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Feeling crap after not getting to interview with civil service (but being close)

13 replies

camelliaflower · 27/10/2021 20:31

Hi,

I tend to be my own worst critic. Not happy in my current role and am watching to apply to new jobs. No degree. I applied for a civil service post and was very little off getting an interview. I passed all tests close to where the threshold score was for interviews. Does anyone have any tips for getting over the rejection and moving on, I feel like I've let myself down when in reality I did well.

OP posts:
camelliaflower · 27/10/2021 20:32

I'm having some problems with MH at the minute as well which is probably part of the reason I'm so down on myself

OP posts:
Lucycantdance · 27/10/2021 20:35

I have worked in two CS roles and interviewed candidates in my last one. They are really tough jobs to get with a LOT of applicants so the fact you were close is fantastic. Keep at it - make sure you know the competencies inside out and how to structure your answer (STAR for example). Look at the other requirements for the job and make sure you answer thoroughly. Prep your scenarios for the interview and Google possible questions depending on the level/competency. The reason a lot of people fall down is they just don’t understand the process. Keep at it - you’ll get there. Sounds like you’re very close.

Hawse · 27/10/2021 20:37

Civil Servant here - I wouldn't beat yourself up too badly. The CS recruitment is incredibly 1) difficult, and 2) a crapshoot. I'd look favourably on the fact you did well on the tests, and try again soon to other similar roles or departments. I've told some of my team that they should look to apply to at least 5-7 roles to get at least 1 interview. If I were you, I wouldn't look at this as rejection but as a learning experience on what you can do to do better on the tests and competency statements for your next application. I really do rate the CS and if you can put in a few more applications, I am sure you will be well on your way!

MrsColon · 27/10/2021 20:38

Hi @camelliaflower I'm a G6 civil servant, I can look over your personal statement if that would help? PM me.

of solidarity on the MH, I know it's different for all of us but I suffer too. Flowers

emsyj37 · 27/10/2021 20:39

Success with civil service applications is quite process driven and formulaic - you need to make sure your application ticks off all the elements required of each behaviour they are looking for. Did you get feedback? I assume so if you knew you did well. Really take on board what they've said and keep going.

camelliaflower · 27/10/2021 20:48

Hi Mrscolon, I didn't have to provide a personal statement for my application to an AO admin post, but I really appreciate that. I completed the initial maths, English and situational judgement tests for NI.

Sorry to hear about your mental health, it's not easy Thanks

OP posts:
camelliaflower · 27/10/2021 20:50

Thank you, I know I should be looking favourably on doing well with what I'd imagine was thousands of applications, but it is a let down. Will just have to keep looking and apply again next time

OP posts:
ssd · 27/10/2021 20:52

You sound like you will get there soon Flowers

mumwon · 27/10/2021 21:24

I always reckon if you don't get a job or a house (or even a boyfriend!) its because there is another opportunity out there waiting for you - unexpected, different maybe - but this time is as pp have said its a learning curve
Don't feel bad op, very few, if any of us, have not been through this.

Gilmoregale · 27/10/2021 21:52

There are always so many applicants for CS roles, especially at the AO/EO level (or whatever they're called now), so you did really well to get as far as you did.

There's some really good advice about using the STAR technique and using this as a learning experience. A friend of mine 20 years ago had the theory that of every 3-4 jobs you applied for, if you were lucky, you'd get 1 interview, and of every 3-4 interviews, if you were lucky, you might get a job offer.

I also worked in a quango for a bit in my 20s with a lot of TUPEd civil servants, some of whom had worked in recruitment, and one year the sift for a 1 fixed-term 12 month AO role initially left them with 800 candidates, so really, you're doing well just to get to interview.

I was a specialist civil servant for 4 years before I moved into a similar job in the NHS, and I wouldn't pass the CS interviews now, in fact I'm not even sure I'd pass the sift, having seen what they ask on some of the application forms! I only got into the civil service because I had that specialist background and none of the other 4 candidates wanted the job though I didn't find that out until much later, luckily for the department!!

Also, friends who are still in the civil service (some of whom joined from school) will say that some departments are less difficult to get into than others as they don't get quite as many applicants, but that varies round the country.

Good luck, you'll get there.

Pandaly · 27/10/2021 21:54

Keep applying for jobs, now is a good time as it gets quieter in terms of applicants before Christmas.

ShoesAndFrocks · 26/11/2021 16:36

I can empathise with your disappointment OP.

I had a interview a few weeks ago for similar role within CS. Interview appeared to go really well and initial feedback was positive but they advised me yesterday I wasn’t successful and didn’t even make the reserve list.

It does make you feel rubbish and wonder where you went wrong.

Keep applying Flowers

AsleepOnTheTrain · 26/11/2021 16:37

@MrsColon

Hi *@camelliaflower* I'm a G6 civil servant, I can look over your personal statement if that would help? PM me.

of solidarity on the MH, I know it's different for all of us but I suffer too. Flowers

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