Department of Defence Interview Questions
Government · HQ Canberra · Updated 2026
The Department of Defence manages Australia's defence forces and national security. Interviews for government roles typically follow a structured format with panel assessments, focusing on technical expertise, behavioural competencies, and alignment with public service values.
This guide covers the questions candidates most commonly face at Department of Defence interviews — from first-round HR screens to behavioural and government-specific rounds — plus the values Department of Defence assesses against and how to practise before the real thing.
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HR & motivation questions
Behavioural questions
Answer every one of these with the STAR method — situation, task, action, result. See our STAR method guide for worked examples.
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Government questions to expect
Frequently asked questions
What is the Department of Defence interview process like?
Most Department of Defence roles involve an online application, one or more interviews (often starting with a phone or video screen, sometimes an AI-assessed recorded interview), and a final interview with the hiring manager. Behavioural questions using the STAR method feature heavily at every stage.
What questions does Department of Defence ask in interviews?
Expect a mix of HR questions (why Department of Defence, tell me about yourself), behavioural questions about teamwork, pressure and conflict, and government-specific scenarios. The full lists on this page cover the most common of each.
How do I prepare for a Department of Defence interview?
Research Department of Defence's strategy and values, prepare 6–8 STAR stories that evidence them, and rehearse out loud. Interview Buddy's AI coach runs realistic Department of Defence-specific mock interviews and scores every answer.
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