civil service hr fast stream 2014 recruitment presentation

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Presentation by the Civil Service HR Fast Stream, October 2014

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Page 1: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation
Page 2: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

The Civil Service Fast StreamThe Fast Stream is one of the UK’s leading graduate schemes employing a large number of graduates into different professions.

It consists of a variety of different schemes that involve contrasting postings in different departments and different locations.

The Fast Stream is a demanding, varied and exciting programme that  allows you to amass a wide range of experience in a very short time.

Page 3: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

The Civil Service Fast StreamThere are 6 Fast Stream Schemes which you can apply for:

Generalist Fast Stream – central departments, diplomatic service, Houses of Parliament, science and engineering

Analytical Fast Stream – economists, statisticians, social researchers and operational researchers

Commercial and Finance Fast Stream

Digital and Technology Fast Stream

European Fast Stream

Human Resources Fast Stream

Government Communication Fast Stream

Northern Ireland Fast Stream

Page 4: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

The HR Fast Stream The HR Fast Stream is one of the Schemes in the Fast Stream which is aimed at those with an interest in the HR Profession.

It consists of two challenging 18 month placements in different departments and different geographic locations.

The HR Fast Stream allows you to gain a wide range of HR experience in a very short time with the aim of equipping you to become the future HR leaders of the Civil Service.

Page 5: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

What is Human Resources?

Workforce

PlanningRecruitment

HR Business

Partners Organisational Design

Staff

Engagement

Employment

Law

People

Management

Equality and Diversity

Learning and

Development

Employee Policy

Talent

Management

Succession

planning

Page 6: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Did you know?… that HR impacts upon many different

areas of society?

Page 7: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

HR in the Civil Service • The Civil Service has the largest variety of HR roles available

within any given organisation.

• Imagine any type of HR role, in any company and you can find it within the Civil Service.

• There are a huge range of broad and specialist opportunities.

• Your role will have a direct impact on society.

• You will have responsibility from day one.

Page 8: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Our Offer • Diverse, challenging and interesting opportunities available across

the country.

• A strong support network.

• Generous Terms and Conditions

• Full support to gain associate membership of the CIPD and a recognised qualification – a MSc in Human Resource Management.

• A competitive starting salary of c. £25,000 - £30,000

Page 9: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Salary entry point & progression SCS

G6 – (circa £59-75k)

G7 - (circa £45-61k)

AO - (c.£16k)

AA - (c.£15.5k)

SEO (SO) - (circa £30.5k)

HEO (HO) (c. £25k - £30k for HRFS)

EO (O) - (c.£21.5k)

Rapid progression to G7 in only 3 years

Bypass the lower grades

Progress quicker with the HR Fast Stream compared to other Fast Streams

Page 10: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

What we’re looking for Prospective candidates should:

Hold or expect to achieve at least a 2:2 degree (any discipline)Have a genuine interest in all areas of the HR profession and in pursuing a career

with Civil Service HRBe flexible and geographically mobile

During the assessment process we’ll look for:

Inner confidence, strength and resilience Motivation to learn and develop The ability to apply analytical thinking and to bring fresh ideasA keen focus on achieving positive outcomes for the Civil ServiceThe ability to communicate clearly and persuasively and to create a positive

impact The ability to work collaboratively

Page 11: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

The Selection Process

Online Tests: October 2014 - January 2015Consists of verbal reasoning, numerical tests and a competency questionnaire.

Practice tests are available on the Fast Stream website.

E-Tray Exercise: October 2014 - January 2015There is a practice exercise available on the Fast Stream website.

Assessment Centre: January 2015 - March 2015Full day exercise at our assessment centre in London where you will be given a range of verbal and

written exercises.

Submit your application: 01 Sept – 03 Nov 2014

Page 12: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Online tests: Tips for SuccessFamiliarise yourself with verbal and numerical reasoning;

Make sure you work through the practice assessments which are available on the Fast Stream website;

The assessments are timed – always be aware of how much time you have left;

Consider the questions carefully to ensure you have fully understood what it is they are asking;

Base your answer on the information provided; and

If you are stuck on a particular question it is best not to dwell on it but to move on to the next question.

Page 13: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Fast Stream E-tray portal

Page 14: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Fast Stream E-tray portal

Page 15: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

The Assessment CentreThe Assessment Centre takes place at our testing centre in London and it consists of the following activities:

A policy writing exercise

This written exercise (for which you will use a customised PC) is in two parts which last 15 minutes and 90 minutes respectively. Part one is designed to test your capacity for constructive thinking by asking you to come up with innovative ideas to address a particular challenge or problem. Part two is designed to test your ability to make decisions and communicate with impact.

A group exercise

This oral exercise lasts approximately 45 minutes and is designed to test your ability to build productive relationships, to communicate with impact and your drive for results. You will be given approximately 30 minutes to prepare for the exercise by yourself after which you will come together as a group to discuss the scenario.

Page 16: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

A leadership briefingYour task is to give your assessor an oral briefing on how you plan to take on the role of team leader and handle the various issues that will be presented to you in advance in a written brief. You will have 30 minutes to read the brief and prepare for the meeting with the assessor. You will be given up to 10 minutes to deliver your oral briefing to the assessor, after which the assessor will ask you some further questions and engage in discussion with you for the rest of the 30 minutes’ exercise time. Immediately after the exercise, you will be asked to complete a short Self Review Form.

An interviewThe one-to-one interview will last around 40 minutes. Your assessor will be evaluating your ability to learn and develop and your ability to build productive relationships.

The Assessment Centre

Page 17: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Be confident Demonstrate determination

Speak to people who work in HR

Be yourself

Get plenty of rest

Believe in yourself

Draw on your past

experience

Research online – read

the guide

Show your passion for HR

Show drive

Assessment Centre: Tips for Success

If you’re unsure – ask!

Practice your presentation

skills

Page 18: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Policy Recommendation Tips• Don’t panic, and don’t attempt to read all the info – scan and pull out

key info.• Remember the objectives• Use the data, assessors look for good use of financial and numerical

data in particular• Consider a grid, fill in your grid as you go along – when you’ve

scanned all the material put to one side and don’t touch it again• Use the grid to write your recommendation and tick off boxes as you

cover them – helps structure your time• Think structure (use sub headings)

– Introduction, general overview and context of decision– Recommendation– Analysis of each option against ALL the criteria (usually 4), trying to group

the pros and consAnalyse the options you’re not recommending in as much depth as the one you are and avoid emotive language

– Conclusion– Risks and mitigating actions

• There is no right answer!

Page 19: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Interview

• Questions likely to be drawn from themes within those competencies.

• They will normally start with something such as “Tell me about a time when...”

• Useful to have answer prepared for questions about:-– Situations where you have had to work under pressure– Experiences of working with diverse groups of people and

commitment to building relationships– Times where you have had to deal with conflict or respond to

setbacks– Times where you have had to learn and adapt to situations

quickly, particularly those outside of your comfort zone– Your commitment to self development (e.g. seeking feedback)– Why you are applying for the Fast Stream now and why that

particular scheme?

Page 20: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

STAR(E) Method

• Situation - Describe the situation that you were confronted with. With the STAR approach you need to set the context. Make it concise and informative.

• Task – Describe the task that needed to be accomplished and concentrate solely on what is useful to the story.

• Action - Demonstrate and highlight the skills and personal attributes that the question is testing.– Be personal, i.e. talk about you, not the rest of the team.– Go into some detail. Do not assume that they will guess what you mean.– Steer clear of technical information, unless it is crucial to your story.– Explain what you did, how you did it, and why you did it.

• Result - Explain what happened eventually – how it all ended. Also, use the opportunity to describe what you accomplished and what you learnt in that situation. This helps you make the answer personal and enables you to highlight further skills.

• Evaluate – What did learn as a result of the activity and your role.

Page 21: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Interview Tips

• Take your time, don’t rush into an answer.• Prepare examples in advance, ideally more than

one for each competency.• Really consider what the question is asking you.• Don’t use “we”, don’t use examples where you

have not affected the outcome.• Pull examples from lots of different areas: work,

uni, volunteering, clubs etc• Don’t be afraid to use an example where

something went “wrong”-it often gives you more to talk about!

Page 22: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Group Exercise Considerations• It’s not about winning!• Time awareness – set the time at the beginning

and watch the time• Remember the criteria- this might determine how

you proceed• Agree a structure at the beginning.• What are the priorities for the group?• Identify common ground• How do you personally want to capture the

information? (other group members will have details you are not aware of).

• Focus on what you need out of the exercise, are you demonstrating what is required?

• Use arguments to support your case• Get to grips with the facts

Page 23: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Group Exercise Tips• Don’t interrupt, unless you have to. If you do, Praise before interrupting –

“sorry to cut over you, that was a really good point…” • Deal with aggressive individuals calmly• Be natural, don’t try to be somebody that you are not, but also be wary of

your “default settings”• Lean forward and look engaged, nod (show active listening and be aware of

your body language- smile!)• If someone is difficult, possible suggest a compromise – give someone a

ladder to climb down• If someone is passive and not contributing bring them in – give them a

ladder to climb up• Use creative compromises and solutions – don’t present them as facts• Build rapport. Use names and refer back to previous points made by other

people.• Don’t ignore or dismiss other peoples opinions!• Tailor your style to the different individuals.

Page 24: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Briefing Tips• Think practically – costs, communications, risks, what would you

actually do and in what order. Show awareness of the bigger picture (avoid getting bogged down in the detail).

• Anticipate typical questions – e.g. what problems might arise, and how would you deal with them? Who does it affect? What are the implications? Be prepared to defend your proposals.

• Be persuasive, but don’t ignore any difficulties there might be with implementation. Try to consider what might be a problem so that you can suggest a solution.

• Be positive rather than confrontational.• Don’t forget body Language, eye contact, tone (lively manner), smile.• Consider structure:

– The issue– Your recommendation/approach– Each of the things to consider– Risks and possible mitigating actions

Page 25: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

How to apply

Apply online from 2nd September 2013:https://www.gov.uk/faststream

Find us on Facebook:Civil Service Fast Stream (UK)

Page 26: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

And finally…

“There is no better place to be an HR professional than in the Civil Service, and HR can, and does, make a difference to the way

the Civil Service does business”

Chris Last

Head of Human Resources

in the Civil Service

Page 27: Civil Service HR Fast Stream 2014 Recruitment Presentation

Thank you for listeningAny questions?