Application Process & Interviews at CSIRO

I reached out to the project coordinator personally, through the projects spreadsheet.

Was a little intimidating as it was virtual, however I found it an enjoyable experience

One interview with supervisor

The interview process was very casual/informal with my supervisor calling unannounced and asking a few questions/ having a general chat. Following this he called letting me know I was through to the reference check stage before receiving an email with my employment offer.

The interview process involved an application, a cover letter and an interview to assess my knowledge on relevant concepts for the project. The interview was very professional and conducted well.

The process was a bit informal compared to the other places I have applied for, but this was of course understandable since I am just going for summer studentship. I completed a written application where I described how my skillset suites the requirements of the project I was applying for.

To apply for the role, I was to write an application letter detailing my experience and why I wanted to work on the project in question. I was then contacted via email by the project supervisor of my project of interest. We scheduled a meeting time for a WebEx interview (occurred during COVID-19 lockdown) and I was informed via email of my selection the following week.

I had to attend a face to face interview and multiple questions were asked to me

Resume application online, video interview, job offer.

After submitting a cover letter and resume, and providing my academic transcript, it was only a week or so before hearing back about an interview request. I was given the option to choose a time that best suited me the following week, and the interview was only 45 minutes long via video link. A week after the interview, I received a phone call and email letting me know of my successful interview and that I was one of their ideal/selected candidates. After verbal confirmation that I was accepting the position, I received contracts to sign approximately a month later.

Online application followed by an online interview. Assessments were simple, yet allowed me to demonstrate my capacity for problem solving and reasoning.

Has to complete a written letter, cv/resume and interview.

I was asked basic interview questions and questions about my previous experience and projects. Then, I was briefed on details of the CSIRO project.

I went through one interview and a couple of phone calls with my supervisor

It was pretty good, I just had an online teams call for the interview which was conducted by my future supervisor. They asked me some questions to gauge how applicable my current skills were to the relevant project.

interview was over zoom, a couple of team leaders were the interviewers

Submitted CV, cover letter describing motivations, relevant experience and future aspirations, and academic transcript, followed by a virtual interview.

A WebEx interview with my manager and his manager, relatively relaxed.

Select your preferences for sectors to interview for. Upload CV and resumes. If offered simple 30 minute one on one interview that's it.

For the vacation program I looked at the projects offered at CSIRO and applied for a couple that interested me. I was contacted after the closure date and CSIRO organised an online interview for myself to attend. The interview was enjoyable and the people interviewing reiterated that they didn't want it to be too formal. It was really a chance to get to know me and for me to get to know the supervisors and more about the project I applied for. A couple weeks later I received a call to say I was successful. The process was very smooth and the application was easy to complete.

Previous experience and why I was interested.

The interview was only via phone and very casual. I was asked to tell the interviewer a bit about myself, explain my recent uni projects and software I am familiar with.

Questions included concept questions, such as what is required to connect a solar panel to the grid, and experience questions, such as what safety protocols have I seen previously at other workplaces.

I was primarily asked about my mathematical modelling skills, and my prior research skills, as well as my python skills. I was also asked about my feelings about working from home or working in person.

I was asked about my biology background as this was very relevant to the subject at hand. I was asked about my knowledge of the fungi in question, fungicides, crop management, agriculture and relevant microbiology techniques. I was asked about my location, willingness to travel and vaccination status as COVID-19 lockdown may have impacted my ability to attend interstate work.

Why did I want to join or what interested me in applying for the internship

1. problems I've faced and how I dealt with them 2. mistakes I've made 3. successes

Basic questions such as "tell us about yourself", such as both professionally and personally. Also, assessing my experience with data science, such as methods I've used and projects I've worked on. Asking how I would approach some form of problem (data science related). Asking my expectations and what I wish to get from the position. Asking my availability.

General questions of my background. Also of my aspirations for my career and things I want to get out of the job.

They were related to how I would tackle scientific/research problems and my experiences with data and data analysis.

Self introduction, describe my previous work experiences and personal projects, what are the roles and contributions in them.

Questions about my experience relevant to the project, questions about my character, what are my aspirations for my career, why do I want to work here. Just typical interview questions.

What I did for my project in university, had I used certain programming languages and how comfortable I am with them as well as whether I wanted to pursue a career in research.

a good mix of theory questions and general interview questions, like what are your teamwork skills like?

- What is your understanding of safety? - Can you give a time that you were put in a situation you considered unsafe, and how did you resolve this? - Can you give a time that you had difficulties in a group environment? - Can you give a time that you had a difficult problem that you didn't know how to solve, and how did you resolve it? - What are you passionate about? - Why do you want to take on this project? - What do you want to do for your future career? - Can you give an example of when you had to convince someone of something that they didn't agree with/didn't want to do?

My background in the areas I would be working in, details of other projects I've worked on in the past.

Why am I interested in their project? What are my experiences and knowledge in their area? What were my grades like?

What your coding experience? What do you plan to do afterwards (do you want to go into research)?

The questions mostly related to getting to know me; what I do outside of my studies, hobbies I have etc. There were also some questions relating to what I enjoy most in my studies and what I am passionate about.

Future goals in life/career. I was asked a lot about my past experiences that I had included on my resume.

Do your research, and go in with a game plan. The start is difficult as there is little support, but once you get going it can be enjoyable.

Apply for a research project that you are passionate about and interested in. It does help a lot to have a prior understanding of the topic/issues being researched as it is predominately an independent project

Be sure that you know the expertise of the team you are applying for

Before starting ask supervisors for reports relevant to the project so you are able to familiarise yourself with the background information. Additionally, don't be afraid to organise a meeting or ask any questions to your supervisors before starting.

I would say that all the general advice applies. It helps to be able to understand your skills and what you know, so you can describe how those skills meet the requirements. Always be prepared for interviews, maybe prepare answers for a few questions that you expect, so that you're not caught off guard.

I would recommend that you are open, honest and clear in your communication. Do some background research about the project so you can hold genuine and informed conversations with your project supervisor. Ensure this is a project you can become passionate about, because the work is rigorous and meticulous, but highly rewarding if you enjoy your time here. Don't be afraid to be sure of yourself; know your achievements and be sure to talk about them. Your experience is very valuable in these application processes and your supervisor will want to leave the interview feeling like they can trust you and trust your initiative.

Give detailed answers

be prepared for questions about your work relating to the job, and know what areas of the industry interest you

Don't be afraid to ask your own questions or ask for further clarity to the questions they're asking you. They know you're going to be nervous in an interview, so don't worry about that.

The best way to prepare is to come in with a real passion for the work. Everyone here truly loves what they do and are driven. Just having that drive and interest (and communicating it) make applying and preparing much easier.

Be yourself and talk about your experiences.

Be honest with the interviewer and truly understand the experiences and projects you have worked on in the past.

I would definitely reach out to the supervisor of the project directly via email, LinkedIn, or even at the office. Introduce themselves and express their interest in the student vacation ship. I got my position based on knowing someone here and they knew my character.

If you are doing a studentship, read up on skills you think you will need for the project you want to do. Don't be afraid to tell your interviewer what you are passionate about.

Think about your past experiences, and prepare your answers in the STAR format. Where possible, try to give answers that are relevant to the field you are expecting to be working in, e.g. if being interviewed for a role with programming responsibilities, talk about experiences you've had programming in the past. Try to draw from different areas of experience for your answers where possible to show that you have a variety of qualities that could benefit the organisation.

Be confident and honest in your own abilities and expertise and convey that as best you can.

I would recommend they research the company and the specific project they are applying to work for.

Make sure to ask questions and be genuinely interested in a career in research.

Choose a project that really interests you. You can also research the projects online before applying and before the interview to see if there's anymore background information available.

I would like to reiterate that employer's (especially for internships) are not looking for someone who can do everything easily. They want someone who may not know it all but has the capacity and willingness to learn new skills during their time with the company.