Application Process & Interviews at Victoria's Big Build

Interview process was straightforward

First you submit cover letter and resume as with any other job. If successful you then undertake an online assessment centre to test skills including thinking, reasoning and communication. You then have a video interview based on prompts. Finally you move to an in person assessment centre, with an individual task, a group task and a short interview. Following this, job offers are made.

The graduate recruitment process is application, online assessments, video interview, assessment centre. Assessment centre includes team activity (presenting), writing task and one on one interview.

After sending my resume, there was psychometric testing and video interviews. After this, there was an assessment centre, where we had to do a series of tasks and an interview at the end.

Stressful. Although the assessment centre was as comfortable as an assessment centre could be.

The interview process was lengthy, however with over a thousand applicants it's understandable that screening needs to be robust. The process involved a transcript check, aptitude test, video interview (answering questions on a screen), group interview and one-on-one informal interview.

The Graduate program application process was the hardest I have ever undertaken. However, this should be looked on positively as I always take the view that 'The harder the job is to get, the better the job'. The process took around 6 months and involved many stages including written applications, video applications and assessment days that are brutal. In the end, around 2-3% of total applicants were given positions

long process but fair due to high volume of applicants

Assessments were good, tailored to my discipline which was refreshing. I didn't get a lot of info about the work I would do, however, and I don't think they sold it to me particularly well.

Broken down in order: 1. Online submission of CV and cover letter 2. Invitation to aptitude testing 3. Invitation to pre-recorded interview questions 4. Invitation to group assessment stage, inclusive of - Group activity - Written assessment (what would you if you wanted to deliver this...) - Interview where you had to outline what you delivered in the written assessment and provide reason

After submitting our resumes we were assessed via an online platform which challenged us with a series of mini-games testing aspects such as our memories, perceptions, grammar, etc. After this was a video interview where had 2 minutes to answer a few given questions. We were then assessed in a group interview via online video platform Zoom where we were split into teams and presented with 2 challenges with 20 minutes on each to present to the supervisors. The last stage was a formal interview consisting of our manager and the employment programs & pathways lead. It was then a matter of waiting for a phone call.

Application process included psychometric testing, video interview, in person assessment centre and interview. Felt that the assessment centre was a safe space and felt more comfortable there than I did at other interviews in the government and private sector.

Psychometric testing Video interview Assessment centre Final interview

There was online aptitude testing, then a group interview, and then an individual interview.

Online Assessment Video interview Group Interview Panel Interview

It was a pretty standard graduate employment process. From submitting my application I did a video interview, assessment centre, individual interview and was then offered my position. This process was a huge learning step in itself.

CV submission, online assessments, video interview, assessment centre

Easy to follow

Multiple stages - approx. 6 month process.

After initial written application, there was a video interview followed by an assessment centre, followed by an in-person interview. -The video interview was fairly straight forward and consisted of a few questions to understand your background and interest areas. -The assessment centre took place over a few hours and included group activities. We had to bring an object in with us to help introduce ourselves and then the rest of the day was spent undertaking three group challenges/activities. -Final interview was to ask more specific questions about your background, as well as understand your strengths & weaknesses.

Video interview: Background into who you are. Where you see yourself going. How you would fit into the company. In person interview: Further background on yourself. Elaborate on answers to individual and group tasks. What attracts you to the role and the company.

The interview was quite casual, talk about yourself, why you want to work here, strength and weaknesses and discussion about your written answers

Behaviour in example situation related to project delivery, key drivers.

Why do you want to work at MTIA?

Reasons for choosing the project. As the role I was applying for was commercial, I was asked some specific questions around commercial management.

From memory, the video interview was standard and had questions regarding why you want to join the program and your experiences. The on-on-one followed on from a design task in the group interview and you were required to explain your design as well as why you are suited to the role.

Questions were pretty standard from memory, "Why do you want to work at MTIA?", "What makes you the best candidate for this job?". However, interviews only formed a small part of the application process

Why do you want to work for this company? What sets you apart from the other applicants?

General questions about my experience in the industry and Uni

I think standard interview/behavioural questions, plus we went through our portfolios and did some team exercises.

I was asked: - Why was I interested in working in the public sector and an infrastructure program. - Which project was I most attracted to? - Which values did I connect to of the organisation.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? 2. Why do you want to work for the business? 3. Why should we choose you? 4. Suppose you've just begun your placement. What is the first thing you plan on doing? 5. Any other questions?

Mostly behavioural questions, as well as a few about my motivations.

Range of questions are asked such as What are your key strengths and weaknesses/ Why did you choose to join the company? What are some challenges you faced in previous work experience and you handled that?

Tell me about yourself? more of a conversation than an interview.

The majority of the questions related to my experience levels, my strengths, weaknesses and what the most important aspects of communications were to me.

A variety of experience and behavioural based questions

Prepare a memorable item related to yourself to talk about. Also, be prepared to demonstrate how you can be a team player.

The best thing I can recommend is to choose a company that matches your interests and values. It's cliche but just be yourself and let your interests and passions shine through, it really is the best way to distinguish yourself from the pack. I'm very interested in this industry, and I believe showing this interest really helped in getting me the role.

Do your research and read up on the projects and what they do.

research the organisation, the role of the project as a delivery agency. Be the best you not what you think the best grad may be.

Research the projects prior

Research Research Research. Note what the project are trying to test at each stage.

Do your research, know your own experience and where it's relevant, show your passion for the role, and most of all be yourself. It's corny but recruiters can tell if you aren't being genuine.

Familiarise yourself with the big projects happening in Victoria.

I think you obviously need to do your research on all the projects. Whilst you don't want to be spooking facts at every opportunity, I find it useful to drop subtle information into responses to demonstrate that you are committed and have a keen interest in the projects. You can never over prepare

Be passionate about what you are applying for. Technical knowledge less important.

Just be open about wanting to learn and move around - you are ultimately a grad to contribute but also to be mentored and introduced to the industry. Also the government work isn't as bland as I thought.

The best thing to do is be yourself and not to overthink the any part of the above. If you make it through than you know you will be a good fit for the team.

Have fun! It's as easy as that and I'm not kidding! Whenever someone tries to go through the application process with a serious and/or tense mindset, that person generally won't be able to show their true colours to the recruitment team who are always looking for the bright talent of the future. So to prepare, you don't want to go writing up any scripts to try memorising and repeating to the recruiters. Instead, the next time you're letting your mind wander (whether it's in the shower or while you're trying to fall asleep), try and think about the best way you can express your life and the moments that recruiters would love to hear. When you're able to answer the recruiter's questions on a whim with complete honesty, you're proving that you know yourself well and are adaptable to any situation which is a great asset when you're a candidate.

Research the projects and have an understanding of what they are trying to accomplish. Understand why you are interested in public sector, and why you value it.

Relax and try not to overthink everything.

Show a genuine interest in working for the benefit of the community, and show an emphasis on relationships, creativity, accountability, empowerment and safety

Understand the goals of the organisation and what you are prepared to bring to help make the organisation grow.

Graduate recruitment can be extremely nerve wracking, as there are so many steps to get through before you're offered a position. Be confident in your skill set, speak clearly and make sure you're a team player in any assessment centre activities.

I would highly recommend researching each of the project offices to better understand how they fit within the MTIA as well as the works that they are undertaking.

Understand the company's values and be confident.