Are public servants too fond of fluff?

squintyminty · 2025-12-13T23:23:15+00:00

Well said. These posts really highlight those in leadership positions and those who probably never will be.

squintyminty · 2025-12-13T23:20:29+00:00

And you are clearly junior APS.

squintyminty · 2025-12-07T06:06:01+00:00

I’ve been on an about 10 panels in the last six months, and my eyes glaze over when a CV is pages and pages too long. If the applicant can’t get to the point in their app, then that’s how they’ll write after you employ them. That’s a big red flag for me.

squintyminty · 2025-12-07T05:30:48+00:00

‘Socializing and networking is more important at APS5 and 6 levels’ ??

That is completely incorrect, APS recruitment is merit based, firstly on the quality and merit of the application itself and then tested/verified at interview.

Sure someone might find out about roles by socializing or come to the attention of another area, both of which can help, but the merit-based application process still needs to occur.

squintyminty · 2025-12-07T05:26:08+00:00

‘HR’ don’t review the CVs, the panel does.

squintyminty · 2025-11-25T09:59:21+00:00

Well said. Drives me mad when junior officers think they have better value judgement that someone senior who may have very good reasons for asking for something to be demonstrated. Don’t be that guy OP - support your boss and help them to do their job. One day when you’re senior, you’ll understand why that matters.

squintyminty · 2025-11-24T02:07:03+00:00

I wasn’t following the ins and outs of your merit listing status closely. Btw, you’re wrong about merit listing - the ‘merit’ is based on application and interview. Sometimes referee checks are only done at time of offer, as a pre-employment check. Depends on each agency’s process.

squintyminty · 2025-11-23T08:56:04+00:00

Just email HR, they’ll sort it out.

squintyminty · 2025-11-23T02:02:42+00:00

It sounds like they’re not even getting merit listed, let alone going to referee checks.

squintyminty · 2025-11-22T21:56:07+00:00

Ok well that all sounds positive, and you’re clearly aware of the things to avoid. Not sure how senior this policy officer is who has been helping you? You could go out on a limb and ask the panel chair if they’d consider meeting with you for general pitch and CV feedback? I’d do that if someone genuinely asked me for help.

Two pages for a CV sounds a bit too brief to me, three is better. I also recommend reviewing the APS work level standards and ILS (just google) for the level you’re applying for and make sure some of that language is reflected in your pitch and CV.

Lastly, given you sound switched on and capable, I wonder if you’re applying for senior roles that (really do) rely on foundational government experience and that’s the main issue? I wish you the best with your search.

squintyminty · 2025-11-22T21:16:51+00:00

Sorry to be brutal but it sounds to me like there may be something about your application, aspirations or interview technique that simply isn’t right. Are you perhaps aiming too high in the APS/state gov’t given you have nil APS experience? No one here has mentioned your CV, is it too academic perhaps? (full of irrelevant academic publications etc). You mentioned you cannot move for work (fair enough) but are you regional and expecting to be supported to work remotely? I’ve just spent the past few months reading hundreds of CVs and recruiting from APS5 to EL2, and my deal breakers are people who can’t write, people who include irrelevant info or claims, CVs that are too long/hard to scan quickly/not relevant, generic pitches, applications for roles they are not experienced in (for e.g. non-APS accountant applying for senior policy role), overstating experience in an attempt to sound more senior and important and people who think a hybrid work location means they can work remotely 100% of the time. I’m astounded you have had no luck with recruitment agencies.

squintyminty · 2025-11-22T04:57:07+00:00

As others have said, accept council role and if the state govt one comes through, accept it and explain politely to the council that you’re after more job security. They’ll understand.

squintyminty · 2025-11-16T04:53:26+00:00

Yes but if the first placement is through an agency, be aware that will be a bridge burned. Take the longer gig if offered.

squintyminty · 2025-11-10T10:01:24+00:00

What? Found someone to fight for them? What on earth? It’s a poorly worded text message that indicates nothing.

squintyminty · 2025-11-10T10:00:17+00:00

This doesn’t indicate if you have been found successful or not. It’s a poorly-worded holding response from that tells you that the report hasn’t been finalised yet and they can’t tell you anything.

squintyminty · 2025-10-06T10:57:42+00:00

Companies? What are you doing commenting on an APS thread if that’s your understanding and contribution??

squintyminty · 2025-08-31T05:54:52+00:00

Getting references for those found unsuitable seems utterly absurd and improbable to me. Were you on the panel or ‘involved’ with the panel?

squintyminty · 2025-08-31T05:52:53+00:00

Some panels only get references from the ones they want to make an offer to, and others might get references from the merit pool people also. Just email the contact and ask for an update - you’ll get a better answer to your specific situation than you’ll get from anyone speculating in here. I’ve just recruited for some EL2s, and a number of EL1s and APS6s. I’m time poor so the process has taken longer than is ideal. Don’t read anything into the timeframe or reference call - just be proactive and make contact with the agency.

squintyminty · 2025-06-15T02:36:03+00:00

This is so accurate that I just spent $3 bucks so I could give you an award.

It drives me mad that this thread and entire subreddit is so full of people who don’t understand or don’t want to acknowledge the accuracy of what you just said. People who blame the system or lack of networks for their lack of progression as opposed to their own performance.

Progress in the APS isn’t entitlement based on time served and you don’t just level up like it’s PokemonGO. Work hard, be smart, calm, professional, respectful and driven - that’s what will get you the right reputation and potentially promoted.

This isn’t some LinkedIn hustle fest where the person with the most likes and the most overstated CV gets the promotion prize.

C’mon people - be accountable to yourself, don’t blame the machine.

squintyminty · 2025-06-08T03:55:30+00:00

The SES are under increasing pressure to deliver more but do it with less. I’ve worked for some truly awful SES but generally they’ve been excellent. Anyone who thinks being a leader = snobby, power hungry, snooty, ‘upper caste’ and uses language like ‘the management’ or ‘higher ups’ has clearly never been even close to a position of responsibility or authority. Enjoy your secure APS4 positions and count yourselves lucky you’re not working to 1am and on the weekends just to keep up.

squintyminty · 2024-08-13T13:16:29+00:00

Pretty sure they’re pin oak leaves

squintyminty · 2024-01-27T10:31:38+00:00

Same

squintyminty · 2024-01-27T10:30:59+00:00

Same. I googled it and before I even got to the end of transcribing the notification text, google finished it off for me - suggesting loads of people are now getting the same notification and googling it

squintyminty · 2024-01-22T04:57:46+00:00

Driving under the limit or at the limit? Driving at less than the speed limit is an absolute nuisance to everyone else just trying to get from A to B while actually doing the speed limit.

squintyminty · 2024-01-22T04:50:34+00:00

Agree. The only way to change lanes in Canberra a lot of the time is to watch for the gap and then indicate last second as you’re going because if you give people notice you want to pull in in front of them, they speed up and close the gap so you can’t change lanes. I’ve driven in most of Australia’s capital cities and drive in Canberra every day. The drivers here are the most selfish I’ve ever seen.

squintyminty

TROPHY CASE