Government Job Toolkit Australia

Job Toolkit

Browse resume (CV ) templates, interview guides, selection criteria examples and downloadable tools designed to help Australians apply for APS Jobs, State Government Jobs and council jobs with confidence.

Featured Resources

Download the free template below or use the AI resume builder and customise it with your own experience, skills and achievements. For additional assistance, explore our resources on selection criteria responses, interview preparation and Australian Government job applications.

We also offer a unique to Govwise APS resume (CV template) collection for three different career stages, APS Graduate, APS 3 – 4 and APS 5 -6. All APS resume templates include a checklist and power keywords to include in your resume on the third page. This is the ultimate in Australian government job toolkits.

AI Resume Builder

https://govwise.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GovWise_SimpleResume.docx

Simple Resume Template

Modern Resume Template

APS 5 to 6 Resume Template

APS Graduate Resume Template

APS 3 to 4 Resume Template

Increase your interview confidence with these Interview Guides from Govwise. Designed for Australian government, council, healthcare, and public sector job seekers! These resource includes an a simple one page guide, advice on what to bring, common mistakes to avoid, and professional questions to ask at the end of your interview. Download your free guide and prepare for your next panel interview with confidence.

Interview Cheat Sheet

Interview Guide

Learn how to write strong selection criteria responses with free examples, templates, STAR method guides and practical advice. Whether you’re applying for State Government, APS, Council or other public sector roles these resources will help you create focused applications that stand out. Very few job applicants have heard about STAR, let alone know how to use it, these guides will make you place you in the inner circle a step above the rest.

8 Selection Criteria Success Secrets

Using STAR to answer Selection Criteria

FAQ

What is the difference between a resume and CV?

Both terms are used interchangeably, more commonly in Australia most government organisations or business refer to a resume. In other countries CVs are a more common term.

How long should my resume be?

Ideally for most applicants two pages is a efficient length for a resume, you want to ensure that you include all the relevant detail in a targeted way. Information not relevant to the role like the job you did in high school should be omitted. Target the role or position you are applying for directly.

Can I take notes into an interview?

Short answer is yes, ideally take a notepad to write down questions and a one page “cheat sheet”. Don’t read word for word from the cheat sheet but rather write down keywords you can refer to, questions you can ask afterwards and important points about the role. Remember maintain eye contact and speak naturally. A one page cheat sheet shows preparation and forethought.

What if I don’t have direct experience?

Don’t make it up, of all the options that is the worst choice. Instead use an example to demonstrators either similar or transferrable skills from another role, the more relevant to the role the better but if you have nothing else use a education, community or volunteering scenario. Avoid “I haven’t done that”, if you are unable to think of an answer straight away ask to skip the question and answer it at the end of the interview.

What is the STAR method?

Its a simple way of answering selection criteria or interview questions. Situation, Task, Action, Result. Basically what was the situation, describe the task you were attempting, the action you too and the end result of your action. Together the four elements result in the answer to the question asked. Simple.

For example, a common question is describe how you dealt with a challenging situation where you had a disagreement with a colleague. A STAR answer would be:

Situation: Working with a team on a new infrastructure office building for Transport NSW as a change manager I had to working with a number of senior and junior staff also working on the project and I had to work with a project manager who was working for a third party consultancy.
Task: I was responsible for the part of the project that had to manage the change from a traditional office space to a activity based working (ABW) environment. Involving developing the change management approach, speaking to staff and addressing their concerns.
Action: Planning for the change was complex and the project manager had very different expectations of how quickly the change plan could be completed. Realising that our expectations were not going to meet unless we both understood the tasks involved and I understood the priorities correctly. In order to do so I organsed a internal meeting the PM, discussed risks and compromises we could both make in order to deliver the change plan to meet the hard deadline, while still ensuring that the key of the change, staff engagement was met.
Result: My efforts to develop a strong open communication strategy with the project manager, reduced friction and prevented further disagreements. Understanding different perspectives is key to reducing and preventing disagreemetns in the workplace.