Have an interview next week? Here’s how to survive Canberra’s favourite blood sport
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As we settle into the new year, many Canberrans will be looking to make good on New Year’s resolutions to pursue new career opportunities.
Whether it’s a step up, a search for more meaning in your work, or even a full career pivot, changing jobs can be equally exciting and daunting.
One thing’s for sure, though: sooner or later, you will have to face an interview process.
While all interviews can be nerve-racking, sitting in front of a public service selection panel can be especially unnerving. To help ease the pressure, executive coach and public sector leadership specialist Dr Kim Vella suggests a fundamental shift in thinking.
“You’re not applying, you’re auditioning. It’s sort of a cross between a political briefing and a one-person TED Talk,” she explains.
”You’re expected to be insightful but not intimidating, considered but not pushy, and keen to contribute without overstepping. It’s like a bloodsport – fiercely competitive, especially at the enterprise level, and only preparation and strategy can help you win.”
Kim recommends starting your preparation as early as possible for the best chance of success.
“People often call me wanting to receive coaching days before an interview. Unfortunately, I have to decline because it’s simply not enough time. By that point if they’re ready, they’ll get the job. If they’re not, they won’t,” she says
“My work with clients often starts up to a year in advance, especially when it involves a big career leap like moving into the senior executive service and beyond.”
“There’s a real art to having a successful career in the public sector. You have to learn what it takes to lead at those high levels. And once you understand it, you can present yourself like you already own the role, which is the kind of confidence panel members notice.”
If you already have a big interview on the horizon, Kim offers these eight suggestions:
Build trust
By all means, talk about your experience, but remember that presence matters more. You build trust by how you show up, handle pressure, and engage with the panel. The way you handle stress in the interview will tell them a lot about what they need to know about you.
Speak for yourself
Realise the interview is with you as a person. The focus isn’t the roles you’ve had or the qualifications you’ve gained; it’s what you’re bringing as a leader. This is tough to communicate, so you need to know ahead of time how you will do that.
Don’t act humble for the sake of it
This is not the moment to tell stories about how you played it safe or demonstrated restraint. While these traits are rewarded in the right context, don’t bring false humility to an interview. You need to show leadership in motion – that you know what’s needed, you know your own voice, and you can anchor to your contribution.
Don’t script your values
People put a lot of time into scripting words around their values. Why not embody them instead? Don’t just say you’re committed to empowerment, prove it by giving examples that bring it to life. Let the values speak through how and what you relate.
Remember, leadership trumps polish
Yes, dress well and look the part, but focus more on presence. You want to build trust, demonstrate authenticity, and establish gravitas. These are proven ways to demonstrate effective leadership.
Bring the right kind of confidence
Remember that confidence is not about volume. It’s about clarity. When you are clear about what you’re saying and how you’re saying it, you exude confidence.
Back yourself like your future team is watching
The job of an interview panel is to differentiate between equally capable people, and sometimes what separates you from others is your strategic vision. If it aligns with the strategy and direction they want to take the role, chances are you’ll be successful. So share your vision like you’re preparing to bring your future team on the journey with you.
You’re not applying for a job, you’re claiming your seat
This is the mindset that wins roles.
“Lastly, keep in mind that Canberra is a small place,” adds Kim.
“You’re always auditioning, and your reputation will likely enter the interview before you do. It’s a hyperlocal truth that you’re always being evaluated, and often the interview is the final checkpoint where they decide if you’ll get the job.”
Whether your interview is next week or next year, Kim wants people to know that what you do now counts.
“Not just the work you do, but the way you work and how you show up for your team,” she says.
“If you can learn to embody the traits of the next level of leadership, you’ll waltz through the interview process right into your new role.”
For more information about coaching for interview preparation with Kim Vella, visit Kim Vella Coaching.
