Government Recruitment Terms Glossary | Private to Public Translator

Corporate to Government Translator

Using the right language is critical for your application "pitch". Use this table to swap your corporate vocabulary for Public Sector terminology.

In the Private Sector, you say...	In Government, you say...	Why? (The Context)
Customers / Clients	Stakeholders / Citizens	Government serves the public interest, not just paying customers.
Profit / Revenue	Value for Money / Public Interest	The goal is efficient use of public funds, not generating profit.
KPIs / Sales Targets	Deliverables / Outcomes / KPIs	Focus on the impact of the policy or program, not just the numbers.
CEO / Board of Directors	Secretary / Minister / Executive	You are ultimately accountable to the Minister and Parliament.
Market Share / Competition	Strategic Priorities / Policy Goals	Agencies collaborate to achieve government objectives, rather than compete.
Doing "Whatever it takes"	Compliance / Due Process	How you achieve the result (ethics/integrity) is as important as the result itself.

A-Z Government Definitions

A-C D-H I-P Q-Z

A - C

Affirmative Measure

A recruitment process restricted to specific groups (e.g., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or people with disability) to improve representation and diversity within the public sector.

APS (Australian Public Service)

The federal civil service of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is responsible for serving the government of the day and the Australian public.

Capability Framework

Used primarily by State Governments (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD). It outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for roles. It is the state equivalent of the Federal ILS.

D - H

EL1 / EL2 (Executive Level)

Classifications within the APS that sit above APS6 and below SES. These roles typically involve managing teams, complex policy work, and strategic leadership.

Gazette (APSJobs)

The Public Service Gazette is the official record of APS employment decisions. Vacancies must be advertised here to be filled on an ongoing basis. Now largely synonymous with the APSJobs website.

I - P

ILS (Integrated Leadership System)

The framework used by the APS to define leadership capabilities across all classification levels. It focuses on five core skills: Shapes Strategic Thinking, Achieves Results, Cultivates Productive Working Relationships, Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity, and Communicates with Influence.

Merit Principle

The core legal requirement that all APS engagement and promotion decisions must be based on an assessment of the candidate's suitability for the duties, compared against other applicants.

Merit Pool

A group of candidates who were rated as "suitable" for a role but were not the preferred candidate for the immediate vacancy. Agencies can access this pool to fill similar vacancies (same level and duties) within 18 months without advertising again. Being in the merit pool is a strong position, as you can be "pulled" for other roles.

Pitch (One-Page Pitch)

A concise written statement (usually 500-1000 words) responding to the job requirements. It is increasingly replacing traditional long-form selection criteria responses.

Q - Z

Selection Criteria

Specific standards used to assess applicants. These are often based on the ILS or technical skills. Applicants must demonstrate how they meet these criteria, typically using the STAR method.

SES (Senior Executive Service)

The most senior leadership group in the APS, responsible for providing high-level advice to government and managing large departments or agencies.

STAR Method

A structured technique used to answer behavioural interview questions and selection criteria. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

WLS (Work Level Standards)

Official documents that describe the work characteristics and functions expected at each APS classification level (e.g., what distinguishes an APS5 from an APS6).

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Government Terms Glossary & Translator