Application Process & Interviews at Queensland Audit Office

Everything about the interview and assessment process was smooth

I had a 3-stage interview process with initial screening, cognitive test and final interview

The whole process is resume and application submission, online assessment, 1-minute recorded video self-introduction, assessment centre and panel interview. A highlight of the assessment center is the team activity. No daunting group discussion or presentation. Instead, we were asked to build a Lego model together. It was fun.

The interview process for graduates was multi-staged. We first went through an online test portion, then a group assessment centre, then a panel interview. After the group assessment centre and panel interview we had the chance to speak to some of the managers and directors that we would be working with, should we end up making it through the process. I thought this was a good way to break some tension during the process, as other applications tend to be more oblique. The L&D team did a great job of keeping the centre and interview comfortable for the assesses. One thing that I would have been interested in knowing (although, I admit that telling the interviewees defeats the purpose) is why certain tests were used, and what attributes or characteristics the L&D team were looking for in applicants. Mostly out of curiosity though.

The hiring process is rigorous at QAO, with an online application, psychometric testing, online interview, assessment centre and final interview wrapping up the process.

Recruitment was very straightforward and reasonable timelines Process is as follows: Online application and assessment In person assessment centre In person interview.

It was a long process, started in April and found out that I got the job late July. There were about 5 steps in the process, a video, a personality test, a technical test, assessment centre and a panel interview and there wasn't a lot of lead up time before each step which made it difficult to organise time off from my current role. Usually about a weeks' notice.

Application via Smart Jobs - Resume & Cover Letter Video Interview Recruitment Testing Assessment Centre Final Interview

The interview process was long and required multiple separate assessments. Despite that it was primarily focused on people's character and ability to work together, rather than being heavy on technical questions and assessment.

Very standard graduate application process: - Submit resume and cover letter through Seek, - Basic video interview, - Psychometric Testing, - Assessment Centre, - Final interview. The assessment centre and final interview were in person (at the office), not via Teams unlike most other organisations.

We had an online application, online testing, pre-recorded interview, assessment centre and final interview.

The process was very long but I'm glad I went through it. There were 5-6 stages with multiple interviews. It was very professional and friendly throughout the entire process.

There were 5 assessment stages with a very quick turn around between them. 1 - application, 2 - psychometric test, 3 - video interview, 4 - assessment centre, and 5 - panel interview.

It is a somewhat lengthy process, including a mental assessment, single interview and a group interview, but even the interviewers appeared friendly and helpful to me (as it was apparent to them that every interviewee was nervous).

The interview process involved an online interview, a group interview and an individual interview. The online interview asked general questions about the company and basic experience questions. The group interview involved psychometric testing, written responses to the company's values and how they related to personal experiences and group activities. The individual interview was a panel of senior auditors asking specific questions about how your personal experiences have prepared you for the role.

The recruitment process involves several steps including psychometric testing, aptitude tests, an interview and a group problem solving session.

I was asked to describe a time when I failed to meet a deadline.

Normal behavioural questions. Why I like to work for QAO, tell us a time that you had a difficult customer etc.

Can't remember off the top of my head, honestly.

It was a range of behavioural questions to understand your interpersonal skills you can bring to the job.

Behavioural questions: Tell me a time when you etc .

All example type questions - for example: Give me an example of when you worked successfully within a team

Why I want to work for the organisation, customer service experiences, slightly informal interview process. It was very laid back and conversational which helped with nerves.

Why did you decide to apply for QAO? If you and [the other candidates in the interview] could take 5 items to a deserted island, what would you take? (gave us a few minutes to discuss). A few specific questions about my resume and past experience. What I believed I could bring to a team. How I had resolved conflicts in the past. How I had corrected a mistake in the past.

What experience do I have in customer service. Why do I want this job? What makes me an ideal candidate?

The interview was not super formal- it was very conversational. This made it much easier to relax and answer the questions. Questions were very straightforward - why do you want to work for QAO, customer service experience, working in a team.

What draws you to auditing? How do you feel about travel, especially last minute trips to client site to further investigate.

Why do I want to work at QAO? Explain a situation where there was conflict and how you dealt with it? How do you demonstrate the QAO values?

Basic questions like: Why work here? How do you work in a team? How did you react to a sudden movement of a deadline? How did you react when something went wrong? (at work or at unit)

Tell me a time where you had to manage you time effectively and what was the result of your actions? Why do you think you would make a great auditor?

I was asked about experiences where I had to make decisions, demonstrate critical thinking and provide examples of times I had overcome problems.

They should really focus on their passions because individualism is valued at QAO.

Be honest and be genuine. It's a process of two-way selection. You'll know whether they are the right employer for you and whether you like their culture.

Be yourself. QAO is a workplace that very clearly prides itself on sustaining an environment of earnest effort. Honestly presenting yourself as you are - being genuine - will not go unmissed or unappreciated.

Read up on QAO and what the office does, as well as making sure to be yourself at all stages of the recruitment process. QAO embraces diversity and people who can provide new unique perspectives.

Be yourself, you already have the qualifications (or about too). The team wants to assess your fit within the QAO team and vice versa it is your opportunity to see how you feel about QAO.

Be yourself. People relations are a big part of the role so that is what the assessment panel is looking for. Just relax and engage with the evaluators and other candidates.

Just be yourself and try not to be too nervous as QAO is a great company to work for and they strongly believe in diversity so don't hide your differences!

If you are passionate about the role and public service then you will stand out among other applicants.

Be genuine.

Don't overthink your answers and be honest. They are not looking to trick you or trip you up, just want to get a better understanding of how you operate as a person and what you can bring to the organisation.

If possible, reach out to employees on LinkedIn and get to know the company. Understand what we do on a day to day basis so you are prepared for any questions in the interview.

Showing a genuine passion for the public sector will make your application stand out.

Read over the values of QAO. There are some specific written questions where this knowledge will help you.

Take some time to review the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) website, so you can get a really good idea of what the office does. You can also learn about QAO's culture by following the QAO's LinkedIn page. Ask yourself whether your values align with QAO's values and try to explain in your own words what the values mean.

Research the QAO values.

Find a way to calm yourself and think of good examples for teamwork questions.

Have some understanding of what auditors do and read up on the values of the company.

Lookup the STAR interview response template and try to think of examples in your past that could potentially address interview questions.