Civil Service - SEO interview

[QueueEtwo]

So I'm a current civil servant HEO.

A new SEO version of my role has been created I'm currently temporary promoted into it.

I have an interview for the permanent role early in the new year.

I can do the job & do it well but obviously I need to be the best at the interview to get the job.

Can anyone help me with any resources that can help with behaviours interviews?

I obviously know about STAR & the behaviours but feedback from a previous SEO interview said my examples 'lacked Depth' 🤷‍♀️

So I'm looking for tips on how to add some!

@aliatalia2 they appoint the best person, why would the not do that?

I am sorry @QueueEtwo but you seem to have a plan for what you want to do next.

The best person is surely the one who is already doing the job. They don't need any training

Nope the best person has the skills and experience e.g. would you pick a Band 5 nurse with one years experience as a temporary Band 6 or an existing Band 6 with 5 years experience?

I've seen an opening come up on my team and my colleague was the best person to do the job, as our job required months of training. However, the recruitment panel didn't like what he said in the interview, so a person who didn't know anything about the role got it over someone experienced and doing the role.. Mind you, nursing and Civil Service are very different, as a lot of Civil Service jobs require mostly answering emails and admin stuff

@aliatalia2 In the CS they use fair and open competition rules which sadly means if you perform poorly of if someone performs well at interview it makes a difference. Sometimes they are looking for more than doing the technical aspects things like strategic thinking, leadership, management etc. can be a requirement of a role.

Sadly, they are looking for interview technique more than ability to perform the role, which is why the smooth talking posh private school oxbridge types excel...

In the private sector, I've had to do writing tests before getting a job offer, but not in Civil Service... In fact, a friend of mine without my experience just reproduced my answers to the job interview and got the job, although she didn't have experience in the stuff I talked about..This shows how flawed the recruitment is

Absolutely I agree with you Alia

I tried for an SEO post recently didn't get it & the feedback was that I was too honest! 😲

I have seen this week an EO colleague get a first reserve for a HEO Role, honestly she doesn't display the behaviours for the EO grade never mind HEO but obviously she managed to perform well at the interview! 🤷‍♀️

I am totally disillusioned with it all!

Plus don't get me started on all the stuff they want for an application.

The SEO post was a Business finance partner they wanted:

CV

Previous skills & experience 250 words

Financial experience 250 words

Personal Statement 250 words

4 Behaviours at 250 words each!

They have honestly made an industry out of it!

Well I’m back 2 years later! Never went part-time covered 6 months sick leave for the person who got my job! Temporary Promoted again & interview looming!

it’s been good to read all your advice again! Keep everything crossed for me this time!

Good luck!

How did you do in the end? Found this post while doing research after having also not go the promoted version of my own job that I’d been acting up to, so heavily assessing next steps

I got it! 🎉 Such a relief!

i’m sorry you didn’t get your job! It really affected my confidence & I struggled in other interviews! I got offered 1 level transfer job but turned it down as they wanted me in 5 days per week!

Good Luck whatever you decide to do!