To wonder why the DVSA bothers advertising this job publicly?

[Hingeandbracket]

Product manager job at DVSA

www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1675015

It says -

When preparing your Personal Statement and CV, please ensure to evidence your experience of the following:

• Your understanding and technical knowledge of the products and the capabilities required for the Theory Test Service, including the policies and processes related to the Service.

How is anyone outside the DVSA supposed to be able to do that?

Surely there is no way any external applicant could stand a chance?

They're asking for theoretical knowledge not experience so that can be researched. Policies will be available on their website etc.

Legally they have to make it open to external candidates. While they can make it difficult for them to succeed, they can make it impossible.

It's one tiny tiny part of a quite well written job description. It wouldn't put me off applying.

Your understanding and technical knowledge of the products and the capabilities required for the Theory Test Service

So that's quite straightforward

including the policies and processes related to the Service

I'd probably just do a bit of research if I was interested?

Do you want the job?

People move Departments and Agencies across the Civil Service so some applicants may have direct knowledge from previous work there but if you want to apply, Thingsgetbetter seems along the right track. Do your research and apply it in the form and interview.

"Do you have experience that allows you to demonstrate excellent drafting skills and an understanding of the principles of Plain English and how to apply them?

Are you passionate about being involved in both the initial design and future implementation of services that truly improve the end user’s experience? " would seem to bring in many external candidates.

Good luck.

"Do you have experience that allows you to demonstrate excellent drafting skills and an understanding of the principles of Plain English and how to apply them?

Something the person who wrote the job spec signally lacks, viz please ensure to evidence your experience. Ouch.

Thanks all - I realise I was being a bit dense - thanks for the tips, I do plan to give this a go.

Good luck, OP. Consider posting if you need advice that is not available IRL.

Ellmau, very perceptive.

There's a piece of research that's always stuck in my mind. I can't remember the exact figures but it showed that men will apply for a job when they can do about 60% of what's described in the job description, but women don't apply until they're pretty much at 100%.

Since then I've consciously lowered my bar and applied when I can do 60%ish. I've had four interviews since then and was offered the job on each occasion.

So.. go for it, Hinge. Good luck!