Corporate to Government Transition Coaching | Crack the Code to APS Jobs

The "Black Box" of Government Recruitment

The harsh reality: You are a high-performing professional. You have hit your KPIs, managed budgets, and led teams in the corporate world. Yet, your applications for the Australian Public Service (APS) or State Government roles are being rejected.

Why? You aren't unqualified. You are just speaking the wrong language.

Government hiring is not based on "hustle" or "profit margins." It is based on Capability Frameworks, ILS (Integrated Leadership System), and strict adherence to Selection Criteria. At PS Interview Coach, we decode the nuance of government recruitment to turn your private sector experience into a winning public sector application.

The "Private vs. Public" Gap

Why You Are Getting Rejected

The biggest misconception private sector applicants make is assuming their resume speaks for itself. In the Government sector, it does not. If you don't explicitly map your skills to the specific Key Selection Criteria (KSC) using the STAR method, your application will not pass the initial screening.

REJECTED

Corporate Speak

"I increased revenue by 20%."

Focuses only on outcome, lacks context of framework or methodology.

ACCEPTED

Government Speak

"I optimised resource allocation to deliver value for money and achieve strategic efficiency targets."

Demonstrates Capability, Value for Money, and Strategic Alignment.

Learn How We Write Your Pitch

Our "Code-Breaking" Strategy

We don't just "edit" your resume; we re-engineer your professional narrative.

1

The Resume Retrofit

Commercial resumes are often too brief. Government resumes must be evidence-based documents. We rebuild your CV to highlight transferable skills like stakeholder management, governance, and policy implementation—keywords that government panels are hunting for.

2

Mastering the Pitch

The one-page pitch is where most corporate applicants fail. We work with you to draft a narrative that hits every bullet point of the job description, proving you don't just have the skills, but you understand the context of government work.

3

The Interview Translation

Commercial interviews are conversational; Gov interviews are structured exams. We coach you on behavioral techniques, helping you prepare responses that score maximum points on the assessment matrix using the correct terminology.

Who We Help

Managers & Executives

Seeking stability and impact in the APS (EL1/EL2/SES levels).

Subject Matter Experts

SMEs in IT, Finance, and HR moving to State Government.

Contractors

Looking to secure permanent public service roles and leave the gig economy.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Don't let another application go unanswered. Let’s translate your value.

Book Your Strategy Session

Government Translation Glossary

Key terms every corporate applicant must know

Capability Framework

The "source code" for government roles. Unlike a corporate job description which lists duties, this framework defines the behaviors (e.g., "Display Resilience," "Think and Solve Problems") required at each level. Your application must mirror this language exactly.

Integrated Leadership System (ILS)

The specific capability framework used by the APS (Federal). It outlines expectations for APS, EL (Executive Level), and SES (Senior Executive Service) roles. Understanding your ILS level is crucial for targeting the right jobs.

The Merit Principle

The legal requirement that government hiring is based solely on a comparative assessment of skills, abilities, and knowledge. Unlike the private sector, "who you know" cannot legally influence the outcome. Your written evidence is the only thing that counts.

Selection Criteria / Pitch

A written statement (often 1-2 pages) addressing specific competencies. This is the primary filter in government recruitment. If you do not explicitly demonstrate how you meet these criteria using evidence (STAR method), your CV will not be read.

Gazette (APSJobs)

The official public notice of government vacancies. While jobs may appear on Seek or LinkedIn, the "Gazette" (APSJobs.gov.au) is the definitive source.

STAR Method

Situation, Task, Action, Result. The mandatory narrative structure for answering behavioral questions in the public sector. It forces applicants to provide evidence rather than opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from private sector professionals

Is it hard to move from the private sector to the government?

Yes, but often due to application errors rather than a lack of skills. The transition is difficult because the recruitment processes differ fundamentally. Private sector hiring often prioritizes speed and cultural fit, while Government recruitment prioritizes merit-based process, transparency, and compliance. Success requires translating your commercial experience into the specific language of the Capability Framework relevant to that department.

Do I need government experience to get a job in the APS?

No, you do not need prior government experience for many roles. The APS and State Governments actively seek "transferable skills" from the private sector, particularly in digital transformation, project management, and procurement. However, you must demonstrate how your external experience aligns with the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and how you can operate within a legislative framework.

Why is my corporate resume getting rejected by government agencies?

Corporate resumes are often rejected because they focus on the wrong metrics. A standard corporate resume highlights brevity and profit. A government resume must be longer and more detailed, explicitly demonstrating evidence of your behavior against the Key Selection Criteria using specific keywords found in the job description.

What is the STAR method and why is it required?

The STAR method is the mandatory structure for answering government behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Government panels score candidates based on evidence. Using STAR ensures you provide specific context, explain your role, describe what you specifically did, and quantify the outcome. Without this structure, your answer is considered "unsubstantiated."

How long does the government recruitment process take?

Government recruitment typically takes between 2 to 6 months. Unlike the private sector, which can hire in days, the public sector involves a multi-stage process: application review, psychometric testing, panel interviews, and strict reference checking. This rigorous process is designed to ensure merit-based hiring and prevent nepotism.

Crack the Code: Transition from Private Sector to Government with Confidence