Government Interview Skills Coaching

Professional Coaching for Government and Private Sector Job Interviews

Feeling anxious about your upcoming job interview? You’re not alone. Job interviews — especially for government roles — can be stressful and highly competitive. The pressure to perform well and demonstrate your skills and experience clearly can make even the most qualified candidate feel uneasy.

At Public Service Resumes, we specialise in providing professional interview skills coaching tailored specifically for Local, State, and Federal Government roles. Our experienced interview coaches have worked in recruitment and human resources, sitting on hiring panels across the government and private sectors. We know exactly what interviewers are looking for — and we’ll equip you with the tools, techniques, and confidence you need to succeed.

Why Government Interview Preparation Matters

Interviews are one of the most important parts of the recruitment process — they’re your chance to make a lasting impression and demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the role.

Government job interviews are typically more structured and formal than those in the private sector. You’ll often face a panel of interviewers who will assess your ability to meet the role’s key competencies through behavioural-based questions — requiring you to provide clear, structured examples of how you’ve demonstrated relevant skills and behaviours in the past.

Challenges Candidates Often Face in Government Interviews:

  • Nervousness and anxiety that affect performance
  • Difficulty structuring responses to behavioural questions
  • Struggling to provide concrete examples that align with the selection criteria
  • Failing to communicate experience and achievements effectively
  • Misunderstanding the panel’s expectations

Our government interview coaching service helps you overcome these challenges by providing practical strategies, personalised feedback, and targeted practice — so you can walk into your interview prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

What to Expect from Our Government Interview Skills Coaching

Our expert interview skills coaching is designed to help you prepare for any type of government job interview — from entry-level positions to senior executive roles.

  1. Personalised Interview Preparation

Your session begins with an analysis of the job description and key selection criteria. Our coach will identify the core competencies and skills the panel will be assessing — and help you prepare examples that align with these expectations.

We create a personalised coaching plan based on:

  • The specific role you’re interviewing for
  • The department’s capability framework
  • The types of questions you’re likely to face (behavioural, situational, and technical)
  • Your strengths, experience, and career goals
  1. Targeted Practice with Behavioural Questions

Government interviews often rely on behavioural-based questions to assess how you’ve demonstrated key competencies in the past. Our coaches will provide you with a tailored set of questions based on the role’s requirements and guide you through structuring your answers using the STAR method.

Example Questions You May Face:

  • “Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage competing priorities?”
  • “Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict within a team. How did you handle it?”
  • “Give an example of a project you led. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?”

We’ll help you anticipate and prepare responses for common questions — and practice them until you feel confident delivering them naturally.

  1. Strengthening Your Responses with the STAR Method

To ensure your answers are structured and easy for the panel to assess, we teach you how to use the proven STAR Method for interview responses:

STAR stands for:

  • Situation – Describe the context or challenge you faced.
  • Task – Explain the specific goal or responsibility you were tasked with.
  • Action – Outline the steps you took to address the task or challenge.
  • Result – Highlight the outcome and any measurable success.

Example:
“Can you give an example of a time when you managed competing deadlines under pressure?”

Situation: “While working as a project coordinator at the Department of Health, I was tasked with managing the delivery of a major report while coordinating stakeholder input from multiple teams.”

Task: “I needed to ensure the report was completed accurately and on time despite conflicting priorities and tight deadlines.”

Action: “I created a project timeline, held weekly check-ins with team leaders, and used a task management system to track progress and address issues as they arose.”

Result: “The report was delivered two days ahead of schedule with a 98% accuracy rate, and stakeholders provided positive feedback on the process.”

Why the STAR Method Works:

  • Provides a clear, logical structure to your answers
  • Makes it easy for the panel to assess your competencies
  • Demonstrates your problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
  • Helps you stay focused and avoid rambling

Our coaches will work with you to refine your STAR responses and make sure they are polished, impactful, and aligned with the department’s requirements.

  1. Building Confidence and Reducing Nervousness

Feeling nervous before an interview is completely normal — but it can affect your ability to think clearly and deliver strong answers.

Our expert coaches will provide practical strategies to help you:

  • Manage pre-interview anxiety and stay calm under pressure
  • Improve body language, eye contact, and tone of voice
  • Answer difficult questions confidently without hesitation
  • Engage with the panel and leave a positive impression

Through personalised feedback and targeted practice, we’ll help you develop the confidence to communicate your skills and experience clearly and professionally.

  1. Authenticity and Connection

Hiring managers don’t just want to hear about your skills — they want to see how you think, work under pressure, and engage with others.

Our coaches will help you:

  • Build rapport with the panel
  • Project confidence and authenticity
  • Align your answers with the department’s values and goals
  • Respond professionally to follow-up questions

We’ll help you create a balanced, confident approach that demonstrates both your professional expertise and your ability to work effectively within the government’s framework.

Who Can Benefit from Government Interview Coaching?

Our interview skills coaching service is suitable for candidates at all career levels:

  • Graduate Interviews – Learn how to showcase your academic achievements and transferable skills
  • Professional Interviews – Strengthen your responses to align with role-specific competencies
  • Executive and Senior Executive Interviews – Prepare for high-level questions on leadership, strategy, and decision-making
  • Selection Panel Interviews – Master the panel-based format used in most government hiring processes

Why Choose Our Government Interview Coaching?

Our experienced coaches have worked on government hiring panels and understand exactly what interviewers are looking for. We offer:

  • Experienced Coaches – Our team includes former government recruiters and HR professionals
  • Personalised Coaching – Tailored questions and feedback based on your target role
  • Proven Methods – STAR-based coaching to strengthen your answers
  • Flexible Sessions – Conducted over Zoom or phone at a time that suits you
  • High Success Rate – Our clients have secured roles across Local, State, and Federal Government departments

Get Professional Interview Skills Coaching Today

Ready to walk into your next interview with confidence? Let our expert coaches help you master the STAR method and deliver clear, compelling answers that get results.

Contact us today to book your interview coaching session!

Additional Services

 Our Google Reviews

I am absolutely ecstatic about the quality of my final resume and covering letter. I went through it with a fine tooth comb and there was not one mistake in any of the documents. The level of professionalism and the speed of delivery is a credit to PSR. I also want to call out Francis who wrote both my resume and covering letter. We spent over an hour on the phone discussing many aspects of the role and he nailed everything. If you are looking for a Public Service job this company is a must and it is money well spent.
Bob
Bob
02:59 18 Jun 25
Can't thank Melonie enough for her superb work on both my application and my resume. A truly stellar representation of my career. Thanks so much!
Jason Daly
Jason Daly
20:36 03 Jun 25
I contacted Beejay of Public Service Resumes in September 2024 for assistance with a Qld Health job application. Sara was assigned as my writer and collaboratively the 2 page statement was addressed and Sara created a modern and up to date resume which earned a merit for the effort. I have contacted Beejay again for another Qld Health job opportunity and Sara was assigned as my writer and she has been very supportive with tackling the 2 page statement, resulting in an interview being offered. So hopeful of a good result and I highly recommend the Public Service Resumes group to calm your nerves and assist with addressing what HR staff are looking for in job applications. Thank you Sara for your encouragement and support with my applications.
Disha Davis
Disha Davis
23:03 08 May 25
Excellent service. PSR helped me achieve an interview and ultimately the job I went for. Certainly recommended.
Michael Edrich
Michael Edrich
00:47 15 Jan 25
After 23 years in the same job, I applied last month for a job that I thought was way out of my reach. I contacted Beejay (thanks for listening to my initial non informative rant and being so nice 😂) as I needed urgent help with my extremely outdated and poor worded CV. Abby was the fabulous one to help me and put together something fabulous to apply with! Against a huge amount of candidates, I ended up getting the job. Cannot recommend them enough ❤️
Carly Ringe
Carly Ringe
09:40 14 Jan 25
Friendly service, professional and talented!
Tessa Dean
Tessa Dean
00:30 05 Jan 25
Beejay and Abi did a amazing work, very personal and great results will def use them down the line
Willliam Maclean
Willliam Maclean
08:45 13 Oct 24
Highly recommended, this is an excellent service! I cannot speak highly enough of Bee-Jay and senior writer Meaghan. All staff are insightful, very professional, committed and clear in all communications. All deadlines are met, writers happy to work with you, take feedback and listen to your needs. I have only ever had positive and productive interactions with Public Service Resumes.
Jannine Kaye
Jannine Kaye
00:30 06 Sep 24
Great fast and proficient service, I dealt with Melanie who very much hit the mark. I'd highly recommend.
Caz Bannan
Caz Bannan
04:16 30 Aug 24
Highly recommended! Big shout out to Steve!Amazing service especially from Steve he went 'above and beyond' to ensure my Resume was tailored to my needs. Thank you for everything Steve!
Aaron Cormack
Aaron Cormack
21:46 05 Jul 24
HiI highly recommend this firm for your professional resume needs and special thanks to Kristie who did a fantastic job on my resume...Looking forward to doing business with you in future...Thank you
Jessica Singh
Jessica Singh
05:35 05 Jul 24
Highly recommended! They have helped me several times. I needed a new resume - from start to finish - 10/10. Kylie my resume writer was awesome! Once again - thank you!
Reece Powell
Reece Powell
08:37 08 Jun 24
Thank you for your services with making me a resume. A very special thank you to Berny who, after one phone call was able to capture everything I needed placed into the resume, reorganise the info, sort it all out and produce a professional resume. It is also noteworthy to say that PSR also give a Word.doc version.
Jean Cashmore
Jean Cashmore
06:45 07 Jun 24
I would definitely recommend using the services.the whole team is very helpful and professional. Super engaging takes your feedback onboard and come up with a tailored solution from start to end.And the result a was able to secure the position for which I applied for.will use reuse their service in future again.Sunil
Sunil Shivanandan
Sunil Shivanandan
04:21 18 Apr 24
Exceptional service received from Beejay and his team. The process from start to finish was prompt and efficient. I was cutting it close with the application deadline but Steve saved the day! He was flexible with consult times and obtained all required info to compile the key selection criteria and was informative about the application process in the public sector. I would highly recommend their services! 😊
Whitney Smith
Whitney Smith
04:30 07 Mar 24
Really happy with the result, would recommend this service to anyone that is in need of help with their job applications.
Soggsy
Soggsy
00:59 14 Dec 23
Nathalie Keast
Nathalie Keast
04:21 05 Dec 23
The service from Public Service Resumes is second to none. From the moment you make an enquiry, you will receive outstanding service and personalised attention. The process with the writer was enjoyable and Meaghan was clearly well prepared before our meeting. She had intimate knowledge of my skills and what I was wanting to achieve with the resume service. Add to that, the fact that this company has intimate knowledge of how to write targeted responses, you are on an absolute winner with this company. My husband and I have both used this service and have both made it to the next stage of job applications, thanks to Public Service Resumes. Gold star recommendation.
Dizzy
Dizzy
07:07 07 Oct 23
Great experience dealing with these professionals. The whole process from go was very simplified, introduction phone call and follow up email, payment method, consultation with assigned writer, and final editing of the draft for approval all took place within a specified timeframe in order to meet my application deadline. End result an amazing Resume.
Anne Thompson
Anne Thompson
12:54 13 Sep 23
Thank you Beejay and Melanie for the fast and quality service in writing my selection criteria. I got the job! I would highly recommend their services.
Mary N
Mary N
01:02 22 Aug 23
Beejay and Kimberley did a fantastic job on my resume. Highly recommended
Gladys Garcia
Gladys Garcia
08:10 31 Jul 23
Can not recommend their services enough. I have used them twice now and both times I have secured new employment due to the quality of the cover letters written by Public Service Resumes.The process is made easy from the initial call with my writer who sort as much information from me as possible to get a clear understanding of how I meet the application criteria. To the final product. I found that my request for amendments and adjustments was easily received and implemented into the final product.They made the whole process enjoyable on both occasions. I will be using their services for further employment applications.
Perrin Ward
Perrin Ward
06:27 20 Jul 23
Very professional service from Beejay and Kirstie. Easy to deal with, and they produced a great resume and cover letter. On time. In using their services, it gave me a time to focus on other things. Highly recommend.
Alison L
Alison L
23:19 14 Jul 23
Absolutely love the services. I have used over and over . Work is on point and always meeting my tight time frames. Highly recommend look forward to reaching out for help again. Your work excites me
Nadin Teghlobi
Nadin Teghlobi
01:57 03 Jul 23
Love their customer service. They not only guided me to prepare for the interview well they helped me with statements. Their support gave me confidence to face the interviews.
Madhavi Chandrasekara
Madhavi Chandrasekara
01:33 01 Jul 23
Jaqueline from Public Service Resumes wrote my resume, selection criteria and cover letter for a mid senior level position with the state government. I was shortlisted for the interview process. Prior to the interview I received coaching from Jaqueline which was very helpful. I received feedback that whilst I wasn't successful in getting the position , I came a close second. I was told I interviewed very strongly and encouraged to keep applying to government positions. Whilst I didn't get the position I was very pleased to be shortlisted to an interview and then receive such positive feedback from the interviewer. Thanks Jaqueline and Beejay for your assistance. The process has been a great boost to my confidence.
Diana Iezzi
Diana Iezzi
00:24 17 May 23
Have used Public Service Resumes for years, to date I have secured 3 jobs thanks to their quality work. Always friendly and super helpful, highly recommend!!
Josh Ua
Josh Ua
02:13 25 Apr 23
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. Great communication and fantastic end result. I cannot thank you enough.
Rachel Payet
Rachel Payet
23:16 20 Apr 23
I was impressed with the documents. The resume wording was not something I would have written myself, which is why I engaged experts. Formatting and design were amazing too. delivered ahead of schedule. the process from start to finish was seamless
blake chitty
blake chitty
07:40 18 Apr 23
The whole experience was fantastic. From initially liaising with Beejay, through to working on my selection criteria with Meaghan the process was extremely professional and service focused. The work had a very quick turnaround time and resulted in an interview. Public Services Resumes helped me update my resume and selection criteria. Well worth the purchase and time.
Jacob Curulli
Jacob Curulli
08:11 16 Apr 23
Could not recommend highly enough. Louise was an absolute pleasure to liaise with and captured complex history in some very "out of the norm" industries and projects perfectly. Just an all-a-round great experiance.
Murray Decker
Murray Decker
01:48 12 Apr 23
From the moment I contacted Beejay at Public Service Resumes I was confident that I was in the right hands for a new resume. Kristie was excellent and understood my requirements. She put together a great resume and covering letter within the very short time I had to submit resume and did not disappoint. Highly recommend and will use again. Thanks team.
Jimi
Jimi
00:13 22 Mar 23
The Resume Service was exceptional. The writer and the finished product has given me the confidence to apply for positions that are commensurate with my experience. Whilst I knew I was capable, I was not receiving any interview requests. It is early days with my newly minted resume, however I remain very hopeful.Very fast turnaround and worth the money.
Lyn
Lyn
02:20 18 Mar 23
I am extremely happy with the documents and the quality service provided. I have also forwarded your details onto a number of acquaintances who are also looking at incorporating a service such as yours for future job opportunities that they are applying for?Louise, thank you very much as the results from our continued correspondence via email, phone and messaging was fantastic. I am also looking at one more application response and I am very hopeful that I may be fortunate that you have the time to work with myself again as I believe you have been a credit to the company you work for and also myself in getting a high quality resume professionally tailored to my needs.Thank you
Graham Clark
Graham Clark
05:03 09 Mar 23
After applying for a number of jobs on my own and not getting anywhere, I thought I’d give Public Service Resumes a go! Prompt professional service, friendly staff and an interview first go! Highly recommend!
Nova Marti
Nova Marti
09:45 08 Mar 23
I received exceptional service from Public Service Resumes. I was in a hurry to get my resume updated as there was a job I wanted to apply for that had been advertised a few days before I saw it. I contacted PSR and Beejay was in touch very quickly to set up an interview with Jackey. Jackey was super professional and knew how to put the right content in the resume to have the strongest impact. PSR had indicated a six-day turnaround but I requested the resume as soon as they could provide it. Less than 48 hours after my interview with Jackey I had my resume back and ready to go. I was really happy with how it looked and the content. It's a no-brainer to get a good resume done if you want the job and PSR will deliver the goods.
Donogh Gethings
Donogh Gethings
05:12 14 Feb 23
I had a great experience with the agency! Beejay was very professional, cooperative, quick responsive to me. Ms. Nicole prepared my Resume and Cover letter for one job application. She had two hours of telephone conversation with me, explained the selection criteria points elaborately, collected all the relevant information she needed from me. The final write up was excellent and on time !! I re-ordered for the second cover letter of a different job application just within 48 hours of first order was delivered. The cover letter needed a little addition. Beejay and Nicole worked together to complete the task promply. I was able to submit my second application just two hours before deadline. I certainly go back to them for further services.
Sadman Ferdous
Sadman Ferdous
06:17 10 Feb 23
Public Service Resumes did a fantastic job of getting my Resume sorted quickly, they responded in a timely manner and the Writer Dorinnia was great
Shane Meier
Shane Meier
08:52 07 Feb 23
I greatly appreciate their professionalism, help and understanding. I am pleased with the product they provided and am greatful they were open to my request for some edits, even after I said that I am happy with the product they initially provided. I definitely would recommend Public Service Resumes.
TKY
TKY
08:55 04 Feb 23
Public Service Resumes helped me to write selection criteria for a local council job and how to prepare for interviews. Ellen helped me about my selection criteria, she was so detailed and patient. I received the draft on time. Only one minor change needed to be updated to finalize my selection criteria. Tina helped me with my interview. She was so experienced. In the training session, I can clearly know how to prepare my answers in an interview. I highly recommend Public Service Resumes.
Mengya Yu
Mengya Yu
05:54 11 Jan 23
Fabulous service from the responsive first phone call from Beejay through to a super quick completion time. Thanks so much to Beejay and my writer Lisa. I needed this resume quite quickly and for this to be done in less than a week was outstanding. Usually Xmas New Year is really difficult because businesses shut down but not these amazing people! I am applying with confidence as this resume is beyond anything I could have created.
Nat Davies-Latta
Nat Davies-Latta
23:10 03 Jan 23
I just wanted to post a quick thank you to Beejay, Sarah and all the team at public service resumes. The service was quick, professional and friendly and the end result was far better than anything I would have produced on my own. I would highly recommend this service to anyone in need of an updated modern day resume and excellently written criteria.
chris valacos
chris valacos
01:39 11 Oct 22
I have used the services of Beejay and Kylie a number of times over the past two years!The service and quality of work I have received is nothing short of sensational.Beejay is always prompt with requests and take the effort to understand the requirements prior to quoting.Kylie takes the time to understand you, your experience and turns that’s into written responses that’s shine you in a light you would not yourself, but always ensuring they are an accurate statement of what you have actually achieved.Government applications are extremely complex, and you are always going up against hundreds of applicants…. But with the help of Beejay and Kylie you are guaranteed to always standout!
John Crawford
John Crawford
21:03 16 Sep 22
I engaged Public Service Resumes to do a last minute application. My writer, Marwa, was super quick to digest the information in the job ad, took the time for a phone call to discuss the response (2x 500 word responses) and provided a set of responses that was spot on! I scored the interview.In addition, their customer service representative, Bee Jay, was very friendly, helpful and quick to respond.I highly recommend Public Service Resumes.
Jasmin Towers
Jasmin Towers
22:29 13 Sep 22
If you want the job... use this service, the best service without a doubt. If you think you are prepared for an interview, you wont be, TINA is fantastic at teaching you what to say, how to say it and how to add context to your responses. I had the panel responding with 'great answer', 'strong response', 'wow, best answer to that question we have had'. I was anxious, not confident, had no idea, but spent time with PUBLIC SERVICE RESUMES worked through all government criteria and I had the best responses prepared, no trying to work it out on the day. PREPARE. Use this service, you will not regret it. If I could give 10 stars I would have left 10 stars. AND.... I got the job.
Cindy Patmore
Cindy Patmore
03:37 13 Sep 22
Great service. Beejay was very helpful. Asha was patient during our phone consultation. Tina was very helpful with interview coaching. Learned alot from you guys. Great Resume. More than happy. Thanks guys!
joon choi
joon choi
01:43 04 Sep 22
Really happy with the service and the end product
Andrew Photopoulos
Andrew Photopoulos
09:57 03 Sep 22
Would highly recommend this business to anyone needing assistance with their resume or job application. Laura in particular was extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the writing process. Beejay was also great to work with as well. The end result was that I received an excellent resume and cover letter ready for submission.
Chris Crowley
Chris Crowley
10:02 29 Aug 22
Great service and advice would recommend highly to others.
Elliott Watson
Elliott Watson
08:33 23 Aug 22
Sreejit Thampi
Sreejit Thampi
05:22 04 May 22
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