Application Process & Interviews at The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER)

Written application and one-way interview.

The interview process took 5 months and throughout this time did not receive regular updates. There was no option throughout the process to identify that I lived regionally and was wanting to work out of one of the regional offices. Requesting updates was difficult. Did not talk in person, over the phone, or on a face-to-face virtual platform until I was offered the job.

Selection process was very long (6 months) and candidates were not kept regularly updated. Communication between hiring managers and candidates was not consistent.

There was no interview. We just had to complete the initial application (CV, cover letter, etc) and then later there was a written case study and recorded video answer too.

Written and oral assessment

Straightforward process.

I personally went through two interview processes for two separate roles within the department. I was accepted into both roles, and I am currently involved in both. The first is my home team and it was the easier application process out of the two. It was a simply online application with an interview. I applied for the role in September, and I started in February. There was some delay with responses. The second was the graduate program. This involved a more complicated online application process because it included more lengthy questions. The second stage of the application process involved a written and video assessment on the same question. This assessment replaced in person interviews and managers chose graduates based off this assessment. I applied for this mid 2022 and found out about it in February.

After submitting your resume and cover letter, a phone screening was conducted. From here we were asked to answer a question in essay and video form, before completing a final in person interview.

I participated in a one-way video interview and written case study assessment as part of the recruitment process. The video interview was five minutes in duration. For the written assessment, I was given a 750 word-limit to draft a Climate Action Plan for DWER.

The process itself was very long. I hadn't heard from the recruiter for a while and assumed I hadn't got it so started looking for other jobs. We weren't really kept updated. I did appreciate that we didn't really have formal interviews. It took stress off the overall process considering we did the case studies as part of the process.

I don't remember exactly but I think 'who is my biggest inspiration' and 'why do you want to work for the public sector' were some of the questions asked.

Questions about working with other people from diverse backgrounds and teamwork.

Come up with a brief climate change policy for the department.

I don't remember the specific questions, but I was asked on topics such as: - risk management and risk assessments - project management - water management and security - myself and my experience - teamwork and conflict management

What areas are you interested in? What units did you enjoy at university? Career goals?

I was given a set of pre-determined questions to answer. The questions were related to DWER, its functions and overall purpose. Additionally, there was a question on your motivation to work for DWER (i.e., why did you choose DWER and how will you contribute to the organisation).

The process did not include formal interviews. Instead we were asked to undertake a case study and provide a written and recorded response. I liked this as it allowed me to demonstrate my skills and was less stressful than an interview. I was then asked to come in, not for an interview but just a conversation to see which area I would fit best in the program.

Look into the departments values and use them to guide your responses. Undertake volunteer or internship roles that align with the departments work and your own strengths.

Ask questions! Everyone is so willing to help so if you're unsure about anything just call/email and ask.

Make sure your passion and desire to make a difference is highlighted in your application.

Have an open mindset and be yourself.

The most important tip I can provide to future candidates is to read-up on and understand the functions of DWER and its directorates/branches. The case study may not be the same; however, reading up on climate action plans to get a sense of their structure and writing style is the greatest advice I can offer. In the end, take it easy and enjoy the process. Just make sure you give it your all during the case study and interview to demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the position and working at DWER - I cannot emphasise this enough!

Review the department's website. This will enable you to become familiar with their roles and responsibilities. You will want to look at the values and goals to help you, and familiarise yourself with the language (e.g. environmental impact assessment). It will show that you have done your research and demonstrates that your skills and values align with the department.