Department of Defence - Graduate Program - KSC Questions * 400 words maximum Question 1 Flexibility and Adaptability Describe a situation

in which you have had to overcome a difficult setback or professional challenge. We are interested in; how you overcame this challenge; what lessons did you learn and how have you applied those lessons in other activities this question will look at your problem solving, resourcefulness and learning abilities. This includes how you react when faced with a setback, your thought processes in finding a solution and how you recover and overcome a setback or challenge. *

Through my studies and working history I have been faced with multiple setbacks that have necessitated the use of problem solving to reach positive outcomes. I have continuously displayed resourcefulness in my efforts to resolve issues, constantly incorporated new information I have gained to further develop my capabilities. A key example of my problem resolution skills in practice has been completing my thesis during my study for my esteemed Bachelor of Law degree. My thesis was based on military law. The challenge in this situation was dealing with my thesis area which was vastly under researched. Most of the literature that I uncovered had never addressed a topical issue concerning human rights in the Australian military justice system. To compound the already difficult task I had set myself, I was unfamiliar with primary legal sources and key legislation, as military law is not taught at undergraduate level at any Australian university. Complications also arouse in the accessing of court martial decisions. I discovered that these decisions are only available to the Department of XXX and were otherwise outside the purview of the public. When I understood that I would not be able to use traditional research methods to successfully build the argument presented in my thesis topic, I developed an exhaustive research plan. It required me to move beyond traditional research methodologies to successfully answer the research questions posed by my topic. I read widely in both primary and secondary sources. I utilized Senate Committee reports, relevant textbooks dealing with the historical aspects of the military justice system, journal articles and media reports. In my work for Victorian Legal Aid, I have often had to apply these heightened research abilities to create an understanding of points of law for diverse client cases. Occasions of employee disagreement on issues of law can only be resolved through research and detailed analysis to provide a thorough, supported opinion and argument for the best way to deal with clients predicaments. My challenging thesis was instrumental in helping me to gain these advanced research capabilities. As a result of the difficulties I faced in completing my thesis, I am confident in the area of problem resolution and in my ability to be resourceful when faced with complex situations. I continually use lessons from such experiences to further my work and reach objectives and goals.

Question 2 Teamwork and Cultural Fit Please outline a goal / task (work, study, social) you had to achieve, while working with a diverse group of people who did not always agree on key issues, and how you ensured the objectives of the group were still achieved. We are interested in how you would approach such a scenario. Please outline; your thoughts and the action you would take; and the behaviours you would demonstrate to achieve the required outcome this question will look at your teamwork, communication and planning and organising abilities. This includes how you manage the unexpected, cope with change, allocate priorities and find solutions to problems.

Having experience at Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) and XXX Community Legal Centre (CLC), I have honed and developed both my teamwork and conflict resolution skills, and approach all situations with tact, empathy and professionalism. My initiative is complemented by the ability to communicate efficiently with a range of stakeholders, ensuring resourceful, proactive and competent action to complete any task at hand. When dealing with individuals with complex social problems, including drug addictions and abusive relationships, I am often faced with a challenge of relating and creating a relationship between myself and the client. Whilst with the VLA, I was charged with conducting an intervention for a client who had slapped their partner and was facing an assault charge. I was aware that the best course of action would be admittance to a Diversion Program; a requirement of which is that the offender takes responsibly for their behaviour and admits their wrongdoing. I knew on entering into the task, that the individual would be resistant to this suggestion. Therefore, I constructed a plan for my approach to the situation that took into consideration the current circumstances of the client and how they would react to me. They claimed they were the victim of a volatile relationship and were provoked. Subsequently I inferred that they would be reluctant to accept responsibility. I felt that a clear explanation of all the individuals options would be the most successful way to convey that I was attempting to work with them to prevent a conviction. I had to avoid being aggressive, demanding or speaking down to the client to diffuse the anger and tension they felt. Their hostility towards their ex partner was an influence in their communication with me as the intervener, and so it was imperative that I remained calm and supportive. The individual agreed with my recommendation due to my open and empathetic style of communication and the subsequent trust that I was able to induce. My experience with working with a vast array of clients in the legal profession has refined my teamwork and communication skills. It is the ideal environment to faced challenges relating to diversity and clear communication and open approach to all has led me to be successful in this area.

Question 3 Professional Please outline the details of an individual task or challenge that you have completed, the outcome of which you were particularly proud (study, work, general). We are interested to know about: the situation; the issues and challenges you faced (expected or unexpected); your thoughts and the actions you took during the process; and the outcome achieved this question will look at your self-management and problem solving abilities. This includes how you manage the unexpected, cope with change, allocate priorities and find solutions to problems.

My commitment to meticulous organization to ensure a high level of productivity is one of my key strengths. My exemplary organisational skills are underpinned by the ability to manage all priorities in line with tight timeframes and I thrive in a high pressured environment. Having achieved a distinction average across all subject areas in my Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree whilst balancing part-time employment, I am adept at prioritising tasks and finding solutions to any problem. Whilst completing my degree, I was given the opportunity to present my Honour thesis findings at the prestigious Australian Institute of Judicial Administration conference. Here, I was required to address notable Defence Force personnel with the findings of my thesis for 30 minutes. The task presented several challenges; completing my thesis whilst developing the address, formulating an engaging presentation, proposing a persuasive argument for the acceptance of my thesis policies, and the public speaking itself which was foreign to me. Addressing military officials who are experts in their own field with vast amounts of military knowledge and experience was intimidating, as at the time I was an undergraduate student with limited experience and knowledge in military law related matters. To effectively overcome the challenge of successfully presenting my conference paper, preparation and rehearsal was the key. I had to reformulate my thesis topic in a manner that would be both persuasive and readily discernible to the audience I was presenting to. The conference was an opportunity to communicate research findings that were both novel and out of left field, so I was in a position where I had to convince my audience of a conflict argument. Strict organisational skills had to be applied to coordinate my completion of the thesis with the creation of my presentation. Practice of my public speaking was essential to overcome my initiation to formal presentations. Through careful planning I was able to engage my audience and successfully complete my presentation in front of defence personnel and academics. This example of my ability to balance priorities and produce results demonstrates my task focus and goal orientation. I continuously deal with challenges and change to reach high levels of success through strategic problem resolution and organization.

Question 4 Desire to Work in Defence Tell us why you would be suited to working in the Department of Defence and what has motivated you to apply for a position in your preferred Development Program? *

I would be well suited to work for the Department of XXX due to my study and work experience. The opportunity to contribute to Australia's national interests is a source motivation for me, as I feel it would be an honour to serve my country by using my education and working capabilities. I wholeheartedly embrace the XXX Core Values and am enthusiastic to work for an organization that I admire. With experience in a variety of professional organisations, I have a comprehensive understanding of the need to work co-operatively with peers to meet organisational objectives. I can offer extensive relationship management, organisational and strategic planning capabilities that have been shaped through both my educational and work practices. I thrive in challenging environments due to my focus on goal achievements and success. My professional experience, particularly my placement at Victorian Legal Aid (VLA), has resulted in the development of a strong ability to communicate with an extremely diverse range of people, from the general public to members of the court, legal professionals and the judiciary, ensuring that I have the skills necessary to excel in this role. I have a number of reasons for seeking to work in the Department of XXX. As a graduate trainee the requirement to undertake rotations across several areas of Defence provides an opportunity to engage in interesting and challenging work that will allow me to utilize and hone the skills that I have accumulated and developed during my Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, work and volunteer positions. I feel that it is important for graduates to gain a holistic view of the workplace and I am keen to gain as much diverse experience as I can to make myself a better professional. In addition, my thesis was focused on military law and I am eager to experience firsthand, this complex area that I have studied extensively. I feel that this position will both excite and challenge me as an individual and professional and will offer an excellent opportunity to learn and work for a highly revered organization within Australia. I believe that I am well suited to such a position and am able to offer the Department of XXX exactly the skills, abilities and knowledge they are seeking.