Updating Results

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

+ Add a review
4.0
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Application Process & Interviews at Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

7.6
7.6 rating for Recruitment, based on 32 reviews
Please describe the interview process and assessments.
Online , video and in person
Midlevel, Melbourne
Interview process for the graduate program was almost completely irrelevant for the data science stream. Questions not related to actual roles available. Roles available are generally related to SAS programming, not data science. Process was incredibly long. Outcomes announced later than other grad programs elsewhere.
Midlevel
Video interviews are unnatural and a lot of people do not show their true capability in them. The assessment criteria is usually too generic to the position and there is no swaying from the hard line framework that is in place, therefore people who are most suitable for roles do not get them if they make a single insignificant mistake.
Midlevel, Geelong
1. Initial application stage - had to write a short analysis on a social statistics question. 2. Online interview - quite lengthy and there was a curve-ball analysis question which also required a bit of existing knowledge/prior research. 3. Face to face interview - relatively simple, they gave me the questions before hand which I found a bit strange. I had 15 minutes or so in a room by myself to think about responses and then I was interviewed by 2 people who asked me the questions I had already created responses too. It wasn't too difficult.
Midlevel, Sydney
Graduate recruitment involved an online application, a quiz involving the ABS website, a technical pitch, a one way video interview, and a panel interview.
Graduate, Canberra
Online questions, answering questions based on things on ABS website, online interview, Panel Interview
Midlevel, Melbourne
Video interview was very nerve wrecking and stressful. The in-person panel interview was much more comfortable and the panel were very nice and welcoming.
Graduate, Darwin
1. Online application 2. Video interview 3. Panel interview
Graduate, Melbourne
Very good communication throughout each stage of the recruitment process. Instructions were clear and assessments were aligned with the job requirements.
Graduate, Canberra
Initial application (resume, technical questions, other details) - Video interview (about 3-5 questions, asking both personal and technical questions) - In person interview (around 30 minutes, asking both personal and technical questions) - Reference check
Midlevel, Melbourne
The graduate interview process included multiple choice questions, a essay-type question, a camera interview, a panel interview and a presentation which we had a couple weeks to prepare.
Graduate, Melbourne
They are both relevant and fair
Midlevel, Perth
The application required a recently completed undergrad degree. The recruitment process was targeted at Data Analysts for the Australian Public Service in general, then I was able to pick my preferences for specific agencies once I was accepted. There was an initial questionnaire, including a technical quiz, followed by two rounds of video interviews; one automated, one with a panel of actual humans. The interviews were not too taxing, and the people were friendly.
Graduate, Perth
Submit CV, multi-choice quiz and answer a supported-opinion question. Number of selection criteria questions with written answers. Oral video recording answering some technical and soft skills questions. Final live interview with pre-prepared powerpoint presentation on some data.
Graduate, Hobart
It’s very structured and competitive with a few stages. Takes quite a bit of time.
Graduate, Perth
Logical, kept people informed of the process and requirements and giving advice and support on how to prepare
Graduate, Canberra
There were applications, a recorded interview and a face to face interview.
Graduate, Adelaide
Interview Process consisted of a structured response and answer required prior to interview with appropriate reasoning. Interview then occurred in front of numerous both virtual and in person staff.
Graduate, Adelaide
Started an application with resume, research task and various other application details. Then into video interview, and then into face-to-face interview (Live-Video interview at local office).
Graduate, Melbourne
COVID-19 style interview process - application (including multiple choice data-related questions), video questions and video interview (including preparation of a 20-min presentation on a key economic indicator). From start to finish, process was approx. 7-8 months.
Graduate, Canberra
What questions were you asked in your interviews?
3 problem solving ones and and 1 technical
Midlevel, Melbourne
There were questions related to statistical modelling, version control (Git), machine learning, data wrangling, and some programming (R). With the exception of data wrangling, none of these topics are relevant to the work available within the data science stream currently. The roles involve transforming datasets using SAS (think of it as data engineering, but without the industry standard tools such as databases or cloud platforms).
Midlevel
1. Tell me about yourself 2. Why do you want to work at the ABS? 3. Some analysis questions based on data they had given me
Midlevel, Sydney
Why did you choose to work at the ABS? What can you bring to the organization?
Graduate, Canberra
Technical questions about coding experience, previous work experience. To describe how I would deal with issues in a dataset and describe past experiences dealing with similar issues
Midlevel, Melbourne
There were technical questions in both the video and the panel interview focusing on data interpretation and usage. Questions relating to problem solving and conflict resolution were also included.
Graduate, Darwin
Questions related to working in the public service and the role of the ABS.
Graduate, Canberra
One technical question involved interpreting data relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons, including the identification of any limitations associated with the dataset. Personal questions involved topics including why I believe I am suitable for the role, what I can bring to the ABS, what my favourite uni subject was and why
Midlevel, Melbourne
Standard questions relating to ABS values, teamwork and diversity were all asked. Specific questions about analytical ability were also asked.
Graduate, Melbourne
Lots of questions related to the proper use and presentation of data, questions that asked me to demonstrate my ability to find and synthesize information, how I solve problems, how I interact with others, what APS values I identify most strongly with.
Graduate, Perth
Questions about APS values, the importance and pitfalls of data, ‘tell us a bit about yourself’, questions about my presentation. A couple of others I can’t remember.
Graduate, Hobart
Questions relating to the job role and company values/purpose
Graduate, Canberra
What area you might like to go into Given a few categories, choose one and explain how you might use it to provide value to the ABS (In I.T. for example, AI and machine learning was the one I chose)
Graduate, Melbourne
A time I demonstrated teamwork, leadership, etc. An ethical dilemma (how I dealt with a time my ethics were different to another's). To prepare a 20-min presentation on unemployment figures. To comment on a COVID-19 infographic (explaining the data, how it was presented etc.) A time I dealt with a workplace conflict/disagreement (how I solved this or contributed to finding a solution).
Graduate, Canberra
Which APS value resonates with you and why... I can't remember the others but that was one of them.
Graduate, Canberra
Provide instances where you have demonstrated...... What are your strengths? Why do you want this position.
Midlevel, Canberra
Describe what frameworks you are familiar with Why automated testing and when to use it What is DevOps And some behaviour questions.
Graduate, Melbourne
Do you have any specific tips and advice for candidates applying to your company? How would you recommend they best prepare?
Make contacts within the teams/areas you wish to work in. Find out as much as possible about potential roles available.
Midlevel
Get practise questions and come up with examples to check the criteria boxes
Midlevel, Geelong
Do your research about the ABS in general and make sure you can clearly explain why you want to work here.
Midlevel, Sydney
Be yourself, be honest. If you put experience on your resume, be prepared to prove your knowledge in the interview.
Graduate, Canberra
Think about how data can be applied in different scenarios / agencies (i.e. funding, housing infrastructure) and how the ABS contributes to society.
Graduate, Darwin
Best way to prepare is by reading through the latest annual report and researching key issues currently present in the data/statistics sector.
Graduate, Canberra
For technical questions, ensure that you know how to interpret the key messages from data (including the types of implications this data may have on a broader scale). Also be aware of data limitations
Midlevel, Melbourne
Research the organisation to get a feel for current priorities which you can use in the interview to stand out.
Midlevel, Perth
Take your time with the technical questions to ensure you get them correct. Attention to detail really helps. Have something interesting about yourself (a hobby/interest) prepared. Emphasize why your personal values led to your interest in the role.
Graduate, Perth
Whatever position you’re applying for data is going to be relevant so be prepared to show that you understand the opportunities and challenges associated with data.
Graduate, Hobart
Get to know the company you want to apply for.
Graduate, Perth
Familiarise with the organisation's values/purpose and prepare specific examples against job roles and selection criteria
Graduate, Canberra
Look at the criteria, look at the role expectations for that level online as well and make sure you have STAR examples ready for each criteria, more then one if possible.
Graduate, Adelaide
Do some research into the ABS and the organization structure, and how you might apply and use your skills in which area you want to go into, to contribute to the organization. Otherwise, be prepared with some real-work examples/ideas you can use in the interview.
Graduate, Melbourne
Look at the APS values and prepare examples when you demonstrated each of these. Look at the integrated leadership system at the level that you are coming into (and see what you would be expected to achieve/demonstrate).
Graduate, Canberra
Understand the APS language, there is a good resource "Cracking the Code" that is helpful.
Graduate, Canberra
Sell yourself. Be confident. Research the position and what is involved.
Midlevel, Canberra
Note down your achievements that are relevant to the position . Prepare a few good examples .
Graduate, Melbourne