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EL1 & EL2
Interview Coaching

Master Executive Leadership in the APS

Stop Answering Like a Manager. Start Answering Like an Executive.

The leap into the Executive Level (EL) is the most heavily scrutinised transition in the Australian Public Service.

You can no longer rely on examples of managing staff or delivering projects. Panels are looking for strategic vision, the ability to navigate complex ambiguity, high-level budget governance, and the executive presence required to brief Senior Executive Service (SES) officers and Ministers.

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At PS Interview Coach, we specialise in the leap to the Executive Level. As former senior APS hiring managers, we know exactly how to recalibrate your STAR examples so they demonstrate strategic foresight, complex reform, and executive influence. We ensure you leave the panel confident in your ability to operate at the highest levels of government.

EL1 and EL2 Interview Coach discussing the ILS Framework

Mastering the Executive Capability Shift

According to the APS Work Level Standards (WLS), an EL1 or EL2 employee operates with a high degree of independence and exercises significant strategic and managerial responsibility. To succeed, your behavioural examples must demonstrate:

Shapes Strategic Thinking

Demonstrating your ability to formulate long-term vision, translate government policy into operational realities, and navigate complex, ambiguous environments.

Achieves Results (Reform)

Moving beyond simple project management to driving agency-wide reform, managing significant budgets, and ensuring strict governance and accountability.

Communicates with Influence

Negotiating highly complex outcomes, providing authoritative and frank advice to SES and Ministers, and managing highly sensitive stakeholder relationships.

The Executive
Coaching Strategy

We rigorously audit and elevate your interview responses to ensure you project the gravitas and capability required for EL roles.

1

The "Zoom Out" Method

EL candidates often fail by getting stuck in the operational weeds. We help you "zoom out" your STAR examples to focus on the strategic impact, the governance frameworks, and the broader agency benefits.

2

Executive Presence

It's not just what you say; it's how you say it. We coach you on delivering your responses with the gravitas, conciseness, and structured logic expected of a senior public sector leader briefing a Minister.

3

Navigating Ambiguity

At the EL1/EL2 level, problems rarely have simple solutions. We teach you how to articulate your decision-making process when dealing with conflicting priorities, ambiguous policy, and high-risk scenarios.

Executive Coaching Packages

Transparent, premium pricing tailored for candidates targeting EL1 and EL2 positions.

Urgent Strategy

The high-intensity solution for short-notice EL interviews.

$497 Book Now
  • Single 90-minute rapid strategy session ($497 value).
  • Immediate audit of your STARs for strategic vision.
  • ILS calibration for "Strategic Thinking" and "Influence".
  • Full session recording and summary included for rapid review.

Total Value: $497

Your Investment: $497

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Performance Core

Foundational support to confidently bridge the gap from middle management to the executive tier.

$795

Split Payment Option

2 weekly instalments of $397.50

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  • 2 x 60-minute coaching sessions ($794 value).
  • Deep-dive into complex scenario questions specific to EL roles.
  • Single AI content performance audit ($299 value).
  • Development of a powerful executive-level opening pitch.

Total Value: $1,093

Your Investment: $795 (Save $298)

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Highest Impact

Excellence Program

Complete capability overhaul for promotion and Private-to-Public executive transitions.

$997

Split Payment Option

Split Weekly Payment: $498.50 x 2

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Limited to 4 participants per month to ensure priority support.

  • 3 x 60-minute strategic leadership deep dives ($1,191 value).
  • Master the APS Executive Work Level Standards & ILS.
  • Two AI Performance audits (Baseline & Final) ($598 value).
  • Unlimited priority email support for program duration ($150 value).
  • Insider Bonus Bundle: Executive templates & cheat sheets ($116 value).

Total Value: $2,254

Your Investment: $997 (Save $1,257)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest difference between an APS 6 and an EL1 interview?

The difference is operational versus strategic. An APS 6 manages the team and the tasks; an EL1 manages the function, aligns it with broad agency strategy, and anticipates future risks. Panels expect EL candidates to "zoom out" of the technical details and demonstrate true executive presence and political astuteness.

I am applying for an EL1/EL2 from the private sector. How do I translate my skills?

If you have senior management, director, or complex project delivery experience in the private sector, EL1/EL2 is the correct entry point. The key is translating your corporate wins into the specific APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) language—turning "ROI" into "Delivering Results" and "Board Presentations" into "Communicating with Influence".

Ready for Executive
Leadership?

Don't let a generic interview response cost you a senior executive promotion. Work with the ex-hiring managers who know exactly how to calibrate your pitch for the EL1 and EL2 level.

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Direct Access to Ex-Hiring Managers

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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.

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