Application Process & Interviews at Department of Industry, Innovation & Science

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Interview process was extensive with a long answer application, written assessment and individual interviews.

Submit an application, answering selection criteria. Then perform an online writing task. Finally an interview. Definitely one of the nicer graduate application processes.

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The process was one of the best - everything was well organised and easy to understand and the HR team was really quick and thorough about responding and following up. There is no assessment centre, which is great, and I really liked the writing task because it allows those of us who don't have policy backgrounds to show we can still do well in those settings. The interview was very relaxed and we were able to view questions beforehand and make notes that we could take in and reference. Skype interviews were available for people overseas.

The Department of Industry has a simpler and more straightforward hiring process than many other departments; the process is just as rigorous, but there are fewer steps involved. If you pass the initial phase (CV and selection criteria), you are offered the opportunity to take part in a written assessment exercise such as writing a sample brief. This is then followed by a formal interview.

involved writing answers to the key selection criteria, an online assessment followed by an interview.

No aptitude/IQ tests - this is a good thing.

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A few stages but not too onerous. Short answer questions, creating a summary document and then an interview. Questions for the interview were given 15mins beforehand which was great.

I only had to fill out the application and attend an interview - the Department didn't have any of the assessment centres or online assessments that a lot of other government agencies used in their selection process

The interview process and assessments seemed to be structured in such a way that assessors are able to form a holistic view of your character and capabilities

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well planned, comfortable with interviewers

online application with a one on one interview

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Online application then an interview ensured the process was not dragged out like some others.

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Questions ranged from Department specific questions to questions about personal attributes and work styles.

Broadly I was asked about my skills and the current priorities at the department I was applying to. I was also asked what interested me about this specific graduate programme.

questions relating to the portfolio as it stands today

We were asked about the department's current policies and where we had seen them in effect in the real world. We were also asked why diversity is important, why we wanted to work here and the usual other questions.

I was asked to showcase my understanding of the role of the Industry Department, and recent economic policy decisions by the Federal Government. I was also asked to give examples of how I worked in teams and coped with adversity.

Make sure you have some knowledge about the Department's activities!

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- Why I would be a good candidate to work there - To name one initiative that the Department has been involved in - Why the Department's work is important to the wellbeing of the Australian community

Why I would be good for the role. What policy area handled by the department I was interested in and why. What challenges small business face. What appeals about the graduate programme.

Some of the typical interview questions, but also specific questions about the portfolio and the department's work - which was a nice change from the generic interview questions I had during other interviews

Questions related to the departments work, my interest in government, and adaptation to Canberra.

A mix of soft skill and department related questions.

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Write your answers to questions well in advance, and prepare answers for the interview.

Remain aware of the Department's appearance in the media.

getting familiar with the website and reading recent media feeds regarding the department and its initiatives

Make sure to research the current policies of the department and find some local real-world examples e.g. small businesses who have received entrepreneurship grants or universities using research collaboration grants. Look at the department's strategic plan and work out what really appeals to you from it. And always ask the interviewers questions - if there's a past grad (usually), asked them if/why they liked the program and what kind of work they got to do.

Know what the Department does, what sorts of issues, policies and programs it deals with, and what the current affairs or recent developments affecting the portfolio are. For example, read the Department's website to familiarise yourself with the organisation's objectives and responsibilities. Read the newspaper and identify recent news stories/developments that might be related to the Department's work; it helps if you can show the interviewers that you know what's going on and what kind of issues you might be dealing with as an Industry employee.

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research some of the department's major projects and responsibilities.

Try to learn about the corporate structure (google our organisation chart!). Pick at least one or two divisions that you would be interested in working in and try to figure out what they do.

Start on the short answer questions early- they take time to polish. Try not to stress about the interview- in my experience the interviewers are very friendly and want you to succeed.

Unless things have changed, I encourage you to look over the website and have an understanding of what the department actually does - you will quite likely be asked about it and have to comment on it.

Read about the organisation, and be frank about your ambitions and why you want to work there.

Do your research and understand the department and what it does.

Understand the role of the department and what work area you might be interested in. Understand what you bring to the department.

Read up on the big initiatives and topical issues related to the department's work.