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Original poster

Civil service interview help!

35 replies

Emmajane88 · 29/05/2021 22:42

Ok, slightly shi*ting it - after leaving a local authority job after maternity leave I’ve got an interview with the CS... didn’t think I would buy really do want the move...

Has anyone here ever had one and know the types of questions asked, especially recently?? I know they’ll be behavioural and strength based but some morale support and questions support would be appreciated!!! Arrrgh.

OP posts:
TartanDMs · 29/05/2021 22:50

I might be able to provide a bit of advice if you PM me, I'm currently interviewing for SEO, G7 and G6 grades so can share some tips for what I would be looking for.

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 29/05/2021 22:53

Amazing thanks!! 🙏

OP posts:
YorkshireIndie · 29/05/2021 22:54

The behaviours they asked you at application will be the same behaviours they will ask you at interview. They will be competency based. There is a guy on YouTube who runs through suggested answers for each behaviour. I found this really good for my interview (got the job as a consequence)
Good luck!

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YorkshireIndie · 29/05/2021 22:56

Also when you completed the for they would have given you access to the behaviours expected at each level. Look at the level above the one you are interviewing for. You need to score a minimum of a 4 for each answer. Each answer can score a maximum of 7

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 29/05/2021 22:58

Thanks so much for this advice

Ooh yeah I think I’ve found him....

What do you mean by the level above what I’m going for? As in, to get higher scores?

😇

OP posts:
YorkshireIndie · 29/05/2021 22:59

Which grade is the job you are interviewing for?

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 29/05/2021 23:03

It says look at level 4 which is 6 / 7

OP posts:
YorkshireIndie · 29/05/2021 23:05

Oh ignore what I said about the grade above. I would look at the suggested behaviours for G7/6.
When is your interview?

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 29/05/2021 23:07

Ok thanks

Got about a week to prepare which seems fine??? 😬

Do you recall how many questions there were and whether there were any random, quick fire or tricky non behavioural ones?

OP posts:
YorkshireIndie · 29/05/2021 23:30

Expect 2/3 per behaviour

Another tip is to write the key points of each question before answering. I have both interviewed and been interviewed and was impressed when someone did this and when I had my interview found it helpful. People do not mind repeating the question if they know this. Many questions are multi layer. Have your notes in front of you including your application statements

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 30/05/2021 17:53

Thanks indie.

Do you mean, make sure I take the time to write down what I'm asked? i.e. would you mind if I make a note of that or hold on a moment... etc. Then think, and provide the answer? The role is very much analytical and evidence based decision making, so I suppose that wouldn't be a bad think to do would it?!

OP posts:
LittleG69 · 30/05/2021 18:09

What department and what grade is the role for?

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 30/05/2021 18:27

says 6 / 7 on job app - level 4

OP posts:
YorkshireIndie · 30/05/2021 19:04

I would write down the key points and just say you are writing out the question. Whilst you are jolting it down I would think of your answer. It does not matter if you take time to think up the answer. I am assuming it is over teams?

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 30/05/2021 21:04

Yes Teams it is!

OP posts:
Original poster
Emmajane88 · 04/06/2021 14:03

Anyone have any questions they were asked recently?

I know that these change for every interview but just hoping for an example or two of behavioural/experience or strengths questions that they recall being asked, or indeed have asked!!

Thank you

OP posts:
Letsallscreamatthesistene · 04/06/2021 14:17

@Emmajane88

Anyone have any questions they were asked recently?

I know that these change for every interview but just hoping for an example or two of behavioural/experience or strengths questions that they recall being asked, or indeed have asked!!

Thank you

"Tell me a difficult situation where you communicated well"

"Tell me how you support your team"

The other q's were very much based around the job role (a clinical job).

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 04/06/2021 14:34

Brill, thank you so much!

Did you have any random strength ones? Like, tell me about a your greatest achievement or weakness?....

OP posts:
Letsallscreamatthesistene · 04/06/2021 14:40

I didnt have anything like that. Actually ive been to a few interviews recently and havent been asked what my biggest weakness is in any of them.

gothicsprout · 04/06/2021 20:34

Strengths questions will be things like:

‘I respond well to change.’ How true is this of you?

How important is it to you to reach an agreement?

Would colleagues say you focus on the detail or the big picture?

They are more difficult questions to prepare for as the panel are looking for your natural reactions. Answers are scored on both what you say and how you say it.

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 08/06/2021 08:14

Thanks all

Just completing a written assessment that I needed to do before interview... I have no idea how this is scored or how it fits into the overall scoring but assuming a '4' is required. They say there is no right or wrong answer for that one!.........

OP posts:
Letsallscreamatthesistene · 08/06/2021 09:45

Let us know how you get on! When the interview?

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 08/06/2021 10:08

Thursday!

OP posts:
EverythingRuined · 08/06/2021 10:26

Good luck!!!

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 08/06/2021 10:52

Thanks everyone!!

Always happy to hear last minute tips and questions up until then ;)

OP posts: