To ask for your help in securing a civil service role

[pain1nthearse]

Hi there - I have seen quite a few threads over the years on AIBU about civil service applications and interviews (which have been helpful as I look for work in the CS) so I'm hoping some of you who are familiar with the CS recruitment process can help me progress further than I have done so far!

I have had a good career to date in advertising and marketing but want a new challenge and after some research and digging around really want to pursue a career in policy (policy design or implementing - don't really mind which at this stage). Have loads of transferable skills and framework behaviour examples for policy roles in the CS. I've applied for about 10 roles over the past 8/9 months at either SEO or HEO level (more HEO) and whilst I have over 20 years work experience myself I'm happy to go in at a lower level to learn on the job etc. I am really familiar with how to apply (the success frameworks, behaviours, strengths and being really specific with STARR responses on applications and interviews. Have watched Jaq Williams on You Tube etc etc...)

So far though I've only secured 2 interviews - one I ended up on the reserve list (2nd on the list) and the other I am STILL waiting to hear back from despite it being 8 weeks ago (yes I've chased but was told they are waiting to be given the go ahead to release all the scores and feedback) but am assuming that's a no go after waiting so long. I've scored both 4 and 5 on the two applications whereby I got an interview and the other rejections were also 4s so I'm clearly close to getting interviews but just missing out most of the time.

Please, please would someone who is in the CS and has experience of the recruitment process read a couple of my applications to tell me where I am going wrong? After another rejection yesterday (MoJ this time so no feedback score given at all) I am feeling really despondant and struggling to take more rejection. Or just any other advice / thoughts on how to improve my applications much appreciated (or even stories on how you got offered a role after a 2 month wait from interview?!)

Thanks

Anyone??

Sorry I can't help but I am very interested in any answers so bumping and following

Don’t be disheartened by a long wait. I’ve recruited lots in CS and it can take ages for a myriad of reasons before giving responses (often to the annoyance of the recruiting manager) and all responses go at the same time.

in terms of other advice, I’m slightly wary of ones that read too perfect as I worry it can be reflective of textbook learning rather than genuine experience. The STAR format is fantastic as it’s clear and makes it easier to score but make sure it comes across as genuine as well if that makes sense

Thanks for replying, much appreciated. Do you think the STAR format should be followed in personal statements too? I didn’t in the latest application because I used it when responding to specific behaviour questions (as in I had to write 4 x 250 word behaviour examples) and then a 500 word personal statement. Maybe that’s where I went wrong this time?

IME policy roles are very competitive and most external appointments are of people who have related experience in the policy area. Maybe try applying for comms roles?

Thanks, yes I can believe that. I’d rather move away from comms but I guess if it means I get a foot in the door then I should consider it.

This is good advice. Policy is competitive. Much easier for you to get in on comms related to a policy project. Once you’re in you’ll be able to move around after a while.

Just be aware that if you go in as a comms person it is hard to tranfer into policy roles. The pigeon holing is almost baked in. However, there are loads of different types of comms jobs. Strat comms, marketing, internal, stakeholder relations and external affair, press/media, visits, digi...I wouldn't just rule them all out.

I was headhunted recently for a high profile comms automation role so I’d maybe do some research in this space first.

Sorry would you mind explaining what you mean by comms automation please?? Thanks

What is comms automation? Thanks

Hi OP, I work in the CS and very happy to help you in any way I can. Please do PM me and I’ll do my best to help. Also, in response to your question about whether to use the STAR format on a personal statement, I wouldn’t use it in that instance (but only use it for behaviour answers). On a side-note, I’m pretty sure I started some of those ‘how to get into CS’ threads you’re mentioning, when I was first applying a while ago 😂 good luck with it all!

Thanks so much. I’ll PM you tomo if that’s ok?? I really need a bit of advice from someone on the inside!! Those threads have been so helpful too btw 🙏☺️

I’ve had a few CS interviews and not been successful. I find the process really disheartening to be honest. I’ve been partner level in corporate sector and senior public sector for two decades. Have a lot of expertise but can’t seem to succeed in the interview process even though I’ve scored 7 on two out of four behaviours in interviews.

It’s not even like CS pay is tremendous and I already have a great employer pension scheme. I wanted to join to make a difference in my area of expertise/I’d like a change of sector.

I’ve now given up on trying for CS (policy job as well with a MAP, MPA and related PhD).

Not what you asked OP, but I haven’t managed it.

Sorry to hear that, I think they must miss out on great candidates all the time!

I also think that the interview process is so formulaic that the CS would have no idea who I was as a person at the end of it. They’d know how I respond to certain scenarios, but not very much about me as a person.

The roles I’ve interviewed for have been fairly senior, not far off being on a par with my current role. A slight drop in salary.

The teams link for the last information session I registered for was not bcc’d to all participants. There were more than 40 internal applicants registered. That was when I decided not to bother and parked the whole idea.