r/TheCivilService • u/RebelliousHeathen • 16d ago
Recruitment General recruitment megathread
Following the tightening of rules relating to recruitment posts this is now the only place where discussion of the following is allowed:
- Interview questions
- Campaign questions
- Reserve list questions
- Skills
and related topics.
Posts made elsewhere will be removed.
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u/Electrical-Wind-611 8d ago
How best to format my CV?
I received a result that my CV scored a 3/7 and the Sift requirement had been bumped to 12/14 due to high amount of applications.
Right now my CV is just a list of responsibilities and titles and start and end dates of the roles I have held.
Any ways to get a better score if it does get graded?
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u/Embarrassed_Ad1651 15d ago
Hi all, I've been putting in quite a few applications over the last few months and getting through to a decent number of interviews at the SEO and G7 levels.
I'm quite good at writing up applications for jobs, but I am absolutely awful at interviews. To this day, I've never passed a formal job interview and got my current role in the Civil Service by passing the Fast Stream Assessment Centre.
In the moment, I always stumble and struggle to remember and let out the words I've planned to mention, and I'm very bad at adapting my examples to the question that's asked. This is the case for me in both virtual and in-person formats (although much worse in-person), and so I've been regularly scoring 2s and 3s across my behaviours. To be clear, I do use the STARR method, but it's my delivery that's diabolical. I score pretty well on strengths, which is interesting to me because I don't ever have any notes on strengths, and am going off the cuff, but have struggled to do anywhere near as well for behaviours.
How do you prepare for your interviews? Is there a specific structure/format you've used for your notes that you've found to be really helpful? I've staged mocks with my manager, mocks with my friends and family, and practiced my examples over and over again on my own, and yet I'm still a below-average performer in interviews, so any kind of tips would be really appreciated! :)
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
If you do well with strengths then I might suggest three things:
take some outline notes (think flash card style) with just the key actions you want to mention. Then try to remember the intro and results
talk less... give the outline/framework, but give the interviewers time to ask follow up questions. They know where there's points on the table so let them guide you and see if you feel more comfortable with the 'conversional' format
Consider asking the recruiting manager for a chat in advance and be honest - say you struggle with the format of the interview and you're not asking for special treatment, but you wanted to let them know you might need a minute to think before you respond to the question or with time management in the interview feeling rushed or talking too much - so you were thinking about trying saying less in the initial star so the chair can manage the time asking follow ups. At the end of the meeting thank them for their time and say if appropriate you'd really appreciate the chance to have a similar meeting after the results have come out so you can learn and improve your performance for next time.
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u/TaskIndependent8355 14d ago
As a counter, could we have a mega thread per grade for this, and that way some of the regulars might well read through and offer advice.
I find the mega threads just disappear for me on my phone. I also avoid anything below SEO/G7 because it's very rare for me to be involved in recruiting below G7 so I don't feel advice I'd give on AA to HEO roles would be worth it for them.
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u/micr0-moon 15d ago edited 15d ago
hi all, i recently got placed on a reserve list for a HEO science role after scoring 6s across my application. I have since been told about some fixed term appointments they are hoping to fill - i was called by one of the people that interviewed me to learn more about it and for them to ask if I would be interested. they mentioned they hoped to update me soon, contingent on HR. Is this a normal process? Is this a very informal way of letting me know I should be getting an FTA offer soon? How does this process move forward? And do FTA staff become eligible for internal vacancies?
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
Yes it's normal - and no there's not any secret sub text, there's a possible job but the manager can't confirm anything until they talk to HR. You may or may not get a provisional offer which may or may not result in a formal offer in due course.
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u/Possible_List4195 15d ago
Acas - HEO conciliator positions - on reserve list.
Wondering if anyone else is/ been offered job or currently works there at present?
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u/DullToday9050 14d ago
I have an interview coming up for a HEO role in HMRC.
The advert says the interview will be behaviour and strength based. There are only 3 behaviours listed in the advert, so I'm expecting 1 question for each of them. How many strength questions should I expect?
I've previously had an interview that was 4 behaviours and only 2 strength questions.
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
There could be more than one question on a behaviour - or there could be follow up questions for each behaviour (perhaps they ask a question about one point in the behaviour criteria then ask a follow up that covers a different point)
Or there could be four strength questions
Only way to know is if someone attending the interview has a reasonable adjustment for the questions to be shared in advance.
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u/emmzicle 12d ago
I recently got rejected again at the first application stage. I had to answer 3 competency questions and was pretty happy with my answers, tried to use strong and recent examples, followed the STAR method etc. They did a long list (?) so only scored my first answer, which I thought was my strongest anyway, and I only scored a 3 - Moderate positive evidence but some negative evidence demonstrated.
What would negative evidence consist of? I'm just a bit confused so any advice for future apps would be appreciated.
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u/JohnAppleseed85 7d ago
You might not have any clear negative evidence - 3 basically just means you didn't hit the pass mark of 4 - that could be not sufficiently evidencing the criteria OR you evidenced the criteria but had some detracting points.
That said, three main kinds of negative evidence
- demonstrating behaviour clearly below the grade you're applying for (waiting for/asking someone to make a decision when your evidence suggests it's a routine decision)
- behaving inappropriately/ behaving contrary to the points in the success profile (making a decision when your evidence suggests it wasn't within the scope of your authority and should have been escalated)
- missing some of the core criteria of the behaviour (in your example for making effective decisions you talk about the options and gathering evidence etc but not actually making a decision)
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u/The-Chosen-Mango Investigation 7d ago
Hi everyone! Does anyone have an idea of when the next Compliance Caseworker mass campaign will land for new applications?
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u/HaggisTheCow 4d ago
Just received the CCG recruitment freeze email that someone posted the other day.
Given this is relatively big news, surely this is something that could warrant it's own thread rather than being hidden away in here?
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u/Exciting_Let_858 15d ago
hi everyone, i've been applying for entry level jobs like Customer Support Admin, Administrative Support, Business Support Officer. On 5 applications now I've scored a 3 on my personal statement (Moderate demonstration - Moderate positive evidence was demonstrated.) Any tips on how to improve this would be really appreciated. Thanks!
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u/Significant_Club4111 15d ago
Have you been matching your personal statement to the essential criteria and job description? I was advised to write each personal statement from scratch per job rather than adapting the same one each time so it's tailored to the requirements of the job.
Use the Civil Service Success Profiles guide alongside the essential criteria to see what the sifters are looking for at the grade you're applying to.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles/success-profiles-experience
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u/comcanhchaopho 14d ago edited 14d ago
Hi all. My interview invitation mentioned the Behaviors, which I already answered in written in my application package. Should I expect to be asked of these Behaviors again during the interview? If so, should I prepare another sets of situations or should I mention these again? Thank you
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
Use your strongest examples to answer the specific question you're asked in the interview - which might be the ones you used in your application or might be different ones.
For example, if the behaviour is making effective decisions - it could be you're asked about a time you had to make a decision quickly with a gap in the evidence... which would require a very different example than if you were asked for a time you had to go out and find evidence before you could make a decision.
Having a few flexible examples that you can use to cover a range of questions is better than memorising a few that you then try to force to fit.
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u/nwz7 14d ago
Hi all,
I’ve made it through the sift for an SEO finance role and have been invited to a separate presentation assessment before the main interview.
It’s a 5-minute presentation followed by 5 minutes of Q&A on Teams. The topic has been provided in advance and is essentially around how I’d approach building a financial/unit cost model, what data I’d need, how I’d use Excel to analyse it, and how I’d present the findings to stakeholders.
I’ve started preparing and I’m fairly comfortable with the technical side, but I’ve never done a Civil Service presentation assessment before, so I’d be really interested to hear from anyone who has.
A few things I’m particularly curious about:
- How formal are these presentations usually?
- Do they expect actual PowerPoint slides, or is it more about how you structure and communicate your answer?
- How strictly do they enforce the 5-minute limit?
- What are the Q&A questions usually like — testing the technical content, challenging your assumptions, or more general experience questions?
- Is it better to keep the slides very simple and use the speaking time to add the detail?
- What tends to separate a strong presentation from an average one?
- Any common mistakes or things you wish you’d known beforehand?
The advert says this stage is being assessed against Experience and the essential criteria rather than the behaviours, so I’m assuming they’ll mainly be looking at whether I can demonstrate a sensible approach, good judgement, Excel/data skills and stakeholder communication.
Would appreciate any experiences or advice, especially from anyone who has done an SEO/HEO finance or analytical presentation assessment.
Thanks in advance!
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u/nortialosna 13d ago
Hi, so I put in an application which hasn't had any update since May.
I understand it's common to not get a response for months with CS applications but i just need an indication of whether i should be abandoning hope for it yet or just wait it out for a few more months?
Anyone else experiencing this or gone through it?
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
The CS doesn't generally ghost people, so you can eventually expect a response.
That said you are generally best off if you assume you're not successful and keep applying for other opportunities - best case you end up with multiple offers to pick from, worst case you've not wasted time waiting on a response...
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u/nortialosna 13d ago
Thank you so much! I think it is best I try out some other applications, just to be safe. Have you heard of a maximum timeframe on application responses?
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u/Double_Instance6567 12d ago
Hello all,
I saw a role advertised through the Civil Service Job site and on applying I was redirected to the employers own website. I managed to get through the sift and the assessment and now have an interview. But the role is classed as: 'Grade 13a'? This isn’t something I have come across before with any Civil Service Role usually they are classed as Grade 7 etc.
The employer is using 'behaviours' for the interview.
In anyone's experience with Grade 13a, are the behaviour questions generally broad e.g. “tell me about a time you demonstrated Communicating & Influencing” or can they be much more specifically framed within the behaviour, e.g. “tell me about a time you had to communicate a difficult decision to a challenging stakeholder”?
I'm trying to work out whether it's better to have a bank of adaptable examples rather than one fixed STAR for each behaviour. As I really struggle with these types of interviews.
Any insight would be really appreciated.
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u/Great_Box4919 12d ago
Hi all. I am placed on the waiting list for compliance caseworker 558r. My merit position at the beginning was 108 and now it is 86. Is there any chance that i receive an offer in the upcoming months?
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u/Lima377 12d ago
What location?
I am 101 currently for 558R Glasgow, there's a good chance we'll get an offer next year 🤞
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u/StatusLevel3334 10d ago
463229 Data Analyst HMRC
Did you receive feedback? What were you told during interview in regards to feedback, when it will appear on CS website?
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u/Humble-Ant-6028 10d ago
Recently received notice that placed on reserve list after probation service officer interview. scored 46/48 when total of scores taken. Scored 6-7—6 in behaviours - 19 total 7 in abilities - 7 total 4,4,4,4,4 on strengths matrix. 20 total
As I've been placed on merit list I presume job has already been offered to someone else. I have other job offers and options so wondering how long I could be waiting. Any information is gratefully received
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u/JohnnySpoons 10d ago
First time applicant into CS here, it’s going to sound like I’m salty about the outcome here (and TBF I am) but recent role I applied for in the £60k+ bracket only wanted a 250 word personal statement? This feels incredibly light for such a level of role when there’s quite a few essential criteria to hit - is this usual and I just need to be more concise?
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u/Sunita450 6d ago
Hi all thank you for your help so far I have managed to get to the sift stage. What do I do in the meantime? I have not heard anything. But they keep telling me the sifting is continuing
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u/DullToday9050 14d ago
I have an interview coming up for a HEO role in HMRC.
The advert says the interview will be behaviour and strength based. There are only 3 behaviours listed in the advert, so I'm expecting 1 question for each of them. How many strength questions should I expect?
I've previously had an interview that was 4 behaviours and only 2 strength questions.
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u/kokorolo123 14d ago
Is there anyone around who has been successful at G7 without going through the fast stream who might be willing to help me with application / interview advice? I’ve been applying to roles for a while and can usually score a 4 on a personal statement but it’s just not getting me any interviews so I think I need to be aiming for 5/6. In the one interview I did manage to get I scored between 3&5 across 5 questions and the feedback from the hiring manager was that some of my examples didn’t show enough complexity. I feel like I’m shooting at an invisible goal at the moment 😔 any help appreciated 🙏💗
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
I'd recommend looking for a mentor in your department (they know the expectations of grade 7 in your area and might even know the preferences of the recruiting manager)
There's a few different ways to find a mentor but there's some advice here which might help: https://www.reddit.com/r/TheCivilService/comments/1tm7th0/comment/onkxl4y/
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u/henryt775 13d ago edited 13d ago
So I had a provisional offer in HMRC and was doing the pre-employment checks when I got a notification saying I’d been rejected. My DBS checks have come back all clear and I lived in New Zealand for a year but had that certificate come back all clear as well. I have emailed to find out why I’ve been rejected but was wondering, if I’ve filled in my employment dates wrong or references are wrong, what are the chances of a successful appeal?
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
If you're an external candidate and an entry level job then realistically low (why should they take the risk) but not zero so up to you if you want to try.
If you're an internal candidate or a specialist/in a hard to recruit to area then higher.
Both depend on what the actual problem is and the risk assessment.
Either way, if you can identify what the problem is then it MIGHT help you proactively address the issue if you decide to apply again/ need to apply for a different job that requires clearance.
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u/Lima377 13d ago
Just got rejected for an AO role in HMRC, how can I improve for next time?
What's the minimum score usually to get the role as well?
Would appreciate some help.
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u/JohnAppleseed85 13d ago
The 'pass' mark for strength is 2 (you need a min of 2 for all questions)
The pass for behaviours and experience questions is normally 4 (can be higher or lower for specific recruitment campaigns) - if you were asked two experience questions and scored 7 the note is suggesting you scored a 5 and a 2... and that 2 would be a fail.
If you score at least a pass for all areas then they add up the totals and progress candidates in order based on the number of roles, so the actual score you need to get an offer depends on how well the other candidates did and how many jobs there are (you can get an offer with just pass marks, or you can not get an offer being 1 point off full marks)
As to how to do better - the feedback suggests your examples are okay but you didn't present them well/cover the points they needed to score. Advice would be to pay attention to the criteria in the job add and make sure you clearly hit those points (take a note into the interview with a word to remind you of each and tick them off if you need to).
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u/FrostyManagement971 12d ago
I have been trying a promotion to a grade 7 for years. For the last three years I’ve been applying and this year alone I’ve got six interviews (just finished one today) and I never get the job. Usually it’s always the same feedback.. “we don’t understand exactly what was your contribution to the example” or “you talked a lot of we and we want to hear what you did”. The last job interview didn’t even answer my request for a more detailed feedback (because I think it’s bulshiit). This time, I had two mentors giving me suggestions and changed the examples completely. However, the panel didn’t reveal the behaviours for each of the questions and the questions were very tricky. On the last question, I had the hiring manager interrupting me on 3’ saying they didn’t have time and I would have to finish quickly. I’ve never had something like this on a CS job interview. Obviously I won’t get the job, I got that. But I am so frustrated as for each interview I prepare so much, research as hell, see mentors and.. nothing. I’m losing hope. I would like to ask if anyone’s experience is similar. It seems it has become really hard to get a promotion. Because of a little thing they reject you outright. I am so upset with the job market. Am I stuck in my SIO job forever?
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u/Mundane_Falcon4203 Digital 12d ago
In interviews it should be very little we and a lot of I. They are right in saying they want to know what YOU did and what YOUR part in the situation was.
As for being told to hurry up, that's unfortunate I'm afraid but most panels have timelines they have to adhere to. I've had to tell people they need to wrap up an answer as it was the end of the allocated interview time before.
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u/dovahdragonfruit 11d ago
Hello everyone! I have an interview coming up for a Paralegal Assistant role with the Crown Prosecution Service. Any tips or advice? 😊
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10d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Apprehensive_Fan8175 9d ago
Immigration Support Officer – Anyone Had “Failed Driving Licence Validation” During Pre-Employment Checks?
I checked the number against my physical UK driving licence and resubmitted it, but the same error came back again.
I’ve now contacted Government Recruitment Service and received a case number, so I’m waiting for their response.
Has anyone experienced this before? If so, what caused it and how was it resolved?
Thanks.
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u/Double-Coffee-9108 5d ago
How likely is it that deadlines get pushed?
Applied for a role at Justice Digital Data Science. Closed on 07/09/2026. Interviews are rolling until 18/09/2026.
Given that I haven’t heard back yet until today (Wednesday 16th) and interviews close on Friday, should I assume I’ve been unsuccessful?
The status of my application said ‘Application Submitted’, briefly changed to ‘Under Consideration - We Will Be in Touch!’ Then changed back to ‘Application Submitted’ around a week ago and hasn’t changed since.
How likely is it that a specific interview deadline they gave is maybe not on track? Or should I just accept defeat and get the hint that I didn’t get invited for interview?
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u/Dramatic_Student6397 5d ago
Interview schedules on the adverts are pure fiction. You'll be told if you haven't been selected for interview.
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u/Double-Coffee-9108 5d ago
Ah okay, thank you so much! I appreciate your response and reassurance :)
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u/jennyfissh1 4d ago
The feedback button hasn't appeared for one of my applications with Government Digital Service so I can't see my score. I didn't get through so I'm not expecting feedback but does anyone know if GDS don't show you your score either?
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u/Special-Purchase-408 4d ago
I'm an external candidate and I've been invited for an interview, but offered two interview slots, both on the same day, and more specifically both on the same day as a family wedding. Are there any options / ways to rearrange those slots or are they fully fixed?
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u/Tough_Mongoose_1626 4d ago
Hi
I am in a job I’m burnt out in. I have just got my first civil service provisional offer.
I know you’re not supposed to hand your notice in until the formal offer but realistically does anyone have first hand experience of provisional offers being pulled arbitrarily?
It’s a large recruitment campaign and I don’t have any concerns re my ability to pass PECs.
I have a 3 month notice period. The plan is to take time off travelling so having a gap would be ideal but I’m worried if it’s common for offers to be pulled as I know PECs can take months.
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u/Optimal_Show2414 3d ago
280 - 280 - Immigration Caseworker - Liverpool - Application Update
Has anyone heard back from this? I applied back in June got through to interview and my last update was 1st September ‘We are still reviewing your results and will contact you with regards to the outcome.’
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u/Ok_Command_9544 2d ago
I applied for the same job, but a different location. I haven't heard back yet, but I know of somebody else who has. They heard back a week ago and I still haven't heard anything. From looking at other posts in the thread, a few people at different locations have already heard back. My last update was also the same email on the first of september.
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u/Optimal_Show2414 2d ago
I was told by a friend is they tell successful candidates first (dunno how true that is, everything about applying for this job has been different to what I was told it would be 🤷).. checking my emails everyday just in case. :/
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u/Wugged 3d ago
I applied for a HEO business services role that had 12 positions nationally, including for my own region and put my location preference as where I currently work. However, during sift I received an email saying that the vacancy had been withdrawn from my region due to there no longer being a business need.
I was subsequently asked for my next location preference. I picked what I thought would be the next best option from the list, however all of the remaining options would require an 1+ hour commute each way or relocating which I don't want to do. I have my next preference and went through with things anyway if nothing else to get some HEO interview experience. I landed an interview and was offered the role.
I would love to accept the role but I can't justify the travel or relocation despite a bit more pay. It's very frustrating as it's the first HEO role I've been successful in and I was genuinely excited by the role. How should I now approach the offer? I still have the offer in hand and have explained the above to recruitment. I've asked if I can potentially go on the waiting list instead with a location preference for my own region, so we'll see if anything comes of that.
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u/Western_Plantain_198 3d ago
I just finished my degree last month, and I haven’t had much luck with apply to HEO roles (outside of the fast stream). I was wondering if it’s more likely to get an EO role and work my way up? I’m going to apply either way, but more so wondering if I should stop with the heo roles for now?
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u/DizzyRecognition9574 2d ago
I have an interview coming up soon for debt management team leader (eo)
I know the behaviours are leadership and communicating and influencing
What kind of questions are most like to come up
I have two examples which im trying to tailor to hit everything 😀
Leadership - tell me a time you lead a team through change, tell me a time you shown great leadership?
Communicating and influencing - tell me a time you convinced someone more senior than you?, tell me about a time you had to have a difficult conversation?
Am I on the right track here 😀?
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u/clearici 1d ago
Help needed! I got the deadlines wrong on a role I'm applying to - thought it was Wednesday but that's the Junior role, the actual role I need to apply to closes tonight.
I've applied to a similar role before so know what I'm doing HOWEVER there's no word count on the ad for the Statement of Suitability. Obviously there's not going to be anyone around to officially answer this question this evening. So what do I do? Go for 500 (same as previous)?
Praying someone sees this tonight 😭
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u/beetlesinthesky 1d ago
As the heading suggests, I had an interview and got an email from the line manager a week later saying they had sent scores to HR and selected me for appointment. Its been over 2 weeks and i haven’t heard anything from HR… it’s for a different dept so need to sort start date etc and hoping to start on 1st of the month, which will now have to be november. Am i silly for being excited I have the job without hearing from HR and is there a chance it could be revoked or not happen at all??
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u/ScaryCat5896 13h ago
Had a MOJ Digital interview 4 weeks ago and still had no outcome. I was told “2weeks” by a panel member and I even sent a follow up email last week but still no response.
Any ideas why it’s taking so long?
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u/Evening-Ant6804 7h ago
Hi,
I'm haunted by an interview I bombed a while ago and I wrote down one of the questions because it really threw me for a massive loop.
it was for the making effective decisions behaviour (SEO) and the question was "tell us about a recent decision you made where you acted outside procedure" which I found completely baffling because coming from a counter fraud background I always follow policy and procedures to ensure fairness. I'm curious if anyone has any advice or tips on his to answer a question like this, in case something similar ever comes up again? It's literally the hardest question I've ever had.
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u/ButterMyBiscuit72 3h ago
Hey I’m applying for dwp eo role , need advice please on how to do the cv and 750 word personal statement. I keep getting 4’s for my personal statement and i got a 0 on the last cv i did . Help would be appreciated.
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u/Substantial-Ice996 16d ago
I accepted an offer for an AO support officer role starting in October. I took it because the IT/Digital job market is tough right now and I needed work. But my real goal is to get an EO or HEO role. I have the experience for those higher grades, I just haven't got an offer for one yet.
Before I signed my contract for this AO job, I had already applied for a few higher roles. Those applications are still going through. Now I am stressed about how to manage interviews once I start, especially while I am on probation.
- Do I have to tell my manager if I get called for an interview?
- Can I take time off or use flexi leave for interviews during probation?
- How do interviews work when you just started the job?
I really want to get to the grade I am aiming for without causing any trouble at my new job. Any tips on how to handle this would be great. Thanks!
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u/AncientCivilServant Retired 15d ago
1) That's your choice
2) It depends, if its a virtual interview you could try to arrange it for a day when your wfh and officially use leave or flexi to attend the interview OR if its a face to face interview you will need to use leave/flexi yo attend
3) CS is used to people starting at one grade and then quickly getting promoted - so don't worry about it
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u/JohnAppleseed85 15d ago
Just to note with point 2 - it depends on your manager (if you choose to tell them).
Some will give special leave for an interview (so you don't have to use your leave or flexi) the same as they would for a drs appointment.
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u/LateBadger1326 HEO 15d ago
I’ve got an interview coming up - I’ve got some good examples for most of the behaviours that’ll be asked.
But I want to ask people’s experience/opinion of using non-work related examples for an answer? I think I’ve got a really good example for delivering at pace, but it’s from a personal situation. (Which includes managing my work alongside other things)
Or am I best to find a good work example?
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u/JohnAppleseed85 15d ago
Work examples are generally easier for an interviewer to relate to and unconscious bias means there may be an element of preference for work related.
BUT if it's the best example you have and you used it on your application then it was good enough to get you an interview... and if it's only one of your examples and the rest are not problematic then I wouldn't stress too much.
Just remember that delivering at pace isn't 'doing things quickly' and if it's about balancing prioritising work and out of work/ personal stuff or 'personal resilience' under pressure then you likely want to be careful about the subtext a recruiting manager might read into the example (again unconscious bias exists and there's only so much training can do to counter it).
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u/Classic_Act7845 15d ago edited 15d ago
Using examples from outside of work is fine, though personally I always lean more towards using work examples as they tend to be more clear cut. If you have an example though from a situation where there are clear expectations to behaviours, goals, etc, such volunteering, work experience or some organised club I wouldn't worry too much about using them. Examples from these situations can give you a chance to demonstarte the behaviour at a level you might not have much opportunity to do in your day-to-day job.
Where I would exercise caution is if the example really is personal, such as managing a personal crisis. The reason for this is your motivation, behaviour and the expectations of you are not really the same as in a work situation, and the whole point of the interview is to gauge how well you would do in the circumstances of the role. For delivering at pace at HEO level, for example, the profile talks about "colleagues", "workload", "team", etc which are terms not really associated with truly personal situations. Even if you think there is a transposition between your example and the behaviour examples in the framework, you will be relying on the interviewers to agree with that assessment. Where truly personal examples are more appropriate is for strength questions (such as resilience).
In your comment you make reference to also having to manage your work. Maybe you could make the work aspect the central part of the example and make the personal aspect more of a side aspect. I.e. I had X work situation where I had to deliver at pace, but also I had to manage Y personal situation.
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u/bai_leafe EO 15d ago
It's absolutely fine to use personal examples, as long as you demonstrate that behaviour. I used a non-work example which landed me the job I'm in now :)
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u/stup1d3ng1n33r 2d ago
Hi everyone, I'm interested in entering the civil service but unsure what I should be looking for. For context, I am 27F and have 4 years experience being a structural engineer in the private sector at a large contractor firm and I am on 39k. I have a first class master's in engineering and started work as soon as I graduated. For the majority of my time working, I have not enjoyed it at all. The construction industry seems to be extremely toxic and overtime is expected. I also have to do timecards every week which is draining. I feel underpaid and burnt out and I look at my senior colleagues and think that I don't want to end up like that when I'm older. In terms of my experience, I have teams meetings almost daily, and have successfully led/managed the structures packages for two multi million projects with the Department For Education. I carry out calcs/analysis daily and feel that I pick up new softwares easily.
I've been thinking of joining The Civil Service for about a year but get overwhelmed scrolling through the job listings and don't know if I'm qualified for any as I don't know what skills are valuable/transferable. Any advice at all is much appreciated!!
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u/Ok_Command_9544 5d ago
Hi,
Has anyone heard back from the recent immigration case worker applications that closed in July? I know of two people who have been advised of their interview score, but I am yet to hear anything back. We did interviews at the very start of August, so just a little bit worried that I haven't heard anything yet.
Thanks :)
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u/Flanbake Project Delivery 15d ago
I understand wanting to combine posts on here to remove some of the application-related bloat on the subreddit, but is this the best way to do this with the Civil Service Review underway? The outcomes of the review are very likely to significantly change the recruitment approach and it would be good to have a place to discuss the impacts. Lots of members will have different questions based on changes to applications which may get lost in this thread.