Career Guide
EL1 versus EL2: what changes?
Compare EL1 and EL2 expectations across direction, strategic influence, accountability, leadership and the evidence required in an APS application.
The quick answer
EL1 roles commonly lead complex work and translate strategy into delivery under broad direction. EL2 roles operate with greater independence and are accountable for highly complex or sensitive work that shapes strategy, policy, priorities or major operations. The distinction is visible in the breadth of influence, judgement and consequences—not merely team size or years of experience.
EL2 is not simply “more EL1”
A persuasive EL2 application shows enterprise thinking, strategic influence and ownership of difficult decisions. Adding larger numbers to an EL1 delivery example may not demonstrate the qualitatively different judgement and organisational impact the role requires.
The core difference
Both levels involve complex work and leadership. EL1 commonly converts strategic intent into plans, advice and delivery. EL2 commonly helps establish or materially influence the strategy, priorities, policy or operating approach itself.
An EL2 is also more likely to advise senior executives or Ministers, integrate several work streams, handle major ambiguity or sensitivity, and own outcomes with wider agency consequences.
Typical EL1 evidence
Useful EL1 examples may show that you:
- led a complex project or team under broad direction;
- provided influential professional or policy advice;
- resolved difficult stakeholder or delivery issues;
- managed priorities, performance, risk and resources; or
- translated a strategic priority into an effective program of work.
Typical EL2 evidence
Useful EL2 examples may show that you:
- shaped strategy, policy, priorities or an agency-wide operating model;
- provided authoritative advice on highly complex or sensitive matters;
- influenced senior decision-makers and critical external stakeholders;
- integrated multiple functions, programs or professional disciplines;
- made high-consequence judgements where precedent or direction was limited; or
- built organisational capability and stewardship beyond immediate delivery.
Common transition gaps
Applicants moving from EL1 to EL2 often describe excellent execution without showing strategic authorship. Other common gaps include staying inside one team, focusing on technical detail, describing escalation rather than decision-making, or giving results that are local when the advertised role has wider responsibilities.
A practical evidence test
Remove the job title from your example and ask whether a panel could still see:
- broad direction and significant independence;
- highly complex, sensitive or consequential work;
- influence on strategy or organisational priorities;
- senior and diverse stakeholders;
- leadership through other leaders or functions; and
- an impact beyond the immediate task or team.
If most of those features are missing, the example may be strong EL1 evidence but not yet persuasive EL2 evidence.
Official guidance used for this page
Guidance last reviewed: July 2026
This Professional Resumes Australia guide interprets public recruitment guidance for applicants. Always follow the instructions in the specific job advertisement and candidate information pack.
Questions about EL1 and EL2 roles
Do I need people-management experience for an EL2 role?
Not every EL2 role directly manages a large team. Specialist and advisory roles can demonstrate equivalent leadership through authoritative advice, professional stewardship, influence and responsibility for highly complex outcomes.
Can an acting EL2 example be used in an EL2 application?
Yes, if the example genuinely demonstrates EL2 work. Explain your authority, independence, strategic context and impact rather than relying on the acting title.
Applying for an EL1 or EL2 role?
Professional Resumes Australia can help you choose evidence at the right level and demonstrate the judgement, leadership, influence and accountability the role requires.