Civil Service Interview NI

lantanna

Hi,

Has anybody got any experience of these? I have one coming up this month and would like to know more about what to expect as it will be my first of this type of interview.

Thanks

StabiloNI

Hi Lantanna,
I went for an interview in May and it was my first time with NICS.
I must say, I had few interviews lately and this was one of the toughest ones. There was no chit-chat. Soon as I sat down it was straight down to four questions. I had three panel members taking notes the whole time I was talking, there weren't any eye contacts as they were all busy writing down what I was saying.
Not sure what position you are going for but I would say,

1. Read & Study your candidate information booklet. (especially interview criteria, 4 bullet points = 4 question)
2. Practice Practice & Practice!

Good luck with your interview.

PS. Does anyone know, how long it takes from getting accepted (filled out accessni) til actually getting a letter of appointment? I just can't wait to hand in my notice!

highrisklowreturn

Just start with 'in nomine patrus, et figli et spiritus sanctus and you'll meet the key criteria for the post. Illiteracy, dressing like a 12 year old when on a public counter, innumeracy, contempt for others and their feelings, and a desire to !!!! lick whilst not immediately essential should be considered desirably for long term career success.

Enjoy your 19k a year paid for by broken private sector businesses which have been sent to the wall, you've earnt it.

damianmcr

Oh someone has thrown all there toys out of the pram!!

Witless

damianmcr wrote: »

Oh someone has thrown all there toys out of the pram!!

....... or failed the apptitude tests?;)

damianmcr

Lantanna have a look here at the core competencies. You will be asked I think 2 questions on each one.

https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/pages/content.aspx?Page=nics-core-competencies

Make sure you click on the one that applies to the job you are going for.

lantanna

Thanks Damian and StabiloNI for your constructive help!

StabiloNI well done - lucky you - you must have done well. I think I have more fear about this interview as I have gathered that it will be very different from a Private Sector interview so it is the fear of going into the unknown as such!!

Highrisklow return its 35k not 19k so yes I would enjoy it if I was successful. I've done 13 years in the Private Sector in mostly family businesses (not mine) which has done me no favours after putting a lot of blood sweat and tears and I am more than ready to join the other side.

bingo_bango

lantanna,

When you have gone through the competences damian linked to above, structure an answer around the requirements for each. You will be asked to explain your role in each of them so don't be afraid to big yourself up.

lazer

I had one a few months back (Got on the merit list - but no job yet- 11 months to go!!)

Read to competencies for the job and prepare examples for each competency - in the example nake sure you outline

What the situation was
The approach you took to it
The outcome

Also make sure you know what problems you encountered in the situation and how you resolved the problems.

The interview is very different from private sector, some ways its easier as you nearly know the questions before you start, and in some ways its harder as you have to be specific with the answers.

lantanna

StabiloNI wrote: »

Hi Lantanna,
I went for an interview in May and it was my first time with NICS.
I must say, I had few interviews lately and this was one of the toughest ones. There was no chit-chat. Soon as I sat down it was straight down to four questions. I had three panel members taking notes the whole time I was talking, there weren't any eye contacts as they were all busy writing down what I was saying.
Not sure what position you are going for but I would say,

1. Read & Study your candidate information booklet. (especially interview criteria, 4 bullet points = 4 question)
2. Practice Practice & Practice!

Good luck with your interview.

PS. Does anyone know, how long it takes from getting accepted (filled out accessni) til actually getting a letter of appointment? I just can't wait to hand in my notice!

Hi, Just wondering how long was it after you had your interview that you were asked to fill out your Access NI Form?

Hope you've now had that job offer!!

leftieM

damianmcr wrote: »

Oh someone has thrown all there toys out of the pram!!

I'm surprised there are any left to throw out based on past postings on this topic!