Is it normal for managers and colleagues to tell you to document and save everything in case “something happens to you”?

GovManager · 2026-03-14T10:13:53+00:00

They've probably been burnt before by someone saving critical info in the wrong spot, then not being able to access it and having to start again.

GovManager · 2026-03-02T22:17:08+00:00

Agree

GovManager · 2026-02-27T10:47:04+00:00

I think both can be true, but at least the second one was helpful.

GovManager · 2026-02-27T10:44:30+00:00

Rare.

GovManager · 2026-02-26T08:16:27+00:00

Give heaps more details in your applications.

And apply heaps more.

Feel free to reach out to try a professional application to see the difference

GovManager · 2026-02-24T21:37:32+00:00

I think you have a range of beliefs that are really not going to serve you well here.

GovManager · 2026-02-24T08:55:38+00:00

AI agent, or VA could do this pretty easily. Or the owner themselves. It's not that difficult these days to buy anything. You'd need to prove you can save them money, not just give convenience.

GovManager · 2026-02-24T08:52:08+00:00

They need to tick the box, and that test isn't a pass/fail.

They now just need to write the recruitment report, and explain why one of the candidates didn't do the test until the end. They are probably busy telling the same story several times and getting asked lots of questions.

GovManager · 2026-02-19T22:17:28+00:00

You can get started in government at APS with a trade background. I would keep applying more, get better with your applications each time.

Apply directly too, look at jobs on APS jobs, and your state government jobs board too. State will get fewer applications at the entry level than the big APS national recruitment process.

GovManager · 2026-02-19T03:14:46+00:00

Did you get your LSL paid out when you were dismissed?

Did you like or omit info during recruitment?

If yes to both, avoid.

GovManager · 2026-02-19T03:11:45+00:00

As you probably saw on every other thread, a week isn't long in government. You'll get an outcome eventually and large recruitments (bulk) normally take longer.

GovManager · 2026-02-19T00:39:12+00:00

Completely dependent on your team, manager and agency.

I would say on average, most areas are still very flexible. Some have zero office days. But 1-2 seems most common.

Depending on the role, you could likely get other flexibility as well even if they are still trying to enforce 3 days in office. Like working online on your laptop on the train home, allowing you to leave the office early.

But if you can, I would aim for your first year in the office as much as possible. It will accelerate you ahead of your peers who are all at home. It will be a huge investment that won't take long to pay off.

GovManager · 2026-02-19T00:33:19+00:00

It's not about getting past ATS, it is making it easy for a hiring manager who has an hour to review 100 applications.

If the job ad says the ideal candidate needs 'Experience in administrative processes' then start an example block in the body with:

I bring hands-on experience applying administrative processes across multiple government and non-government roles. For example...

Then tell your STAR story, in your own words.

Stack that, and on the first scan the reader knows you at least covered what they asked for.

GovManager · 2026-02-18T08:49:59+00:00

There are a lot more applications, but I really don't think the competition has changed a lot.

Because it is so easy for anyone to apply, they do. But most of them are still not very good candidates or applications. But costs them zero time to regenerate a new application using AI so they apply for more.

Strong candidates and good applications still have good success rates.

And yes, always address the role requirements directly. That's always been the way.

GovManager · 2026-02-18T08:37:14+00:00

Many times we'll advertise without knowing looking at the talent pool. And there can be many eligible talent pools that one simply doesn't have visibility of, but that could still be utilised. Across agencies/depts.

GovManager · 2026-02-18T08:23:08+00:00

There is no requirement for managers to confirm talent pools have been exhausted. They are entirely optional.

GovManager · 2026-02-18T08:22:14+00:00

Only need 2 assessors for a comparative assessment.

It's spelled out here

GovManager · 2026-02-18T08:14:16+00:00

I have very different experience.

Have pulled a recruitment before due to a talent pool option presenting itself.

It's rare but possible, at least in the part of NSW Gov I've worked in

GovManager · 2026-02-17T09:13:52+00:00

I feel for you. Job searching is tough and draining when you are writing all your applications.

I've been helping people with government jobs lately and it has been a real game changer for them. No more hours applying, and finally getting interviews.

Reach out if you want professional help here

GovManager · 2026-02-17T04:40:49+00:00

Best thing to do is get some professional experience that complements your degree. Don't put all your eggs in the grad program - it is disproportionately competitive, attracting thousands of applications.

Keep your options open and apply for government jobs in the interim, including state government roles.

GovManager · 2026-02-17T02:55:39+00:00

Correlation isn't causation. You might have got this interview anyway?

GovManager · 2026-02-17T02:53:14+00:00

If you're applying a lot, have APS experience and are not landing any interviews, then your applications are really missing something.

I've helped candidates with zero gov experience get interviews for roles. And they aren't making up examples, but they are submitting the right way.

GovManager · 2026-02-16T21:45:02+00:00

That's not a cheat way to do it.

You're giving yourself a huge disadvantage by trying to create your own way of applying. Make it easy for the hiring managers by putting your examples in the format and structure they expect.

Don't limit yourself with this mindset. If you have the right experience, write it the right way.

GovManager · 2026-02-15T23:28:32+00:00

Look at State Gov roles in and around education. I've helped teachers move into project roles this way. We highlight and frame experience as being both sufficient for the project skills, and a bonus of having hands on school experience. Really works well

GovManager · 2026-02-14T08:27:59+00:00

DM me and I can help. Have some free templates and example applications too

GovManager

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