SAHM into work -- civil service -- which level to go for?

[Pinkymalinky99]

Hi, please any advice welcomed from Civil Service people! I'm a former TV producer, have basically been a SAHM since Covid with a few odd jobs here and there. Is EO or HEO level where I should be pitching myself? I have run small teams of about ten people before, and budgets of about £300k but not for a while. My more recent work examples are lower-key school governor/lower-level TV jobs.
Any advice welcomed. I'd really like to get back into work and use my brain -- I've got a BA and an MA and feel like I'm ossifying while the kids are at school. Will I be able to find work without lots of decent recent examples? I find the STAR questions really hard. Thank you.

I would aim for SEO, especially if you’re applying for jobs in digital.

@Pinkymalinky99 I’m going to disagree with @YaffleYaffle, particularly if you are looking at regional rather than London jobs.

Apply for both EO and HEO roles, even for the same dept. The CS recruits 000s and are very pragmatic about people applying for numerous roles. The key thing is to tailor each application to the job, we know if applicants are just applying for anything or are applying for jobs they want.

Once you are in the Civil Service progression can be rapid, if you start as an EO you will quickly judge if you are able to apply for the next level or even jump a level. You will have access to all CS jobs and will have internal support with applications, plus a better understanding of the culture. Probation can be a barrier I.e. some depts want you have completed it before applying for internal jobs. Externally advertised jobs - should not be a barrier.

The key with STAR is to be specific, what you did, what the outcome was etc. Then ruthlessly edit to get down to the word count. You can use examples from work but also being a governor etc.

Thank you both that’s really helpful. It would be London jobs.

London makes a big difference as there are so many opportunities at all levels. My advice still follows as you really can progress quickly in London.

Look at Civil Service Behaviours and Competences to get an idea of the levels and use CS Jobs to search for current vacancies and get an idea of the requirements. They can at first glance be intimidating but break it down.

Good luck

I have had a email to say the Fast Stream opens up on Thursday.

Not sure the Fast Stream is for me though? I have commitments (mortgage and two kids in primary school) so can’t move around the country or work ridiculous hours which I’ve read is expected of you.