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Offered a job with the CPS but scared to take it

31 replies

PicklePalace · 17/03/2026 08:54

I stupidly applied for a job as a casework assistant with the CPS and amazingly got it. This is a (just above!) minimum wage job and level entry so I doubt they’ll be expecting Barrister brain of Britain, but I’m already talking myself out of it!

I’m in my 50s and I’ve struggled with work all my life. Probably because I have ADHD and holding down a job is how it manifests itself although you’d never know - I present as highly organised and articulate

So I already feel like I’ve ’cheated’ my way into the job and just gave a really good interview … I mean, that was a piece of piss, they encouraged you to have notes and fed you the questions in advance!

I’m most concerned about the computer system - god, will I be expected to know spreadsheets?! Just looking at one scrambles my brain - wouldn’t have a clue what to do with them.

You don’t have to have qualifications for this job but still, I’m panicking and on the verge of turning it down tbh. I already work for the civil service but in a part time role which is field based and I manage that fine - although no idea how

it’s not imposter syndrome btw .. I’m not actually brilliant but just filled with self doubt. I am filled with self doubt because I am far from brilliant!

Not even sure what I’m asking? Does anyone work for the CPS? It’s a job collating information and preparing court bundles … what does that even mean? I can hardly email the hiring team and ask ‘ Hello! Can you tell me if I’ll need to look at a spreadsheet? Thanks!’ can I?

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PicklePalace · 21/03/2026 20:38

@decorationday. A ha ha ha. Brilliant

the world’s shittest unboxing

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PicklePalace · 23/03/2026 18:37

Amazingly they have agreed to my suggestion of 21 hours a week instead of 37.5 which I wasn’t expecting so now I really have a decision to make! Eek

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decorationday · 23/03/2026 19:27

That's exciting.

Worst case scenario if it's not for you, you move on to another civil service role?

Puppylucky · 25/03/2026 08:18

MummySleepDeprived · 21/03/2026 13:04

We have to advertise full, part, flexible and job share but the roles are critical and I'd only really be able to accept someone at 80%. If someone wants 60% (which is a common ask) who do you think will do the other 40%? In a group of similar people (eg a contact centre) it's not too hard but in a niche technical role it is impossible to find the other person. We aren't London with a large pool of people either.

Edited

I don't think the admin role I was referring to qualifies as a niche technical position! I don't understand why roles are advertised with work patterns that can't be accommodated - it's just a waste of everyone's time.

Puppylucky · 25/03/2026 08:50

PicklePalace · 23/03/2026 18:37

Amazingly they have agreed to my suggestion of 21 hours a week instead of 37.5 which I wasn’t expecting so now I really have a decision to make! Eek

Well done @PicklePalace ! That's actually fewer hours than I was requesting so you have done well. I would grab it with both hands - it really did seem like an interesting and worthwhile role with lots of opportunities for progression.

PicklePalace · 25/03/2026 09:18

@Puppylucky I was quite surprised they agreed to it tbh. I’m still undecided at this moment though

And I agree with you. If a role is advertised as both full time and part time then all day long this is what should happen

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