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Original poster

Civil Service - DWP Interview

85 replies

lmcintyre8676 · 03/09/2018 15:25

I may potentially have an interview coming up with the civil service within the DWP and i'm trying to come up with answers for the 2 other competencies that i might be asked on. These are 'making effective desicions' and 'collaborating and partnering'.

I've got a few situations in my mind that i could use from previous jobs but the dificulty is trying to fit these answers around their framework and how relevant my answers are.

For the making effective decisions one i have one along the lines of recognising that the way work was allocated across the team wasn't fair or equal leaving others with substantially more work than others, advising the team leader of this and taking suggestions on board from the rest of the team as to how this can be improved. Weighing up pros and cons of what was suggested and putting forward what i felt was the best solution to the team leader.

I'm struggling a bit with the collaborating and partnering, nearly every job i've had i've worked as part of a team sometimes small and sometimes larger also built good professional relationships with external clients/contractors etc

Any advice would be great!

OP posts:
ScabbyBabby · 16/09/2018 15:33

I just wish I could remember it all in the interview!

2BorNot2Bvocal · 16/09/2018 17:34

Should I read anything into the very specific instruction to arrive 20 minutes early? Is a test going to be sprung?
The recruitment guidance says they will tell you in advance if there is to be a test and the invitation said to an interview so I'm hoping no weird test on the day.

ScabbyBabby · 16/09/2018 19:01

The interviews I attended required forms to be filled in and copies of ID (passport, driving license and a recent utility bill) prior to the interview which was the reasoning behind the 20 minutes early instruction.

Also had to take a passport photo for one of them.

ScabbyBabby · 16/09/2018 19:06

Wishing you lots of luck 2bVocal, come back and let us know how it goes!

2BorNot2Bvocal · 16/09/2018 21:21

Thanks that makes sense. I was thrown because in two places it had said 15 mins before and then suddenly it was 20mins. I shall return to vaguely calm ! Until later this week...

ScabbyBabby · 17/09/2018 16:42

How did it go 2BVocal?

2BorNot2Bvocal · 17/09/2018 23:45

Sorry I was unclear - interview is later this week.

I've written up 3 examples for each of the 4 competencies. That must be enough examples do you think?

ScabbyBabby · 18/09/2018 09:41

No idea why I thought it was yesterday, sorry. Must've misread.

I would imagine that it is plenty enough. I only needed one during the interviews per competency (although the guidance did recommend a back-up). They asked a couple of probing questions- either because I hadn't covered the competency well enough or maybe to clarify if I hadn't explained well enough, I think.

You sound well prepared which can only be a good thing. Smile

2BorNot2Bvocal · 22/09/2018 16:05

It was an interesting experience...
It was only one question per competency. I think I probably didn't flesh out situations enough as knew had to sell the action and result which meant I didn't get across why this was a great and relevant answer Grin.
They were nice people though but told not to expect to hear anything for weeks.

wizzywig · 22/09/2018 16:07

Sorry im being nosy as i have a hmpps assessment day on Mon so am scanning for tips. Good luck op!! Im going with the view that if you dont try, you dont get

wizzywig · 22/09/2018 16:08

Sorry just read your last post.

2BorNot2Bvocal · 22/09/2018 16:16

Good luck!
They said could get out any notes if I wanted too.
What I found unusual was that they didn't ask for any career history or why I was interested in the role. I don't think it was because I was awful it seemed their interview structure is just very tight.

ScabbyBabby · 22/09/2018 16:40

2BVocal, sounds very similar to my second interview (except I wasn't allowed the notes after the interview had started). I asked them about the absence of more typical interview questions and they said with a smile, 'we know you want the job else you wouldn't be here'. They stick to an exact script in order to make the process fair for everyone.

It's so very difficult to have any indication of how well you've done though isn't it?

Will keep fingers crossed for all of us.

Good luck for Monday Wizzywig.

ScabbyBabby · 25/09/2018 14:06

How did it go Wizzywig?

I heard back from one of the interviews this morning and I have a provisional offer! I've accepted already and now just waiting for references and the DBS check to clear. I am so pleased.

Keeping fingers crossed for everyone.

2BorNot2Bvocal · 25/09/2018 19:29

Excellent result Scabby. Hope you have a treat Cake to reward yourself.

ScabbyBabby · 25/09/2018 19:35

Thank you 2BVocal Smile

Jajoanna · 29/09/2018 13:31

Hey folks,
I am attempting 5 competencies to apply for a job within MoD. Deadline is Monday. It's quite hard! What interests me is, the interview: did people have it based on all and the same competencies that they were required to apply with?

I have five to write and thinking what it will be like if I miraculously get through.
Thanks!

madvixen · 29/09/2018 13:42

JaJoanna in the interview they will ask you the same competencies again so make sure you have another example for each one. Use the STAR format and focus on what you did in the situation.

What level role is it for?

wizzywig · 29/09/2018 13:44

scabby i got a job offer!!! So pleased!! I thought i was on the job shelf after having a career break

Jajoanna · 29/09/2018 13:53

And what were the questions? Where they simply "tell us about leading and communication situation that you found yourself", which is effectively repeating what we wrote in application? Or do they ask for a different examples of competencies than the ones we included in the application? Or do they ask some hypothetical questions and other case scenarios with regards to our written competencies??
Sorry for all the questions, just trying to prepare myself as best I can!

Jajoanna · 29/09/2018 13:58

It is for band D which is Executive Officer
Oh dear, I found it very hard to collect those written examples, so will need to think hard if I get to the interview stage...

Jajoanna · 29/09/2018 14:00

wizzywig congrats! Nice to hear you've succeeded Smile

2BorNot2Bvocal · 29/09/2018 14:17

Wizzy well done!

Jajoanna The interview questions were one per competency area. So my interview was introductions, 4 questions, had I got any questions, thank you & goodbye. A bit disconcerting but I came away sure they were taking that approach with all candidates.

Jajoanna · 29/09/2018 14:49

2BorNot2Bvocal thanks for your info. Can you say what kind of questions they were? Were they basically asking to repeat situation in a given competency, or some extra questions on your examples or else?

Jajoanna · 29/09/2018 14:50

madvixen sorry, wasn't sure how to address my comment: It is for band D which is Executive Officer
Oh dear, I found it very hard to collect those written examples, so will need to think hard if I get to the interview stage...

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