Executive Level Coaching for Canberra's APS Leaders

Specialized interview coaching for EL1 and EL2 positions in the Australian Public Service. Develop the strategic leadership narrative and executive presence needed to excel in Canberra's competitive senior roles.

Executive level coaching for Canberra APS leadership positions

Executive Coaching Package

$899

GST Inclusive

  • 4 specialized coaching sessions (6-7 hours total)
  • Strategic leadership narrative development
  • Executive presence and communication coaching
  • 2 panel-style mock interviews with senior coaches
  • Video recording and detailed performance analysis
  • Department-specific strategy for major Canberra agencies
  • 45 days of unlimited email & phone support
Book Executive Coaching

Available in-person in Canberra or via secure video call

The Executive Difference

How our executive coaching differs from standard interview preparation

Strategic Positioning

Beyond tactical interview skills, we help you position yourself as a strategic leader ready for Canberra's senior APS roles. We focus on articulating whole-of-government thinking that selection panels seek at the executive level.

Leadership Narrative

We help you craft a compelling leadership story that demonstrates your capacity to guide teams, manage stakeholders, and deliver outcomes in the complex Canberra public service environment specific to your target department.

Executive Network

Our coaches include former senior APS leaders from major Canberra departments who have served on executive selection panels. Their insider perspective provides invaluable insights into the unwritten expectations of EL1-EL2 candidates.

Executive Coaching Components

A comprehensive system designed for senior Canberra public service success

Session 1:
Strategic Assessment

Leadership Positioning & Career Strategy

In your first 90-minute session, we'll map your leadership journey, identify your unique value proposition for Canberra's executive roles, and craft a strategic narrative aligned with APS leadership frameworks.

  • Executive capability assessment
  • Department-specific leadership expectations
  • APS Executive Level framework alignment
  • Competitive positioning strategy for Canberra roles

Session 2:
Executive Documentation

Executive Selection Criteria & Application

This 90-minute session focuses on crafting compelling selection criteria responses and executive summaries that demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership capability for senior ACT government roles.

  • EL1-EL2 selection criteria optimization
  • Strategic leadership examples development
  • Executive summary crafting for Canberra panels
  • Alignment with departmental strategic priorities

Session 3:
Panel Interview

Executive Mock Interview & Presence

Experience a realistic 2-hour panel interview simulation with former senior APS leaders, focusing on the executive competencies specific to your target Canberra department.

  • Full panel interview with multiple assessors
  • Video recording with communication analysis
  • Executive presence and non-verbal feedback
  • Response structure for complex policy questions

Session 4:
Executive Mastery

Final Preparation & Strategic Scenarios

Your final 2-hour session includes a second panel interview, strategic scenario exercises commonly used in Canberra executive recruitment, and final preparation for your target role.

  • Strategic scenario response practice
  • Second full panel interview with increased difficulty
  • Handling complex stakeholder questions
  • Final executive presence refinement

Canberra Department Expertise

Our executive coaches bring insider knowledge of leadership expectations in key federal agencies

Department of Finance

Strategic financial leadership expertise

Department of Defence

Security and capability leadership

DFAT

International policy leadership

Department of Health

Health policy and program leadership

Services Australia

Service delivery executive roles

APS Commission

Public service leadership frameworks

Treasury

Economic policy leadership

Attorney-General's

Legal policy and governance leadership

APS Executive Level Framework Alignment

Our coaching targets the specific leadership capabilities assessed in EL1-EL2 interviews

Strategic Thinking

We'll help you demonstrate your ability to think broadly and consider the wider context and implications of issues relevant to the Canberra public service environment.

  • Whole-of-government perspective articulation
  • Future-focused solution development
  • Scenario planning and risk assessment

People Management

Learn how to effectively showcase your leadership approach and ability to develop high-performing teams in the Canberra APS context.

  • Team development strategies
  • Performance management approaches
  • Inclusive leadership practices

Stakeholder Engagement

Develop compelling examples that showcase your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships in the Canberra public service landscape.

  • Cross-departmental collaboration
  • Ministerial office engagement
  • External partnership development

Achieving Results

Learn to articulate your ability to deliver outcomes and drive implementation in the results-focused Canberra APS environment.

  • Project delivery methodologies
  • Resource optimization strategies
  • Change management leadership

Executive Success Stories

Hear from Canberra leaders who secured EL1-EL2 roles with our coaching

PW
Paul W.
EL2, Department of Finance

"After missing out on three EL2 positions, I invested in the Executive Coaching program. The strategic narrative development completely transformed how I positioned myself. The mock panel interviews were incredibly realistic—the exact same questions came up in my actual Finance interview. The investment paid for itself many times over."

LT
Lisa T.
EL1, Department of Defence

"Coming from the private sector, I struggled to translate my leadership experience to the Defence context. The Executive Coaching helped me understand the unique APS leadership expectations and departmental culture. My coach's insider knowledge of Defence was invaluable—I secured an EL1 role in a highly competitive field."

JN
James N.
EL2, Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet

"The executive presence training was game-changing for my PM&C interview. The video analysis of my communication style identified subtle issues I wasn't aware of. My coach helped me develop strategic responses that demonstrated whole-of-government thinking. I was offered the role within 48 hours of the interview."

Meet Your Executive Coach

Specialized coaching from a former Canberra SES leader

Chris Manning

Executive Interview Specialist

Chris brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the Australian Public Service, including 8 years at the SES level across multiple Canberra departments. As a former selection panel chair for executive recruitment, Chris provides unparalleled insights into what departments are seeking in their next generation of leaders.

Background: Prior to joining PS Interview Coach, Chris held senior positions in the Department of Finance, Department of Defence, and the Australian Public Service Commission, where he led major policy and organizational transformation initiatives.

  • Former SES Band 1 in multiple Canberra departments
  • Panel chair for over 50 EL1 and EL2 recruitment rounds
  • Executive leadership development specialist
  • Certified executive coach (ICF accredited)
Book with Chris

Executive Career Pathways

Strategic positioning for your Canberra public service leadership journey

EL1-EL2 Advancement

Our coaching prepares you for the specific requirements of executive level roles in Canberra departments, focusing on the leadership capabilities that distinguish successful EL candidates.

  • Technical to management transition strategies
  • Team leadership and people management focus
  • Program and project delivery emphasis
  • Operational to strategic thinking transition

Ideal for: APS6 moving to EL1 or EL1 advancing to EL2 roles in Canberra departments

SES Preparation

For EL2 leaders with SES aspirations, we offer specialized coaching that lays the groundwork for future SES applications in Canberra's competitive senior executive landscape.

  • Strategic leadership narrative development
  • Whole-of-government perspective articulation
  • Executive stakeholder management strategies
  • Policy and organizational transformation focus

Ideal for: Experienced EL2s preparing for future SES roles in Canberra

Executive Coaching FAQs

How is Executive Coaching different from your Complete Package?

Our Executive Coaching is specifically designed for Canberra's EL1-EL2 roles, with a much greater emphasis on strategic leadership, executive presence, and the specific expectations of senior APS positions. The program includes panel-style interviews with former senior leaders, video analysis of your executive communication style, and targeted development of your leadership narrative—elements critical for success at the executive level in the Canberra public service.

I'm applying for a promotion from APS6 to EL1. Is Executive Coaching right for me?

Yes, our Executive Coaching is ideal for this critical career transition in the Canberra public service. The jump from APS6 to EL1 requires demonstrating a shift from operational excellence to leadership capacity. Our coaching helps you position yourself as a leader ready for executive responsibilities, rather than simply a high-performing technical specialist. We'll help you articulate this transition in ways that resonate with ACT government selection panels.

Do you offer coaching for specific Canberra departments?

Absolutely. We understand that executive expectations vary significantly between Canberra departments. Defence, Finance, PM&C, Treasury, and other agencies each have their own leadership cultures and priorities. Our coaches have experience across multiple departments and can tailor your coaching to the specific requirements and culture of your target department, including agency-specific language and priorities.

How soon can I schedule Executive Coaching sessions?

For Canberra clients, we typically require 5-7 days' notice to schedule your first Executive Coaching session. This allows us to pair you with the most appropriate coach for your specific target role and department. The full program is usually completed over 3-4 weeks, though we can accommodate more urgent timelines when necessary for imminent interview preparation.

Do you offer payment plans for Executive Coaching?

Yes, we understand that career development is an investment. We offer the option to pay for the Executive Coaching package in two installments of $449.50 each—one before your first session and one before your third session. There are no additional fees for this arrangement. We also offer a 10% discount for ACT Government employees and ADF members based in Canberra.

Book Your Executive Coaching

Take the next step in your Canberra public service leadership journey

Ready to Advance to Executive Level?

Secure your spot with Canberra's premier executive interview coach and position yourself for success in competitive EL1-EL2 roles.

Book with Chris Manning

Executive Interview Specialist

Check Availability

Questions about our Executive Coaching? Contact us at (02) 6106 9669 or info@psinterviewcoach.com.au for a confidential discussion about your executive career goals.

Canberra Leadership Network

Our executive clients gain access to exclusive networking events with current and former APS leaders across Canberra departments.

Join a community of public service leaders

Executive Benefits

  • Quarterly executive networking events in Canberra
  • Department-specific leadership roundtables
  • Executive leadership webinars and resources
  • Priority notification of executive opportunities

Ready to Secure Your Public Service Career?

Don't leave your Canberra public sector interview success to chance. Work with the ACT's most experienced coaching team.

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