Civil Service Reserve List - job offer help!!

[Womanontop]

I am on the reserve list for a Home Office job. It's been less than a month but I understand the role got pulled following my interview (due to policy changes with the new Government).

I've had an email and voicemail today, regarding a role in the same department, looking at the job spec it seems quite different and I'm not sure if I fancy it.

I have call booked in for next week but if I refuse this offer does that mean I am off the Reserve List or is it possible another offer could be made to me?

Thanks so much for any help!

It's a question you need to ask them, but I would hear what they have to say first, before making the decision to withdraw, as you may find the job description isn't exactly the same on paper as it is in RL. It sounds like your mind is made up but you have nothing to lose by finding out all the facts first.

are you able to say what the job you applied for is and the job they're offering?

My mind isn't made up, I wouldn't have the call with them if that was the case, however I started a new job three weeks ago so am thinking very carefully about jumping ship already.

I will ask if needs be, but don't want to appear not keen in case I do go for it.

The role was research/policy based and owning my own workload, whereas this appears more like a PA

If it's an Executive Assistant rather than PA then it is policy.
Although I have to say PA in the civil service gets you a lot of experience and they have a surprising amount of power.

Okay, that's interesting - thanks!

The title is neither but the spec says PA experience essential (which I don't really have!)

A PA can handle diaries (usually on outlook and multiple). Also they have tact and diplomacy skills. As well as ability to use Microsoft 365 products.
But PAs can be hard to recruit.
So as long as you have the skills - which you probably seems as though you have from your previous application.
But if it's a casual chat then do bring up all your concerns, and ask what the job really involves.

Usually you get offered one job off the reserve list, if you decline it they remove you. But check with them.

You can't usually offer people a job without matching it to the original job you applied for - usually it needs to be a 70% match. So if they're offering the job they will already have done that exercise.

PA roles in CS just now seem to be an ever more thankful and stressful task.

I agree, EAs are very well respected in CS and have a very varied and responsible role. Good experience to have on your CV.

What is the grade? HO has just had a nice pay boost. With CS you always end up doing something different (or nearly all the time in my experience) than what is on paper. It is also easier to move around the CS once in than to get in

Pretty sure you get removed if don’t accept, but not 100%. Its a foot in the door if you’re interested in joining the civil service. As PP said the Home Office have had a nice pay rise so not sure if advertised job was old salary as we haven't received it yet. I’d take it if you want a CS career

Thanks everyone, lots to think about and I’ll see how the call goes tomorrow!

There will be countless opportunities once you’re in the CS so don’t discount it as a starting point to a great career