Job Interview with DWP

GalaxyRYZ

i just came across this thread and it has been very helpful i have an interview for an admin officer position in a week and i get sick with nerves ever time i think about it. i have prepared in detail examples for each competancy and intend to take in some brief bullet point notes in order to prompt me in case i forget details because of my nerves.
this may seem like a silly question but would it be appropriate to wear trousers and shirt and a cardigan or should i go out and buy a suit? its my first proper interview so im not sure. i really need this job so any advice would be much appreciated.
Thankyou to everyone who has posted so far i've tried to absorb as much info as i can.

babs2008

Hi Galaxy.

To be honest the smarter you are the better impression you give.

Wearing a suit is one of the smartest, and easiest, options. And if you get a good one it will be a good investment.

Saying that, I've been to interviews and not had a suit, just smart skirt or trousers and a smart shirt and got the job, so dont stress to much.

Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in - I think that's very important.

Good luck.

Pep1

GalaxyRYZ wrote: »

i just came across this thread and it has been very helpful i have an interview for an admin officer position in a week and i get sick with nerves ever time i think about it. i have prepared in detail examples for each competancy and intend to take in some brief bullet point notes in order to prompt me in case i forget details because of my nerves.
this may seem like a silly question but would it be appropriate to wear trousers and shirt and a cardigan or should i go out and buy a suit? its my first proper interview so im not sure. i really need this job so any advice would be much appreciated.
Thankyou to everyone who has posted so far i've tried to absorb as much info as i can.

Yes smarter you look the better but suits are expensive (DWP have a smart dress code but doesn't normally have to be a suit). Trousers & shirt sound ok as long as they are smart but a Jacket & Tie would be better if you have them, if not do you know anyone your size could borrow from?
If you do want to buy one, check out the sales & don't forget charity shops.
Good Luck with the interview.

hanny83_2

Hi, I would definitely recommend taking notes into the interview, they can be as detailed as you like, I think it helps if you can interlink your competencies. Take as much time as you like to explain things, it's really not as bad as it seems. If you got through the literacy and numeracy tests you'll be fine. Just a warning though, they'll be looking to see how you deal wit change, ie. how you adapt to certain situations depending on the circustance, make yourself seem adaptable and you will be fine. Good luck.

GalaxyRYZ

Thank you so much for your comments guys. babs2008 and Pep1 i think i wil try and get hold of a suit if i can in time for the interview, thanks for your advice. Hanny83 i find that i do reli wel in tests because im not bein judged but wen it comes to selling myself or explaining something i've done i just melt. im just goin to do my best and hope it all goes well the annoying thing is i know i am capable of doing the job but its just a matter of trying to show the panel that i can.
Thank you for the Good Luck messages i need as much as i can get

babs2008

Let us know how it goes. My fingers are crossed for you.

Pep1

GalaxyRYZ wrote: »

Thank you so much for your comments guys. babs2008 and Pep1 i think i wil try and get hold of a suit if i can in time for the interview, thanks for your advice. Hanny83 i find that i do reli wel in tests because im not bein judged but wen it comes to selling myself or explaining something i've done i just melt. im just goin to do my best and hope it all goes well the annoying thing is i know i am capable of doing the job but its just a matter of trying to show the panel that i can.
Thank you for the Good Luck messages i need as much as i can get

Try not to worry too much, sounds like you have prepared really well and taking notes in is a good idea.
They really are not there to judge you as a person.
What they are looking for (this is the most important part of the interview) is if you can demonstrate (with your examples & answers to questions) that you have the competencies.

Good luck with the interview & for the future.

GalaxyRYZ

I can't believe how lovely you guys are and the fact that you have taken the time to respond has reli touched me thank you so much and i hope 2009 holds wonderful things for you because lovely people lyk u deserve it.
yep i will definately let u no hw the interview goes

hanny83_2

I really hope you get the job, the pay isn't the greatest but it's the people you work with that make it enjoyable aswell as perks like flexi time. I really would recommend working for DWP. Of course we come in for some flack on here but I can honestly say that I and all my colleagues work hard and with honesty and integrity and it sounds as if you would fit right in as you have really taken time out to prepare for your interview. Depending on which area of DWP you will be working in there could be good chances for career progression too. So let us know how you get on.

pk57_2

Just to let you know i didn't get the job. I will apply again when it comes up again.