Application Process & Interviews at Department of Transport and Planning

I applied through the disability pathway. My adjustment for all stages were catered for except my adjustment for the final interview. I was supposed to receive the interview questions in advance, but did not. And I didn't know who to contact about this prior to the interview, so I went in blind which was quite stressful. I reported this to the VPSC team at the time. Overall, the rest of the process was fine. I liked the group interview for some reason - I thought it was fun. Not a big fan of the 'record yourself answering questions' stage.

I went through 3 stages and if I was successful, I will reach the last stage which was the interview process of the role.

A longer recruitment process with psychmetric assessments, video interview, assessment centre and final interview

We had a test and multiple interviews prior to selection.

The grad assessment process was quite long, however I believe it was quicker than other grad programs and overall it was managed as good as can been expected. For contrast, I had received my offer for the Vic Gov Grad program when they were only booking first round interviews for the Federal Gov Grad program.

As I noted in my application that I am neurodivergent, I was offered reasonable adjustments such as taking the video interview in person, not taking part in psychometric testing and receiving interview questions ahead of time. I believe that these adjustments helped me to do well in the process to be offered a position in the program.

Recruitment consisted of various screening quizzes that tested numeracy, emotional intelligence and comprehension before moving onto one way recorded interviews, group interviews and then a one-on-one interview. The process was extensive but linear and fair.

Good process, very long, 4 months ish, from start to offer and interviews were during exams which was a little annoying. Overall very good they kept in contact and provided enough time for each selection stage to be completed.

The graduate recruitment process was quite long and intensive

The process was months long, sometimes with little contact. It involved applying for the position. Online testing. Phone Call. Video Questions. Interview with Managers. I feel like there should be more visibility for applications throughout the process.

The grad program had a rigorous process, like most other competitive grad programs. It included a psychometric assessment, maybe a video interview (can't remember - interviewed with a few places around then), assessment centre, and a panel interview.

On paper, not particularly different from most other places. Too many rounds of interviews, tests, etc, as is standard. In practice, the process was far better than others I went through, due to much better communication at all stages and much less waiting between steps.

It's very good process even it takes bit long. Good to sit in the three-panel interview, which I think is a great opportunity for individuals to learn more about the role and organization.

The Process was straightforward - It was online assessments and online video responses with the final stage being a panel interview

I submitted a resume and cover letter, then completed an informal phone interview to confirm my ongoing interest in the role a few weeks later. I was then invited to complete an online recorded interview, filming myself answering questions then submitting. I completed a live interview over zoom after that, and was then offered the role.

lots of questions and questionaries, then video interview (without a real person), then personality and IQ testing, then group interview and activities, then individual interview, all online.

I found the interview process very straightforward, I had only ever had one panel interview prior to starting at GNV but the team made me feel very comfortable and I was able to relax and do well.

This involved a serious of online aptitude tests, a pre-recorded video interview and a live interview. It was pretty straight forward but would have been nice to have faster updates on the application process.

It's complicate

My academics skill and grades, as well as, scenario based questions to gain insight into my problem-solving skills thought process.

I don't remember exactly but there was a mixture of technical and behavioural questions with a higher percentage of the latter.

Questions around capabilities, situational questions following the STAR method

Questions were typical of a job interview mainly consisting of questions about my values and desire to work in the VPS, and examples of when I'd demonstrated problem solving and leadership skills.

Basic behavioural questions - teamwork, when things didn't go to plan etc. We also did an assessment centre, where they give you a generic task but are mainly looking for skills such as teamwork, communication etc.

Some questions were behavioural but there were also some stream specific (accounting and finance related) questions, however, I do not recall the actual questions.

Minaly normal experience and psychometric questions, focus on time and work management.

The questions were mostly behavioural, situational questions and some personal questions (ex. hobbies)

Asked to undertake a group task. The one on one interview asked about my previous experience, transferable skills. No specialist knowledge was assumed as I have moved into a more niche subject matter area, instead I was asked about the general skills and qualities which would be required to help me settle in and adapt to the style of work.

The assessment centre was more targeted towards engineering and planning and included a station overpass design/discussion as a team. The panel interview included basic interview questions: - Tell me a bit about yourself. - What attracted you to this role? - Explain a difficult situation you've faced.

Tell us a time when you need to explain something technical to a group of mixed people with both non-technical and technical backgrounds.

I was asked questions relating to the role and my capabilities to meet requirements. I was also asked the importance of names as a final curveball but it was relevant considering the nature of the business.

For general questions I was asked about why I wanted the role, what I would bring to the role, and to give an example of navigating a large change (at work, at school, during volunteering). For role specific questions I was asked about my experience with project delivery, my data literacy, and my knowledge and experience regarding influence and persuasion.

I was asked about my past project/work experience from uni, report writing, my interests and things I was proud about in relation to work/uni.

It's complicated

Really understand what the program is about before applying.

Be confident in answering your questions.

Just try and organise your thoughts beforehand and be confident in what you can answer.

Be yourself. Work out in which department you want to work and research this to be able to give a reason why you want to work in the VPS but also that specific department. However, should you be allocated to a department that you did not choose (was the case for me), be open for the opportunity.

Make sure your mind is rested, fresh, and clear when you go into the quizzes, practice your one way interview response before you hit record, do some research and bring some ideas and a willingness to collaborate to the group interview and be your full authentic self in the final one-on-one interview.

Prepare some basic STAR examples for behavioural questions. Do some prep for the assessment centre topic but don't overdo it - some people failed because they were so focused on looking like they knew the topic or had done research that their soft skills ended up looking poor.

make sure to prepare your experiences in STAR method, focusing on A

The best way to prepare is to practice mock interviews with someone you know. Look at guides online for how to use impactful language. Try to sell yourself in the best light.

Practice the STAR method and have a specific set of examples for each key selection criteria. Come with notes/prompts because you don't want to fall short because of nervousness.

Read carefully for online test. Be confident. STAR method to prepare your interview.

I recommend that they come up with specific examples that respond to questions they may be asked, and that they communicate their passion for community service.

Read over the position description and research the business you are going into, know what they do and if possible why they do it.

Be relaxed and understand that the application process takes a long time.