What a policy officer does
Australia's occupation list says policy analysts develop and analyse policies. Those policies guide government or business programs. The work involves:
- consulting stakeholders to find out what policy is needed
- reviewing policies and laws for gaps and out-of-date rules
- researching social, economic and industry trends
- writing briefing papers, weighing options and advising on the preferred one
- assessing costs, effects on other programs, and whether a policy is workable
England's policy officer apprenticeship standard lists similar duties. It adds tracking progress against milestones, answering information requests and keeping accurate records.
Skills the interview tests
The UK Civil Service's policy profession standards have three pillars. They mirror the policy process: strategy, democracy and delivery.
The standards in detail include:
- using data, analysis and scientific advice
- involving the public and other groups
- working with ministers
- Parliament, the law and public money
- delivering policy and running projects
Across countries, the profiles above point to the same core skills. They are research, clear writing, judgement and working with others.
How the interviews usually work
Australia's public service says you may face behavioural or scenario questions. You may also do a work sample test, such as a writing exercise, or give a presentation.
The UK Civil Service assesses people with Success Profiles. They cover behaviours, strengths, ability, experience and technical skills. You won't be asked to show every behaviour for one role.
Each government runs its own process. Our application guides cover:
Questions that test each skill
These are the kinds of questions that test each skill. They are examples, not a list from any one employer.
- Research and evidence: "Tell us about a time you used data to change a decision."
- Written advice: "Describe a brief you wrote for a senior person. What did you recommend, and why?"
- Judgement: "The minister's office wants advice by 3 pm, but the data is incomplete. What do you do?"
- Stakeholders: "Tell us about a time two groups wanted different things. How did you handle it?"
- Delivery: "How have you tracked a project against its milestones?"
- Integrity: "What would you do if asked to leave out evidence against the preferred option?"
What to prepare
- List the essential criteria in the ad and the job description.
- Pick a true story for each one. Write it in STAR form: situation, task, action, result.
- Practise a writing task. Give yourself 45 minutes to write a one-page brief on an issue in the news.
- Read the agency's recent strategy, annual report and public statements on the area.
- Prepare one or two questions about the team's current priorities.
Be exact about your history. Never stretch a title, date, degree, clearance or citizenship. Our guide to checks before an offer explains what employers can check.
A worked answer for a policy role
Here is a made-up answer to a question that tests written advice under time pressure.
Made-up example
Priya, a made-up policy assistant applying for a policy officer job
Question
Situation
Task
Action
- I listed the three questions the minister's office most needed answered, and checked them with my director.
- I pulled fare and trip data from our own reports, and noted where data was missing.
- I asked the finance team to cost each option, so the numbers came from them.
- I wrote three options with costs, risks and who each would affect, then recommended one.
- I asked a colleague to read it cold, and cut anything she found unclear.
Result
Most of the answer is what Priya did. It shows evidence, honesty about gaps, and advice a busy reader can act on.
Questions
Do I need a degree to be a policy officer?
Not always. Australia's occupation list rates the job at bachelor degree level, but notes some people reach that level through experience. England also has a policy officer apprenticeship.
Will there be a writing test?
Sometimes. Australia's public service lists a writing exercise as one kind of work sample test. Ask the contact officer what the process includes.
Do policy jobs need citizenship or a security clearance?
Some do. The rules differ by country and role, so read the ad closely. Never claim a clearance or citizenship you don't have.
How do I show policy skills without policy experience?
Use stories from study, community work or other jobs. Writing reports, weighing options and handling competing views all count.
Sources
Written by Seal the Offer from these pages, last checked on . Rules change, so check the employer's own page and the job ad before you apply.
- Policy Analyst · Jobs and Skills Australia
- Policy officer · Skills England
- Policy profession standards · Policy Profession, GOV.UK
- Policy profession standards: annex · Policy Profession, GOV.UK
- 7. The interview and other assessment: cracking the code · Australian Public Service Commission
- Success Profiles: Candidate overview · Cabinet Office, GOV.UK