AIBU to ask for tips on the Civil Service Fast Stream application process?

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

I currently work in the Civil Service. A few days ago, I applied for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream.

I completed the online tests (the first stage of the application process) this evening, and found out a couple of hours afterwards that I wasn’t successful.

This is my fourth time applying

Last year, I reached the furthest stage I have so far (the e-tray exercise), and found it really, really challenging.

AIBU to think that it’s really difficult to get past the first couple of stages in the application process?

Does anyone have any tips or advice on how I could improve if I apply again next year?

Thanks! :)

Bump :)

It is an extremely tough process!

I was successful on the Fast Stream so I shall see what I can think of, although unsure how much help I'll be.

Out of interest, are you able to say what you're currently doing in the Civil Service or what area you're in/applying for? What is it about the Fast Stream that you're interested in?

I think they have changed the process since I first did it in 2016, can you remind me what the first online tests are? (Sorry for all the questions!)

E-tray exercises are horrible, and in my opinion nothing at all like actual work like they say it is! Have you done any practice ones online? I think a lot of it is about understanding the structure in the e-tray assessment rather than anything, so practice doing it is really useful.

Apologies this isn't very helpful, but I shall see if I can have a look at any of my old application info tomorrow and come back to this if no one else has!

Thanks very much for your post, @Livness12 - sorry about the late reply!

Yes, sure - I’m really sorry but I’ll have to be quite vague here, if that’s okay, as I don’t want to put myself.

I’m in an EO role in the Civil Service in one of the bigger departments, and I deal with correspondence and parliamentary questions.

The reason why I’m interested in the Fast Stream is because of the varied opportunities that it offers as well as the career progression, particularly for areas such as diplomacy, which are extremely competitive.

I’m really interested in working in policy and in a private office role over the next few years, but I’d be very happy to stay in my department for that.

I’m also really interested in a career in diplomacy, which is one of the main reasons why I applied for the Fast Stream.

I’ve seen a few of my colleagues move between different Civil Service departments, so I’m excited that it could be an option in future for me to move between different departments.

However, roles in the Foreign Office (and more specifically within diplomacy) seem to be incredibly competitive, and I’m not sure if there’s another way of getting into those roles apart from through working on the Fast Stream.

The first online tests (which are both taken in the same round) are the situational judgement questionnaire and the behavioural questionnaire.

Last year, I passed the situational judgement questionnaire and behavioural questionnaire for the first time, and took the e-tray.

I couldn’t find many practice e-tray exercises though, which was definitely a problem, as I wasn’t able to prepare for the e-tray apart from reading the official Fast Stream guidance online and taking their own practice question before the real thing.

Does anyone know of any good e-tray exercises that could be used as practice tests?

Bumping :)

Hi, might I suggest you look on Studentroom, where there is a very detailed thread every year. They provide tips and support, with many successful candidates coming back to provide insight. DS was successful last year and is (finally) about to start.

www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4791064&page=394

Last year’s thread

Thanks, @Jerm123 :)

I am an ex-FSer - have now graduated off the scheme, but happy for you to private message me to discuss.

I recommend finding a current Fast Streamer from your dept to mentor you through it. If they're a recent entrant they'll be able to give you insight into how they approached the various assessments, and a selling point could be that it will give them experience of developing others - win win! If you know anyone else who's applying next year you could form a little group and share knowledge and tips. Good luck!

I am a grade 7 in CS, I submitted an application this year (using a false name and details) just so I could see how I would do. I failed.... it is very very difficult. There are over 25,000 applications submitted per year for 700 jobs. Depending on where you are based you can work up the ladder (I started as an AA 12 years ago. I have a friend who started as AA 5 years ago and is now in line for a DD role, to be fair she was from a management position when she joined but is the fasted riser I know. I’ve taken my time as I worked part time for a number of years when the children were young. If it’s what you want, get a mentor, good luck and try again for next year.

Apologies figures quoted are for fast track, rather than fast stream, but I imagine are just as competitive.