APS Keywords: The Complete List for Your Resume, Pitch and PageUp & SuccessFactors Application

Updated for 2026  |  11 min read  |  Australian Public Service Careers

If you are applying for an Australian Public Service job and wondering which APS keywords to put in your resume, pitch or online application, you are asking the right question – but there is an important distinction to understand.

There isn’t one universal list of magic APS keywords that guarantees an interview.

A strong APS application uses the language of the vacancy while providing evidence that you actually possess the skills, experience, behaviours and work-related qualities being sought.

This guide gives you a practical APS keyword list for applications from approximately APS 3 through to EL2, explains where to find the most important keywords in a job advertisement, and shows you how to use them naturally across your APS resume, CV, pitch, statement of claims, selection criteria and PageUp or SuccessFactors application.

What Are APS Keywords?

APS keywords are words and phrases that describe the skills, behaviours, responsibilities, capabilities and outcomes required for an Australian Public Service role.

They may appear in the:

• APS job advertisement
• candidate information pack
• position description
• duties and responsibilities
• selection criteria
• statement of claims or pitch instructions
• agency capability framework
• APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS)
• APS Work Level Standards

For example, an APS 6 advertisement might repeatedly refer to stakeholder engagement, sound judgement, delivering results, managing competing priorities and providing high-quality advice.

Those phrases tell you something important about what the panel wants to see.

Your application should therefore demonstrate those capabilities using relevant examples and outcomes rather than relying on generic claims such as:

“I am an excellent communicator and strong team player.”

Think of APS keywords as signposts to the evidence the selection panel needs to find.

Where to Find the Most Important Keywords in an APS Job Advertisement

Before writing your APS resume or pitch, read the entire vacancy pack and highlight recurring words and concepts.

Pay particular attention to these areas:

1. Job purpose: Why does the position exist?
2. Duties: What will the successful candidate actually do?
3. Skills and capabilities: What must they demonstrate?
4. Selection criteria: What will the panel assess?
5. Pitch instructions: What specifically are you being asked to address?
6. Classification: What level of responsibility, judgement and independence is expected?
7. Repeated language: Which concepts appear multiple times?

Repetition is particularly useful. If stakeholder management appears in the job description, duties and selection criteria, it should probably feature prominently in your application – assuming your experience genuinely demonstrates it.

Complete APS Keywords List for Resumes and Applications

The following are common Australian Public Service resume and application keywords. They are not a checklist to paste indiscriminately into every application. Select the terms that genuinely match the vacancy and your evidence.

If you’re building or updating the complete document, see our APS resume writing and application services for more information about structuring a government resume around capability, achievements and the requirements of the advertised position.

Communication Keywords

• Communicates with influence
• Clear and concise communication
• Written communication
• Verbal communication
• Briefing
• Negotiation
• Persuasion
• Consultation
• Presentation
• Tailoring communication to the audience
• Ministerial correspondence
• Briefing senior executives
• Providing advice

Stakeholder Engagement Keywords

• Stakeholder engagement
• Stakeholder management
• Builds productive relationships
• Collaboration
• Consultation
• Relationship management
• Internal stakeholders
• External stakeholders
• Cross-agency collaboration
• Partnerships
• Influencing
• Managing competing interests
• Conflict resolution
• Building consensus

Results and Delivery Keywords

• Achieves results
• Delivers outcomes
• Results-focused
• Manages priorities
• Meets deadlines
• Quality outcomes
• Project delivery
• Program delivery
• Implementation
• Performance monitoring
• Resource management
• Continuous improvement
• Process improvement
• Operational efficiency

Leadership Keywords

• Leadership
• Strategic leadership
• Team leadership
• People management
• Coaching and mentoring
• Capability development
• Performance management
• Delegation
• Leading through change
• Setting direction
• Building team capability
• Driving performance
• Creating a positive workplace culture

Strategic Thinking Keywords

• Strategic thinking
• Supports strategic direction
• Strategic priorities
• Strategic alignment
• Environmental awareness
• Systems thinking
• Forward planning
• Identifying emerging issues
• Analytical thinking
• Evidence-based advice
• Policy intent
• Organisational objectives

Judgement, Risk and Decision-Making Keywords

• Sound judgement
• Decision-making
• Risk management
• Risk mitigation
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Analysis
• Evidence-based decision-making
• Complex problem solving
• Identifying issues
• Providing recommendations
• Operating with autonomy

Integrity and Accountability Keywords

• Integrity
• Accountability
• Personal responsibility
• APS Values
• APS Code of Conduct
• Professionalism
• Ethical decision-making
• Transparency
• Probity
• Governance
• Compliance
• Public interest

Policy, Program and Government Keywords

• Policy development
• Policy implementation
• Policy analysis
• Program management
• Program delivery
• Program evaluation
• Government priorities
• Legislation
• Regulatory frameworks
• Cabinet processes
• Ministerial briefs
• Government decision-making
• Governance
• Procurement
• Contract management
• Grant administration

Customer and Service Delivery Keywords

• Customer service
• Client service
• Service delivery
• Customer-focused
• Client-focused
• Resolving complex enquiries
• Case management
• Managing sensitive information
• De-escalation
• Applying legislation and policy
• Delivering accurate advice
• Working with diverse communities

APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) Keywords

The Integrated Leadership System (ILS) is another important source of APS capability language.

Its five broad capability clusters are:

• Supports strategic direction
• Achieves results
• Supports productive working relationships
• Displays personal drive and integrity
• Communicates with influence

Within those clusters are more specific behavioural concepts such as judgement, strategic thinking, collaboration, adaptability, professionalism, communication and negotiation.

Important: Do not simply scatter ILS phrases throughout an application. The stronger approach is to understand what the relevant capability looks like at your classification level and demonstrate it through evidence.

If you’re unsure how these capabilities change between classifications, read our detailed guide to the APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and its five core capability areas.

APS Keywords by Classification: APS3 to EL2

The language that works for an APS 3 application should not necessarily sound like an EL1 or EL2 application. As classification increases, panels generally expect greater complexity, independence, accountability, leadership and strategic impact.

APS 3 and APS 4 Keywords

Common language may include:

• customer service
• accurate
• procedures
• teamwork
• organised
• prioritises tasks
• communicates clearly
• supports colleagues
• problem solving
• quality service
• takes responsibility
• meets deadlines
• applies policy and procedures

At these levels, focus on demonstrating that you can reliably deliver quality work, communicate effectively, contribute to a team and exercise appropriate judgement.

APS 5 Keywords

• sound judgement
• analysis
• stakeholder engagement
• provides advice
• manages priorities
• initiative
• problem solving
• project delivery
• builds relationships
• identifies risk
• continuous improvement
• works independently

APS 6 Keywords

• complex analysis
• high-quality advice
• stakeholder management
• influencing
• sound judgement
• managing competing priorities
• risk management
• project leadership
• strategic priorities
• coaching and mentoring
• drives improvement
• operates with autonomy

EL1 Keywords

• strategic leadership
• complex judgement
• high-level advice
• leads teams
• builds capability
• strategic priorities
• influences stakeholders
• manages risk
• governance
• drives outcomes
• leads change
• resource management
• accountability
• operates in ambiguity

EL2 Keywords

• enterprise leadership
• strategic direction
• organisational outcomes
• high-level stakeholder relationships
• strategic influence
• complex and sensitive issues
• significant judgement
• organisational capability
• cross-agency collaboration
• governance and assurance
• leading transformation
• executive advice
• government priorities
• stewardship

How to Use APS Keywords in Your Resume

Your APS resume keywords should appear naturally within your professional profile, key capabilities, employment history and – most importantly – your achievements.

Avoid creating a giant keyword list with no evidence behind it.

Weak APS Resume Example

Excellent stakeholder management, communication, leadership, project management and strategic thinking skills.

Stronger APS Resume Example

Led stakeholder engagement across three business areas to resolve competing implementation requirements, negotiate an agreed delivery approach and deliver the project two weeks ahead of the revised deadline.

The second example naturally demonstrates leadership, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, project delivery, managing competing priorities and achieving results without reading like keyword stuffing.

If you’re building or updating the complete document, see our APS resume writing and application services for more information about structuring a government resume around capability, achievements and the requirements of the advertised position.

How to Use Keywords in an APS Pitch or Selection Criteria

An APS pitch is not simply a longer version of your resume.

Your pitch should connect:

Requirement → Evidence → Action → Outcome → Relevance to the Role

For example, if the advertisement repeatedly emphasises stakeholder engagement and influencing, don’t write:

“I have excellent stakeholder engagement skills and communicate with influence.”

Instead, demonstrate it:

“When two senior stakeholders held competing views on the implementation approach, I identified the underlying concerns, presented the evidence and risks associated with each option, and facilitated agreement on a revised approach that maintained the delivery schedule.”

The keyword is supported by evidence. That is much more persuasive to a selection panel.

What About APS Keywords in PageUp and SuccessFactors Applications?

Australian Government recruitment processes may use online recruitment platforms such as PageUp, SAP SuccessFactors or agency-specific recruitment systems.

Regardless of the platform, treat the information you enter as part of your formal application.

The safest strategy is not to try to “beat the ATS”. Instead:

• use the terminology from the vacancy naturally;
• use clear job titles and capability language;
• avoid unnecessarily complicated formatting;
• complete all required fields accurately;
• tailor your resume and pitch to the particular vacancy;
• provide evidence for the capabilities you claim.

How to Build an APS Keyword Map Before You Apply

One of the simplest ways to improve an APS application is to create a keyword and evidence map before you start writing.

Do this before writing and you’ll immediately see which requirements you can demonstrate strongly – and where your evidence is weak.

Does Keyword Stuffing Help an APS Application?

No. APS keyword stuffing is not a substitute for evidence.

A sentence such as:

“I am a strategic, collaborative and results-focused leader who communicates with influence, achieves results and builds productive relationships.”

contains plenty of APS language but tells the panel very little.

The panel needs evidence of what you did, the judgement you exercised, the complexity you managed and what happened as a result.

A useful rule is:

APS Keyword Examples: Weak vs Strong

Stakeholder Engagement

Weak: “Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.”

Strong: “Built relationships across four operational teams, identified conflicting requirements and negotiated an agreed implementation approach.”

Achieves Results

Weak: “I consistently achieve results.”

Strong: “Reprioritised the team’s workload following an unexpected deadline change, redistributed resources and delivered the ministerial brief within the required timeframe.”

Leadership

Weak: “I am an experienced leader.”

Strong: “Led a team through a significant process change, established clear responsibilities, coached two less-experienced staff and maintained service delivery throughout implementation.”

Strategic Thinking

Weak: “I am a strategic thinker.”

Strong: “Identified that the proposed solution addressed the immediate operational problem but created a longer-term compliance risk, and recommended an alternative approach subsequently adopted by the executive.”

Should You Use the Exact Words From the APS Job Advertisement?

Yes – where they accurately describe your experience.

You don’t need to rewrite every phrase using synonyms simply to sound different.

If the advertisement asks for:

• stakeholder engagement;
• strategic thinking;
• risk management; and
• high-quality written advice,

it is perfectly reasonable for those terms to appear in your application.

But they should be surrounded by specific evidence, actions, context and results.

The objective isn’t to copy the advertisement. It is to make the connection between what the agency needs and what you have demonstrated unmistakably clear.

APS Keywords Aren’t the Same at Every Classification

This is one of the most important concepts candidates miss.

“Stakeholder management” at APS 4 is not necessarily the same as stakeholder management at EL1.

Similarly, leadership, judgement, autonomy, risk and communication become progressively more complex as the classification increases.

That’s why simply downloading an APS keyword list and inserting the same language into applications for APS 5, APS 6 and EL1 positions can produce weak applications.

Your examples need to demonstrate the work value and behavioural expectations of the level you’re applying for.

Frequently Asked Questions About APS Keywords

What are the best keywords for an APS resume?

The best APS resume keywords are those used in the specific job advertisement, candidate pack, duties and assessment criteria. Common examples include stakeholder engagement, achieves results, communicates with influence, sound judgement, strategic thinking, collaboration, leadership, risk management, integrity and continuous improvement.

Should I copy keywords from an APS job advertisement?

You should use relevant terminology from the job advertisement where it accurately reflects your experience. However, copying phrases without providing evidence will not demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Does PageUp scan APS resumes for keywords?

PageUp is used as a recruitment platform by organisations, but candidates should not assume an APS application is automatically accepted or rejected according to a simple keyword score. Focus on meeting the advertised requirements, completing the application correctly and providing clear evidence of your suitability.

Does SAP SuccessFactors scan government job applications for keywords?

SuccessFactors can support recruitment workflows, but the way an individual Australian Government agency configures and uses its recruitment system may vary. Do not rely on keyword stuffing as an application strategy. Tailor your application to the vacancy and demonstrate the required capabilities with evidence.

What are APS ILS keywords?

The Integrated Leadership System includes five broad capability clusters: Supports Strategic Direction, Achieves Results, Supports Productive Working Relationships, Displays Personal Drive and Integrity, and Communicates with Influence. Individual behavioural expectations vary by classification.

What keywords should I use for an APS 6 application?

Depending on the vacancy, APS 6 applications commonly involve concepts such as complex analysis, sound judgement, stakeholder management, high-quality advice, managing competing priorities, risk management, project delivery, influencing and operating with appropriate autonomy.

What keywords should I use for an EL1 application?

EL1 applications often require stronger evidence of strategic leadership, complex judgement, stakeholder influence, accountability, governance, risk management, leading teams, building capability and delivering outcomes in complex environments. Always prioritise the requirements of the actual vacancy.

Final Takeaway: Use APS Keywords as Evidence Signposts

The most effective APS applications don’t look like they have been written around a keyword list.

They read naturally while making it extremely easy for a selection panel to identify:

• the capability being demonstrated;
• the complexity of the situation;
• your individual contribution;
• the judgement you exercised;
• the outcome you achieved; and
• why that evidence is relevant at the classification level.

Start with the job advertisement. Extract the keywords. Map them against your evidence. Then write the application.

That approach is considerably stronger than writing a generic resume or pitch and trying to sprinkle APS terminology through it afterwards.