Civil Service Reserve List

abfran

Hi all, I’ve recently gone through the recruitment process for Statistical Officer across the GSS (EO grade). 

I was ecstatic to hear I was successful at the interview as this is my dream career and I only just graduated, however I just got notified that I have been placed on the reserve list for 12 months:

“Congratulations, you have met the required standards and have been successful at interview.

We are unable to place you in a role immediately, however, we would look to do so as soon as a suitable position becomes available. You will be placed on a Reserve List until a job offer can be made”

Now, I’m not sure what to do. I was wondering if anyone could give any advice

• What’s the likelihood of getting an offer from being on a reserve list for EO? 

•I was thinking of just picking up low level admin work to tide me by until a job offer comes, do you think this is too risky of a move? Shall i still apply for more graduate jobs? I (regrettably) stopped applying for grad jobs when I was successful at the interview. 

It’s all so uncertain, so I guess what I’m really interested in is whether I can hold out hope for an offer or take this as a rejection and move on. 

Thank you!:)

[Deleted User]

I certainly wouldn’t wait around for them, a reserve list is just what it says on the tin, you may never get offered a role, it’s not a guarantee. 

TELLIT01

There is no answer to the question "What’s the likelihood of getting an offer from being on a reserve list for EO?"  There are far too many variables, such as How many others are on the reserve list and did they get better/worse scores than you? How many jobs of this type are there in your area.....

I would definitely continue to look for other jobs.  This is not a gentle way of letting you down but it is also not a guarantee that you will receive a job offer.  Even a job offer may not be for the role you applied for, simply another vacancy at the same level.

raycali

I can tell you this: the civil service is booming right now, lots of AO are being recruited, many longtime AO are being promoted into EO, and some of them even further. It's never been a better time to get into the service; though if you're looking for a quick and easy slide into an executive, you're going to be facing off against a lot of people who have worked many years in the junior grades. That might work against you.

Having said that, they are taking on staff at a time when redundancies are everywhere. When furlough ends they will be taking on even more, so don't lose hope, because many people are rising up through the ranks and there will be gaps to fill. Don't just rely on the gov.uk website either, investigate your local agencies, they work through them too.

I strongly recommend to read up on success profiles and ensure your applications reflect accordingly. Don't sit back on a Reserve List, they are hiring across the board, maybe it will take you a few years to get to EO but it will be worth it. 

MrJamez

I’ve been on the reserve list since January and just been offered a job with the Civil Service.

Don’t give up hope! 

TELLIT01

MrJamez said:

I’ve been on the reserve list since January and just been offered a job with the Civil Service.

Don’t give up hope! 

Have you been offered the job you initially applied for?

MrJamez

TELLIT01 said:

MrJamez said:

I’ve been on the reserve list since January and just been offered a job with the Civil Service.

Don’t give up hope! 

Have you been offered the job you initially applied for?

Yep!

Emmia

raycali said:

I can tell you this: the civil service is booming right now, lots of AO are being recruited, many longtime AO are being promoted into EO, and some of them even further. It's never been a better time to get into the service; though if you're looking for a quick and easy slide into an executive, you're going to be facing off against a lot of people who have worked many years in the junior grades. That might work against you.

Having said that, they are taking on staff at a time when redundancies are everywhere. When furlough ends they will be taking on even more, so don't lose hope, because many people are rising up through the ranks and there will be gaps to fill. Don't just rely on the gov.uk website either, investigate your local agencies, they work through them too.

I strongly recommend to read up on success profiles and ensure your applications reflect accordingly. Don't sit back on a Reserve List, they are hiring across the board, maybe it will take you a few years to get to EO but it will be worth it. 

EO is the second from bottom grade, since they've basically abolished the AA grade - a graduate with a vaguely good degree, and their head screwed on correctly should really have no bother fulfilling the requirements of an EO - they don't "need a few years" in my opinion.

My advice is, use the examples you've written already to apply for more EO jobs (and HEO jobs... why not?) see where those applications get you (you might get a quicker offer) holding the reserve list one in the back pocket.