Civil Service AO interview and competency based questions

[mrs2cats]

I realise that the interview will be competency based. I was just wondering if it's OK to bring up examples from my previous career even if that's over 10 years ago.

I've had a varied career - I've had admin type roles in the past but the last one was around 10 years ago and I'm currently in a non-admin type role.

I could draw on some voluntary experience but I just feel that, as my previous role was a more admin type role, I'd have stronger examples for some competencies. My previous roles were obviously on my application so I assume they counted for something but I wonder if the interviewers will think that I'm stuck in the past.

What did you use on the application? As a general guide I always say to use those. As they got you through the application sift.

I always tell my coachees that examples should be three years old at most, and if they're having to call on older things they probably need to look again and do some personal development.

Competency based isn't so much about whether you can do the job you've applied for as it is about demonstrating that you can evidence the competencies. Don't worry if your most recent employment isn't relevant to the job you've applied for - I recently interviewed a nightclub bouncer for an admin position in CS and they got the job.

And yes, they might think you're stuck in the past, I've commented on that when I've interviewed before. If you are working currently and have no big gaps in your employment history I'd expect up to date examples. The panel reads the job application prior to the interview and will pick up on things like that.

Thanks Isleepinahedgefund. DH was telling me that even if it's old, I'm still showing skills/competencies and they won't have disappeared. However, my gut feeling is that 10 years plus is too 'historic'. I'm currently working and I don't have significant employment gaps.

Ok, best get my thinking cap on!

Refer to the job description and look at the transferable skills you have in your current/most recent jobs. Also across your volunteering activities - out of work examples are good too.