Application Process & Interviews at Department of Social Services

7.1

7.1 rating for Recruitment, based on 36 reviews

Please describe the interview process and assessments.

Long process but a good variety of assessments which is beneficial if you are not as strong in a particular area. Gives recruiters more of an opportunity to see what you have to offer. Assessments included reasoning tests, phone interviews, an assessment centre and a panel interview.

Midlevel, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Interview process involved online assessment, phone interview and an assessment centre which involved a written assessment, a group assessment and a one-on-one interview

Graduate, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

What questions were you asked in your interviews?

How do I deal with change? What would I do if there are no guidelines with the work I am doing? How did I overcome a mistake I made?

Midlevel, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Behavioural (STAR) type questions. Questions about work experience and ones designed to determine cultural fit.

Midlevel, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

I was asked about team work, how I've handled difficult decisions and giving bad news. Also, how I would define professionalism.

Graduate, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Typical of what you would expect. For example: Why do you want to work for us? Give an example where you had to overcome a difficult task as a part of a team? How are your skills relevant? What is your career path? Etc

Graduate, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Mostly things about my work style, and my motivations for wanting to work for the government, with an emphasis on approaches to working in a team.

Graduate, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Do you have any specific tips and advice for candidates applying to your company? How would you recommend they best prepare?

Be socially aware. Know what's going on in the news, so you have the best chance of knowing what the government's agenda is.

Graduate, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Whilst leadership is important, DSS is an organization for team players. As you take initiative also be willing to value and include others.

Midlevel, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Read up on the range of work the agency is involved with, and prepare examples of your work capabilities.

Midlevel, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Actually properly research the Department. Make sure you can properly answer any foreseeable question the interviewers might ask you. Make sure you address the selection criteria.

Graduate, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Be yourself, be interested in the organisation, be prepared to move to Canberra.

Midlevel, Canberra - 13 Jul 2015

Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study. We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.