Anyone in civil service recruitment? SEO - L6

[newjob1234]

I wonder if anyone can help?

I joined the civil service around 12 months ago after my firm consolidated their offices and I was unable to relocate. At the time jobs were very scarce in my sector(as they were in most), and I found a job within the civil service at an SEO level. I took a pay cut but at the time I was very thankful to have found a stable full time position.

Fast forward to today, I have seen an internal only role on the CS job site which is a Level 6, I was wondering if it's possible to move straight from SEO to level 6? I've read lots of things regarding level 7 , training etc .

This Level 6 job is very much in my capabilities, and similar to my last role.

Is it worth applying or will I be immediately discarded?

Yes in theory anyone can apply for anything if you meet the criteria. But I kinda feel like if you need to come into MN to ask this sort of question then you probably aren’t ready for Grade 6. It involves much higher level critical reasoning and independent decision making than that.

Thank you for your reply, and perspective.

I've come to ask anonymously as it's not something I would discuss with anyone in my team. There's no clear progression in my team and I'm quite new to the CS.

Double jumping is common-ish at some grades. SEO to Grade 6 is not one of those. Particularly with only 12 months at SEO. I wouldn't advise it.

You've got nothing to lose by applying, other than the time it takes to write a decent personal statement.

Be aware that they'll be looking for strong leadership examples, especially those across boundaries (team/department/x-gov). At G6 the aim is to lead rather than do, so you'll need to demonstrate how you deliver through others.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by applying. If nothing else, the experience will be useful. Good luck

Thanks @Dinosauraddict

I had spent 4 years at a higher level than the work I'm doing now, it would be reflected in my CV and statement.

It would depend on which department and profession you are in too as to exactly how it would be viewed.

Thanks for your replies.

I led a team before and have managed cross sector teams as part of my last job. I took this job at a very uncertain time, I quite enjoyed having less responsibility initially but realistically I would like to get back to where I was before.

I’d go for it- you have the experience and sounds like you’ve pretty much held the rank before (just elsewhere). You have nothing to lose - good luck!

Thanks all, it's really appreciated .

Finally can your head of team find out if you apply? Are they notified?

Surprised at the replies suggesting it might not be look upon favourably to apply. Surely if the op is a good fit for the role they will be lucky to have her. Can't see why you wouldn't apply, is this an unwritten rule civil service thing?

But I kinda feel like if you need to come into MN to ask this sort of question then you probably aren’t ready for Grade 6. It involves much higher level critical reasoning and independent decision making than that.

I don't know anyone who has done SEO to G6, but that said it obviously depends on your previous experience, I know plenty of people who've gone straight in at G6 from outside of the CS, no harm in trying?

G6 means different things to different departments, in one (small) body I was in they were directors, in others theyre another layer of senior management doing the same G7s do in other areas.

@newjob1234

Thanks all, it's really appreciated .

Finally can your head of team find out if you apply? Are they notified?

You should tell them!

Civil service isn’t like private sector. This is something you should discuss with your manager.

Agree with @blackcatclub, it would be bad form not to tell your line manager where I work. They really should support you with your development.

Have you looked at the grade 6 behaviours as a starting point?

As others have said you've got nothing to lose by applying.

Finally can your head of team find out if you apply? Are they notified?

No they aren't, and I decided not to discuss with my manager when going for G7 to a different department until I landed the role, for several reasons, it was fine he was very supportive. People often say in the CS you should discuss with your manager but it isn't quite as black and white as that.

If you are applying through civil service jobs site your manger is sometimes alerted via email that you've applied. That may have changed though so I'd double check.

If you are applying through civil service jobs site your manger is sometimes alerted via email that you've applied. That may have changed though so I'd double check.

Not anymore, you have to submit your manager's email when signing up to the site but assuming you put your own CS one in they won't be contacted.

Go for it, yes SEO to G6 is not common but given your background it is feasible. The worst that can happen is you are not successful, they give you feedback and you still have your current role. The best is you get the job.

Are you aiming for Policy G6 roles? They have a lot of skills you can't find elsewhere althought not impossible. You don't want to do that on the job. PM for a chat, if helpful as I went HEO TO G6 in 3 years.