Re. DWP Online Test For AO

tinshed

I applied for two seperate posts, invited to interview 1 but failed for interview 2. How does that work?

Passed the tests and seemingly I made it to the top 15% but yet did not score enough for the second job I applied for.

A member of staff from my local jobcentre told me today that they were being asked to fill some of the Admin Officer posts, could be a reason why people are not getting to the interview stages. So ineffect Ive probs just answered my own question:rotfl:

Truegho

Hi. Yes, I can certainly share great empathy with you here. I am very disappointed that this new, much harder test has been introduced, as it is going to make it exceedingly difficult to get back into the department. Very depressing.

still_searching wrote: »

I also took this test last week and was completely and utterly astounded at how difficult it was. I was set back quite early on worrying just how much of it I'd manage to complete correctly. I plodded on regardless. I wasn't really surprised to get the rejection email, however it was stated that "Although you met the minimum pass mark in your test your score was not high enough to be invited to interview." I felt even worse then - was I closer to the minimum pass mark, or only a question or two away from interview stage? Where did I score between these two points? Aaargh!

Like others I did the basic literacy and numeracy tests several years ago, which were a total breeze. Must say I was expecting similar so when I opened the test box, feeling quite sure of myself, I was completely horrified :eek:

still_searching

Truegho wrote: »

Hi. Yes, I can certainly share great empathy with you here. I am very disappointed that this new, much harder test has been introduced, as it is going to make it exceedingly difficult to get back into the department. Very depressing.

It doesn't seem very fair for previous employees if I'm honest - if you did a similar job when you were there before and know the role inside out, why should you be subject to the same ridiculous 'entry requirements' as a total outsider?

As I have never worked for the department I can understand their need for this test for the likes of myself as they will likely have a huuuuge amount of responses from people that they don't know that they will need to sift through, however it seems unnecessary for previous employees who no doubt will possess the relevant experience, but will find it difficult to pass the test. Of course if this was the case, just imagine the outrage at previous employees being offered favourable treatment by not having to complete it! I guess they want to keep it fair and equal for everyone.

SilverCloud_2

Has anyone recently been to an interview for an AO position? if so do you know what type of questions you get asked?

rockyrach

Hi there - I also found the tests extremely difficult but managed to pass with 90% (no idea how)

I have interview tomorrow afternoon and am sooo nervous!

Any help greatly appreciated!

heathertheblether

Hi there!

I also have a DWP interview tomorrow - (9 am). It's for an AO position. Goodness knows what they are going to ask. I found the online test very off-putting, but managed to scrape an "above average" score (79%). Nobody was more surprised than me - thought I had done really badly.

rockyrach

Hi Heather! Mines is at 12.30. I am terrified!!

footy_fan_2

Hi all, good luck on your interviews. The interviews are likely to be made up of competency based questions, e.g can you give me an example of a time when you......
Did you have to give competencies on your applications?

rockyrach

No the application was basically like a cv.

However the interview is competency based. The competencies are above. No idea what questions they will ask in regard to the competencies though.

heathertheblether

Hey there!

I didn't sleep last night from going over and over various scenarios in my mind to jigsaw into whatever questions they ask. Tonight is going to be HORRENDOUS! I passed the literacy/numeracy test at EO level 2 years ago, then was interviewed, put on waiting list....blah blah. Have had two jobs since then (both 1 year contracts) and HERE I AM AGAIN! Wish you all the best for tomorrow. I will post on here about the questions as soon as I get back, hopefully before your interview - forewarned is forearmed lol!!!