How to Predict and Prepare for NSW Government Interview Questions Using the Capability Framework

If you're applying for a NSW state government job, you’ve probably already come across the Capability Framework when reviewing position descriptions and writing your applications. It’s the foundation for recruitment, performance, and development across the public sector, and if you’re not sure how to work with it, we’ve got you.

Today we’re digging into a lesser known, accompanying resource that builds off this, that will seriously boost your interview prep. It’s called the Capability Application Tool, and it lives quietly on the NSW Public Service Commission’s website. Once you know how to use it, it will become your behind-the-scenes guide to what the interview panel might actually ask you. And better yet, it’s free.

his tool is designed to break down the capabilities expected at each level of government. That means whether you’re going for an entry-level role or stepping into a more senior position you can use it to find sample interview questions that show you how an interview panel will structure their questions to assess how you deliver against the specified focus capabilities. If you know anything about behavioural interviews, you’ll know exactly how helpful it is to see exactly the types of examples you need to prepare.

Let’s say you’re applying for a role and the position description (PD) lists several focus capabilities. ‘Communicate Effectively’ might be included, with the PD stating that you’re expected to demonstrate it at an ‘Adept’ level. Once you navigate to the Capability Application Tool, select ‘Access the tool and example interview questions’. When it opens, you simply filter for each of the focus capabilities named in the PD, and select the expected level. You’ll see not only a description of what that capability looks like in practice, but also the types of questions you might get in an interview to assess your skills against it.
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It removes the guesswork. Instead of scrambling to anticipate what the panel might ask, you’re now preparing in direct alignment with what they’re actually looking for. And because the questions are mapped directly to the role’s capability level, your answers are far more likely to land with impact.

Now What?

So, once you’ve got those questions, the next step is matching them to your own real-life experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

This is also where the real power of interview coaching comes in. We recently took a client through an interview coaching session, and they gave very specific feedback on just how valuable it was for us to triage their pre-prepared list of STAR examples and help them unpack which ones were the most versatile, valuable and relevant to the determined focus capabilities. Our method of helping them structure answers that actually showed the depth of their experience meant that they hung up the call feeling clear and confident walk into their interview.

And if you are wondering how many STAR examples you really need (and whether you should have a different one for every potential interview question)  we’ve got you covered.

​Click here to read our next blog about building flexible, powerful STAR examples that work across multiple capabilities.

Bonus Tip: How to Answer the First Interview Question with the Three Pillars Approach

Almost every NSW Government interview will open with some version of "Tell me about yourself" or "Why are you interested in this role?" It might sound simple, but this is one of the most important moments of your interview. A strong, clear answer will set the tone and give the panel confidence in you right from the start.

At Simply Careers, we recommend keeping your entire answer to around 60 to 90 seconds. Short, sharp, and focused — no long rambling stories.
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Here is how we teach it using the Three Pillars Approach:
Pillar 1: Who you are
Give a quick overview of your professional background. Mention your current role (or most recent role), a snapshot of your experience, and the path that has brought you to this opportunity.
Pillar 2: Your understanding of the department or agency
Show that you have done your research. Refer to a few key priorities, projects, or focus areas the department is working on, and briefly link them to the role you are applying for.
Pillar 3: Why you are a great fit
Connect your skills, experience, and motivation to the role. Focus on how you can contribute to the team’s or agency’s goals, not just what you hope to get out of it.
Delivering your opening answer this way shows the panel you are clear, prepared, and aligned to the role, without overwhelming them with unnecessary detail.

Ready to Feel Confident and Prepared?

This tool is brilliant, but it becomes powerful when paired with the right support. In our interview coaching sessions, we workshop your examples back and forth, fine-tune your answers to hit the right capability levels, and build your confidence in real time. When you’ve had someone help you pressure-test your examples properly, you walk into the interview genuinely ready.

Whether you are applying for a policy role, a front-line service role, or something in between, we can help you turn your experience into compelling, framework-aligned responses that gives the panel everything they need.

Reach out to us today to get a professional in your corner!