Civil Service Interview

[Helpmefindmysoul]

Hi,

i have an upcoming face to face interview with the DWP for an EO role.

Can anyone please give some hints and tips?

Really want to do well.

I know it’s STAR based questions and then behavioural questions.

Thank you so much!

Is it online?

I prepared answers to possible questions using the star techniques and pinned them in a noticeboard as pointers behind my laptop incase i got stuck.

Do you know what behaviours are being assessed?
Look at the "success profiles" page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles/success-profiles-civil-service-behaviours#executive-officer-eo-grade-or-equivalent
if you haven't already.
You can practically see questions leap out from some of the bullet points ;)
Good luck!

Does it also list strengths? If there are strengths questions they are short, sometimes sound closed and you have 2 minutes to answer with no prompts or follow ups and you will be cut off at 2 minutes. It throws a lot of people because they sound too simple or vague, still think about which behaviours they link to (see the success profiles) and still use star when answering and use the time to fully expand and evidence your answer. The amount of times I've interviewed, asked the Q got a 6 word response then someone has just sat there for the next minute and 45 seconds. It is odd but it is what it is we don't choose the process!

Just remember the answer is 125%. You’ll get the job!

I've just done 5 loads of interviews for the civil service so have interviewed over 50 people this last month. All for EO roles.

Best advice is be prepared, print off the answers you sent in your application form, you can use these for the behaviours. The questions will be on your behaviours.

It should tell which ones in the advert.

Don't take more than 10 or so mins to each question. When they stop writing STOP TALKING.

Be prepared to be asked why you want the job or what attracted you to it.

Don't for the love of god say "Because I'm unemployed and need a job" had 2 people say that!

Understand what the department does and google to see if there is any further info on it. Any news, new initiatives? .

We know you're nervous, we want you to do your best in the interview.

Have a glass of water beside you and take sips of water to calm yourself or give yourself time to think.

If you don't understand the question ask them to repeat it ( it will be one of the nah hours).

Dress smart. If you can put a background on so we can't see your messy bedroom :)

But this can make it difficult to see your ID. Talking of which have your ID close at hand. Had a couple have to leave to get their driving licenses.

Write out bullet points of things you want them to know about you. Or you feel are important to say.

Ask a couple of questions at the end. What is a typical day like? Why do you enjoy your job? What do you think is the biggest challenge with this roll at the moment.

And SMILE! Keep smiling. They're lucky to get you. It's a two way street, do you think you could work for these people?

If you don't get through ask for feedback.

Feel free to ask me any questions :)

Ah Just seen its face to face but answers still apply. Except the background!!

No it’s a face to face interview. I’m going to review the job advert again and prepare answers but I always seem to mess up during the actual interview.

Thank you! ☺️

I can’t remember the behaviours being assessed but will check today and cross reference with the success profile.

I think it might be both.

Usually I do try to fill in all the time for each question but I think that can also throw me off and not be concise.

I will need to work on that..

I hope so! 🤞

Thank you sooo much @C95 for this detailed response. I really appreciate it 😊

Everything you’ve advised it really useful and I will prepare around it..

Hello @C95
Hope you are well. I had the interview. Was 3 behaviour based and 3 strength based and my 45 min interview was 25 mins. Pretty much no follow up questions. I did have examples for each of the skills being assessed.
They said I will hear back at the end of September. They were interviewing approx 280 individuals for 50 positions across 3 sites.
Lets see what happens.

Well done for getting through it. 25 minutes is a good finish time.

Don't be disheartened about the wait, it could be AGES before you hear. Did they mention a reserve list?

Again if you don't get through the initial interview but did well, you may be put on a reserve list for 12 months. I've had to use 2 on my reserve list recently.

So it's not over until the fat ladies sings.

I'm surprised no follow up question. You must have done really well answering your questions.

Did you ask any questions?

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!

Thank you @C95
I was worried that the time was so little.

No mention of a reserve list but I know there is usually one for CS roles.

Not sure, the lack of follow up is making me concerned but we shall see. It’s just so hard when there are so many applicants for not that many positions. It’s a very competitive market so I guess even getting through the sift and getting in interview practice is an experience.

Yes I asked 2 questions, what they found the most interesting about the role and what they felt were the biggest challenges.

Thank you so much for all your help ☺️

@Helpmefindmysoul have you heard back yet? Xx

Do people on the reserve list normally get offered a job? My niece is on the reserve list.

It depends but yes they do take people from the reserve list.

Yes, I didn’t get it.
I asked for all the feedback including the notes taken at the interview. It stated that I didn’t give an opportunity to ask follow up questions as my responses were “closed” off. I don’t think it was wholly accurate but it is what it is. They also stated that I just spoke about processes rather than action which again I’m not convinced but maybe I came across that way.
I found the lead interviewer quite disengaged but it’s all fair in terms of the process.

I assume this was not the role I’m meant to have therefore this is the outcome.

I am feeling quite disheartened as I really am passionate about being in the civil service. It’s been my passion since graduating and have a lot of experience in the private sector that would be transferable but I have to trust the process.

The role that’s meant for me will come 😊

@Helpmefindmysoul sorry to hear that.

I feel your frustration for the disconnected interviewer. I recently had one who seemed to hate me! She spoke to me in clipped tones and then did not seem interested in what I had to say. Luckily she wasn't the lead interviewer.

She asked the first question 'Tell me about a time you gave great customer service ' , I gave my prepared answer and thought I'd nailed it. She then asked 'what would you do differently next time?". Ermmm, nothing, that is why I used it as an example! I then got in my head and second guessed everything I said after that. Surprisingly I scored a 6 for that question and 4s for the rest of them. It's horrible that one person can make or break the opportunity for you.

Best of luck for future applications. X

Could you get into the civil service via an agency?

Aww I’m glad you still scored highly, and got the role.
Congratulations .. hope it all goes well and you enjoy your new role!

Will be sending you positive vibes as you start a new adventure in your career 🥰

I’m trying that at the moment but they seem to be temp posts. I am at a stage where I really do need a permanent role.
My children are both in school and I’m ready to give some real focus on my career.

Will keep trying 😊

@Helpmefindmysoul I didn't get the role. I was placed on the reserve list. I have heard of others being picked off the list, frustratingly one guy who got another job I went for, but I am still waiting.

I have one interview next week with DVSA and also have an application in at the DVLA. Will keep trying! X

Oh sorry I misunderstood!

I have heard that people get a position from reserve list. The role I got in 2023 is still taking people from the reserve list but many of the originals have left (such as myself).

Good luck for your upcoming applications 😊. I have one submitted but that’s it. Nothing else within my area..

What grade are you applying for?

AO and EO. My long term goal is to get on to the tax specialist program but I don't have my degree yet so cannot apply. I'm in my second year as a mature student but am aware that you don't need a degree if already with CS.

What about you?