+1
thanks to all the contributors for the advice and reassurance. My head is fried at the moment, but hopefully the answers will flow during the real thing. Good luck to those waiting for interview and results. Will let ye know how it goes, one way or the other.
Thanks all! Glad to hear the board are nice and helpful! I have so much information floating around in my head - I just hope I use it at the appropriate time!
the boards at these rounds of interviews are very nice, helpful and professional and are really there to get the best out of you at this stage.
This is absolutely my experience, too. It's natural to be nervous, but try to relax, take your time, sip your water to give yourself a couple of seconds before answering, and answer the question they've asked.
Hi there. Don't worry and stay relaxed. From my experience and that of some friends and others here the boards at these rounds of interviews are very nice, helpful and professional and are really there to get the best out of you at this stage. The introduction part is very much there to help you get relaxed before you are asked some very straightforward and general questions about your form and application before moving on to competencies. Even in my interview, I muddled during the leadership competency but the board gave me every chance to recover by steering me back on track before seeing through to completion. In terms of pass rates, I can't provide an exact figure but again based on people I know of that have been through it, I would estimate about 75% and obtaining a minimum of 41 in each competency is enough to get through and on to a panel. Any further questions let me know and best of luck tomorrow!
Hi Rachael, I think asking about challenges is more specialist knowledge comp than the drive competencies.
Understandable to be nervous....take sips of water during the interview and use that time to compose yourself and remember to breathe. Of you don't understand the question ask them to clarify ...they'll expect that especially as it's online and signal may not be clear so use it the very best of luck, you've prepared, you've got this .....smash it
I'm on Wednesday and beginning to panic! I have prepared well but am worried my mind will go blank during the interview and get muddled during the competencies. Does anybody know if many fail the actual interview? Also is it just a pass mark of 41 in each competency to get through?
There is no one magic question that everyone gets asked. You may not be asked anything, apart from the basic questions/follow-up, more probing questions, on your competencies. You may be asked an additional question - that, in theory at least should, be testing one of the competencies - and if you are it will be something related to the civil service, government or public life. I think the idea of this is basically acknowledging that the interview board knows you've prepared all your competency answers and backup examples, but now wants to see you how you manage with something you haven't prepared in advance. They're not trying to catch you out, they're trying to see how you are off-script.
I was asked about pmds in a dept that doesn't use it and how I would implement it.
Thanks Kenrach
Do you recall what the final question was? Or was there a question that moved away from the examples on the Form as the final question?
Something like a challenge facing the Government?
Thanks
Hi Taato
I understand the final question relates to something like a challenge facing the Government.
Unrelated to the Form.
Probably to gauge your drive and commitment to public service values.
In 2019, the final question I was asked was "In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the Government".
I had interview 09th August and wasn't asked any questions on digital services
I wasn't asked anything about digital public services in June...
Nothing left of field at all really.
i can’t answer your query as i too am due for interview this week and i know someone else up after me. But i’m hoping the direction of the interview will be dictated by the competencies and the examples i have put on application and alternatives i may bring in. I’m just curious why digital services would be the final one? From reading what orevious posters have said, the questions depend on the individual board, with some sticking rigidly to STAR type examples with a few probing questions for clarification, while other boards delivered rapid fire questions under each competency heading not allowing much scope for a scripted reply. Not sure what to prepare tbh, besides going over form, and deciding topics under each competency.
Hi all,
I am new to this chat.
I am due to have my interview this week.
Has anyone done it lately and can they share what the last question they ask?
Does it relate to digital public services?
Best of luck to everyone going through it this week.
Ah ok. Thank you.
It was a combination of both. I'd begin star then it was straight into questions and very open questions on the sub competencies.
Well done on getting through your interview!
Interviews are all next week until Friday. In spite of that I was unable to change mine!!
When you say you didn't get to use your STAR, did you get to give some of the example? Or just direct questions on each start to finish?
Ok well the very best of luck with prep.
Nope, a colleague is on the 19th so could be going all that week
So the 18th could be the last day for catchup/ rescheduled interviews. I could just phone them and ask but that would spoil the speculation 😂
Yes I rescheduled - I was due up today!
Didn't you reschedule or was that someone else? I wonder I'd that the last day of interviews.
Next Wednesday - 18th!
When are you up ?
What's the latest interview date? I never thought to ask them when the results maybe out.
Well done you! Enjoy the rest of your hols! I'm in your boat now - on hols at the moment with interview looming in the background!
Yes great that it's over. I honestly don't think I could have prepared more. Very difficult to prepare for the questions that they will ask you when they don't stick to star. Anyway off to do the postmortum and if I do remember specific questions I will add these here.
Ah well done and at least you have it over you now so relax and spare a thought (and maybe prayer) for the rest of us who have a week or more of anticipatory torture lol
Well done. It’s all over now.
Scribble down the questions and answers you can remember now and keep a pen handy for the flashbacks over the next few days. You’ll be surprised at the things that pop into your head and might help you or others in the future.
good luck 🤞🏻
