Ten tips on preparing for SES selection

by Grahame Cook.

Promotion to the SES does not come easily and competition for most positions is intense. The following tips will help you to decide whether you are likely to be competitive and to maximise your chances for interview and selection.

• Review your experience and achievements, strengths and weaknesses. Are you ready for the SES? What is it that you have to offer that others may not? Pay particular attention to demonstrated strategic thinking. The Australian Public Service Commission offers a course on Winning that SES Job- some practical insights - see www.apsc.gov.au/learn/winningthatsesjob.htm;
• Test your readiness, including through discussions with SES officers who know your work. If the opportunity presents consider participation in an Australian Public Service Commission Career Development Assessment Centre(CDAC) program - (http://www.apsc.gov.au/learn/cdac.htm). Having some significant acting experience is very useful;
• Find a mentor, who is willing to give frank and constructive feedback. Identify who you would like to be your referees and have an early discussion with them;
• Choose the positions you apply for carefully. A shotgun approach is only likely to damage your reputation and it is much easier to build on the expertise you already have;
• Frame your application in the context of the nature and requirements of the position and the SES selection criteria. The Australian Public Service Commission's Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework is available to read at http://www.apsc.gov.au/selc/index.html. Your application has to be sufficiently compelling in a competitive field to be shortlisted for further consideration;
• It is often wise to ring the departmental/agency contact officer or executive search firm to ensure you understand fully the dimensions of the role and the context;
• A number of departments/agencies and executive search firms have on line templates, others accept traditional e-mail or hard copy applications. Be sure to adapt and frame your application according to the requirements specified;
• Make sure your application is easy to read, accurate and concise. Whether by a cover letter or otherwise provide a short statement about why you are interested in the position and what you have to offer. Include key elements such as your employment history with a focus on more recent roles and identify your specific achievements, professional and personal skills. Demonstrate your skills, experience and achievements with real examples. Include your educational and professional qualifications and any extra-curricula activities that will strengthen your claims;
• Be well prepared for the interview process. Think about the generic and specific issues which may arise. Arranging a mock interview can be useful; and
• Think through your presentation and the key messages and impressions you want to leave with the Selection Committee. Respond to questions confidently but be clear about your level of expertise in the area.

Grahame Cook PSM, is a Director of Grahame Cook Consulting Pty Ltd and a former Deputy Secretary in the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. He can be contacted by e-mail at