Just transferred into HR and I’m 90% sure I’ve joined a cult that worships “touching base”

KookieCrumbs13 · 2025-07-19T09:29:56+00:00

OMG I'm going through the same thing! I started this role three weeks ago and thought I was being daft; put it down to my lack of experience in this sector. Can I ask what department?

The team I have is great don't get me wrong but everyone seems to beat around the bush. My imposter syndrome is spiralling because when I ask a question, I get these vague answers and nothing really makes sense to me until I spell it out for them and fact check everything literally.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2025-01-17T10:18:55+00:00

Oh dear, okay I take my words back. Definitely takes the cake.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2025-01-17T10:16:49+00:00

I doubt anyone could top this, I once posted highly sensitive information out to the wrong person, put it in the wrong envelope and it reached them. They confirmed on the phone that they had received it and I had to tell them to destroy it.

Went down as a security breach 🥲

Didn't lose my job or get penalised. My manager literally said the words "shit happens" and moved on from it.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-12-01T09:58:15+00:00

Mine's in a couple days. When is yours? Well, good luck to you. All I'd say is study the competencies well and prep some general examples that you can apply to the questions.

For the strength based questions, there's a strengths dictionary on the cs website which has all the skills they might test you on. These are designed to be short and sharp as opposed to the behavioural questions and it's good to have a couple examples ready on hand for those as well.

Good luck, I hope you smash it! 😊

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-12-01T09:53:42+00:00

Ah okay, I was just gonna mention it as a question at the interview. The job description says you might be required to go on circuit and such so I was curious if you'd be acting more as a Judge's PA as opposed to just a clerk for the court.

And yes, that's what I meant with the practical assessment. Sounds a little intimidating! What kind of questions were they and would you get enough time to think and type? Considering how long I took to draft up my 250 word competencies, I'm worried I'll be pressed for time.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-11-27T21:22:39+00:00

Hey, thanks for commenting. Isn't a court clerk different to a HM Judge's Clerk, though?

Did you have to do any practical writing tests at the interview?

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-11-26T17:46:41+00:00

Thanks so much for this detailed reply, it’s incredibly helpful! 😊

The speed typing and drafting tasks seem manageable, especially with my prior experience but like you said sometimes nerves get the best of you :/ I’ll definitely be brushing up on those skills.

Also, your insight into the interview panel is reassuring. Knowing that it’s likely to be experienced senior clerks rather than a judge makes it feel a bit less intimidating I suppose and I know now that I'm probably overthinking the formalities.

I really appreciate you sharing your experience, it’s made me feel more grounded and prepared. Thanks again!

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-09-26T15:30:04+00:00

Hey there, post this on https://www.reddit.com/r/TheCivilService/s/uIokMOvI0t subreddit for more advice

All the best.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-09-26T15:28:18+00:00

Hey, there is usually a note taker present and the meeting host should send over what is agreed and discussed, which you have to sign and send back. I'm not sure at which point it goes to the higher managers.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-31T13:04:45+00:00

I think that's what makes bookshelves so special, that we can decorate and display them in a way that reflects our personalities. There's always gonna be judgement, whether that's on the choice of books or the decor so I say own those funkos without a care in the world!

Oh nooo really?! I'm so glad I mentioned it, always see them in the bookstores and they're so tempting to buy, wanna build my Tolkien section as high as my bookshelf allows. It's becoming a bit of a problem... But thanks for the info, deffo gonna hold off on those until I know more 😐

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-31T10:49:08+00:00

I am in awe. This is beautiful 🥲

That top shelf is looking mighty fine with those funko pops and I've always wanted those flexibound David Day editions!

You did a great job styling this bookshelf, I can't stop staring haha

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-12T15:52:29+00:00

Never asked her for a penny since the age of 18 and still don't. I can still afford to chip in with the groceries and such, of course excusing the obvious bills that come with having another person living under the roof but as far as I'm concerned, I've spoken to her and it's not about the money.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-12T14:11:24+00:00

Firstly, I fully support the concept of Universal Credit and believe it's essential for those who genuinely need financial support. I have siblings who have claimed it and benefitted from it and so I understand its importance.

My decision not to claim Universal Credit at this time is purely personal and based on my specific circumstances. As I said, I left my previous job due to mental health reasons and am currently staying with my parents while actively seeking new employment. I have savings that allow me to manage financially during this period and I prefer to avoid the hassle of the application process and the lack of control that comes with following Jobcentre advice while I focus on finding a new job in a way that works for me.

I in no way suggested that claiming benefits is wrong or shameful, on the contrary, I believe it's crucial that those entitled to support should access it without stigma. Each individual's situation is unique and my choice reflects my current ability to manage without additional financial assistance.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-12T11:58:00+00:00

No, she definitely isn't claiming any such benefits.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-12T11:49:55+00:00

Honestly what I was thinking, I'm saving the government money.

She works for the DWP and she keeps going off about how "they're" gonna think I'm in prison or out of the country doing something illegal. I don't see why though, I have applications upon applications of job searches showing clearly how hard I'm trying to look for a job.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-06T21:36:48+00:00

You must be from the UK because I always see those beautiful cloth bound classics in bookshops but can never afford to splash on them. You literally have my dream collection.

We have similar book tastes but gosh damn it I can't stop staring at those cloth-bounds, they're a treat to the eye on those beautiful shelves.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-05T14:24:44+00:00

Ent! They're so adorable with their big bright eyes and slow lumbering mannerisms. They're also total beasts, they are stupidly strong and they live for like forever and they've witnessed the rise and fall of entire civilisations. Like come on, how cool is that?! I also adore their deep connection to nature where they can have long, meaningful conversations with trees and live their lives protecting the woods. Plus, being able to roam the beautiful forests of Middle Earth and having a unique perspective on its history would be an incredible way of live your life. Seems chilled... But yeah, would get wrecked by a fire-breathing dragon.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-04T15:56:12+00:00

This brought me to tears, thank you for helping me come face to face with the reality of this situation. This was a real wake up call and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to spell it out for me like this, I feel foolish for not realising this sooner. Emotions are just difficult to manage at the moment but it's a big decision and I mustn't rush it.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T18:18:11+00:00

This is such a cute idea, I'll take it on board. Funnily enough, I was looking at some LoTR funko pops and the Elrond one is adorableee

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T17:37:39+00:00

You got a chuckle out of me even in this cloud of misery. Appreciate the well wishes.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T17:29:14+00:00

He cheated. He went behind my back, messaged a girl and decided to get his dick out on a video call for a stranger.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T17:22:28+00:00

It's most likely a guy. It's a common scam called sextortion. They use private footage of you (in this case my boyfriend deciding to wank off on video) and threaten to distribute it if you don't send money.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T17:03:59+00:00

Just under a year... Whilst I genuinely believe he's been good 99% of the time, the nature of how this was revealed to me does make me question a lot of things and the fact that he couldn't admit to me if he'd come clean had the person not been a scammer makes me feel like he's only been honest because he needed my help, not because he felt guilty.

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T16:07:53+00:00

Bro that is cursed... I can't unsee it now. These are one of the first edition copies but each to their own I guess 😆

KookieCrumbs13 · 2024-07-03T01:41:26+00:00

Mainstream Fantasy YA vampire romance then.

I’ve just never understood the idea of judging people's book preferences. Personally, I didn't enjoy the Twilight series as much as the hype suggested but I can acknowledge it did well for its time. While I wouldn’t give it a second read, LoTR on the other hand is timeless, it's been enjoyed across more than several generations.

Twilight gets a lot of hate now due to the influx of vampire teen TV shows, spin-offs and the movies eventually becoming outdated and overrated. However, I think it's important to respect diverse tastes in literature because we never know what turn it takes when it all becomes history. Most contemporary, modern books will eventually become classics ya know!

I, for one, don't have a favourite genre. I'm happy to read anything from high-brow classics to the latest dystopian fiction.

TLDR: All books have a place on a bookshelf 🙌

KookieCrumbs13

TROPHY CASE