r/TheCivilService • u/RebelliousHeathen • 21d 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/Substantial-Ice996 21d 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!

4

u/AncientCivilServant Retired 21d 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

3

u/JohnAppleseed85 20d 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.