Job Interview with DWP

Miss_Ray

yolk wrote: »

Yeah. I worked as an AO for a couple of years a few years back and the job was quite simple, I fell out with the managers though and got a new job somewhere else.

After being made redundant thought I would re-apply, first I went for an AO position but I didn't prepare properly at all (completely forgot about the competencies) so I expected not to get that, in fairness I did not expect to get this one either because I completely blew the interview.

Wasn't totally helped by the last minute changing of questions and the fact that three of the questions seemed to relate to the same competency but I've got no-one else to blame but myself for not having a wide range of answers (though perhaps my answers seemed as if my skills were not transferable anyway, I worked in Health and Safety for a few years and most of my policy/procedure answers came from that experience).

I'm pleased for everyone here who has gotten their positions, I guess I'm just generally annoyed at myself because I pretty much blitzed the assessments and my interview ability must have gotten pretty crap given the fact it's been nearly 6 years since I had my first AO interview. I get the feeling I'm too honest in interviews, I don't even embellish my achievements and I always tend to ensure I get everyone involved and give them credit. I gave plenty of "I did this" answers in the interview but, well, clearly I wasn't what they were looking for.

I suppose it's a sign and I should take it as such. I didn't enjoy my first spell in the DWP and it's because I felt the EO's were incapable (this isn't a bitter rant, I sincerely wanted the job, not least because I could've relocated to be with my partner who is working away from me at the minute). It's just when you've been redundant / unemployed for a number of months it's hard to take the positives from anything!:rolleyes:

Good luck with the AO role, I'm sure you'll do great, sorry for being so negative!

Oh no Yolk, try to stay positive. If at first you don't succeed then dust yourself and try again. I hear people are stating that the EO position will be re-advertised so you never know next time may be it might be our opportunity. I just found out my friend was successful and that was his 2nd EO Interview.

I was quite confident at my interview however they prompted me few times and I just said whatever came out of my mouth so now I know it wasn't good enough, may be they rejected me because I am pretty and therefore will be a distraction to others lol.
Thank you, the interview for AO role is coming up soon. I doubt it i'll do well.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do, I hope evreything goes well for you.:A

Jackz88

Hey people, has anyone been to an interview for AO position recently, Im really worried about the interview which is coming up and dont know what to expect, actually I do, but dont know how to deal with them, any advice?? will be appreciated

trey

Gisajob wrote: »

Very true Trey, very true!
I will definitely let you know the outcome. Interesting that they are re-advertising for the post when half the people the interviewed initially don't even know if they were sucessful or not.....a bit of a farce really! Unfortunately a farce that us unemployed folk have to contend with for now.....
Good luck with the AO post!!

thanks! ive got my fingers crossed for you!

trey

Quo-Vadis wrote: »

Hi all
I found a lot of useful information here in the last few days but I’m still nervous about the tests and possibly the interview I’m going to have tomorrow.
I have a lot of experience in Customer Services but I still think it might be hard to give them the right examples even though I went through all the competencies. You never know what the questions might be and even if you have the examples ready (for each competency) you might not know how to associate them with the questions because, let’s be honest, one good example could cover them all.

I’m a bit concerned, not having this type of interview ever before, but thank you for all the posts here. It eased the tension a bit.

dont worry about it, i had my interview 3weeks ago for EO and although i didnt get the job the interviewers were really nice and trust me its much worse in your head (like most things till u try them) just go in and do ur best, if they feel they are not getting enough out of you they will prompt you. remember they are short staffed and they want you to pass!
when you come out of your interview you'll wonder why you were so nervous-i guarantee it! so smile and just be yourself you'll do just fine

trey

Jackz88 wrote: »

Hey people, has anyone been to an interview for AO position recently, Im really worried about the interview which is coming up and dont know what to expect, actually I do, but dont know how to deal with them, any advice?? will be appreciated

Dont worry Jackz88, the interviewers are very nice and will make you feel at ease. i dont know if you know but you can take notes in there with you, that helps as for normal jobs you cant actually do that! relax and do ur best and if they feel they want more out of your examples they will prompt you, just try and use the star technique to make it simple for yourself and them:

S - Sitaution - what was the situation/problem?
T - Task - what was the soultion? what did you have to do?
A - Action - explain what you did and how you did it
R - Result - what was the result? (best to mention a positive outcome!)

and remember to use a lot of "I did this" and "I did that" the magic letter is "I"

Good Luck!

Quo-Vadis_3

trey wrote: »

dont worry about it, i had my interview 3weeks ago for EO and although i didnt get the job the interviewers were really nice and trust me its much worse in your head (like most things till u try them) just go in and do ur best, if they feel they are not getting enough out of you they will prompt you. remember they are short staffed and they want you to pass!
when you come out of your interview you'll wonder why you were so nervous-i guarantee it! so smile and just be yourself you'll do just fine

Thanks trey

I had the tests today for AO, in London and I passed but I managed to postpone my interview as I had to be someplace else and I didn’t know if I can get there in time. The guys from manpower were very helpful as they did the same with one other. I was impressed.
Now I have more time to go through the examples I might use. I really want to nail this one!

sjaypink

Hi, didn't realise this thread was here- another in waiting here! irc62542 , Somerset

Timescale so far...

Application closing date - mid September

Phonecall inviting for assessment- last week in Sept

Assessment days 5th & 6th Oct:

Tests on the 5th - test results given within 30mins, those who passed asked back for interview the next day. Advice sheet given on competencies to be covered in interview

Interview day, 6th - All ID checked & photocopied, CRB forms filled, health forms filled etc, then into the interview- which was really easy TBH

Recieved success letter on the 16th, but said they are still waiting on full checks to come back...

...though according to this thread I'll be waiting a long time! :eek:

Jackz88

Thanks I guess Im just really nervous as this my first interview ever and I just graduated so you can understand...thank you...I just got to go in prepared and hope for the best. Nuff luv..wish me luck

Sportycus

Quo-Vadis wrote: »

Thanks trey

I had the tests today for AO, in London and I passed but I managed to postpone my interview as I had to be someplace else and I didn’t know if I can get there in time. The guys from manpower were very helpful as they did the same with one other. I was impressed.
Now I have more time to go through the examples I might use. I really want to nail this one!

I came across this site late last night, very informative.....wish i had found it sooner!

I was at West Ham FC today doing my test and competencies for the AO role.

Have to admit really pleased with myself;

14/15 Literacy and 19/20 Numeracy!!

About 25 took the test only 6 passed!

Funny thing is i was sat at the front overlooking players car park, just as tests finished, players came out and car park was suddenley awash with the sound of Ferrari and Aston Martins!!!

Personally cannot stand football (more a rugby man)

Then went on to do all the forms CRB etc all in a directors box with i have to say a fantastic view of the pitch etc....before competency interviews....i felt they went very well and came out pleased.

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome!

trey

Jackz88 wrote: »

Thanks I guess Im just really nervous as this my first interview ever and I just graduated so you can understand...thank you...I just got to go in prepared and hope for the best. Nuff luv..wish me luck

good luck mate!