Civil service interview - Border Force? good idea?

[Startingagainandagain]

I seem to have passed the initial 3 online tests for a Civil service post (Border Force/Home Office). The next stage will be an interview.

Is there anyone who works for them and/or has some advice about the jobs in that department and the interview process?

I live in a coastal town where flexible, local jobs are very limited and this would be an opportunity to massively cut down on my commute (I currently have to commute 2 hour each way when I am required in the office) as the jobs are based about 20 minutes from where I live and they stated part-time would be considered.

My friend works for BF, at an airport. The role varies massively depending on where you are based and how busy that location is, ie BF in Manston require you to be very flexible with shifts etc, small port less so. For the interview, go through the civil service behaviours and prepare examples to cover these off. You can refer to notes during the interview.

I know a few people in the Home Office in the Border Control unit - they're are more policy orientated. They're very busy at the moment because of the focus on organised immigration crime/small boats but they all seem to enjoy their work.

Getting into a civil service role is a good idea for the pension alone.

Thank you for the feedback so far.

The nearest location would be Dover...so I assume that is very likely to be very busy.

The next stage is a video interview with pre-recorded interview questions. I have never done one of these so it should be interesting.

Check through the competencies / skills listed on the advert and just have to mind examples of your skills or experience.

I'd imagine there will be skills there like

• dealing with difficult people
• dealing with difficult circumstances
• making challenging / unpopular decisions
• communication

One would hope there would be a question on treating people with dignity and compassion - but I won't hold my breath!

My friend works for border force, she raids houses so pretty full on. Her shifts are flexible when office based for unpredictable when on a tasking as often it's early morning and can take many hours

I did a video interview and it is a bit strange! I would definitely make notes. You get the question then I think it was 30 seconds 'thought time' before you give your answer, I think you get 3 minutes then it cuts you off.

For the location, as a guidance, the higher the % shift allowance the more flexible they expect you to be.

Hi, did you manage to progress? I think I applied at the same time as you, and have just heard that I passed the video interview, but they are unable to offer me a role at the moment and they've put me on the reserve list for 12 months. Bit frustrating, as I feel like I'm a bit in limbo, but I'd love to get this role.