We recently hosted a virtual conference to help you supercharge your career. It was a blast. It covered the five stages of building a successful government career: from strategic professional development to eliminating all doubt in your interviewer’s mind.

The panel of experts shared an ocean of wisdom throughout the day. We’ve captured, distilled and bottled it in this article.

There’s always an element of chance in career building. This guide will give you the tools to shrink the role of luck in getting a job and make hiring you a no-brainer for your next big gig.

Session 1: Planning professional development: The why and how

“The best thing about a professional development plan is that it is something that you own.”

Takeaways from the session:

  1. Individual ownership: Individuals should own and tailor a professional development plan according to their goals and aspirations.
  2. Changing skills landscape: The world of work is constantly evolving, and the skills required for success are continuously changing. You need to adapt and focus on developing relevant skills.
  3. Timeframes and goal-setting: Breaking down professional development into manageable timeframes (e.g. 6 months, 12 months, 24 months) reduces your risk of becoming overwhelmed and clarifies goal-setting.
  4. Experience-based learning: Formal training is valuable, but experience-based education, such as on-the-job training or apprenticeships, is also vital for professional development.
  5. Curiosity and mentorship: Being curious and seeking mentorship from individuals with desired skills and experience is encouraged for personal and professional growth.
  6. Think about your mindset: Professional development is not just about knowledge and skills but also includes cultivating the mindset and attitudes that fit your ambitions.


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Session 2: How to write a standout CV

“We're in an era where people don't really want to hire robots... you have to show yourself, show who you are, and you have to be able to showcase who you are, the potential you have to grow.”

Takeaways from the session:

  1. Invest in yourself: Applying for jobs takes time, thought and planning. Use tools like spreadsheets and regular CV updates to keep track of applications and prepare for opportunities.
  2. Know what you want: Understand your career goals and whether you seek growth or experience. Tailor your CV accordingly to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
  3. Research organisations: Conduct online research and reach out to people to understand the culture and priorities of the organisations you are applying to. This can be a distinguishing factor in the application process.
  4. Reflect your authentic self: Instead of focusing solely on quantity, prioritise conveying your genuine self and finding the right fit in your applications. Ground your identity and passions in your CV to attract attention.
  5. Showcase unique experiences: Include unique and exciting experiences that showcase your skills and potential for growth. Stand out by sharing stories and accomplishments that reflect your individuality.


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Session 3: Building your personal brand

“You grow as individuals; you grow each and every day, and your brand will shift with you.”

Takeaways from the session:

  1. Be aware of your existing brand: You need to know your reputation and understand how others perceive it.
  2. Evolving and managing a brand: Personal brands can be evolved, sharpened, or completely overhauled with time and consistency.
  3. Consider the challenges of branding: The challenges of launching and managing a personal brand, including fear or lack of resources, and the importance of evaluating and adapting strategies.
  4. The balance of offline and online branding: The differences between growing a brand organically offline and the challenges of online branding due to algorithms and noise.
  5. Authenticity and trust: The importance of being authentic, consistent, and genuine in personal branding to build trust and credibility.
  6. Time and persistence: Building a personal brand takes time, both online and offline, and requires persistence and commitment.


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Session 4: How to write a brilliant personal statement

“Read the advert carefully... treat it as a tick list for your personal statement.”

Takeaways from the session:

  1. Preparation is key: Read the job advert thoroughly and tailor your personal statements to the specific requirements that are laid out. Meet every single point, and leave nothing to chance.
  2. Use the STAR model: The STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) should help structure all your responses.
  3. Use impactful examples: Choose relevant examples to showcase your knowledge, skills and experience.
  4. Be concise: Always be mindful of the word count, and keep your writing brief to include as many examples as possible.


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Session 5: How to excel in interviews

“You can't learn to respond well to questions in the 5 min before an interview...you have to practise, practise, practise.”

Key takeaways from the session:

  1. Keep trying: Not everyone is successful in every interview, and it should not be seen as a failure. Learn from unsuccessful interviews and use them as opportunities for growth.
  2. Practice and preparation: Remember to practice interview skills, public speaking and presenting. Knowing your examples well is essential!
  3. Being true to yourself: Be authentic and true to yourself during interviews. You also need to strike a balance between being yourself and adapting to the expectations of the organisation or interview panel.
  4. Understanding the purpose of the interview: It is crucial to grasp the meaning of the interview and align your responses accordingly. This includes focusing on the specific question asked, avoiding going off-topic and being mindful of the organisation's goals and requirements.
  5. Communication and clarity: Effective communication involves getting to the point, providing relevant examples, and avoiding excessive backstory.


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This article was generated by ChatGPT and edited by Will Spurr, Apolitical’s User Experience Content Designer. We hope it'll help bring more government insights to our community.

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