clerical/deputy registrar post

[Timmy8034]

Hi all. I've been invited to an assessment day for the above post and wondered if anyone else can tell me about a recent one they've been on. I have no idea what to expect and to know at this stage before interview stage. Thanks. I hope the previous person was successful. I'm an unmarried single mum. Will that count against me?

[Maudie15]

Hi Timmy8034
Good luck with your assessment day. Re being a single parent - this should not be discussed or questioned at interview. Years ago I was in your position and they asked eg who would look after my child if she was ill etc. This line of questioning can be seen as discriminatory now so I would be disappointed and surprised if your single parenthood was discussed. Would they ask male candidates re their children? Guess it could be relevant if you wanted specific hours but the fact you are a single parent should not count against you in the selection process.
I am considering applying for a similar casual post. I applied last time they advertised but didn't get past the handwriting test. Any tip for this time? Use a fountain pen may be best this time? Also should I used cursive or printed letters??
This thread was started years ago - it would be good to hear how others got on.
All the best

[Maudie15]

Oops - sorry. New to this.. . this is a new thread. There is another similar one from years ago...

[Timmy8034]

Hello Maudie15
Thanks for your message and I'm glad you're applying for a similar post again. I bet it's really disappointing not getting through the assessment day. Were there many of you there?

Yes, fountain pen I've heard so will borrow my sons.

One of the worries would be if they ask what the 3yr gap is in employment on my cv as I will have to say it was when I was on lone parent benefit plus trying to buy and sell antiques, sell homemade earrings etc. So they would know that I had a child.
Wouldn't it be great if a few people pick up on this thread to give some advice but I know everyone's so busy these days.
We have a handwriting test and I'm not sure either if you need to write with cursive or printed text. Anyone know?
What was the IT test like? So nervous now as I'm sure there'll be lots of people applying. Also my hands aren't dainty.
Any tips gratefully received. I'll be devastated not to get through the assessment day.

I wish you luck with your new application.

[Maudie15]

Thank you Timmy8034. I have been on the other side of recruitment and think it is fine to say you have been home caring for children or parents etc. In a way you have been employed but not in a paid position. Having a child and caring for her/him/them is a fact and a positive thing. You don't need to explain. Be proud of your achievement!.
I hope we get some replies - it would be great to have some advance info. In the mean time I am off to buy a fountain pen and practice.
Cheers

[Sinkingfeeling]

I'm a Deputy Registrar and was one of the people who posted on the original thread about 2.5 years ago. I love the job most of the time! Just off to do some weddings but will be back later if there's anything specifically you'd like to know. Are you in England or Wales? Registration law is a bit different in Scotland and N Ireland.

[Maudie15]

Thank you Sinking Feeling. I am at the application stage and they ask for a handwriting sample once they have done the first sift of applicants. Last time was weeded out after giving in my handwriting sample which was sent as a scan. Do you have any tips about the handwriting? They wanted accuracy and neatness etc but I wasn't sure if they wanted cursive or not. They didn't specify. I didn't have time to ask last time but will probably contact them to ask this time. Any tips though would be most welcome.

[Pico2]

Timmy - there is no need to say you were "on lone parent benefit". I think it is best to say as little as possible about your personal life (not specifically because you are a single parent, I'd say this to anyone).

In your situation I would say "I took a break to look after my family and also did some antique dealing". So nothing about being a lone parent and nothing about benefits. Neither are things they need to know. If I was thinking about employing you I think I'd be more concerned that you wouldn't still be dealing antiques on the side and spending work time on your phone doing it.

[Sinkingfeeling]

Hi Maudie - usually neat and legible is what they'll be looking for in the handwriting test. Entries in marriage registers are still handwritten (in fountain pen) and you need to be able to write reasonably quickly (some wedding ceremonies are very short!) but above all clearly. Don't use cursive script unless that's how you write all the time. Still worth checking with the registration service you're applying to though.

Timmy - agree with Pico. You don't need to say anything other than you took a break for family duties. If the employer's worth working for, they'll be far more interested in your suitability to do the job here and now rather than what you were doing some time ago (or your marital status etc.).

[Maudie15]

Thank you Sinkingfeeling. This is very helpful.

[Timmy8034]

Thank you Pico an Sinking Feeling for your advice. I appreciate this. Maudie - good luck with your assessment day.
I have a written test, IT test and spelling test. I know it isn't especially important but not sure whether to wear a navy skirt or black trousers. Any views? Colourful or under-stated?

[Timmy8034]

Hi Maudie,
I just had the assessment day and they had whittled it down to about 20 of us. I used my own fountain pen (borrowed) and we had to copy an entry from a register. Just write clearly and accurately. We were also given a sheet and we had to circle the spelling mistakes and provide the correct spelling although I think I missed out a couple as far as I remember.
I have been lucky enough to be invited back for an interview on Monday which I'm nervous about.
How are you getting on/

[MissyHill]

@Timmy8034 and @Sinkingfeeling....I've been invited for interview for Registrar post. Would like to be able to ask you some questions on how to prepare, if that's possible. Hope you can help.