Application Process & Interviews at National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)

I thought the process was really authentic and I felt that my experiences were valued.

Difficult

Long-winded and complicated.

I would like to say it was a long drawn out process, but in retrospect, due to security and the online boarding process, I have learnt a lot about this process as in comparison with face-to-face interviews. As long as the computer and programs work, it is successful. First time been interviewed via teams was a new learning experience.

Very long process. I found the panel interview very intimidating.

I found the recruitment process really great. I have applied for quite a few graduate roles and have been knocked out in the second or third round, so I was very excited and surprised when I made it through to the final round. I have had some negative experiences with some other graduate programs, and I particularly liked that I didn't need to do any problem solving activities (these are valid for one year so this can impact on if you are able to get through to the third round of a graduate program! I have found this to be really exclusive in the past.) Throughout the whole process, I really felt that the values of the NIAA shone through; it felt like an authentic process, and I felt that my perspective was really valued. I think graduate programs that operate on preferencing people with the highest GPA or the best IQ scores can at times ignore the whole story and undervalues the other important experiences and skills that people might bring to a graduate program. It also ignores other factors maybe someone's GPA isn't as competitive because they needed to work while completing their studies, or raise children, or care for a sick loved one, or manage an ongoing health concern, for example. I felt like the recruitment process of NIAA was designed to be inclusive and to be focused towards acknowledging these differences in people's lives. Throughout the process, I felt that I was able to really put my most authentic self forward, and all of the activities really lent themselves to this. I had some troubleshooting issues with my laptop for one of the rounds, and the recruitment panel were very understanding and made some time for me to have an interview via video phone call instead. I also had some trouble with attachments not uploading, so I was very appreciative that the recruitment panel were able to give me every chance to succeed, all rounds were set up in a way that really tried to minimise any accessibility and usability barriers so I could just focus on what I wanted to say/transfer in the process. I found the interview with the panel particularly encouraging, the questions were very focused and I enjoyed getting a sense of what the agency values through the panel. Throughout the process, I really felt that my experience and what I could bring to the program was valued, and that I was heard and seen.

It was long and tedious, with many different stages. In combination with the multiple other grad programs I applied for it was a hard job, often amounting to several hours a day. I felt like I had a part time job in grad applications given the workload.

I was asked about cultural competency, my ability to manage priorities and competing deadlines, and about why I wanted to work for the Agency.

General ones.

I was asked about cultural competency, workplace inclusion, why I wanted to work at the NIAA and managing deadlines or priorities.

Capacity/experience in culturally diverse workplaces; handling poor team dynamics; why I want to work at the department; managing competing priorities.

I would say it is important to prepare by using the STAR method and by thinking about how the organisation's values align with the candidate's experience and values. I would come prepared with a few examples where I have demonstrated working in a team, communicating effectively, managing stakeholder relationships and managing priorities.

Practice interviews

Workshop examples to every possible question with the 'STAR' method.

Know your referee's feedback about you and relate the feedback of people at your previous workplace(s) Make sure security documents organised early as possible

To prepare for the interviews, be sure to have all your documents ready to upload. Keep a record of your conversations and dates, times etc. Keep up with every email sent and reply asap. Be culturally aware of Indigenous issues and learn more before you apply.

If my experience is anything to go by think about your values and if these align with the agency's. If they do, think about how the experiences in your life lend themselves to some of the activities you go through, and try to apply some examples. Have a look at the graduate page and look at some of the experiences of other grads to give yourself some idea of what your work might look like if you're offered a position. I felt it was important to bring myself to each round, let this shape the way you respond to each activity, instead of how you think you should respond. Above all, think about the purpose of the NIAA how will you contribute to the agency by working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, how will you contribute to the aim of enabling the self-determination of First Nations communities and to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say in the decisions that affect them across government? In what ways does your experience lend itself to this purpose?

Keep front of mind your experience working in culturally diverse workplaces. My impression has been that the department wants people of the right fit - empathetic, open to learning - and so to be open and friendly in the interview.