Your Defence experience can be highly relevant to APS roles, but it may not be obvious to a selection panel unless you explain it clearly. Translating your skills means describing what you did, the responsibility you held, the complexity you managed and the outcomes you delivered in language that people outside Defence can understand.

This is important because APS recruitment focuses on evidence. Panels assess how well your skills, abilities, experience and potential match the requirements of the role. A clear application helps the panel see the value of your service experience without needing to understand Defence structures, terminology or acronyms.

Start with what you actually did

Instead of starting with your rank, corps, mustering, trade, ship, unit or posting, start with the work you performed. Think about the problems you solved, the people you supported, the decisions you made, the resources you managed and the results you achieved.

  • Who did I lead, support or influence?

  • What risks, resources, equipment, information or systems did I manage?

  • What standards, policies or procedures did I need to follow?

  • What changed because of my work?

  • What evidence shows the scale, quality or impact of my contribution?

Use APS language

APS job ads often describe capabilities such as leadership, communication, judgement, stakeholder engagement, service delivery, program management, policy, governance, risk management, problem solving, collaboration and adaptability. Look for these words in the job ad and use relevant examples from your Defence or post-service experience.

The Integrated Leadership System can also help you understand common APS capability expectations, including supporting strategic direction, achieving results, building productive relationships, showing personal drive and integrity, and communicating with influence.

Practical tip: use the translation table in the “Writing your application” section to test whether your examples are clear, specific and easy for a civilian panel to understand.

Quick translation check

  • Would someone outside Defence understand what I did?

  • Have I explained my role, responsibility and contribution?

  • Have I linked my example to the job ad?

  • Have I included evidence of impact or outcome?

  • Have I avoided unexplained acronyms and internal Defence language?

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