Application Process & Interviews at Safe Work Australia

The interview process was accessible and straightforward. I submitted my application with a cover letter and resume directly to SWA. I was then contacted to proceed to next stages, which involved a written response (my response to a prompt question); virtual response interview (where I recorded my answers to three questions); group interview (where a group of applicants worked together to solve a problem) and panel interview. I found this process to be encouraging to applicants.

Submitting a written application, then undertaking a written assessment under time constraints, attending a group interview and finally attending a panel interview.

As a graduate, I had to go through different rounds of assessment. The first stage was to submit my resume and cover letter. After that, I was invited to an online written assessment which was a timed assessment of one hour as well as one way video interview. Once successful, I had to complete a group assessment and a panel interview (on different days).

The interview process consisted of a one-way video interview, followed by a face-to-face panel interview and then written task.

I don't quite recall. I was asked why I wanted to work for SWA and maybe what I could bring to SWA. I was also asked if I had any questions and asked to guess the background image used by one of the panel interviewers (as an informal "off the record" question).

Pursuing learning and development opportunities, working together as a team, etc.

What are your best qualities? What was an example of a challenge you overcame? Why are you interested in working here?

Primarily behavioural questions, with some additional questions regarding the role of Agency and motivations for applying.

Find out what the Agency's priorities are. You can do this through reading: 1. Agency Strategies or Corporate Plans 2. The Agency's budget 3. Agency media releases 4. Any major publications or events from the Agency

They read SWA's values and SWA's purposes as outlined in the Safe Work Australia Act and on SWA's website. Read the website and current strategies and initiatives. Read the Annual Plan and Operational Plan. Have 3 insightful questions to ask to show engagement.

Read the standard classifications for the APS level you are applying for.

I would advise them to get to know more about the Agency's functions and roles and in particularly its tripartite governance arrangement. It is not a WHS regulator and some people are not fully aware of what the Agency's role is.

Come in and be prepared to answer questions typically asked in an interview. Do follow the STAR method. It has proven useful to me.

I recommend researching the role, functions and governance structure of the Agency.