DWP Interviews ( West-Midlands)

ik23

Hi,

I've applied for different roles within DWP. I had an interview in Coventry EO, which I received a letter stating I’m unsuccessful, which didn't shock me as I thought the interview did not go well. But I also had an interview in cannock, and received a letter saying the same. Which was surprising as I thought the interview went really well.

I feel very depressed now, as I have my hopes on dwp!
I have got more interviews coming up, but I just don’t know where I am going wrong, as my friend works within dwp and has helped me with the competencies and said I should have got the job.

What did everyone think of their interview experiences and what were the outcomes?

~Beanie~

I had an interview for an EO position last month and was also received the unsuccessful letter. I was also quite surprised as I thought the interview went well and I had examples ready for all the questions they threw at me, thought I would have made it to the waiting list at least!

samr_2

I was unsuccessful too (EO, Staffs). I wasn't that surprised because during one or two of the competencies I was interrupted a lot. I thought this probably meant I wasn't giving the right answers but it also meant, for one of them, I didn't actually get the opportunity to make my main point.

I'm not great at interviews anyway and the fact that I can't pass when I know what questions I'm going to be asked hasn't done much for my confidence. :rotfl: Especially after reading on here about all the people who have passed.

I found it a very strange interview experience and I don't think that four rehearsed answers is necessarily the best way to judge someone. However, I don't really have any customer service experience so, for a similar position elsewhere, I doubt I would have got past the application stage so at least it gave me a chance.

There are so few jobs about at the moment I was hoping to get it to buy me some time while I try to find a job in my field. Oh well.

Good luck with your other interviews. I also applied for a HEO position but after competing the online test I've heard nothing.

dugdale_2

IK23, sorry to hear that you haven't been successful with your interviews with the DWP. I applied for an EO position in Coventry and thought that my interview went very well, (I'd never sat a competency based interview before so had nothing to bench-mark it with). I was subsequently offered a position at a jobcentre plus location in Coventry starting in a few weeks time.

ik23

The interviewers don't give anything away too. When i was answering there questions they kept saying oh that's really good. So i did think i would have had a chance at least.
Beanie i really understand how you feel!!

Congrats Dugdale, are there any techniques you could pass on to us. I have been using the STAR example too.

ik23

I was interrupted too samr, but they never gave my a chance to finish what i was saying before they interrupted me. So i just didn't think too much into that.

jessbob

I was turned down for EO vacancy in Sheffield last month. No idea what I did wrong at the interview, as was able to answer the competency questions well based on previous employment. I now have another interview tomorrow morning, so I have no idea what to change in my replies to the competencies. They are obviously looking for something specific what I must be missing !!

ik23

I know what you mean jessbob.

At my telford interview one of the interviewers said well done as i was walking out. I have not heard anything yet, but i won't be thinking anything into that now!!

I can not seem to find any other jobs apart from within dwp.

I have requested feedback also.

jessbob

at least I do not have to re-take the numeracy and literacy tests !

dugdale_2

IK23.
My interview lasted about 40 minutes maximum which, when taking into consideration the introduction and my questions probably gave me no more than eight minutes for each of the four competencies. I also used the star method for each of the competencies and found that, although I took in pages of notes I didn't need to refer to them. Once I started everything just seemed to flow naturally.
I believe that the interviewers are looking for candidates to demonstrate that they possess certain skills that have been highlighted in the four core competencies. If you look at the following competency

Engaging effectively with internal and external customers

Delivering Customer Service

Clarifying customer requirements and expectations
· Treat all customers fairly and equally showing consideration and understanding of their needs.
· Actively engage with customers to understand fully the customer circumstances and requirements by asking open questions and actively listening.
· Use appropriate communication techniques to make sure the customer understands what the likely result will be.

Delivering services to the customer
· Take actions which progress customer enquiries to the next stage in a timely manner
· Provide information and advice to enable customers to help themselves
· Use the knowledge of my business area, information and systems, and my skills to deliver the best possible service
· Respond appropriately to diverse customer needs in line with DWP diversity policies and equality legislation

Providing better services to the customer
· Take action to sort out straightforward customer complaints
· Seek and act on customer feedback

I would try to ensure that my answer covered at least five or six of the bullet points as you want to be giving the message that you are highly experienced when it comes to delivering customer service.

If you require any further help please don't hesitate to ask.

lili2008

Another thing to remember is, always say 'me' and 'I', not 'we' or 'the team'. I find I slip automatically into saying 'we' etc and have to be really on my guard against it. They want to know what you personally have done and it will really knock points off if you talk in general terms about your team instead.