Job Interview with DWP

pk57_2

I have a Job interview at DWP for A/O post on Monday. The problem is im so c**p with inteviews as it is. I have the preparation for interview paper and I just want to cry. I don't know where to start with these questions they will be asking. Its giving me a bad head trying to think how do answer them. Any help would be most appreciated.

Engaging effectively with internal and external customers.
Making the best use of resources
Improving performance
Building constructive working relationships

sammyjammy

Hi there, don't panic!

I work for DWP and have just been through the promotion process, hadn't had an interview since my last promotion 9 years ago and I got the job!

They are looking for you to to tell them an example of where you've done these things.

You'll need to briefly explain a situation, how you dealt with it and what the result was. Have you got an example for each that you want to use? It doesn't have to be anything too complicated or long winded, if you post your examples I'll try and give you an idea of what they will be looking for.

Sam

sammyjammy

If you don't want to post details on here then feel free to PM me

Pep1

Try and keep your examples simple and to the point so that you don't get muddled when you answer, think about what questions they might ask you about the example you have given.
Practice on someone, tell them your example and let them ask you about it.

1. Start with what the situation was.
2. Your role (what YOU did).
3. Then the outcome.

The most important thing is that your examples do actually demonstrate the skill in the question.

Do you have much work experience? If not you can use examples from outside work, eg clubs you belong to or school/college etc.

Wish you all the best for Monday (remember the interviewer was once sat where you are).


Congratulations to the DWP by the way, making approx 80,000 staff redundant over the last few years because they are apparently so overstaffed and now having to recruit & train new staff all over again. Planned that well didn't they:rolleyes:

sammyjammy

The DWP are not pyschic, they didn't know any sooner than anyone else that there would be an economic downturn, they cannot keep staff on the payroll just in case. In actual fact the majority of the people that we are now attempting to recruit will be on Fixed Term Contracts not Permanent contracts, that is if we can recruit for the vacancies at all, its notoriously difficult not only to recruit but to retain people.

redz

sammyjammy wrote: »

its notoriously difficlut not only to recruit but to retain people.

Wonder why that is. :rotfl:

To the OP good luck for Monday.

Pep1

redz wrote: »

Wonder why that is. :rotfl:

To the OP good luck for Monday.

:T :T :T :T :T :T :T

:j Well I'm not going back :j


I still wish the OP luck for Monday and the future.
If I can help in any way I am happy to so.

[Deleted User]

pk57 this sounds like the same type of position i had an interview for about a month ago. The interview notes i got actually said you to take in a few brief notes into the interview (which i did) i just jotted down an event or expereince for each of those categories you listed, just to give me a reminder if my mind went blank.
Mine took place in a hotel bedroom in Liverpool, very surreal!!

The two interviewers seemed more nervous than me

Good luck it will be fine

pk57_2

Thanks for your reply's, I'm reading the preparation notes and trying to work out what to say as I go along. A question they always ask in interviews is tell me something about yourself what do they want to know?

babs2008

Good Luck.

I have an interview on wednesday and I know how you are feeling.

Just be yourself and relax. And remember, the interview is also for you to judge them, it's not just a one way thing.

Pep1

pk57 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply's, I'm reading the preparation notes and trying to work out what to say as I go along. A question they always ask in interviews is tell me something about yourself what do they want to know?

If they ask you about yourself, keep it simple but positive, that you take pride in your work maybe or if you are going to deal direct with customers that you find that sort of work rewarding.
They tend to mostly stick to the subjects you have been given, then maybe ask a few questions regarding what you have said.
There isn't normally any trick questions.
Just be yourself. I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. As coolnamebob said the interviewers are probably just as nervous as you.
Don't forget to let us know how you get on