How competitive are APS interviews in 2024?

Since 2020, average application numbers for APS roles have doubled. Job security, competitive pay scales, and a 15.4% superannuation rate make these roles highly sought after, requiring professional preparation to succeed.

What is the best way to answer APS4, APS5, and APS6 interview questions?

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) combined with an understanding of the Work Level Standards (WLS) and Integrated Leadership System (ILS) is essential for articulating capability at the required level.

APS Interview Questions Guide

APS Interview Questions:
Answer Them Like a Top Candidate

Anyone can prepare answers. Very few candidates understand how APS panels actually score responses against capability frameworks.

If your answers don’t align to scoring criteria… you won’t be competitive.

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Stop Guessing. Target Your Exact Level:

Entry APS 3 & 4 Mid-Level APS 5 Senior APS 6 Leadership EL 1 Director EL 2 State Gov NSW/VIC/QLD Local Council Executive SES

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Insider Reality

APS Interviews Are Scored — Not Interpreted

Panels don’t “read between the lines.” They assess exactly what you say against capability frameworks.

If your example doesn’t clearly demonstrate the capability… it doesn’t get scored.

The Most Common APS Interview Questions

These are the exact behavioural questions used across APS, State and Local Government interviews — all designed to assess capability frameworks.

✔ Tell us about a time you achieved a significant outcome
✔ Describe a challenging stakeholder you managed
✔ Give an example of strategic thinking
✔ Tell us about a time you influenced a decision
✔ Describe a setback and how you handled it

Are You Answering These Questions Correctly?

Most candidates think they are… until they don’t get selected.

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Why Most STAR Answers Fail

Everyone uses STAR. But almost no one uses it correctly.

❌ Too much time on Situation

❌ Not enough focus on Actions

❌ No measurable results

❌ Talking about the team instead of “I”

Your ACTIONS are where most of your score comes from.

Real Results From Candidates Like You

APS5 → APS6

Promoted after 2 failed attempts

External → APS

Landed role first application

EL1 Success

Improved panel scoring significantly

Why This Matters

APS interviews are scored against capability frameworks — not how confident you sound.

The difference between a weak and strong answer can be the difference between merit list… or rejection.

APS4 Interview Example

Question:

Tell us about a time you had to manage competing priorities.

What the Panel is Assessing:

Time management, organisation, and ability to deliver under pressure.

Weak Answer:

“I had multiple tasks and I worked hard to complete them on time.”

Strong Answer (STAR):

I was managing three competing deadlines across administrative tasks and reporting requirements (Situation). I prioritised tasks based on urgency and stakeholder impact, then created a structured timeline (Task). I communicated with stakeholders early to reset expectations and ensure alignment (Action). As a result, all deliverables were completed on time with no quality issues and improved stakeholder confidence (Result).

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APS5 Interview Example

Question:

Tell us about a time you had to manage a difficult stakeholder.

What the Panel is Assessing:

Stakeholder engagement, communication style, and your ability to influence outcomes without authority.

Weak Answer:

“I listened to their concerns and worked with them to resolve the issue.”

Strong Answer (STAR):

I was working with a stakeholder who was resistant to a new reporting process and frequently challenged timelines (Situation). My role was to ensure compliance while maintaining a positive working relationship (Task). I engaged directly with the stakeholder to understand their concerns, clarified expectations, and reframed the benefits in terms of their operational priorities (Action). As a result, the stakeholder adopted the process and engagement improved, reducing delays and increasing reporting accuracy (Result).

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Want to Know If Your Answers Will Actually Score?

Most candidates think they’re ready… until they get rejected.

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APS6 Interview Example

Question:

Describe a time you led a project or initiative to achieve a key outcome.

What the Panel is Assessing:

Leadership, decision-making, accountability, and your ability to deliver outcomes through others.

Weak Answer:

“I worked with my team to complete a project successfully.”

Strong Answer (STAR):

I led a cross-functional project to implement a new internal process under tight time constraints (Situation). I was responsible for coordinating stakeholders, managing risks, and ensuring delivery (Task). I established clear milestones, delegated responsibilities, and proactively addressed risks by engaging key stakeholders early (Action). The project was delivered on time, improved operational efficiency, and was adopted as a standard process across the team (Result).

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EL1 Interview Example

Question:

Tell us about a time you demonstrated strategic thinking.

What the Panel is Assessing:

Strategic thinking, leadership, and your ability to align work with broader organisational outcomes.

Weak Answer:

“I considered the bigger picture when making decisions.”

Strong Answer (STAR):

I identified a gap in how our team’s outputs aligned with broader organisational priorities (Situation). I was responsible for ensuring our work contributed to strategic outcomes (Task). I analysed existing processes, engaged senior stakeholders, and restructured workflows to better align with departmental objectives (Action). This resulted in improved alignment with strategic priorities and increased visibility of our team’s contribution at the executive level (Result).

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EL2 Interview Example

Question:

Describe a time you influenced organisational direction or policy.

What the Panel is Assessing:

Executive leadership, influence, strategic impact, and decision-making at an organisational level.

Weak Answer:

“I contributed to policy discussions and provided input.”

Strong Answer (STAR):

I identified a policy gap that was impacting operational effectiveness across multiple teams (Situation). I was responsible for influencing senior stakeholders and shaping a new approach (Task). I developed a strategic proposal, engaged executives, and presented evidence-based recommendations to drive change (Action). This resulted in the adoption of a revised policy that improved consistency, reduced risk, and strengthened organisational outcomes (Result).

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Your Fast-Track to APS Success

Applications have doubled. The pay scales are higher than ever. Are you going to keep guessing, or are you going to get coached by the people who wrote the questions?

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APS Interview Questions: Answer Them Like a Top Candidate

Stop Guessing. Target Your Exact Level:

APS Interviews Are Scored — Not Interpreted

The Most Common APS Interview Questions

Are You Answering These Questions Correctly?

Why Most STAR Answers Fail

Real Results From Candidates Like You

APS5 → APS6

External → APS

EL1 Success

Why This Matters

APS4 Interview Example

Question:

What the Panel is Assessing:

Weak Answer:

Strong Answer (STAR):

APS5 Interview Example

Question:

What the Panel is Assessing:

Weak Answer:

Strong Answer (STAR):

Want to Know If Your Answers Will Actually Score?

APS6 Interview Example

Question:

What the Panel is Assessing:

Weak Answer:

Strong Answer (STAR):

EL1 Interview Example

Question:

What the Panel is Assessing:

Weak Answer:

Strong Answer (STAR):

EL2 Interview Example

Question:

What the Panel is Assessing:

Weak Answer:

Strong Answer (STAR):

Want the Exact Answers That Get You Hired?

Stop Guessing What Panels Want

Your Fast-Track to APS Success

Ready to Secure Your Public Service Career?

APS Interview Questions:
Answer Them Like a Top Candidate