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SES Ascent Program

Master the Transition to the Senior Executive Service

Stop Answering Like an EL2. Start Leading Like an SES.

The leap to the Senior Executive Service (SES) requires a fundamental shift in how you articulate your value. You are no longer just a subject matter expert; you must prove you can operate at the enterprise level.

Panels now assess your behaviours as rigorously as your outcomes. Our premier coaching package bridges the gap between your operational track record and the strict requirements of the SES Performance Leadership Framework.

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Who This Program Is (And Isn’t) For

This Is For You If:

  • ✔ You are EL2 or acting SES preparing for a permanent round
  • ✔ You know you have the experience but struggle to articulate it
  • ✔ You want to align with DRIVE and SES frameworks properly
  • ✔ You are serious about securing an SES role

This Is NOT For:

  • ✖ APS 5 / APS 6 level candidates
  • ✖ People looking for generic interview tips
  • ✖ Candidates not ready for executive-level scrutiny
  • ✖ Low commitment / last-minute preparation

At PS Interview Coach, we specialise in executive career transitions. As former senior APS hiring managers, we understand the exact Work Level Standards (WLS) and behavioural markers panels use to scrutinise potential SES candidates. We ensure your narrative is strategically aligned, heavily quantified, and bulletproof.

SES Interview Coach discussing Strategic Thinking and Leadership Frameworks

Mastering the New SES Frameworks

The rules of SES selection have changed. Under the latest APSC guidelines, how you deliver is weighted equally with what you deliver. Your pitch and interview examples must explicitly demonstrate:

The DRIVE Behaviours

Directly aligning your examples with the Secretaries' Charter of Leadership: Dynamic, Respectful, Integrity, Value others, and Empower people.

Enterprise-Level Accountability

Addressing the SES Work Level Standards (WLS) by showing scale, nature of impact, and how you shape long-term organisational strategy beyond your immediate branch.

Complex Stakeholder Negotiation

Proving your ability to resolve divergent views, influence Ministers' offices, and build high-stakes partnerships across the Commonwealth.

Core Program
Components

Develop the sophisticated leadership narrative required to succeed at the SES band.

Strategic Coaching

Targeted, 1-on-1 sessions focused on elevating your mindset from operational delivery to broad organisational stewardship and impact.

Advanced Interview Prep

Rigorous mock interviewing and strategic narrative development to handle complex, highly sensitive scenario-based panel questioning.

Behavioural Alignment

Direct alignment of your career achievements with the strict psychological safety and ethical expectations of the APS values and ILS.

Strategic Articulation

Techniques to articulate complex program delivery, regulatory enforcement, and policy implementation strictly through a strategic leadership lens.

How The SES Ascent Program Works

Session 1: Strategic Reset

Shift from EL2 operational thinking to enterprise-level SES leadership positioning.

Session 2: Narrative Development

Rebuild your examples to align with DRIVE behaviours and WLS expectations.

Session 3: Mock Panel

Simulated SES panel interview with real-time feedback and challenge.

Session 4: Refinement & Readiness

Final polish of delivery, structure, and executive presence.

Built by Former APS/SES Hiring Managers

We have sat on SES recruitment panels. We know exactly how candidates are assessed — and where they fail.

Limited intake due to high-demand SES candidates

SES Investment Options

Choose the level of executive support required to secure your transition into the Senior Executive Service.

SES Ascent Program

The core intensive coaching program for EL2 and acting SES professionals.

$2,200 AUD
  • Enterprise-level strategic coaching sessions with ex-hiring managers.
  • Advanced interview preparation & executive narrative building.
  • Precise alignment with the SES Performance Leadership Framework.
  • Complex program delivery and policy articulation techniques.
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The Complete Success

The ultimate end-to-end SES application and interview solution.

$2,698 AUD

Includes comprehensive application writing

Includes everything in the standard program, PLUS:

  • SES Resume Development: Complete professional overhaul to map your career history directly to SES Work Level Standards.
  • SES Pitch Development: Strategic, bespoke support for crafting high-impact selection criteria or the critical one-page executive pitch.
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SES Executive FAQs

Why do high-performing EL2s fail at the SES interview?

Many exceptional EL2s fail because they focus entirely on the complexity of the *work* they delivered (the "what"). At the SES level, the panel is equally, if not more, concerned with *how* you delivered it. The new SES Performance Leadership Framework mandates a 50/50 split between operational outcomes and your demonstration of the DRIVE leadership behaviours.

I have been acting in an SES Band 1 role. Do I still need coaching?

Yes. The "acting trap" is incredibly common. Candidates assume the panel (often containing their current managers) already knows their worth, leading to under-prepared, informal interview responses. We coach you to systematically prove your strategic value, demonstrate continuous improvement, and articulate your enterprise-wide impact without sounding complacent.

Ready for the
Executive Band?

Don't risk your transition on generic advice. Work with former hiring managers who understand the exact mechanics of SES selection and the new Performance Leadership Framework.

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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.

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