selection criteria response examples 1
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InterviewTRANSCRIPT
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Department of Defence - Graduate Program - KSC Questions
* 400 words maximum
Question 1
Flexibility and Adaptability
Describe a situation in which you have had to overcome a difficult setback or professional challenge. We are
interested in; how you overcame this challenge; what lessons did you learn and how have you applied those lessons
in other activities this question will look at your problem solving, resourcefulness and learning abilities. This includes
how you react when faced with a setback, your thought processes in finding a solution and how you recover and
overcome a setback or challenge. *
Through my studies and working history I have been faced with multiple setbacks that have necessitated
the use of problem solving to reach positive outcomes. I have continuously displayed resourcefulness in
my efforts to resolve issues, constantly incorporated new information I have gained to further develop
my capabilities.
A key example of my problem resolution skills in practice has been completing my thesis during my
study for my esteemed Bachelor of Law degree. My thesis was based on military law. The challenge in
this situation was dealing with my thesis area which was vastly under researched. Most of the literature
that I uncovered had never addressed a topical issue concerning human rights in the Australian military
justice system. To compound the already difficult task I had set myself, I was unfamiliar with primary
legal sources and key legislation, as military law is not taught at undergraduate level at any Australian
university. Complications also arouse in the accessing of court martial decisions. I discovered that these
decisions are only available to the Department of XXX and were otherwise outside the purview of the
public.
When I understood that I would not be able to use traditional research methods to successfully build the
argument presented in my thesis topic, I developed an exhaustive research plan. It required me to move
beyond traditional research methodologies to successfully answer the research questions posed by my
topic. I read widely in both primary and secondary sources. I utilized Senate Committee reports, relevant
textbooks dealing with the historical aspects of the military justice system, journal articles and media
reports.
In my work for Victorian Legal Aid, I have often had to apply these heightened research abilities to
create an understanding of points of law for diverse client cases. Occasions of employee disagreement
on issues of law can only be resolved through research and detailed analysis to provide a thorough,
supported opinion and argument for the best way to deal with clients predicaments. My challenging
thesis was instrumental in helping me to gain these advanced research capabilities.
As a result of the difficulties I faced in completing my thesis, I am confident in the area of problem
resolution and in my ability to be resourceful when faced with complex situations. I continually use
lessons from such experiences to further my work and reach objectives and goals.
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Question 2
Teamwork and Cultural Fit
Please outline a goal / task (work, study, social) you had to achieve, while working with a diverse group of people
who did not always agree on key issues, and how you ensured the objectives of the group were still achieved. We are
interested in how you would approach such a scenario. Please outline; your thoughts and the action you would take;
and the behaviours you would demonstrate to achieve the required outcome this question will look at your
teamwork, communication and planning and organising abilities. This includes how you manage the unexpected,
cope with change, allocate priorities and find solutions to problems. *
Having experience at Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) and XXX Community Legal Centre (CLC), I have honed and
developed both my teamwork and conflict resolution skills, and approach all situations with tact,
empathy and professionalism. My initiative is complemented by the ability to communicate efficiently
with a range of stakeholders, ensuring resourceful, proactive and competent action to complete any
task at hand.
When dealing with individuals with complex social problems, including drug addictions and abusive
relationships, I am often faced with a challenge of relating and creating a relationship between myself
and the client. Whilst with the VLA, I was charged with conducting an intervention for a client who had
slapped their partner and was facing an assault charge. I was aware that the best course of action would
be admittance to a Diversion Program; a requirement of which is that the offender takes responsibly for
their behaviour and admits their wrongdoing. I knew on entering into the task, that the individual would
be resistant to this suggestion. Therefore, I constructed a plan for my approach to the situation that
took into consideration the current circumstances of the client and how they would react to me. They
claimed they were the victim of a volatile relationship and were provoked. Subsequently I inferred that
they would be reluctant to accept responsibility.
I felt that a clear explanation of all the individuals options would be the most successful way to convey
that I was attempting to work with them to prevent a conviction. I had to avoid being aggressive,
demanding or speaking down to the client to diffuse the anger and tension they felt. Their hostility
towards their ex partner was an influence in their communication with me as the intervener, and so it
was imperative that I remained calm and supportive. The individual agreed with my recommendation
due to my open and empathetic style of communication and the subsequent trust that I was able to
induce.
My experience with working with a vast array of clients in the legal profession has refined my teamwork
and communication skills. It is the ideal environment to faced challenges relating to diversity and clear
communication and open approach to all has led me to be successful in this area.
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Question 3
Professional
Please outline the details of an individual task or challenge that you have completed, the outcome of which you were
particularly proud (study, work, general). We are interested to know about: the situation; the issues and challenges
you faced (expected or unexpected); your thoughts and the actions you took during the process; and the outcome
achieved this question will look at your self-management and problem solving abilities. This includes how you
manage the unexpected, cope with change, allocate priorities and find solutions to problems. *
My commitment to meticulous organization to ensure a high level of productivity is one of my key
strengths. My exemplary organisational skills are underpinned by the ability to manage all priorities in
line with tight timeframes and I thrive in a high pressured environment. Having achieved a distinction
average across all subject areas in my Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree whilst balancing part-time
employment, I am adept at prioritising tasks and finding solutions to any problem.
Whilst completing my degree, I was given the opportunity to present my Honour thesis findings at the
prestigious Australian Institute of Judicial Administration conference. Here, I was required to address
notable Defence Force personnel with the findings of my thesis for 30 minutes. The task presented
several challenges; completing my thesis whilst developing the address, formulating an engaging
presentation, proposing a persuasive argument for the acceptance of my thesis policies, and the public
speaking itself which was foreign to me. Addressing military officials who are experts in their own field
with vast amounts of military knowledge and experience was intimidating, as at the time I was an
undergraduate student with limited experience and knowledge in military law related matters.
To effectively overcome the challenge of successfully presenting my conference paper, preparation and
rehearsal was the key. I had to reformulate my thesis topic in a manner that would be both persuasive
and readily discernible to the audience I was presenting to. The conference was an opportunity to
communicate research findings that were both novel and out of left field, so I was in a position where I
had to convince my audience of a conflict argument. Strict organisational skills had to be applied to
coordinate my completion of the thesis with the creation of my presentation. Practice of my public
speaking was essential to overcome my initiation to formal presentations. Through careful planning I
was able to engage my audience and successfully complete my presentation in front of defence
personnel and academics.
This example of my ability to balance priorities and produce results demonstrates my task focus and
goal orientation. I continuously deal with challenges and change to reach high levels of success through
strategic problem resolution and organization.
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Question 4
Desire to Work in Defence
Tell us why you would be suited to working in the Department of Defence and what has motivated you to apply for a
position in your preferred Development Program? *
I would be well suited to work for the Department of XXX due to my study and work experience. The
opportunity to contribute to Australia's national interests is a source motivation for me, as I feel it would
be an honour to serve my country by using my education and working capabilities. I wholeheartedly
embrace the XXX Core Values and am enthusiastic to work for an organization that I admire.
With experience in a variety of professional organisations, I have a comprehensive understanding of the
need to work co-operatively with peers to meet organisational objectives. I can offer extensive
relationship management, organisational and strategic planning capabilities that have been shaped
through both my educational and work practices. I thrive in challenging environments due to my focus
on goal achievements and success. My professional experience, particularly my placement at Victorian
Legal Aid (VLA), has resulted in the development of a strong ability to communicate with an extremely
diverse range of people, from the general public to members of the court, legal professionals and the
judiciary, ensuring that I have the skills necessary to excel in this role.
I have a number of reasons for seeking to work in the Department of XXX. As a graduate trainee the
requirement to undertake rotations across several areas of Defence provides an opportunity to engage
in interesting and challenging work that will allow me to utilize and hone the skills that I have
accumulated and developed during my Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, work and volunteer
positions. I feel that it is important for graduates to gain a holistic view of the workplace and I am keen
to gain as much diverse experience as I can to make myself a better professional. In addition, my thesis
was focused on military law and I am eager to experience firsthand, this complex area that I have
studied extensively.
I feel that this position will both excite and challenge me as an individual and professional and will offer
an excellent opportunity to learn and work for a highly revered organization within Australia. I believe
that I am well suited to such a position and am able to offer the Department of XXX exactly the skills,
abilities and knowledge they are seeking.