Merit List - Civil Service

[ButterfliesnWaterfalls]

Hi,

I’ve recently been placed on a Merit List for a civil service role.

How likely is it that they would require me - in the next 12 months?

I’ve asked their HR and they said they don’t know.

I really want the job, but don’t know if I should spend time doing more applications/interviews. It’s so stressful and time consuming 😪

Anyone have any idea?

Thank you.

They don’t know. There’s a recruitment freeze at the moment so I would carry on with other applications and see what happens.

Impossible to say as has been said, but the chances are higher if it's a role with numerous vacancies, a broad job spec with high numbers, perhaps at a lower grade (things like case workers, call centre etc). If it's a singular role with not a lot of the same or tangential roles chances are much less likely, but not impossible if the successful incumbent pulls out.

But just to say I have made a few reserve lists and not been offered the role, I pat myself on the back for making the grade, but carry on job hunting regardless assuming I will not be given the role.

You should continue applying regardless. I got my current job from a reserve list, and my team have just taken 4 people on from a reserve list - they do get used, but don't offer any guarantees.

Thank you. I guess I will apply for other positions.

Just seems like such a drag. Lots of applications, a handful of interviews and not progressing anywhere.

Impossible to answer without knowing the profession, department etc.

@ButterfliesnWaterfalls it can be notoriously challenging trying to get into the CS, have a look at r/TheCivilService on Reddit. If you're struggling, it can be easier getting in by an ALB.

Thank you. I’m already in the Service but a Band 3. I had applied for a Band 5 and was put on the merit list.

Financially it would put me in such a better position if I could secure a Band 5 role.

What’s an ALB?

Don’t want it to be outing. But I currently work for Probation. The Merit List role is a different department within Probation but better pay and a smaller team.

It is a singular role. They went for someone within their team.

My department - we end up recruiting people on the Merit List as vetting takes a while and people tend to go for other jobs.

I don’t mind waiting, if I know for sure. But I guess I won’t ever know for SURE.