NICS aptitude test - what to wear?

NAR

The sooner they stop this graduate scheme the better. It used to be difficult to get a degree as the pass rate was at a far higher level than it is now.
There is absolutely no need for this type of recruitment anyway with promotion boards now being so far apart, thus giving existing Civil Servants even less chance of promotion.

thriftyminx13

NAR wrote: »

The sooner they stop this graduate scheme the better. It used to be difficult to get a degree as the pass rate was at a far higher level than it is now.
There is absolutely no need for this type of recruitment anyway with promotion boards now being so far apart, thus giving existing Civil Servants even less chance of promotion.

I agree I really do. I find it sad that I had to go to this along with my other internal promotion boards. even having passed an HSO board the equivalent of staff officer over a year ago, I haven't been placed so it looks like i'll be leaving the world of science with my skills etc in this field for an admin post because the promotion as it stands is a) too slow and b) lets the !!!!!!!!ters who are good at the banter in

Golden_Anemone

NAR wrote: »

The sooner they stop this graduate scheme the better. It used to be difficult to get a degree as the pass rate was at a far higher level than it is now.
There is absolutely no need for this type of recruitment anyway with promotion boards now being so far apart, thus giving existing Civil Servants even less chance of promotion.

Actually I disagree NAR. The internal promotion system sucks and if it hadn't been for the graduate assessment scheme I'd probably still be sitting at AO level instead of SO. Interview skills are only one of many indicator - not even the best one - of potential and ability.

bingo_bango

Perhaps not so much lying as waffling?

Although I know someone up on the last but one SO board. He lied through his teeth on one of the competences, and when he got his feedback, it was the only one he scored highly on. He actually would be good at the job too.

I disagree with the whole selection process across the board. But I don't have a better solution. Until someone in a position of power in DFP does, we're stuck with what we've got.

Golden_Anemone

There was talk a few years ago of introducing an "in-tray" type exercise like the one they have for Grade 7 promotions to the grades below it. I almost cheered as I thought at last I'd have the chance to "show" what I could do instead of be expected to boast and exaggerate about it which I find difficult. Needless to say the plan was dropped and the next DP boards were even blander than they had been previously. :wall:

Golden_Anemone

thriftyminx13 wrote: »

Yeah worth a punt. But it's so frustraingd I find in the civil service. As I've said many times I've been in 4 1/2 years and anyone coming in gets the same pay as me and now again I've passed this graduate board and new ones coming in will start on the same. c'est la vie!! but thanks for advice!

Dreading where they might put me? Anyone know where graduates usually go? or is there no pattern?

There is no pattern thriftyminx. Most departments take some every year. When i applied you were asked to express a preference for 3 and I was placed in my 3rd choice - DSD - most likely because I had previously worked in the same dept.

Do let us know when you hear anything. If nothing else it will be interesting to see how fast (or not) HR Connect can deal with the list. I've requested an AA for my team and we have bets on in the section as to whether we'll have somebody before Halloween or not. LOL

bingo_bango

culchied wrote: »

Why do you disagree with it? The aptitude test and the assessment centre I went through seem a perfectly good measurement of ability and they place everyone on an equal footing. I bet if such exercises were introduced for every promotion exercise there'd be a wholesale reform of staffing in the NICS and no more dead wood in grades they shouldn't be in.

By the very nature of the civil service, there'll be people who will struggle in boards and to progress up the ladder. They may simply never have been exposed to different experiences that would enable them to talk competently about they might perform at the next grade. The likes of an assessment centre would eliminate that because it's not based on experience but ability.

As for lieing v waffling; I've sat on promotion boards. I'd say it's the ability to lie convincingly. Those who waffle don't do well. Those that are succinct and to the point, deliver convincing (yet perhaps untruthful) statements tend to do best.

But not everyone on a board has been through that process.

I disagree with the simple 'sign on the dotted line if you want an interview' aspect.

I DO agree with aptitude testing coupled with competence based interview, but that hasn't been introduced across the board yet. Until all selection boards have that, I feel the system will continue to be worked by people coached to within an inch of their lives to pass, simply by ticking the right boxes with their answers.

Just to qualify the above thoughts, I have been through both processes over the past number of years, and have not failed one yet. I do know which one I prefer though.

NASA_2

I think direct entry isnt appropriate to some parts of the Civil Service.

I work in benefits and the amount of direct entrants who are out of their depth is quite disconcerting. You shouldnt have to correct your supervisor on the ins and outs of things. Its meant to be the other way around.

For some parts of the civil service I can see where it has its merits.

thriftyminx13

I got my offer today. I don't see how I can take it. I feel gutted. They offer you bottom of the pay scale but yet put you miles from where you live so you end up worse off financially if you take it and if you have to travel anywhere for work to meetings or the airport because your new work is so far away from your home you'll not even being to claim for mileage.

I can't even contest it.

Lauri254

You could always accept the post and then apply for any jobs listed on HR Connect recruitment (you can apply for jobs on there to transfer to other depts etc)

Do you mind if I ask where they offered you a post & where you live?

I travel for more than an hour to get into work but you eventually get used to it. A lot of people in the civil service have to travel a lot to get into work.

Are you already in the civil service? if you are have you rang them and asked why they are not applying pay on promotion terms?