Looking to apply for an APS Executive Assistant role in Sydney? This guide breaks down everything you need to know to submit a competitive application, including a downloadable cover letter template, STAR method examples, and interview prep tips tailored to the Australian Public Service.
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming a government job application is just like any other. But if you understand how to write for the APS—and can show you’re ready for the job’s challenges—you can stand out quickly. Whether you’re transitioning from the private sector or already in government, the example cover letter below will help show you exactly what to write.
If this is your first time applying for a government job, click here to download a free cover letter template.
Table of Contents
APS Executive Assistant Salary and Overview
| Position Title | Executive Assistant |
|---|---|
| Organisation / Entity | Australian Energy Regulator (AER) |
| Job Location | Brisbane QLD, Melbourne VIC, Sydney NSW |
| Work Type | Ongoing, Full-Time / Part-Time / Job Share |
| Base Pay | APS5 level – From $89,946 (plus 15.4% superannuation) |
| Closing Date | Refer to APSJobs.gov.au listing |
About the Executive Assistant APS 5 Role with AER
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) oversees energy markets and networks to ensure Australian consumers receive reliable, affordable electricity and gas. As an Executive Assistant, you’ll support Board members and senior executives by managing communications, coordinating meetings, and handling complex administrative workflows. AER encourages flexibility, autonomy, and a high-performing, inclusive workplace—values you should highlight in your application.
The AER is currently recruiting multiple Executive Assistants to support its executive leadership team. In this role, each Executive Assistant provides direct support to two AER leaders—this may include Board members and/or senior executives—and also offers broader administrative and secretariat support across AER committees, branches, and projects.
Reporting directly to the leaders they support, Executive Assistants operate with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. Their duties include managing inboxes and calendars with discretion and accuracy, prioritising a high volume of emails and requests, coordinating meeting logistics (including agendas, minutes, catering, and technical setup), and supervising an APS4 Administrative Assistant. They also ensure financial processes like credit card reconciliation and invoice management are completed, and maintain high standards of record keeping using AER systems.
Beyond day-to-day tasks, Executive Assistants are expected to exercise sound judgement, interpret internal policies, and support effective workflows and communication across the organisation. It’s a critical role for anyone looking to support impactful public sector work at a national level while working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and flexible environment.
This role requires balancing a high volume of tasks with limited supervision. You’ll need to confidently manage email inboxes, handle diary clashes, and act as the front line for senior leaders’ schedules. Success relies on resilience, prioritisation, and a deep understanding of executive support in government.
Why This APS5 Executive Assistant at AER is a Great Opportunity
There are several key reasons to apply for this APS5 opportunity:
- Flexible locations and work arrangements – Choose Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane; work full-time or part-time.
- Multiple vacant roles – You will be able to apply for multiple roles with one application.
- Team leadership – You’ll supervise an APS4 Administrative Assistant.
Application Requirements for An APS Executive Assistant
APS Executive Assistant Application Process
Applications must be submitted via APSJobs.gov.au and include:
- A resume (maximum 2 pages)
- Responses to 2 behavioural questions (similar to target questions)
While a cover letter is not mandatory, including one gives you a major edge. A strong public sector cover letter shows how your experience matches the AER’s needs and can improve your chances significantly.
APS5 Level Selection Criteria For Executive Assistant Roles
APS roles are built around the Integrated Leadership System (ILS). These define expected behaviours at each level. For this APS5 role you will need to address the following capabilities:
- Supports strategic direction
- Achieves results
- Supports productive working relationships
- Displays personal drive and integrity
- Communicates with influence
Plus, you’ll need to address these selection criteria specific to the role:
- Experience in providing high level executive support to senior leaders, including inbox management and diary management, with discretion and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated collaborative attitude and strong communications skills, with the ability to maintain productive relationships with staff of all levels to support effective workflows.
- Proven ability to proactively assess and prioritise multiple competing tasks, and a resilient, adaptive mindset.
Your cover letter, resume, and behavioural responses should show you’ve demonstrated these capabilities using real examples.
What to Include in Your Government Cover Letter
Use your cover letter to directly address how you meet the key selection criteria outlined above. Start by focusing on the role-specific requirements—such as your experience providing high-level executive support, managing complex diaries and inboxes, and coordinating administrative workflows.
We recommend using the STAR method to structure your examples, ensuring each response clearly demonstrates your readiness for the responsibilities of this Executive Assistant role.
Once you’ve addressed the core criteria, consider including additional STAR-based examples that reflect the APS5 Integrated Leadership System (ILS) capabilities. These might include examples that demonstrate how you’ve supported strategic direction, achieved results under pressure, built productive working relationships, shown personal drive and integrity, and communicated with influence across diverse stakeholder groups.
Use our free public sector cover letter template to get started:
Download the free cover letter template
APS5 Behavioural Questions
Your online written application will also need to include a response to these two APS5 Level Behavioural Questions. You have a 400 word limit for each question.
Describe a time when you worked in a high pressure environment with multiple competing priorities. What is your approach to managing competing priorities in a fast paced environment?
This aligns with the Achieves Results capability, which includes indicators such as: managing shifting priorities, using team strengths effectively, setting clear milestones, adapting to change, seeking feedback, and seeing projects through to completion.
Why are you applying for this role, and what strengths, skills and experience would you bring to the position?
This reflects the Displays Personal Drive and Integrity capability, which includes acting with professionalism and fairness, taking responsibility for work and mistakes, staying calm under pressure, committing to outcomes, and actively seeking feedback and self-development.
APS Executive Assistant Application Checklist
| ✔️ | Read the full job ad on APSJobs.gov.au |
| ✔️ | Download and review the Candidate Kit |
| ✔️ | Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) |
| ✔️ | Respond to the two behavioural questions |
| ✔️ | Write a tailored cover letter using a free template |
| ✔️ | Get your cover letter reviewed – just $29 |
Candidate Profile
Meet Amelia, a skilled Executive Assistant with several years’ experience supporting senior partners at a top-tier legal firm in Sydney. She’s managed high-level calendars, coordinated complex client events, and supervised junior staff.
Amelia has been aiming to transition into the public sector for some time. Initially, she focused on higher-graded APS roles aligned to her legal sector background, but without prior government experience, those applications weren’t gaining traction. After seeking advice, she’s now following a more strategic path—targeting an APS5 role that aligns closely with her current pay and responsibilities.
Once in the door, Amelia plans to build on her private sector expertise and new public sector experience to confidently pursue APS6 and EL1-level opportunities.
APS Example Cover Letter For Executive Assistant
Click here to download a free public sector cover letter template
Dear Selection Panel,
I am writing to apply for the Executive Assistant position with the Australian Energy Regulator.
With over five years’ experience supporting senior partners in a leading Sydney legal firm, I have built a strong foundation in executive-level support, communication, and coordination. I am now seeking to apply these skills in the public sector, where I can contribute to meaningful national priorities while continuing to grow professionally.
In my previous role, I provided high-level executive assistance to two partners simultaneously. This included full responsibility for inbox and diary management, requiring careful judgment, forward planning, and discretion. One example involved managing over 60 diary events during a particularly complex week of litigation. I streamlined their schedules by identifying priorities, rescheduling internal meetings, and flagging key deadlines in daily briefings. Both partners commended the way I maintained clarity and calm under pressure, allowing them to focus on client outcomes.
Strong communication and collaboration have always been central to my approach. I routinely liaise with internal legal teams, client representatives, and external service providers to coordinate meetings and prepare documentation. When we rolled out a new scheduling system, I took the initiative to train administrative staff across two departments, simplifying workflows and improving turnaround times. My approachable manner and reliability helped foster a positive culture of mutual support across the office.
In a high-pressure environment with shifting demands, I’ve developed the ability to triage tasks quickly and remain composed. One week, a partner’s last-minute travel cancellation triggered the need to reschedule interstate meetings and reissue briefing papers to multiple stakeholders. I reprioritised my workload, coordinated new dates, managed the internal communication, and ensured all documents were revised and distributed within the day. My calm, adaptable approach ensured minimal disruption and helped maintain our professional reputation.
One example that demonstrates my ability to support strategic direction and communicate with influence was when I assisted in preparing an internal firm-wide compliance briefing. Recognising that the original legal draft was too technical for a general audience, I collaborated with the legal team to revise the content into a clear, visually engaging format. I then coordinated a rollout plan with HR, arranged executive approvals, and supported delivery. The final product helped reinforce compliance expectations and was later adapted by other departments—showing both initiative and strategic alignment.
Another example that highlights how I achieve results, build strong working relationships, and display personal drive and integrity was leading a project to improve onboarding for new legal assistants. I consulted across departments to identify pain points, created new welcome resources, and introduced a buddy system. I took responsibility for trialling and refining the approach, including gathering feedback. This initiative reduced early turnover and was later adopted as a firm-wide standard. It reflected my drive to improve outcomes, build inclusive teams, and take ownership of quality work from start to finish.
I am now keen to bring this experience into the Australian Public Service. I understand the importance of professionalism, accountability, and confidentiality in an executive support role—and I’m excited about the AER’s focus on flexibility, impact, and inclusion.
I have also attached my responses to the two behavioural questions for this role, as well as my work history in the attached CV.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team and support the important work of the AER.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Amelia
Example Responses to APS5 Behavioural Questions
1. Describe a time when you worked in a high-pressure environment with multiple competing priorities. What is your approach to managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment?
(Aligned to Achieves Results)
In my previous role supporting two senior partners at a top-tier legal firm, I routinely worked in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. One particular week stands out when both partners were preparing for separate court hearings while also managing client deadlines and travel obligations. This created a complex web of overlapping meetings, urgent requests, and competing priorities—much of which required same-day turnaround.
To manage this effectively, I started by mapping out all key tasks and time-sensitive deadlines, using a colour-coded priority matrix to gain a clear visual of what needed to be done, by whom, and when. I spoke directly with each partner to understand their most critical needs and clarified what could be delegated or rescheduled. From there, I proactively reassigned certain administrative tasks to our shared assistant and communicated adjusted expectations to relevant stakeholders.
When a last-minute client matter came in requiring urgent partner input, I made a call to reschedule a non-urgent internal meeting and liaised with legal associates to manage document collation in parallel. I kept detailed tracking notes and flagged key risks early, which allowed me to remain focused, responsive, and calm despite the fast-changing environment.
My approach to managing competing priorities involves clear communication, sound judgment, and staying organised under pressure. I focus on outcomes over tasks—constantly reassessing what’s most important and adjusting accordingly. I also believe in using team strengths effectively: knowing when to delegate, when to escalate, and when to ask for help. I regularly seek feedback on how I handle these situations and reflect on what I could improve.
Ultimately, the week concluded with both hearings proceeding smoothly and deadlines met, and both partners later commented on how seamless the support had been. This experience reinforced my ability to stay outcome-focused, keep others informed, and adapt quickly in a dynamic workplace.
2. Why are you applying for this role, and what strengths, skills and experience would you bring to the position?
(Aligned to Displays Personal Drive and Integrity)
I am applying for this Executive Assistant role at the AER because I want to bring my skills into a purpose-driven environment where I can contribute to work that has a national impact. After years of experience supporting senior leaders in the legal sector, I’m seeking meaningful change and professional growth in the Australian Public Service. The AER’s values—collaboration, flexibility, and impact—align strongly with my own.
I bring over five years of experience providing high-level support to senior partners in a fast-paced legal environment. My strengths include calendar and inbox management, document preparation, travel coordination, and stakeholder engagement. I pride myself on handling sensitive information with discretion and on maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
What sets me apart is my calm, composed approach under pressure and my proactive attitude. I take ownership of my responsibilities and follow through until tasks are complete—always aiming for accuracy and professionalism. When I make a mistake, I acknowledge it openly, take steps to resolve it, and treat it as an opportunity to learn. I’m also reflective and continually seek feedback from those I support, ensuring I’m always growing and adapting to what the role requires.
This role appeals to me because it’s a clear next step into the public sector, but it also leverages my existing strengths. I’m ready to contribute from day one while also learning the systems, structures, and expectations of the APS. My long-term goal is to build a career within government and eventually progress to more senior roles—so this opportunity is both meaningful and strategic.
I’m excited by the chance to support senior leaders who are shaping policy and projects that benefit the community, and I’m confident I can be a reliable, trusted member of the team.
Using The STAR Method for APS Job Applications
The STAR method helps structure your examples to demonstrate skills clearly:
- S = Situation – Set the scene
- T = Task – What was required of you?
- A = Action – What did you do?
- R = Result – What was the outcome?
In Amelia’s cover letter, you can see this structure in action. For example, she describes how she supported two senior partners during a particularly complex week of litigation (Situation). She was responsible for managing over 60 diary events and ensuring nothing was missed (Task). She streamlined their schedules by identifying priorities, rescheduling internal meetings, and highlighting key deadlines in daily briefings (Action). As a result, both partners were able to focus on their legal work without distraction and later commended her ability to stay calm and keep operations running smoothly (Result).
By using the STAR method, Amelia clearly demonstrates her judgement, problem-solving, and ability to perform under pressure—giving the panel a much stronger understanding of her capabilities than a general statement ever could.
Get Your Application Ready
You need to start working on your application now, to ensure you get everything you need submitted before the closing date. You can click here to apply for this role, or you can always search on APSjob.gov.au for other similar APS Executive Support roles.
If you’d like support with your APS application, you can purchase an affordable cover letter review. For APS roles, this service covers everything you need for a strong written application—including your cover letter, applicant pitch, and responses to screening questions like those shown above. I’ll provide tailored feedback to help you meet the selection criteria and present your experience clearly and confidently.
If you’re serious about landing your next APS job, don’t leave your application to chance. A reviewed cover letter is the fastest way to improve your chances—get yours reviewed today.
