Civil Service interview- Terrified!

[Alex2110]

I have been invited to attend an interview for a civil service position. It will be my first interview in 8 years so I’m very nervous especially a this is a complete career change and I have never had an interview like this before.
I know that preparation is key, but I have to sit a 75 minute written test which is marked on the day. Candidates that pass the test are then asked to stay on for the interview. I know that the interview will be based on the four success profile behaviours listed in the job spec, but how do I prepare for the test?
Also, my examples for behaviours are partly based upon my previous work experience as well as more recent voluntary experience- does this matter? Any advice would be really appreciated- thank you!

[Isleepinahedgefund]

Your examples for the behaviours will be fine, you can draw on any part of your life.

Re the technical test - did they tell you what they're testing?

[Alex2110]

Isleepinahedgefund Thank you for replying. They are testing effective decision making and communicating and influencing. Other than that it is a written test, there is no further information.

[Isleepinahedgefund]

Usually they tell you what the test is. It might be the psychometrics, which you can't really prep for.

I would contact the vacancy holder/other contact and find out (don't email government recruitment/reply to any emails you've had from civil service jobs as it's outsourced and they won't know/reply!) contact whoever was on the job advert.

[Loopytiles]

Examples are better if fairly recent IMO.

When giving examples, don’t spend much time at all on context/ the situation. Explain what you personally did, how you sorted the thing out, and what you achieved.

[GeorgeTheFirst]

I don't be think it matters how recent the examples are (I joined the CS 18 months ago). Make sure you use the STAR structure as they recommend.

[Alex2110]

Thank you all for your replies. I will contact the recruiter to see if they can provide more info on the test. The notes for the position say that the interview is going to be a ‘blended approach’ of strength based questions and the two remaining behaviours which are Delivering at Pace and Managing a Quality Service. The strength based questions worry me, as although they say that no preparation is necessary for these, I don’t want to waffle.

[whitehalleve]

I'm a civil servant and have done this process twice. Honestly it's not scary and nothing to trip you up. As long as you do what they're asking for you'll do great I'm sure.

[Isleepinahedgefund]

You can't prepare for the strength questions. Just don't try to answer them like a competency/behaviour- be natural and spontaneous in your responses. Don't give one word answers either.

[Alex2110]

Thank you for your replies, they are greatly appreciated. Just one more question ...will the panel be expecting to hear the exact key phrases from the job description and behaviours in my interview answers? I know that I have to tailor my answers to the behaviour and use star format, but wondered how much of the language I have to remember as well?

[Isleepinahedgefund]

Don’t get caught up in dropping in the key phrases, concentrate on making sure you’re demonstrating the behaviour. By all means prepare with reference to the criteria but bear in mind the key thing is demonstration of the behaviour. You’ll only have a few mins to talk for each one, so don’t waste words trying to drop in the “right phrases”.

[Alex2110]

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for taking the time to give me advice. I have been offered the position subject to references etc. and I am over the moon!

[Isleepinahedgefund]

That's fab, well done!

What was the written test in the end?

[Alex2110]

The test was a case study (large amount of information to digest) on which I had to make a decision. I found it difficult, but undoubtedly the most stressful part of the day waiting to hear if Ind got through to the interview stage afterwards.

[Isleepinahedgefund]

They so make you wait don't they.

You wait - referencing etc can take aaaaages!!! It's a wonder we have any staff it takes so long to get their bums on seats.