Third Secretary & Development Specialist Campaign 2020

PeachL00pies

Daisies wrote: »

Did PAS tell you that? I wonder how high they will go.

Yeah, I asked because I didn't get called for DSO. I'm in the 70s.

Daisies

PeachL00pies wrote: »

Yeah, I asked because I didn't get called for DSO. I'm in the 70s.

Ah ok. You must be gutted to be just outside what was called.

PeachL00pies

Daisies wrote: »

Ah ok. You must be gutted to be just outside what was called.

You've no idea. Was enthusiastic about the role because I have medical experience and experience in health policy from a development perspective. Very much doubt that they'll do a second pull from the OoM.

FenFlynn

Just saw this post, I've been following the AO thread. Passed both streams (TS &AO) this year, really delighted as I've failed so many. I'm working as EO currently, so hopefully being in the civil service already would help a bit with the interview.
Also got called for recorded interview, that's quite daunting not to have anyone asking questions but just talking into the camera. Good luck to those got through to 2 stage, they generally call a second or third round depending on how well the 1st round do at this stage. There is no guarantee all of us would pass the interview, as you have to pass every competency to go through to the next round. I signed up to interviewgold last year for the EO, so for anyone looking to do some practice, it's not a bad idea. You could record yourself and watch back

belgowho

Just want to double check and if others agree. The SOLE competencies we should address as per form are:

Leadership Potential
Analysis and Decision Making
Delivery of Results
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Drive and Commitment
Specialist Knowledge, expertise etc


Are we counting the likes of "High degree of Adaptability" or "High Degree of Resourcefulness" as individual competencies also?

ticklemonster

Is there any information about how many questions we have to answer and how long for each?

Aleece2020

PeachL00pies wrote: »

They called up to 206 for Third Sec and up to 72 for DSO.

Did they indicate that they will do more in batches?

PearseCork92

Aleece2020 wrote: »

Did they indicate that they will do more in batches?

The DFA is apparently one of the departments with the oldest average staff, and there are a lot of impending retirements. I don't know really, but you'd think they're trying to get as much fresh blood throught the door ahead of a possible recruitment embargo. I'd say the chances are quite high they'll take at least one more batch for testing.

PurpleRainx

Sorry what form are you referring to? Do you mean the information booklet?

PurpleRainx

Pseudonymised wrote: »

I've not been invited to the interview yet, but hoping will be at some stage! Did they send on the questions that will be asked or competencies?

Sorry but where did you find these questions? Under the link sent in the emails for video invites? How are we sure these are the only questions we can ask? Sorry I am waiting for access to a computer to open the video link so please excuse my ignorance!

belgowho

PurpleRainx wrote: »

Sorry but where did you find these questions? Under the link sent in the emails for video invites? How are we sure these are the only questions we can ask? Sorry I am waiting for access to a computer to open the video link so please excuse my ignorance!

You would have received a message on your PAS account that provides a link to a word document. Questions are listed close the end.

FenFlynn

For those going through to the next stage, 3 minutes seem long enough for one question. If using the STAR method I’d struggle to talk about one competency for over 2 minutes. From my understanding from reading the questions, they are only looking for 1 example per question, not sure if I’m right or not here.
Any suggestions on how to approach those questions most effectively?

PurpleRainx

Anybody know how the order of merits work after this video interview round? If you do well/ badly do they bump you up/down in the OOM? Do they look at your application form at this stage?

ticklemonster

Does anyone know what kind of training new recruits receive? Is this like a regular grad scheme where you are trained up through courses etc or is it all learn as you go?

PeachL00pies

ticklemonster wrote: »

Does anyone know what kind of training new recruits receive? Is this like a regular grad scheme where you are trained up through courses etc or is it all learn as you go?

There is a Graduate Development Programme, which Third Secs attend alongside AOs. In addition, there are courses provided externally, including communications/policy training and language courses.

The issue a lot of Third Secs face is finding time to attend training...

PeachL00pies

PurpleRainx wrote: »

Anybody know how the order of merits work after this video interview round? If you do well/ badly do they bump you up/down in the OOM? Do they look at your application form at this stage?

I've recently completed Stage Two of a different PAS competition. After this stage we were provided with messages noting a pass or fail, but were not provided with information relating to the OoM.

I believe this is similar to how Stage Two has been constructed in a lot of competitions - once at the start to establish how many will be taken through, and once at the end to establish a panel.

HartsHat

PeachL00pies wrote: »

I've recently completed Stage Two of a different PAS competition. After this stage we were provided with messages noting a pass or fail, but were not provided with information relating to the OoM.

I believe this is similar to how Stage Two has been constructed in a lot of competitions - once at the start to establish how many will be taken through, and once at the end to establish a panel.

In previous TS competitions (with 4 stages) there has been a new OOM at each stage.

ticklemonster

PeachL00pies wrote: »

There is a Graduate Development Programme, which Third Secs attend alongside AOs. In addition, there are courses provided externally, including communications/policy training and language courses.

The issue a lot of Third Secs face is finding time to attend training...

Oh really, is it a busy role? Any ideas how onboarding works? When would you expect the first recruits to start and how long does it take to move through a panel?

HartsHat

ticklemonster wrote: »

Oh really, is it a busy role? Any ideas how onboarding works? When would you expect the first recruits to start and how long does it take to move through a panel?

Depends on each section/division. But, for the majority a very busy role (e.g. Political, Middle East, SECCO, Brexit, Press, Protocol, EU Division,
IUKA).

All of those Divisions/Sections require frequent/consistent long days with some weekend work.

Posting is obviously then busier again with work most weekends with consular/duty/representational work.

If you're not happy in a role that requires consistently more hours than the standard working week, sometimes at short notice, this isn't for you.

It's the same as any Diplomatic Service, really. Comes with territory.

ticklemonster

HartsHat wrote: »

Depends on each section/division. But, for the majority a very busy role (e.g. Political, Middle East, SECCO, Brexit, Press, Protocol, EU Division,
IUKA).

All of those Divisions/Sections require frequent/consistent long days with some weekend work.

Posting is obviously then busier again with work most weekends with consular/duty/representational work.

If you're not happy in a role that requires consistently more hours than the standard working week, sometimes at short notice, this isn't for you.

It's the same as any Diplomatic Service, really. Comes with territory.

Oh wow, I didnt expect it to be significantly more work than analogous grades. I take it the overtime etc is paid? Are TS on placement effectively on call 24/7?

Green188845

I got an OOM in the 490s for third secretary, and am wondering if people reckon there's even an outside chance of getting an interview within the 2 years?
Based on what has been said already, there seems to be a remote possibility.
I've been working towards the third sec role for years, and would just like to know if any hopes on my part are misplaced.

blithe

I'm just prepping for the second stage now, hoping to get it done tomorrow or early Wednesday. I've never done one of these before and was wondering if anyone has and could tell me whether there is something like a clock or countdown on screen so you can see how much time you have left to answer the question? Or whether you're expected to keep time yourself?
Thanks

PeachL00pies

blithe wrote: »

I'm just prepping for the second stage now, hoping to get it done tomorrow or early Wednesday. I've never done one of these before and was wondering if anyone has and could tell me whether there is something like a clock or countdown on screen so you can see how much time you have left to answer the question? Or whether you're expected to keep time yourself?
Thanks

You can enter and exit the practice sessions as many times as you need - you get a feel for the testing environment, and can see the structure. You get a chance to prepare before the clock starts for your answer and everything is visible at the top of the screen.

blithe

PeachL00pies wrote: »

You can enter and exit the practice sessions as many times as you need - you get a feel for the testing environment, and can see the structure. You get a chance to prepare before the clock starts for your answer and everything is visible at the top of the screen.

Great, thanks! I'll definitely be making sure I'm absolutely familiar with it all first.
I was thinking how mortifying it would be to be cut off mid-sentence lol

ddpas

Didn't realise we could take a practice interview at any point (not just right before the interview), so that's great news!
Anyone know if theres a few seconds break between questions? Or if we get a few seconds to read each question?

gaillimhjon

I just did mine this morning! Yes, we get 1minute to read through each question/mentally prepare before the 3min timer starts for the actual question. The practice questions were good too - also an opportunity to hear how you sound! Best of luck

blithe

gaillimhjon wrote: »

I just did mine this morning! Yes, we get 1minute to read through each question/mentally prepare before the 3min timer starts for the actual question. The practice questions were good too - also an opportunity to hear how you sound! Best of luck

Thanks so much for the info!
Hope it went well for you

ddpas

gaillimhjon wrote: »

I just did mine this morning! Yes, we get 1minute to read through each question/mentally prepare before the 3min timer starts for the actual question. The practice questions were good too - also an opportunity to hear how you sound! Best of luck

Thanks a million for that! I hope yours went well

belgowho

gaillimhjon wrote: »

I just did mine this morning! Yes, we get 1minute to read through each question/mentally prepare before the 3min timer starts for the actual question. The practice questions were good too - also an opportunity to hear how you sound! Best of luck

Thanks!

When each question is finished, does it automatically go to the next one?

gaillimhjon

belgowho wrote: »

Thanks!

When each question is finished, does it automatically go to the next one?

Yes! After the question, you move on and the 1min timer to read the next question starts automatically.