Australia Job Interview Tips: Behavioural Questions

Quick answer: Australian interviews, especially in government and large organisations, often use a panel and behavioural questions that start with "Tell us about a time when..." or "Describe a situation where...". Answer with a specific example in the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) that matches the duties of the job. You may also be asked hypothetical scenario questions, do a work sample test or presentation, and have your referees contacted.

This guide summarises official Australian Public Service guidance, explains panel interviews, gives sample questions and a full STAR answer, and adds tips for applicants from overseas. Private employers vary, but behavioural questions are common across Australian workplaces, including tech.

What official APS guidance says

The Australian Public Service Commission publishes "Cracking the code", a guide to applying for APS jobs. Its chapter on the interview and other assessment and its frequently asked questions make these points (checked 15 October 2026):

1. Behavioural questions usually begin with "Tell us about a time when..." or "Describe a situation where..." and are based on the idea that past behaviour is a good indicator of future behaviour.

2. You may also get hypothetical scenario questions.

3. Think about your top three skills or qualities and why you applied, because you may be asked.

4. Use examples that relate to the duties of the job, and be honest.

5. You can take time to think, ask the panel to rephrase a question, and bring a copy of your application or notes.

6. The interview is meant as a discussion, not a test.

7. As well as or instead of an interview, you may be asked to do a work sample test, a presentation or psychometric testing, and some agencies run assessment centres with group exercises.

8. The panel rates your suitability using your application, interview, any other assessment and referee comments. The FAQ suggests the STAR model if you have trouble answering selection criteria.

How panel interviews work

A panel is often two or three people, such as the hiring manager, a team member and someone from another area. Candidates are commonly asked the same core questions so answers can be compared fairly, and panel members may take turns asking questions and taking notes.

1. Answer the person who asked, then glance at the others as you continue.

2. Do not worry when panel members write while you talk. They are recording evidence for scoring.

3. If a question has two parts, answer both, and check with "Does that answer your question?" if you are unsure.

4. Bring short notes with your main examples. The APS guidance says notes are fine.

Common behavioural questions

1. "Tell us about a time when you had to manage competing priorities."

2. "Describe a situation where you worked with a difficult stakeholder."

3. "Tell us about a time when you identified a problem and improved a process."

4. "Describe a time you had to communicate complex information to a non-technical audience."

5. "Tell us about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn?"

6. "Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change."

7. "Tell us about a time you showed initiative."

8. "What are your top three strengths for this role?"

A full STAR example

Question: "Describe a time you had to communicate complex information to a non-technical audience."

"Situation: our team was moving a customer database to a new cloud platform, and the customer service managers were worried about downtime. Task: I was asked to explain the migration plan and what it meant for their teams. Action: I dropped the technical diagrams and wrote a one-page timeline showing what would change for staff each week, ran a 20-minute session for the managers, and set up a shared channel for questions during the cutover weekend. Result: the managers planned rosters around the two-hour read-only window, and the service desk logged no migration complaints. I now write a one-page summary for every change that affects non-technical teams."

Keep Situation and Task short, spend most of the time on Action, and finish with a clear Result. Our STAR method guide has more examples, and UK readers will find the same structure in our competency-based interview guide.

Work samples, referees and video interviews

1. Work samples: a written task, a technical exercise or a presentation. Read the instructions twice and manage your time.

2. Referees: APS guidance says it is generally expected that one referee is a current or recent supervisor, and many private employers ask for one too. Ask your referees first and tell them about the role so their comments are relevant.

3. Video interviews: test your camera, microphone and connection beforehand, choose a quiet room and keep notes off to the side rather than reading them on screen.

Tips for applicants from overseas

1. Give context for overseas experience. Name the company size, the users and the outcome, because the panel may not know your previous employer.

2. Keep answers concise and specific rather than formal. Panels look for clear examples, not long introductions.

3. Be clear about your work rights and start date if asked.

4. For visas, check the Department of Home Affairs website (checked 15 October 2026). This article is general interview guidance, not migration advice.

How CrackInterviewAI helps you prepare

CrackInterviewAI is a Windows 10/11 app that turns a spoken, typed or screenshot question into a short answer outline, using your resume, target role and job description as context. New accounts get 30 free minutes; after that, international prices start at $3.99 for one hour, with no subscription or auto-renewal (USD plans).

Add the position description and your resume, then practice each likely behavioural question out loud. The outline suggests which of your experiences fits best, in STAR order, and a free mock interview helps with timing. Panels assess your own examples, so use these tools to prepare and follow the rules of each interview.

Rehearse your behavioural examples

Download CrackInterviewAI for Windows and use your 30 free minutes to practice STAR answers built from your resume and the position description.

Download for Windows · See USD plans from $3.99

Frequently asked questions

What is a behavioural interview question in Australia?

A question that asks for a real example from your past, usually starting with "Tell us about a time when..." or "Describe a situation where...". Panels use your past behaviour as evidence of how you will work.

Should I use the STAR method in Australian interviews?

Yes. Australian Public Service guidance suggests the STAR model, and private employers asking behavioural questions expect the same clear, example-based structure.

Can I bring notes to an Australian job interview?

APS guidance says you can bring a copy of your application or notes. Keep them brief and use them as prompts rather than reading from them.

How many people are on an interview panel?

Often two or three, such as the hiring manager, a team member and someone from another area. Ask the recruiter or contact officer if you want to know in advance.

What happens after an APS interview?

The panel rates your suitability using your application, interview, any work sample and referee comments. Ask the contact officer about the timeline.

Keep exploring

Return to the CrackInterviewAI homepage to download the Windows app, or browse all guides on the interview prep blog.

Job Interview Tips for Australia: Behavioural Questions, Panels and STAR Answers