Use This Method to Reference ILS APS 6 In Your Application (2024)

Applying for a government position at the APS 6 level can be a competitive process. One key to making your application stand out is effectively referencing the Integrated Leadership System (ILS). In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to *actually* effectively integrate the APS 6 ILS into your application, ensuring you meet the APS 6 work level standards.

1. Understand the ILS APS 6 Framework

Before you begin your application, familiarise yourself with the ILS APS 6 framework.

This framework outlines the core capabilities required at the APS 6 level, which include specific behavioural expectations under each of these categories:

Supports Strategic Direction

Achieves Results

Supports Productive Working Relationships

Displays Personal Drive and Integrity

Communicates with Influence

Understanding these capabilities will help you align your experiences and skills with the expectations for the role.

The ILS APS 6 framework can be daunting, and you may wonder how do you ACTUALLY reference it in your application, especially when given a strict word count to do so?

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Know the Differences Between ILS APS 6, ILS APS 5 and ILS EL1

The key to writing an effective APS 6 application is in understanding the differences between APS 6 and those lower (i.e. APS 5) and higher (i.e. EL1) roles.

The APS provides comparative profiles of APS1 – APS6 (but not for APS 6 and EL1, sadly!). These comparison documents can be complex and daunting. You may wonder how do you ACTUALLY reference it in your application, especially when only given a short word count to do so?

What is the Difference Between APS6 and EL1?

The difference between APS6 and EL1 is that EL1 involves a higher degree of managerial responsibility, strategic thinking, and oversight. APS 6 focuses on providing expertise, completing tasks, and supporting team goals. EL1 requires managing a team, strategic planning, and providing high-level advice to senior management.

There is a notable change in the ILS capabilities at this level, with EL1 ‘Shaping’ Strategic Thinking (rather than only ‘Supporting’ Strategic Thinking and ‘Cultivating’ Productive Working Relationships, rather than ‘Supporting’ Them and ‘Exemplifying‘ Personal Drive and Integrity, rather than ‘Displaying‘.

APS 6 ILS Summarised

Below, we outline the main components of an APS 6, and what keywords/ phrases you should be including within your examples to demonstrate this capacity.

Supports strategic direction

You not just understand and communicate, but actively promote organisational decisions to others

Achieves results

You initiate development of team goals, and anticipate factors that may impact on them
You proactively seek out and gather different viewpoints and ways of doing things
You share information with others and support them to adapt
You adjust plans as needed when issues arise

Supports productive working relationships

You proactively anticipate stakeholder needs and offer assistance to others
You deal with under-performance in your team promptly

Displays personal drive and integrity

2. Brainstorm Examples that Address These Specific Requirements, in the Context of the Role

There are a number of ways you might come up with these examples. You could:

Brainstorm examples that fit the role expectations and outcomes
Consider recent stand-out performance in your role (including awards or recognition you have received), and consider how you can frame this in the context of the role.

3. Use the STAR or CAR Method to Structure Your Examples

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method are effective ways to structure your responses in the application.

Here’s how you can apply it to reference the ILS APS6 capabilities:

Situation: Describe a specific situation where you demonstrated a particular capability.

Task: Explain the task you were responsible for in that situation.

Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task.

Result: Highlight the results or outcomes of your actions.

4. Use Keywords/ Phrases from Our APS 6 ILS List Above

APS 6 Example – Project Manager Pitch

Here’s an example for an APS 6 pitch for a Project Manager. You’ll note we’ve clearly incorporated keywords/ phrases from our list above.

As an APS 6 Project Manager at XYZ Government Agency, I was responsible for overseeing the implementation of a new client management system across multiple departments. This project aimed to improve efficiency and client satisfaction by integrating a unified digital platform for client interactions.

I actively promoted the organisational decision to adopt the new client management system by communicating its benefits to all stakeholders. I held informational sessions to explain how the system aligned with the agency’s strategic goals and how it would enhance service delivery. I ensured that the team understood the importance of the project by linking their daily tasks to the broader strategic objectives of the organisation. I initiated the development of team goals by organising a planning session where we identified key milestones and potential challenges. This collaborative approach ensured that all team members were committed to the project’s success. I proactively sought out and gathered different viewpoints by conducting surveys and focus group discussions with end-users and department heads. This helped in identifying user requirements and potential issues early on. Throughout the project, I shared information regularly with the team and supported them in adapting to new procedures and technologies. When issues arose, such as delays in software delivery, I adjusted the project plan and communicated the changes clearly to all stakeholders. I anticipated stakeholder needs by setting up regular meetings with department heads to gather feedback and provide updates. This proactive communication helped in addressing concerns promptly and maintaining stakeholder support.

When I noticed under-performance in my team, I dealt with it promptly by providing constructive feedback and additional training. This ensured that all team members were capable of meeting the project’s demands. I constructively addressed concerns about the new system’s complexity. I worked with the IT team to simplify user interfaces and provide additional training materials, ensuring the system was user-friendly. I sought feedback about the process from peers and supervisors. This helped me identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance my project management skills. I anticipated stakeholder concerns about the project’s impact on their workflows and presented persuasive counter-arguments by demonstrating how the new system would streamline processes and reduce workload in the long term. I used data and case studies from other successful implementations to support my arguments, ensuring stakeholders were confident in the project’s benefits.

The project was successfully completed within the scheduled timeline and budget. The new client management system resulted in a notable increase in efficiency and a 20% improvement in client satisfaction scores. The positive feedback from stakeholders and the seamless transition to the new system underscored the success of the project.

5. Don’t Forget the APS 6 Work Level Standards

The APS 6 Work Level Standards should also be incorporated into your application. We recommend reviewing your response to ensure your pitch meets required level.

The APS 6 work level standards include:

Functional expertise in a specific area that contributes to team goals.
Completing allocated tasks, monitoring workflow, and reviewing the work of less experienced employees.
Contributing new ideas and identifying opportunities to improve business processes.
Identifying and mitigating risks that impact team outcomes.
Understanding relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
Working under general direction and exercising discretion with procedures and guidelines.

Final Tips

Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and quantify your achievements where possible.

Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon and ensure your examples are easy to understand.

Proofread: Check your application for any errors or inconsistencies.

By effectively referencing the ILS APS 6 and APS 6 work level standards in your application, you can clearly demonstrate your suitability for the role. Use the STAR or CAR method to structure your examples and explicitly link your experiences to the required capabilities. Understanding the difference between APS6 and EL1 can also help you highlight your potential for growth within the public service.

Good luck with your application! We are experts in selection criteria writing. Contact us with any questions.