Don't Let a Robot Reject You

Master AI Recruitment & Shortlisting for APS & State Government Jobs

Feeling frustrated? Many government applications are now filtered by AI (ATS scanners) *before* a human ever sees them. We provide expert, ex-hiring manager advice to get your application past the filter and in front of the panel.

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What is "AI Shortlisting" in Government Recruitment?

It's not science fiction, and it's not (yet) a super-smart AI making the final choice. It's a powerful filter known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

APS and State Government departments receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications for a single role. They use an ATS to manage this volume. The system's first job is to scan your resume and pitch, comparing it to the job description and selection criteria.

It then gives your application a "match score." Applications below a certain score (e.g., 70-80%) are often automatically filtered out. Your excellent STAR examples and deep experience might never be seen by a human.

The government's own guidelines (from the APSC, ATO, and NSW/VIC) state that AI is a tool to *assist* humans, not replace them. The final, merit-based decision *must* be made by a person. Your goal isn't to "trick" the AI; it's to format your application so the AI gives it a high score and passes it to that human panel.

How to Pass the APS AI Filter: Your 4-Step Strategy

Getting past the AI scanner requires a specific approach. Here's our insider strategy.

1. Deconstruct & Mirror

The AI is a matching engine. Print the job description, selection criteria, and capability framework (e.g., ILS). Highlight *every* keyword and action verb (e.g., "stakeholder engagement," "policy development," "achieves results"). Your resume and pitch *must* mirror this exact language.

2. Format for the Parser

AI parsers are easily confused. Avoid complex formatting. Use a clean, single-column layout. Do not use tables, text boxes, or columns. Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri). Don't put crucial info (like your name or contact details) in the header or footer, as these are often skipped.

3. Master the AI Video Interview

For bulk rounds, you may face a one-way video interview (like HireVue). The key is to *speak the keywords* from the job ad. The AI may be transcribing your answer to check for them. Look at the camera, speak clearly, and use your prep time to structure your STAR examples.

4. Write for the Human

Passing the AI just gets you to the human panel. Your application can't be a jumbled mess of keywords. It must still be a compelling, human-readable story. This is why weaving keywords into your STAR examples is the best strategy for both.

An APS resume being reviewed for AI and ATS keywords

Let an Expert Get You Past the AI Gatekeeper

You can have the perfect STAR examples, but if an AI scanner scores your resume at 40%, a human will never see them. Our coaches are former APS hiring managers who understand *both* systems: the AI filter and the human panel.

AI & ATS Application Review

We will personally review your resume, cover letter, and/or pitch specifically for AI-friendliness. We'll check your keyword alignment against the job ad, fix formatting issues, and ensure your application is built to pass the filter.
AI Video Interview Practice

We'll run you through a mock one-way video interview, simulating the pressure and format of tools like HireVue. We'll give you direct feedback on your structure, delivery, and keyword usage.
Human-Centric Coaching

Remember, the panel is human. Our core interview coaching ensures that once you pass the AI, you have the powerful STAR examples and confidence to win over the panel.

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APS & AI: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An ATS is the software that most large organisations, including government departments, use to manage job applications. Its main job is to collect, scan, and rank candidates. The "AI" part is its ability to parse your resume and score it against the job description, filtering out those with low scores.

Will AI know if I use ChatGPT to write my application?

Possibly, but the bigger risk is that your application will sound generic and lack a "personal voice," which the ATO and other agencies specifically warn against. AI-generated applications often fail to provide specific, personal STAR examples, which is what hiring managers look for. Use AI to *prepare* or *check grammar*, but never to *perform* or write your core examples for you.

Do I need a different resume for every AI application?

Yes, 100%. You must tailor your resume and pitch for *every single application*. The AI is matching keywords from *that specific job ad*. A generic resume will fail the AI scan almost every time. This is the single biggest mistake applicants make.

Do State Governments (NSW, VIC, QLD) use AI the same way as the APS?

The principles are identical. They all use ATS platforms to manage high volumes. State governments also have their own capability frameworks (e.g., NSW Public Sector Capability Framework, VPS Capability Framework) which serve as the "keyword list" for the AI. The same strategies of keyword mirroring and simple formatting apply.

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