APS Application Guide (With Full Written Examples!)

Are you applying for a role with the Australian Public Service? Dive into our comprehensive 33-page guide (INSTANT DOWNLOAD) for writing your application. Please note this guide will be emailed to you instantly; it will not be mailed in physical format.

Our guide has been developed based on best-practice advice based on 10+ years’ experience writing APS applications.  It takes the stress out of writing APS applications.

Our 2024 APS Selection Criteria Guide Includes:

• • Fully editable templates for all common APS short-form application types (e.g. pitch, statement of claims etc.
  • Fully editable government resume template
  • Full written government selection criteria examples for APS applications at different stages of career including entry-level and senior staff (APS2, APS3, APS4, APS5, APS6, EL1 and EL2)
  • Length and formatting guidelines for your resume, and short-form application
  • An 8-step process to write any APS application
  • STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and CAR (Context, Action, Result) method guide
  • Keyword/ phrase lists for the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and Work Level Standards (WLS) for each level

Our APS Application Guide Includes FULLY EDITABLE TEMPLATES for All Common APS Short-Form Applications:

• The ‘Pitch’
• The ‘Statement of Claims’
• The ‘Cover Letter’
• ‘Selection Criteria’
• Application Questions

Our APS Application Guide Includes COMPLETE EXAMPLE RESPONSES in STAR or CAR Format for APS Levels (APS2 – EL2):

• 2x ‘Pitch’ Examples (APS5 and APS3)
• 2x ‘Statement of Claims’ Examples (APS6 and EL2)
• 1x Selection Criteria Example (APS4)
• 1x Cover Letter Example (EL1)
• 1x Application Questions Example (APS2)

Our APS Application Guide Includes 1x FULLY EDITABLE APS RESUME TEMPLATE

• Fully editable in Microsoft Word

Our APS Application Guide Includes an 8-STEP PRACTICAL METHOD to Write Your APS Application

• 3 Methods to Brainstorm Relevant Examples
• How to *Practically* Incorporate the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and Work Level Standards (WLS) Using Our Keyword/ Phrases List for Each APS Level
• What to Write in your Opening and Closing Paragraphs

Here’s a snippet from just one (of MANY) included government selection criteria examples – for an APS5 500 Word Pitch (these examples will help you understand how to structure your response and what sort of detail to go into):

APS5 – 500 Word Pitch Example – Training Coordination Supervisor

The following was included in the application guidelines:  Your 500-word pitch should address the key selection criteria and demonstrate how your skills, experience, and qualifications align with the requirements of the APS5 Training Coordination Supervisor role. Please refer to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and APS Work Level Standards for APS5, highlighting your ability to perform within the context of this role.

“I am an experienced Learning and Development professional with over seven years of experience in the public sector. My background in coordinating complex training schedules and managing stakeholder relationships is directly relevant to the Training Coordination Supervisor role at the Department of X. I am particularly drawn to this position because of its focus on joint warfare training and the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of military and civilian personnel. I am confident that my skills in budget management, adherence to strict deadlines, and exceptional communication will enable me to make a meaningful contribution.

At the National Training Institute, I identified opportunities to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness through innovative approaches. Recognising the need for streamlined communication and feedback mechanisms, I proposed and implemented a digital training management platform. This platform revolutionised our training coordination by enabling real-time updates, integrated feedback loops, and comprehensive resource management. By leveraging this technology, we achieved a 30% increase in training satisfaction rates.

During a critical training initiative where unforeseen logistical challenges threatened project timelines, my leadership skills came to the fore. As the Training Coordinator, I led a cross-functional team in devising contingency plans and reallocating resources to mitigate delays. I facilitated regular crisis management meetings, providing clear guidance and support to team members under pressure. By maintaining open communication channels and fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving, we successfully navigated the challenges and delivered the training program on schedule…”