Local authority job

Sunny Disposition

Recently went for a job in a local authority. Was interviewed, thought it went pretty well so was quite hopeful. As it turned out I didn't get the job, a form came with the rejection letter showed I was sixth on the list, despite having 80% in the interview. Thought that was quite a high score, do they mark them really easily or would the standard just have been a bit high in this case?

The_Conductor

Depends entirely on the calibre of those ahead of you on the panel.
Your best bet is to seek feedback- specifically on where you lost marks compared to those ahead of you on the panel (at very least it'll give you a roadmap on areas you need to brush up on). They're normally very good with feedback......

PMBC

Sunny Disposition wrote: »

Recently went for a job in a local authority. Was interviewed, thought it went pretty well so was quite hopeful. As it turned out I didn't get the job, a form came with the rejection letter showed I was sixth on the list, despite having 80% in the interview. Thought that was quite a high score, do they mark them really easily or would the standard just have been a bit high in this case?

I know their systems very well. As the next poster said it depends on the competition but eight place seems good to me. Was there just one job and is there any chance they have set up 'a panel'? Read original job ad. for that info. Are you living in the area of that Council? Do you know anybody on the inside? If answer is NO to last question try either of the two following -
1.phone the HR section and ask to speak with the S.E.O. or person in charge of the interview. Make very sure they understand that you are not complaining - you may have to be almost fawning to achieve the right replies - just looking for feedback i.e. what were your strong points and weak points. Most of the people inside will be sympathetic - but not all.
2. Contact your local councillor, preferably a respected one/not a bulls~*++er/one who chairs a committee/council chairman. Explain your problem to him/her, stress that you are not querying the result but just trying to improve your interview skills - a good lot of humility doesn't go astray in this.

If you want other general tips on local authority interview. preparation PM me, whenever you wish. This is not a commercial offer just me trying to repay my debts to society!! Best of luck.

Sunny Disposition

It is one job, but they do have a panel, would be pretty lucky if five others turned it down! Thanks for the advice, contacted the recruitment section and they said they will write to me regarding my strengths and weaknesses.

PMBC

Sunny Disposition wrote: »

It is one job, but they do have a panel, would be pretty lucky if five others turned it down! Thanks for the advice, contacted the recruitment section and they said they will write to me regarding my strengths and weaknesses.

Good you are getting a response. It would be very unusual if 6th place made it but you never know. Also it might have been that those in front of you or some of them were already filling that post as 'Temporary' which would give them an advantage.
Best of luck in any case

Zipppy

Bear in mind that panels last a year (with a possible extension to 2 years) so a job could very well turn up in the future ................so be nice in your dealings with the LA