Citizens advice job

[Heartofglass12345]

Hi, I'm applying for a job with citizens advice as an advisor. I haven't worked for a few years and I'm really nervous!
My background is nursing specifically learning disabilities, so I feel I have transferable skills I just don't know how to put it across in interviews, I get so nervous! Any advice from anyone who has experience with them? Any ideas what they might ask in the interview?
Thanks!

A good place to start is the job description and the specification.
What does that say you "must" have, and would be "desirable".

think of examples of times when you have demonstrated those skills.

@BackforGood is right. From experience (I used to work for them a long time ago and sat on many interview panels) the questions they will ask you at interview will be based heavily on the job specification.

Think very hard about how you can get across your suitability based on each point in the job specification and have examples to show that you have the required skills. They will be looking for specific answers and will score you at interview depending on how close you get to what they are looking for.

Look on their website, you'll get plenty of clues as to what they are looking for in their staff.

If you want any more information, post again and I'll try to help tomorrow.

Are you applying for a paid job or a voluntary role?

If it's a voluntary role you will be applying for training in advice work. I've done the Citizens Advice Adviser training after doing training for Assessor and Information Assistant roles first. There is quite a bit to learn and particular ways of doing interviews, case recording etc.

I've volunteered with Citizens Advice for about 7 years, but not at the moment due to lockdown. It's very interesting, but grim at times. There are times when you can't really help people and have to tell people things they don't want to hear. People cry, get angry etc. Nursing could be a good background for Advice work.

It's unlikely you'd get a paid role straight from nursing. You'd need to do the training first. Advice work is a skilled professional job.

Thank you for your responses
It's a paid post, and does say that you don't need previous experience so that's one of the reasons I applied lol. I need to get back to work but really don't want to do nursing anymore. I have always been interested in counselling too.

I do feel some of the skills I have will be suited to the job, I just fluff my words in interviews and get so nervous, I think it's because I don't know what they're going to ask, and then I have to think of an answer off the top of my head. My best interview was one where I had to do a presentation as I could prepare everything I wanted to say.

I've just emailed my CV and covering letter and the interviews are on Thursday and Friday so wish me luck!

I have an interview tomorrow at 2pm, wish me luck!
I'm going to make some notes so I can have a look if I need to lol (interview is over computer)
I'm so nervous, they said over 600 people applied!

Well done on getting an interview!

Remember to focus on giving examples in your answers referring as closely as you can to the job specification. Be as detailed as you can, they'll be looking for specific things.

One thing we always did on panels was ask at least one question on equality and diversity, so be well prepared for that. Also one on the ethos of the CAB, mission statement, that sort of thing. You'll find all the relevant keywords on their website.

Very best of luck to you.

I used to manage a CAB they will want you to show that you are calm under pressure. A problem solver. A people person. Will seek the support of your supervisor so that you can give accurate information. Tell them guess work is not ok in advice situations. You should look to refer to others specialist when need be. Be willing to train extensively. Understand equal opportunities and rehearsexwhat you will say when asked about that. Think about the type of issues that people might present with and how you might respond
Good luck. It's a stressful but rewarding job

When I applied to be a CAB volunteer about a million years ago (early 2000s) they asked a lot about what would you do if X happened? Like if someone kept coming back asking for advice on the same subject having never followed it.

Good luck.

Thank you so much everyone I did some preparation last night and will have a look over it again before the interview.
Problem solving is the one i struggle with explaining, if you see what I mean? Like I obviously had to do it but I didn't really think about it and not sure how complex they want to problem to have been? Am I over thinking this? Lol

It's ok I think I've thought of something. Thank you!

@Heartofglass12345

Hi, I'm applying for a job with citizens advice as an advisor. I haven't worked for a few years and I'm really nervous! My background is nursing specifically learning disabilities, so I feel I have transferable skills I just don't know how to put it across in interviews, I get so nervous! Any advice from anyone who has experience with them? Any ideas what they might ask in the interview? Thanks!

I worked as a Nurse for almost 30 years and then switched to working as a benefits adviser through Citizens advice but the project is funded by a leading cancer charity. I got asked about benefit scenarios, skills like listening empathetically, dealing with angry or aggressive clients, dealing with vulnerable people and advocating for them. maybe read up on data protection as that is obviously very important, telephone skills as CAB not seeing many clients face to face at the moment. Importance of writing up notes, gaining client consent etc is also hugely important. I also got asked what I knew about the work that CAB do, so things like consumer advice, employment advice, benefits advice, social policy issues and how CAB influence government and social policy. Good luck.

Also things like knowing when to refer to your supervisor when you are out of your depth and how to look after your own mental health when dealing with vulnerable clients all day.

Thank you so much!

Well I had my interview so just have to wait until next week now!
They didn't ask me much about what I thought they would
It seemed more about me. How I dealt with criticism, how I have given criticism, how I would integrate with the team, how I've worked under pressure and to deadlines etc. Fingers crossed!

There may be some useful info here www.glassdoor.co.uk/Interview/Citizens-Advice-Interview-Questions-E346164.htm

Thanks, my interview was yesterday I don't know if it's just me but that website wouldn't let me read anything without making a contribution, but then wouldn't accept the payment amount i put in for wages