Job Interview with DWP

Divinelistic

Slitty wrote: »

What I did was write up some notes for each competency that I could take into the interview - Notes are allowed, just try not to read directly from them all the time. Use them only as a reference and a panic button if you get tounge-tied. Maximum 1-2 pages in total otherwise you'll just get lost in text.

For each competency I tried to think up an example(or two) from work or life in general that applies to as many of the bullet points as possible. I wrote down the key elements of the situation that fitted the competency points and arranged it all in the STAR format. When you answer a question, try and reply in this fashion.

S - Situation - what happened, what was the problem?
T - Task - what did you need to do?
A - Action - what did you do?
R - Result - what was the outcome of the action you took? What did you learn? What would you do differently?

You don't have to cover every single competency point - but try and cover what you feel are the most important parts. You may find that by relaxing and just talking through a couple of main points that you inadvertently cover more than you realise. For one question I ended up using an example I had noted down for a different competency because it was more relevant to the actual question I was asked.

Think about the questions you might be asked - Such as "Can you describe a time when you had to deal with change?". Go through answering it in your head. Keep your answers clear and to the point. I didn't talk for very long, my interviews were only about 15minutes.

This really helped me a lot and I just found out I was ranked second applicant overall of a very large interview batch . I think a lot of people go in very unprepared so you should do fine!

Best of luck!

Hi there,
can u be kind enough to give me more hints on the Analysing, Improving and Changing competency?
Cheers.

thunderb0lt

Divinelistic wrote: »

lets c how it goes...fingers crossed.since u r based in london u might as well apply for thr new EO positions posted on thier website yday....i applied but am yet to get a notification.will keep u posted on wed.

I know there's nothing to lose but I don't feel confident enough to apply for EO level position.

I've read on here that some people have heard back from their interviews before they have finished interviewing all candidates so we'll see how it goes for me.

anyways, good luck with yours.

0k0

I just got a letter today to say I was successful, and now they're doing checks.
Has anyone ever been rejected after they carried out the checks?
I don't have anything in the past that I think would affect it, but after looking for a job for sooo long now this feels too good to be true!

counterfeit

0k0 wrote: »

I just got a letter today to say I was successful, and now they're doing checks.
Has anyone ever been rejected after they carried out the checks?
I don't have anything in the past that I think would affect it, but after looking for a job for sooo long now this feels too good to be true!

I would think plenty of people fail the checks but a hell of a lot more will pass them.

Don't forget it isn't just the CRB checks - there are references as well.

Truegho

I received a Disclosure Certificate today from DWP in Newcastle relating to a job ref. for which I was interviewed back in May 2009. Can I take this is a good sign that I have been successful, or do they do the checks anyway and send you the Disclosure regardless of whether or not you have been successful?

I did not get a successful letter prior to receiving this disclosure, so obviously I am a bit in the dark here.

Thanks.

jessbob

I have my feedback now from my failed EO interview.

Could someone who has passed these interviews give me some guidance, as I have another interview this Friday.

It states: Demonstrates understanding of customer focus and delivering upon their needs. Need to enhance answers by demonstrating how this was implementd by improved processes and organisation. answers to be enhanced by proving more concise responses.

Has anyone any advice - my mind's gone blank

sammy65

Regarding the literacy/numeracy tests that you guys did - What kind of questions did you get? Were they simple ones?

And what did you wear to the test?

PontyEnd

Hi Jess, have you heard anything on 60535? Not really sure what I'm waiting for next. Plus one of my references is on holiday for 3 weeks! Regarding the CRB, should this come to my address or be sent to DWP? Also, mine was a successful letter will I still be on a merit list and are these available?

Good luck with your next interview :T

venus_in_furs

sammy65 wrote: »

Regarding the literacy/numeracy tests that you guys did - What kind of questions did you get? Were they simple ones?

And what did you wear to the test?

Hey, there is loads of info on this thread if you read it back...also load of info on other forums on the web. The tests are both quite basic...the most complex the maths got was a few percentage questions. The literacy was spotting spelling and grammar errors in a letter. The only thing i found difficult was the time limits on each. You only get 8 mins for the literacy and 15 mins (or maybe 18) for the numeracy. The key is not to panic and just skip the questions you are having trouble with and go back to them after doing the others first.

I dressed smart. Not business woman smart, but a black dress and a grey cardie, heels. Most of the other women were dressed similar. The majority of the men were in either suits or trousers and shirts. There was one woman wearing jeans, a lumberjack style shirt and timberland boots...so i dunno how strict the dress code is, but i would just go for smart casual, better to look professional i think.

counterfeit

Agree Venue - I wore a suit to all of my interviews as did most of the men. Some of the women turned up in really scruffy clothes (at least that's what I would think if I was interviewing). Smart clothes create a good impression

I should add that although you are not being marked on your appearance, you must assume your appearance has an affect on your score.