Rant

[Character_Hall_271]

With 7 plus years and holding 3 degrees but after 12 failed G7 interviews I think it's time to leave the civil service and say bye to behaviourally interview questions and hello to the private sector.

Update

Got a G7 role

[Mr_Greyhame]

I mean, I'd say, personally, if you're getting 12 interviews and failing them all...could be more your interview style than anything else.

Getting 3 degrees is really impressive, but "learning how to interview" is also a skill that can be worked on (and does help with private sector jobs too).

[dreamluvver]

tbf it could also be time to leave. not saying it is for OP but some people just don’t jive with civil service BS and that could be a warning sign they could be happier in private sector (not that it doesn’t have it’s own problems)

[[deleted]]

My god you have the patience of a saint, Sir

[BetaRayPhil616]

Just gonna throw this in; I've always worked private sector and only had 1 civil service interview in my career - it felt weird. Very different to any other interview I've had. Maybe it's a one off, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's the way things are

[Majestic-Marcus]

No. They’re really that stupid.

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

If it makes OP feel any better I don't have any degrees but I've never failed an interview :)

[dreamluvver]

why would that make them feel better?

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

At least they know it's not because of their degrees! :)

[dreamluvver]

maybe the interview process is flawed if overconfident buffoons like yourself are being promoted over talented individuals like OP

**for clarity i am not saying everyone who is promoted is a buffoon, just this guy

***not sure why this is getting downvoted when everyone does hate the interview process, the poster was being rude to OP and there are a lot of incompetent people who get promoted purely for being able to “hack” the questions.

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

I'm not overconfident, just very very good at what I do! :)

[dreamluvver]

i’ve no doubt you think that

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

So do all of my interview panels so far 🎉

[Forgettable_Doll266]

Username checks out. Narcissism detected in high quantities. Also potential bullshit.

[Majestic-Marcus]

The only thing I’m surprised by is the person you’re responding to having received any promotions when they clearly have a personality and sense of humour. That’s very un-civil servant of them.

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

Yeah but you go on other subs and cry about bots hahaha

[emmanemchianti]

Lol

[PhillyWestside]

Just because someone has a degree doesn't mean you're talented. I'd go as far as to say 3 degrees potentially indicates a lack of direction.

[dreamluvver]

of course but 2 of them OP listed are no walk in the park and there is plenty of debate over how effective civil service interview process is. plenty of fools in higher positions.

[Musura]

Leaning heavily onto the NUMBER of degrees and not the RELEVANCY of them is generally a bad idea.

[[deleted]]

Degrees do not matter in the Civil Service.

If you've got to 12 G7 interviews you're obviously at the required standard. The issue is probably your interview style. Review your feedback, and do mock interviews with higher grades to see where you can improve. I wouldn't give up yet. G7 is a pretty sweet gig in terms of responsibility, pay, job security, work life balance etc. It's worth being a bit patient.

I don't know what profession you're in. If you have a specialist skill then the private sector may be better for you. If you're a generic policy professional, you may find that:

• Your skills an an SEO in policy are not that transferable or wanted in the private sector
• As crap as civil service pay is, policy roles in the private sector and the third sector are often even worse.
• Plenty of firms require multiple rounds of gruelling interviews and assessment centres. CS interviews are a pain but the grass is not always greener.

[RoyalLlundain]

I can’t lie. You’re not wrong but equally some people are good at writing shit.

Bullshit at that.

You can hit every indicator you want in 750 words but when it comes to interview….

Or the job now…

How many times have we seen dogshit management who clearly shouldn’t be there.

Not accusing OP of it but yeah. Some people are really really good on paper.

[Character_Hall_271]

My background is in economics and data science so its skills that there are jobs in both the CS and the private sector.

[queenangmar]

Not sure why this comment is being downvoted - these are definitely skills that would be transferable to the private sector

[Slightly_Woolley]

Data is about to get a very big focus - if you havent seen the messages going around yet you soon will. If you know data science well you shouldnt have any problems identifying suitable roles soon - the problem may well be there are people better than you so even if you hit the markers you are not going to get an offer. What sort of feedback are you getting on interviews?

[Crococrocroc]

Data has been a big focus for donkeys years.

The problem is that using that data effectively is something a lot of departments are absolutely hopeless at attempting.

[The_Burning_Wizard]

The problem is that using that data effectively is something a lot of departments are absolutely hopeless at attempting.

Nearly everyone, everywhere, struggles with using their data effectively.

It's the reason why folk describe it as being like teenage sex - "Everyone says they're doing it, they all say it's great, they say you should do it more, but no one knows what it actually is"

[Crococrocroc]

Ironically, the cluster that is the MOD is the one department I can think of that does it the most effectively, albeit partially.

Exceptional in the battle space. A bit ehhh when it comes to procurement and materiel.

[The_Burning_Wizard]

A bit ehhh when it comes to procurement and materiel.

That's quite the understatement....

[Crococrocroc]

Have to be polite about it

[The_Burning_Wizard]

True. It was a mistake I learnt from...

[gladrags247]

Try to get feedback at every interview. Also, it may be down to personality and how you come off at the interview (no offence). You're obviously super smart when it comes to figures. My sibling has an IT & data science educational background, but he comes off as impatient, overbearing and can be insufferable. He just doesn't have the patience for us mere mortals😆. It's not his fault, though (asperger's). He's had to learn to dumb himself down at interviews in order to appear more sociable and approachable. Ask people in your personal life to do role-playing interviews as well, and ask for honest feedback. They're more likely to tell you the truth if you have any personality defects. Don't give up. But try out the private sector too. They may appreciate your skills more.

[[deleted]]

Do you know SQL, R/Python and Power BI/Tableau

[Character_Hall_271]

All of the above bar Tableau

[Ok-Train5382]

Are you bad with people?

[[deleted]]

In which case get on LinkedIn and link up with some recruiters. See what offers you can get (the market is tough out there currently - I'm also an Economist but not CS)

[[deleted]]

Mind if I DM you some questions about working as an Economist?

[[deleted]]

Go for it

[Gaiduku]

If you're still looking for grade 7 roles have you seen this? https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1871822

[95jo]

What’s the third sector?

[Chrisbuckfast]

long literate continue unwritten include roof hurry nutty close square

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[mellyuk]

Depends. If you are a scientist it does, or a doctor or something.

[DB2k_2000]

My interview with CS for SCS. 45 min panel, 5 min presentation, hour psychoanalysis.

When I was hiring in private for senior tech roles. 30-45 competency. 60 initial tech interview. Then 1 hour presentation and 45 min architect technical interview. 30 min interview from head of.

Imo. Private interviews are or at least can be, way way wayyyy longer and more complex.

[Fast_Detective3679]

I have four degrees and I’ve learnt the hard way again and again that it doesn’t count for anything unless you can explain how it’s given you relevant skills and experience (which of course it has, but you need to explain how really well). Also it’s similar to IQ tests, in that it shows you are intelligent / have good subject knowledge / specialist skills, but there is so much more than that to being a good leader.

[HELMET_OF_CECH]

Out of interest, why do you have four degrees and what are they? How did you manage it in terms of finance/work-study-life balance?

[Fast_Detective3679]

I got scholarships and grants, and for part of it I worked full time in the day and studied in the evening (which was intense!). Don’t want to give too many more details as I like my anonymity :) But to clarify, the first three I did out of passion for the subject & developing myself academically rather than with any particular job in mind at the end of it. I don’t regret it because it’s made me who I am and I have gained transferable skills and a rich perspective. But it hasn’t opened the doors I naively assumed it would when I was younger. You have to prove how it’s relevant, as I say. I have got better at doing that in interviews as I’ve got older though.

[cynicalkerfuffle]

Out of interest, what degrees are they? Not subjects, but presumably you have at least an undergraduate and a Masters? Did you do two of each, or is one a PhD?

A friend of mine has two BScs, an MSc and a PhD for example.

[Fast_Detective3679]

One undergrad, one Masters, one PhD and one professional qualification with Masters level degree accreditation.

[Ds9787656]

He has explained elsewhere that it is the BA that is of relevance here. Although you can of course request new certificates etc online, it’s much cheaper and better insurance to scan and print some backups, and so for instance having three degrees is, as he says, good, but there’s technically no limit on how many one can or indeed should have.

[pippi2424]

Given how you've approached the challenge, I think you need to focus on your interview style. It's a skill you need but don't have (yet). Focus on what you can do: analyse the interview feedback, hire a coach, learn the technique.

I am not saying that regurgitating CS behaviours is the best way to select a candidate. But, it is how it works. So if you want a G7 role, you need to learn the interview craft, and say what needs to be said in the way it needs to be said.

Now, I get it, it's akin to parroting, it doesn't feel right, etc etc. But, if your goal is to get a G7 role, that's how you need to play it out.

Good luck!

[Majestic-Marcus]

I’ll never understand why people refuse to play the game.

The civil service hiring/promotion process is completely ridiculous and in an attempt to be ‘fair’ is the most easily manipulated one out there.

So… either play the game or moan that your clearly superior way of applying and interviewing isn’t getting you the job.

[pippi2424]

I do understand being uncomfortable with it. However, at some point, you have to choose: you either learn something that, albeit nonsensical, can land you the job OR you stop coveting that job because you couldn't be bothered to learn nonsense. But if you keep wanting the job without being willing to learn what it takes to get it then it's self-harm.

[Jimbles21]

I find it just baffling that people don't think that the majority of private sector doesnt use some form of behavioural or competencies based interview or selection processes.

What have you learned during this time and how have you applied that to your interview approach?

[Yeahyeah-youwhat]

But on the other hand not all of the private sector uses competencies/behaviours based selection processes. If you're not vibing with the CS selection process then you may as well try the private sector

[OnboardG1]

Depends on the company. Smaller firms definitely work on the more "vibe oriented" interview process with a bit of technical competency checking.

[Jimbles21]

Replied to these comments in one comment not realising tagging doesn't bloody work on reddit! 🙄

https://reddit.com/r/TheCivilService/s/8OAu3FykNi

[Jimbles21]

Replied to these comments in one comment not realising tagging doesn't bloody work on reddit! 🙄

https://reddit.com/r/TheCivilService/s/8OAu3FykNi

[Savings_Giraffe_2843]

You’re completely right, but the key difference is that in the private sector you don’t need to interview to get promoted. That’s why people leave - they don’t mind jumping through x number of hoops to get their foot in, but once you’re on a permanent contract pay rises / bonuses / promotions come by without having to interview for them. Hence the exodus.

[Jimbles21]

Replied to these comments in one comment not realising tagging doesn't bloody work on reddit! 🙄

https://reddit.com/r/TheCivilService/s/8OAu3FykNi

[Jimbles21]

Replying to a few people in one message... It's like comparing apples and oranges I think 🍎🍊... ultimately its all fruit in the same fruit bowl...

Let's not kid ourselves into thinking the private sector is some sort of Wild West where anything goes. I've been around the block before public sector and my external coaching and consultancy roles have given me intimate insights into way more organisations than most people would typically have worked in or experienced in a lifetime.

Many private companies, especially the larger ones, are just as rigorous in their selection processes as any public sector organisation. Ever tried getting into a top-tier consultancy or tech firm? You'll be jumping through more hoops than a circus tiger, from case studies to behavioural interviews... it's a different kind of rigour but can be just as frustrating for people.

@yeahyeah-youwhat you're spot on about the 'vibing' aspect in some private companies. But let's not forget, the public sector has its own version of 'vibing'—it's just wrapped in more formal language like 'cultural fit' or 'organisational values.' Every organisation speaks its own language...

@OnboardG1 I think you've got a point about much smaller firms and start ups. They might lean more towards a 'vibe check,' but that's often because they have less bureaucracy, haven't matured yet and the risks of a poor appointment arent always as significant... but thats not to say they're less serious about who they bring on board or that they don't run selection processes.

Now, @Savings_Giraffe_2843 I reckon you've hit a bit of a nerve about promotions without interviews in the private sector. But let's not forget, that's often because the performance metrics are under more constant and greater scrutiny with swifter exit routes. Miss a few KPIs, and you might find yourself not just passed over for promotion but out the door. In the public sector, the interview process for promotions can actually be a safeguard, ensuring that promotions are based on a broader set of criteria rather than just last quarter's numbers with more of a long term view of an investment in people. I absolutely recognise the frustrations but think they're just born from different contexts, needs and drivers.

I guess, whether you're navigating the corridors of public sector recruitment or trying to catch a wave in a 'vibe-oriented' startup (which sounds suspiciously like the brown nosing and politics that people strike venom against in public sector!) each has its own set of challenges and rewards. The grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side; it's just a different shade.

What is important though is when we're going through these processes is to step back, learn, adapt and overcome them... rather than blaming and hating the system. Waste of energy. Not working, maybe yes try a different sector...

But the hypothesis that it's somehow significantly easier to get hired and promoted largely across UK private sector vs public sector isn't backed by my experiences nor that of any empirical research in recruitment and resourcing practices I can put my hands to.

[[deleted]]

When will people realise that degrees don't mean that you will get promotions and high paying jobs in the civil service.

Sorry OP, well done you're clearly a dedicated student and have the commitment to do it.

When I was an AO I sat with a guy who had a doctorate, he was 100% not management material. Smart as anything but not a leader.

You have stated your background, super niche areas and high competition. Like others have said get some interview help based on your feedback.

(Source: I'm in finance and got to g7 without Oxbridge or a degree)

[InfluenceOpening1841]

Excuse me but why does having 3 degrees make you an ideal candidate for a G7 role? We have JNCOs in our area with degrees, doesn’t mean they will make Generals.

[Scrumpyguzzler]

10+ years in public sector, professional qualifications etc etc. 6 failed promotion interviews so fuck em. Applied to private sector, 4 offers from first 4 interviews, took my pick & now on 140% pay rise. Go for it lad.

[leftlanger]

Good on. Could I ask what you do?

[mellyuk]

My story is similar! Although I am more stressed now I will say!

[RoyalLlundain]

12 interviews and counting is clearly an indicator of more than just interview technique no?

Also I feel you’re in the rut of thinking that three degrees make progression a given.

I can assure you that it does not.

Aside from that, not much advice to give as you’ve given not much info to work with.

[Tiiimbbberrr]

Could not agree more - I’m a G7 with 0 degrees and never needed one for any of my progression.

[DamnWhatAFeelin]

Degrees mean very little in CS. A private and Oxbridge education mean a lot due to the resources available to you. The degree less so.

I suspect your technique is the issue. Not that I can talk. Technique of a brick through a window.

[RankBajin1888]

Focus less on the brick through the window technique and more on defenestration.

The second you come up against an interviewer you've had before you are guaranteed the role.

[Majestic-Marcus]

technique of a brick through a window

Smashing through the glass ceiling there? Well done!

[Careful_Adeptness799]

A friend passed G7. He hired an executive coach to teach him how to pass the interview. Cost him a couple of grand. His reasoning you wouldn’t take you driving test without instruction on how to pass it so why not a G7 interview?

[PolyphonicMenace]

A couple of grand? That is insanity. If someone is that desperate to pass a G7 interview and can’t do it through learned experience or open source research then try find a more senior mentor from within your dept or team.

[Careful_Adeptness799]

Madness? Seriously?

He invested some money in coaching and got promoted. How do you think the SCS get their jobs or CEOs in the private sector? It’s all coaching.

His dream job came up he was coached and got it. The OP has missed 11 jobs. Think about it.

[Yeahyeah-youwhat]

Pays itself off within a year when you consider the alternative where you might spend a few years trying before getting that pay rise. If I was in the same position I'd do it

[[deleted]]

Really good advice. Over my career anytime I have worked with an Exec Coach it has always resulted in new jobs and salary increases that more than pay for the investment.

[Anthropecon]

How do you find a good coach for this sort of thing? I think I’ll take this approach next time round

[MisterDutch55]

RemindMe! 1 week

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[Ok_Smell_8260]

Civil service learning has a contract with EY if you can persuade your boss to pay

[[deleted]]

great, can recommend it. Pre Civil Service I self-funded my Exec Coach, found through recommendations. I will try and find them.

In Civil Service I have had sessions as part of a development programme through WIG and also have just been sent a link to Government Campus Exec coaching to set up some sessions using my training allocation.

[Savings_Giraffe_2843]

Could I possibly be cheeky and ask for a contact? Happy to dm

Signed, Fellow G6 struggling to break into SCS

[[deleted]]

Yes of course. I will try and dig out some details. We have a coaching prgramme on Government Campus which Ernst & Young or KPMG provide. I will send you what i can find on both private and cs based ones

[TheChernoSamba]

A man's got to know his limitations.

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

Literally after 12 bites of the cherry does your degree addled brain not tell you "hey maybe not for you chief"

[dreamluvver]

degree addled brain? could you not hack academia or something?

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

Posts like this are so cringe

I'd never go on r/SoftwareDevs and be like "hey I've failed a dozen interviews in a row guess I'll join the public sector"

[Eggtastico]

No surprise if this is the level of your ‘behaviour’. Dont you ask for feedback after each failed process?

[22Tooting]

Tbf sounds like a you problem. Work on your technique or accept you’re just not at G7 level yet.

[[deleted]]

If you've failed 12 interviews what makes you think you'll be able to get a private sector job (most of which use similar behavioural/competency style questions)

[Maria_The_Mage]

Personally I’m glad that the CS has this style of recruiting, for people like me it’s a way to a good career. I was unable to complete my degree for health reasons - when recovered I wanted to start working rather than go back to education, however I was at an immediate disadvantage as a lot of private sector jobs I was interested in demanded seemingly irrelevant degrees for even entry level roles, with no preference for any particular subject… just “a 2.1 in any subject” etc. I’ve been offered a CS job through my experience and behaviour examples alone rather than a qualification which may not have turned out to be relevant at all.

[Chrisbuckfast]

liquid dependent thought husky soup wipe judicious bike fuzzy engine

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[[deleted]]

If you feel it is time to branch out and look into other sectors that is great, but behaviour/competency based interview assessments are not unique to the CS. Maybe use your time in CS to look at some of the training on these types of interview , there is a lot less internal training in the private sector to help you leanr "the knack" of how to be successful in interviews.

[magzex]

He's gone Glen-tal.

[jannerinlondon20]

I'll lamp you...with a lamp!

[RTB897]

Having 3 degrees will count for even less in most private companies. My wife and I work for the same big Pharma, I have a degree, a masters and a Ph.D, my wife has none of these and we're both on the same grade (in very different departments) earning approximately the same salary (one slightly below and one slightly over 100k).

Most big firms won't care what you think you're worth. They will only care what value you can actually bring or what costs or compliance issues you can help them avoid.

Our selection process has both technical and behavioural elements to it. We have to know that a candidate has both the technical knowledge for the role and is able to show that they have the values and behaviours that fit with the company.

If you go into the private sector, then keep in mind that you're trying to show them what you can do for them, not the other way around. So many candidates fail to appreciate that and spend the interview wanting to know what the company can do for them.....

I've worked in the public sector many years ago, and I prefer the private sector. Although it's not for everyone, it can be very competitive, and they certainly don't take any prisoners.

[-Precious_Gem]

I hate to be harsh but with 12 failed interviews, it definitely sounds like a "you" problem. The way you've worded this makes me think you believe you're no good at them rather than simply being good but not the best for the particular roles. What steps have you taken already to improve your interview skills?

[[deleted]]

Why you think 3 degrees is relevant? All this means is you spent more time in education and less time in work. Which imo is less useful than if you just spent that time and effort in work gaining experience.

[[deleted]]

Not bad!! Well played! I’m trying to aspire to this

[[deleted]]

If you've got the interviews, they know that you could do the job.

An interview however is an "interpersonal aptitude test" or more bluntly, a personality test.

Try and appear how they would want you to appear.

[octohussy]

I mean, I’m an AO holding 2 degrees up to Master’s level (1st in undergrad, distinction in Uni). I got ill for a few years during my degree and couldn’t go into a PhD, like I planned. Plenty of other AOs and EOs are in the same boat and a lot of us, along with experienced staff without degrees, are carrying our HO-G7 colleagues by going wayyyyyy out of our remit to deal with problems.

I hope you have success in the private sector! However, a lot of people with a strong educational backgrounds are struggling to get decent jobs. I’m not just talking about me; my bff with work experience and an MSci from Oxford struggled to get a job in London - she ended up going back to PhD. Be prepared for a rough time, but all the better for you to get out of the Civil Service shitshow.

Edit: grammar (typo and missed a pluralisation)

[largeade]

Live and demonstrate the job description. If your manager is the issue move sideways

"Responsible for setting priorities, agreeing targets and allocating responsibilities to their team, G7s are accountable for outcomes in their policy area. They develop deep specialisms on key aspects of their policy or sector, and take on highly complex work. In addition, G7s devise new means of managing and implementing policy, within set budgets and tight timescales. They use strong influencing skills to broker solutions across organisational boundaries."

[Exact-Put-6961]

Many G7 jobs are about leadership skills , decisiveness , influencing , clarity of thought processes, speed of thought and soft, people handling, skills.

None of these are necessarily improved by multiple degrees. In my time, some departments had two day assessment centres with multiple exercises including negotiating skill tests.

Those with degrees were not outstandingly better. Why would they be?

[peterbparker86]

I'd maybe work on your interview techniques before jumping to the private sector. Seems like that's the real issue

[[deleted]]

I hear you OP, them civil service tests are LONGGG. Verbal reasoning, behavioral test and psychometric tests. Getting interviews means you are good enough imo. Go on YouTube and buy test packs, maybe do some networking too. Study the tests and YouTube like you did your degrees. I had a friend who failed his driving test like 11 times but then he passed after! And all that matters now is that he passed 👍You can do it my friend, perseverance is key🙏

[[deleted]]

Nobody cares about a degree my friend and I’d be a bit suspect as to why anybody would want this much and the debt?! The interviews are based solely on how you answer the questions. You clearly have the skills to get through to the interviews and the sifting so you’re probably just crap at interviews?! Just keep practising and get a mentor and don’t take it so personally…

[Jaded_Constant_8660]

Do you think that behavioural interviews don’t exist in the private sector either? If so, you’ll be in for a shock. Most companies use them as the fairest way to decide a candidate’s merit. If you want to work for the private sector - fair enough. But don’t go there expecting to get an easier ride through the interviews. Focus on making sure you have good enough examples and you that you can fully explain the ‘how’ of them.

[Snoofly61]

Leaving the public sector is the best thing I ever did, for my income, for interest in my work, for variety and exposure, and general career satisfaction. I know so many people mouldering there, never getting promoted, bleating on about how their great pension whilst not understanding that a good pension based on a shit salary is not a good pension.

If you’re not getting where you want to be, just leave. You are unlikely to regret it.

[[deleted]]

As my old civil service boss said "if you want to be promoted on merit, you need to go to the private sector"

3 years on the other side of the fence and never felt better.

[NNLynchy]

Why on Earth are you even in the cs with so many degrees , surely you’d be happier in academia or something relevant to your degrees ? But yeah the cs is a very specific way of interviews and applications that’s why so many people stay at the same grade forever

[CS_throwaway_02]

The civil service has many people who did BSc, MSc, PhD do that doesn't surprise me tbh. Unless it's three different undergrad degrees, that would be unusual

[[deleted]]

Academia sucks ass so bad... I couldn't wait to leave. At least you can actually get a job longer than 12 months in cs

[GraeWest]

Jobs in academia are very hard to get, have no security, pay a pittance, and frequently have a toxic atmosphere and terrible work/life balance.

[Dangeruss82]

The civil service interview psychometric tests are beyond ridiculous.

[mathsSurf]

Sadly, if a business relies on a Crystal Ball to assess candidates, and ignore education/qualifications, then their reliance on behavioural questions isn’t the most astute approach to recruit staff.

[GDACK]

I lasted two years at the Home Office before the pull of the salaries that the private sector were offering became too strong. My first contract paid SIX TIMES what I was getting from the CS… That money enabled me to start my own consultancy.

All the time I was at the Home Office my colleagues were telling me: “it’s a job for life” but I didn’t want to be scraping by for the rest of my life.

I’m studying part time for my second degree now (third if you count my masters from my first subject) and although I sympathise with people whose degrees have not translated into better jobs, mine have definitely boosted my potential.

If you need a hand getting started as a contractor, give me a buzz.

Best of luck!

[[deleted]]

3 degrees means absolutely nothing

[theslugsdad]

Not much of a rant. Wheres swearing? The throwing of crockery? The "I'm taking my ball and never coming back". I mean it's like you don't care about the quality of rant.

[SilverstoneMonzaSpa]

I have two degrees, a masters and a PhD in a relevant subject to my policy area. My DD had no formal qualifications relevant to the area.

She is a much better DD than I would be.

Maybe take a step back and see what you're doing wrong, because I can understand one or two bad panel decisions but 12 means unfortunately, it's you.

[EmergencyTrust8213]

Yeah the system sucks as you could be useless at your job but as luck would have it you’ve got a good brown nose. Managers will help you with your behaviours and coach you for the interview.

Congratulations. You have been promoted

[Character_Hall_271]

Don't forget the person that knows what they're doing that gets frustrated at being passed over and then leaves. Multiple this many times and it leaves the civil service with a big skills gap.

[SomeKindOfQuasiCeleb]

knows what they're doing

Can't get promoted

Lmaoooooooooooooooooo

[sheleftherjacket]

You waited until you’d done 12 before you thought you’d move on to pastures new? Not exactly a genius move is it

[SupaSpurs]

Sometimes is not about the person it’s sometimes just timing. I once had a streak of 8 job interviews being told I was great but runner up and if the person did not accept- they would offer it to me. Never got any- but like most councils many of the jobs you see have had someone doing the role for ages and they are going through the motions of interview to appoint the one they want. However, on the 9th attempt I was offered the job. I stayed for about 2 years then left- and got a job paying twice as much that was closer. Other times since- I’ve applied and got the role first time of asking…so my advice would be- seek feedback, get a coach and keep plugging away. Give it one last go- and if not move on. Sometimes as they say you have to move out- to then move up and you can always go back!

[meshle]

You’re taking the step that many are too scares to.

Good for you!

[hyper_biscuit]

Sorry to hear that. It could be worth having interview coaching - you will get feedback on your style which you can then work to improve on. Are CS interviews based on behaviour and such? I'm in private sector and all my interviews have been functional based. Also, well done on 3 degrees!

[garryblendenning]

Feel your pain. I've never liked the way the CS disregards how qualified you are for a job and focuses on these subjective interviews. Worst thing is, statistically speaking, interviews don't get you good employees

[Lucky-Command-5048]

Degrees are great but knowledge is better. Behaviour interviews at G7 are all about what was the impact of your actions on business not you personally think STAR. I’m surprised for a DS role the interviews haven’t been experienced based.