PS Interview Coach Logo
Call Now: (02) 6106 9669 Book Free Consultation

APS Executive Level Insights

An overview of key trends, frameworks, and strategies for aspiring Executive Level 1 (EL1) and Executive Level 2 (EL2) leaders in the Australian Public Service.

Help! Interview This Week!
Urgent Appointments Available!

Navigating the APS Executive Landscape

Executive Level (EL) roles are pivotal in the APS, bridging strategic directives with operational execution. Understanding the distinct focus of EL1 and EL2 positions is the first step towards successful application and career progression.

Executive Level 1 (EL1)

The Operational Leader & Expert Manager

EL1s blend subject matter expertise with significant people and project management responsibilities. They are leaders who also engage directly in work to ensure outcomes align with APS priorities.

  • Leads and manages teams, fostering productivity.
  • Oversees project and program delivery.
  • Implements strategies, translating goals into operational tasks.
  • Undertakes complex or sensitive work requiring sound judgment.

Executive Level 2 (EL2)

The Strategic Leader & Influencer

EL2s hold more senior leadership roles with a pronounced emphasis on strategic oversight, policy influence, and extensive collaboration, often with broader organisational or cross-agency impact.

  • Leads complex projects, programs, or significant functions.
  • Plays a key role in shaping policy and providing high-level strategic advice.
  • Manages risk strategically and navigates ambiguity.
  • Represents and negotiates on behalf of the agency at high levels.

The Bedrock of Executive Capability

The Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and Work Level Standards (WLS) are foundational frameworks defining executive capability and expectations within the APS. Mastery of these is crucial for success.

Integrated Leadership System (ILS)

The ILS outlines five core capabilities essential for effective leadership across all APS levels. These provide the language and benchmarks for assessing leadership potential and performance.

Each capability is equally vital for holistic executive performance.

Work Level Standards (WLS)

WLS define the expected scope, complexity, and accountability for each classification. For EL1 and EL2 roles, key differentiating aspects include:

  • ✔
    Complexity & Sensitivity: Nature of work undertaken.
  • ✔
    Risk Management: Scope of risk assessment and mitigation.
  • ✔
    Legislation & Policy: Depth of understanding and application.
  • ✔
    Representation: Level and nature of agency representation.
  • ✔
    Supervision & Management: Scope of leadership and development responsibilities.

Mastering Executive Acumen

Strategic thinking and leadership are paramount at executive levels. These capabilities evolve significantly from EL1 to EL2, demanding broader perspectives and more profound impact.

Strategic Thinking Progression: EL1 vs EL2

While EL1s focus on translating strategy into operational success, EL2s are expected to actively shape strategic direction and consider whole-of-government implications.

This chart illustrates the qualitative shift in strategic focus, analytical depth, and operational scope between EL1 and EL2 roles.

Leadership Focus: EL1 vs EL2

Leadership at EL1 centres on direct team enablement and project delivery, while EL2 leadership involves broader organisational influence, capability building, and driving complex change.

EL1 Leadership Pillars
  • Team Empowerment: Fostering individual and collective capability through coaching and clear direction.
  • Project Delivery: Ensuring operational outcomes align with strategic goals.
  • Relationship Cultivation: Building strong internal and relevant external stakeholder connections.
EL2 Leadership Pillars
  • Influencing Outcomes: Shaping policy and strategic direction with broader impact.
  • Organisational Capability: Building capacity beyond immediate teams, often leading other managers.
  • Driving Change: Championing and navigating complex, often cross-agency, transformations.

The transition reflects a move from managing work to leading and enabling broader organisational success.

Crafting Your Compelling Application

Your application documents – resume and pitch – are your primary tools for showcasing suitability. They must be tailored, evidence-based, and persuasive.

The Application Journey

A successful APS executive application typically follows a structured process, starting with understanding the role and culminating in a persuasive submission.

Job Advertisement Analysis
↓
Tailored Resume
↓
Impactful Pitch/Statement
↓
Potential Interview

Each stage requires careful preparation and alignment with APS expectations. PS Interview Coach is here to HELP!

Resume Focus

Your resume must be an achievement-oriented summary, not just a list of duties. Quantify impact wherever possible.

EL1 Resume:

Emphasise team leadership, project delivery, operational improvements, and staff development achievements.

EL2 Resume:

Highlight strategic planning, policy influence, leadership of complex programs, change management, and high-level stakeholder engagement.

Pitch/Statement Focus

Your pitch is a persuasive narrative using STAR examples to demonstrate your capabilities against the role's requirements.

EL1 Pitch Snippet (STAR):

"Led a team of 5 (Situation/Task) to streamline a critical reporting process (Action), resulting in a 25% reduction in processing time and improved data accuracy (Result)."

EL2 Pitch Snippet (STAR):

"Developed and implemented a new cross-agency policy framework (Situation/Task) by leading extensive stakeholder consultations and strategic analysis (Action), achieving government endorsement and setting a new national standard (Result)."

Help! Interview This Week!
Urgent Appointments Available!

Final Polish & Key Considerations

Attention to detail and awareness of common mistakes can significantly enhance your application's impact in a competitive field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • ⚠️ Generic, untailored applications.
  • ⚠️ Listing duties instead of achievements.
  • ⚠️ Vague claims lacking specific examples or quantification.
  • ⚠️ Ignoring or misusing APS frameworks (ILS/WLS).
  • ⚠️ Exceeding specified word or page limits.
  • ⚠️ Failing to articulate the "so what?" – the relevance and impact of your experience.

The Key to Success

Strategic Preparation

Thorough research, a deep understanding of APS expectations for the specific level (EL1 or EL2), meticulous tailoring of your application, and compelling articulation of your leadership and strategic impact are paramount.

Embark on Your Executive Journey

Securing an APS Executive Level role is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour. By understanding these insights and diligently preparing your application, you can confidently pursue these significant leadership opportunities and contribute to shaping Australia's future.

"This infographic provides a general overview based on typical APS executive recruitment principles. Always refer to specific job documentation for precise requirements."

 

Ready to Secure Your Public Service Career?

Don't leave your public sector interview success to chance. Work with Australia's most experienced government coaching team.

Book a Session Compare Packages

Not sure which option is right for you? Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and target role.