Department of the Treasury

Applying for the Treasury was a great experience! The process was really easy. You do an online application form. If you progress to the next round you had to complete a written assessment on a current hot topic policy issue that is provided when you open the assessment, this part of the application process was timed. This is then followed by an interview, where you are asked both behavioural and technical questions. The technical questions can be based on the written application.

The interview was short and didn't have an opportunity to be in person, or go off script much. The written assessments were well pitched.

I valued the absence of group interviews/assessment centres. Recruitment was smooth and proportionate: a one-hour screening essay, then an interview alongside a resume, sufficient to assess capability and fit. This approach is fairer to unsuccessful applicants, who aren't asked to invest in lengthy assessment-centre activities that may add limited signal while privileging more assertive communicators. That's not to say assertive equals less competent or reserved equals more competent; rather, individual assessment plus interview is a cleaner, faster and less biased process for both sides.