Struggling to pass sift for Environment Agency and NRW roles

[nw80]

As the title says really. I'd really like to work for the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales, but having no luck passing sift. My first few applications weren't great (with hindsight), but I was really hopeful for the most recent. They are blind assessed on competency questions. I think I'll try once more, then have to move on...

Not really sure why I'm posting, just feeling down about it...

Keep trying. I used to work there and can think of more than a few that stuck with it and got in.

Good luck OP.

Have you tried using ChatGPT to help draft some answers? Maybe that would give you something to work on, that you could tailor to your own situation? Do they look for a particular format, like STAR? If so, that is definitely something you can learn.

Make sure you find an example that hits all or most of the Behaviour description. Use 1 example in the STAR format. you can even label each one - as Situation Task etc.

Space out your example you’re restricted on words but not on space so lines between paragraphs, use bullet points. Make it easy for sifters to read.

If they have a lot of forms to sift they will appreciate that!
Good Luck!

Hello - I’m a long standing member of EA staff, I might be able to help. Yes - use STAR to structure your responses, and add a second R, Reflection - a s sort of “even better if” consideration. Talk about what you did - decision making, public facing, challenges overcome, influencing that type of stuff. Read the job role profile and competencies required and use those keywords and terminology back in your responses. Initial shifts are often scanned before being passed on to human recruiting managers!

Read up our Policy Statement EA2030 to get a feel for organisational culture.

What is your field of expertise?

I’m happy for you to DM me @nw80

Thank you. Spacing out is a good idea, I usually think of it as one answer that flows, but a big block of text probably makes it hard to read

Thank you for this. I could definitely add keywords and terminology. I wonder if I get too caught up in the details. I have been trying to explain the why it's important on a deeper level more (decision making etc), but I'm probably way too implicit. It's hard as I'm just not really sure what I'm aiming to do.
My background is a marine science PhD, with a bit of work demonstrating in undergrad student labs etc
Thank you!!