New 2021 Assistant Principal in the Civil Service

There are over 500 in the first batch though for this year, more to be viewed, so perhaps it would take longer.

Hi all, I failed the video interview last year. I am hoping to be called later on in this competition. Can anyone advise on what is the best way to approach question 2 of the video interview stage? I just described one example but should there be a brief description of a few areas that demonstrate management? Any guidance at all would be appreciated as regarding how the structure of this question should be approached..3 minutes only for an intro..few examples and summary is tough! Thank you

results out, i passed the video interview this time round and got a score of 177 so will have to wait but I'm eager to hear what the next round is as it seems they have gotten rid of the e tray

We are currently inviting those candidates who achieved a total score of 186 or higher to Stage 3 of the selection process - Main Interview and Strategic Analysis Exercise. Candidates who achieved a score lower than 186 will be called forward in due course.

Last year the e tray was a separate exercise, someone could correct me though and say they call it a strategic analysis exercise

Oh yes, just saw that. Didn't read the whole message first time round. Thanks!

I had one before for the UK civil service, you got a briefing pack which you had to read, write a letter to the Minister with your recommendation. So I'm guessing something similar but I could be completely wrong

I should add this was done on the same day as the interview back in pre covid times. about 15 of us in a pc lab and then a 15 min break and in for our interviews

Failed this. They’re looking for a kidney it seems or your first born. I have massive experience and set it out clearly. Absolutely gutted. I scored 35 in decision making - cannot see how. And got insight from last years successful candidates. Best of luck to all who got through.

Twenty points lower than last year, but enough to get through. Interesting given the content was precisely the same, and delivery pretty much the same too.

I wonder if they intend to do interviews in person if they're doing a two-section thing with the analysis exercise?

I am stumped. Sorry to hear this for you too. I’m already operating in an AP role. But at this stage I think maybe specific competition may be the way to go. And they wonder why people move to private sector. Sorry for being a negative Nancy. Good luck with next steps everyone. I think the standard is extremely high this time so fingers crossed all 🤞

Out of morbid curiosity, those who didn't pass but are working in the CS already - what grade are you currently serving at?

AO for 5 years, with staff.

Well, I have failed leadership question but passed the other two. So it makes my situation a bit clearer for the next time. On the bright side, no more tests and interviews for a while :) Life goes back to normal. Best of luck to the ones who made it through.

Passed the video interviews and made it into the first batch for the next stage. Very curious whether it'll be in person or not. Suppose they didn't want to be too specific given updated government guidelines coming out this week.

It’ll be online I’d say, PAS office undergoing big renovations at moment so technically they’ve no office!

Massive experience is a hindrance in civil service :-) I was bemused I got 35 (I was selected in another competition for an AP position and that comedy with PAS was a different story altogether). Out of curiosity: those who didn't make it, did you get this magic 35 as well?