You Don’t Have to Take the Promotion: Why Some APS6s Are Saying No to EL1 — And Why That’s Okay
Not everyone who acts in an EL1 role chooses to go permanent — and that’s a more common and valid decision than you might think. Here’s what to consider if you’re facing the same crossroads
APS Interview Coaching: Aligning Your Motivations with Public Service Values
When it comes to APS and State Government interviews, it’s not just about what you can do — it’s about why you do it. Government interview panels are not only assessing your technical skills and capabilities. They’re actively listening for alignment with APS Values...
How to Sound Confident in Your APS Interview (Without Faking It)
Have you ever walked out of an interview thinking: “I wish I’d sounded more confident”? You’re not alone. Confidence in APS interviews isn’t about having all the answers or delivering a flawless performance. It’s about showing clarity, composure, and credibility—the...
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Before Your APS Interview
That little voice whispering, “You’re not ready for this role” … sound familiar? Imposter syndrome often strikes hardest in the days leading up to an interview. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for an APS3 graduate role or stepping up into an APS6 or EL1...
Understanding the Competitive Advantage of Getting onto an APS Merit Pool
In my two decades of coaching Australian Public Service professionals, I’ve observed a fundamental shift in how smart career strategists approach APS recruitment. While many candidates focus solely on securing immediate job offers, the most successful professionals...
From KPI to PSP: Making the Shift from Private Sector to APS
From Corporate to Public Sector: How to Translate Your Experience for APS Success You’ve nailed product launches, managed million-dollar budgets, and led high-performing teams. So why does applying for a public sector role feel like learning a whole new language?...
Impostor Syndrome Walked Into the APS Interview. You Followed After.
Ever walked out of an APS interview and thought, “I knew the answers… why didn’t I say them?”It’s like your brain packs a suitcase for the interview but leaves all your best answers at home watching Netflix.James came to me after bombing three interviews. Brilliant on...
Behavioural vs Competency Interview Questions – Tips and Advice from 20yrs as a APS Recruitment & Hiring Manager
By Chris – PS Interview Coach After coaching thousands of Australian Public Service candidates over the past two decades, I've noticed a persistent confusion that costs many talented professionals their dream APS roles. They prepare extensively for "behavioural...
APS Merit Pool Advantage – Common Myths and Questions Answered
Understanding the Competitive Advantage of Getting onto an APS Merit Pool By Chris – PS Interview Coach In my two decades of coaching Australian Public Service professionals, I've observed a fundamental shift in how smart career strategists approach APS recruitment....
7 Critical Themes That Cause Australian Public Service (APS) Interview Failures (And How to Avoid Them)
7 Common APS Interview Mistakes That Derail Even Qualified Candidates By Chris - PS Interview Coach After two decades of helping professionals navigate the Australian Public Service recruitment process, I've witnessed countless talented individuals stumble at the...