Application Process & Interviews at Department of Social Services

Long process but a good variety of assessments which is beneficial if you are not as strong in a particular area. Gives recruiters more of an opportunity to see what you have to offer. Assessments included reasoning tests, phone interviews, an assessment centre and a panel interview.

Interview process involved online assessment, phone interview and an assessment centre which involved a written assessment, a group assessment and a one-on-one interview

Behavioural (STAR) type questions. Questions about work experience and ones designed to determine cultural fit.

Typical of what you would expect. For example: Why do you want to work for us? Give an example where you had to overcome a difficult task as a part of a team? How are your skills relevant? What is your career path? Etc

How do I deal with change? What would I do if there are no guidelines with the work I am doing? How did I overcome a mistake I made?

I was asked about team work, how I've handled difficult decisions and giving bad news. Also, how I would define professionalism.

Mostly things about my work style, and my motivations for wanting to work for the government, with an emphasis on approaches to working in a team.

Whilst leadership is important, DSS is an organization for team players. As you take initiative also be willing to value and include others.

Actually properly research the Department. Make sure you can properly answer any foreseeable question the interviewers might ask you. Make sure you address the selection criteria.

Be socially aware. Know what's going on in the news, so you have the best chance of knowing what the government's agenda is.

Read up on the range of work the agency is involved with, and prepare examples of your work capabilities.

Be yourself, be interested in the organisation, be prepared to move to Canberra.