The problem: Talent attraction and retention in the Australian Public Service.

Why it matters: A thriving, innovative APS needs the best talent.

The solution: Break down barriers and myths about the APS to encourage people to join from other sectors.

Get to know who your key stakeholders are and make time to introduce yourself to them and build rapport.

Moving into the APS in 2020 was a positive experience for me, but not without its challenges and learning opportunities. With an open mind and willingness to learn, it is possible to thrive in the new environment you find yourself in. Here are my top 5 takeaways:

  1. Do your research on the type of agency you want to work for. I chose mine because of its global presence, its public profile, its progressiveness in terms of digital learning, asynchronous working styles, and flexibility. I also really liked the hiring manager that interviewed me and felt I would be a good fit in their team, without the need to force myself into a preconceived mould. Being autistic and living with a disability, flexibility and inclusion were key to my decision making so I researched the agency’s commitment to this and liked what I saw, and felt that I could align to the values of the agency.

  2. When applying for the role, I did not have any contacts or inside connections, so it is very possible to still land a role as an outsider to the public service. I found my role on LinkedIn and did my research on the role and the agency to put my best foot forward in a simple, clear cover letter and application form. I had not prepared myself for the length of time the recruitment process takes, and it needs to take time so the necessary security checks can be completed. Be mindful of this, and don’t lose heart if you haven’t heard back from the job application as quickly as you would have liked or are used to.

  3. When starting in a new role, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, so the best advice would be to be patient with yourself and others and ask for help if you need it. The team I found myself in was more than happy to help and as many had been in the APS for years, they were able to offer advice and tips about how to succeed.

  4. Get to know who your key stakeholders are and make time to introduce yourself to them and build rapport. Your communication style or experience may not be a natural fit or what they are used to, but by building trust and doing what you say you will do, whilst also showing respect for everyone you interact with, you will soon find your network and be able to collaborate and make things happen more quickly than going it alone out of fear they are too busy or important to speak to.

  5. Finally, the best advice I was given was, “you are not an island,” and you will get things done a lot more quickly by collaborating and asking for help, as very often there will be a team or a colleague with expertise that can help you in your tasks and projects that you weren’t aware of. Be prepared for feedback and differences of opinion, but also be prepared for aha moments and positive connections that will stay with you throughout your government career.

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