit the job. There were also discussions about my interests and lots of opportunities to share about the type of person I am and who the team was.

The interview process for the graduate job was fairly straight forward, simple three questions relating to how you work in a team, solve problems etc. Had to create a process flow in teams, complete a written exercise which consisted of a series of questions, and also complete a small (5-10min) solo interview which also consisted of three panel members.

How to face and solve hypothetical work-related situations, questions about past experience, what was the outcome

How would I teach technological concepts to someone that's not digitally native. How I did I address a tough situation?

Process questions specific to the job to be done. Challenging to link back to experiences outside the industry

Read up on the company. Prepare for the interview. Ask questions.

Be sociable and show yourself for who you are. Cyber attracts all different individuals with varying viewpoints. If you're interested in the career path, it'll show in the interview.

If you can, bring in some printed examples of your work. Show you're keen to learn, grow and develop skills.

Be polite, remember interviewer names, take your time to respond to questions, be honest.

Use the STAR technique when answering interview questions

Do a lot of interviews and you'll get an idea what they'll ask - take notes on topics that are actually relevant to the job beforehand, and you may get lucky with an overlapping question but most of the time it's just chance with notes and actual knowledge is better.

Prepare STAR method situations you can discuss for your aptitude under stress and working in a team.

Don't only focus on questions which you find on the internet. Some of the questions are about your mindset. Know about decision making, growth mindset, always to praise and working in a team.

Keep cool and don't over-think responses. Bring in lots of examples of how you handled similar problems.

For a panel interview, prepare some questions to ask the panel members about current projects they're doing and company culture. This shows that you are interested in the company, and means you have to talk less during the interview.

I would suggest candidates be prepared to actively listen during the interview, you learn a lot about the team and their work which benefits your understanding of the job and how you can relate that to your experiences. Make sure to be yourself, don't take things too seriously (but be professional), and give yourself a bit of time before any meeting to prepare.

Always use SMART or some process/method to answering questions. Use real examples to complete each answer. Know who you're addressing in the room, and tailor your answers.

When answering questions think about: Situation that you faced, set the context Task, describing what was your responsibility Action, the steps you took to solve the situation Result.

Adjust your resume and coverletter for the job you are applying for.

Be ready to have a conversation. It's harder since it's a formal process. But being able to converse despite the nerves and pressure will go a long way. If you were shortlisted for an interview, it's because they believe you can do the job. The interview is to judge how you'd fit in with the company socially and whether you can do the job well.

Link to your specific experiences rather than looking for the 'right' answer.