Civil Service - Making Effective Decisions Behaviour | Decision-Making Interview (My Experience)

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

🎬 Check out my FREE 36-video online class on how to get a job in the Civil Service - skl.sh/3IaQR0t

[@roisincarson8838]

Previously applied for two civil service jobs both of which I didn’t get, the first I completely messed up; the second went well and I was put on the reserve list but didn’t receive an offer. This year I applied for a third time (different but better role) and really prepared with your videos! I got the job and have been in my new role for 6 weeks now! I’m loving it! Thank you so much - your channel is a game changer! At 29 yrs old I’m finally in a professional career that I enjoy - this is such a big achievement for me. A huge percentage of autistic adults are unemployed. I’d love it if you could do a video on passing probation - I’m a little worried I’m not progressing fast enough. I am also part time though. I feel supported at work but I’m worried I don’t have the skills for the role due to my difficulties. I’m working hard and doing my best but what if it’s not enough?

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Firstly, that's amazing that you feel you're on the right path (career wise). I'm glad I could play a small part in that. Regarding probation, your line manager should be working with you to help you. I would recommend having bi-monthly check ins regarding performance. Talk about whether you're on track and how to improve. There's also a bunch of Inclusion networks across the civil service that you can talk to. All the best!

[@CEO786]

Man well done that’s really good to hear.

[@roisincarson8838]

@@CEO786 Thank you 😊

[@MrsHellesbelles]

Hi just wanted to say a massive thank you, I had an interview for a SO role within HMRC just before Christmas and I got my offer today. I watched Working Together, Making Effective Decisions and Delivering at Pace and obviously they’ve helped. 2022 isn’t looking too bad now! Thanks Jac!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

That's awesome!

[@kevinstoneham1245]

I had my Grade 7 interview at MOJ on Tuesday and was offered the job yesterday. Thank you so much Jac for these videos. I watched them at the the weekend and they helped me enormously.

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

That's awesome! Congrats Kevin, I'm glad they were helpful.

[@denise0707]

Well done. I found out this week that I've been successful in my promotion to Grade 7😁

[@sarahisaacs2928]

@@denise0707 well done 🙂

[@StellaRickhards]

I was SO nervous and overwhelmed before my MoJ interview, watched all of your videos and found them a huge comfort and benefit. The way you explain everything makes it manageable and less intimidating - I got the job offer today! Elated, can't thank you enough for these videos!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Awesome! you're welcome.

[@Peripatetic5]

Thank you. I watched these videos over the weekend and got my job as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.

[@BETZ5000]

Hi Jac, I got a job with the HO a year ago thanks to your advice in this video (and others! ), now I'm back here as I apply for a promotion. Still the best Success Profiles content out there!

[@jameshart9994]

I secured the position I wanted in the civil service. Your advice for the interview was invaluable and really helped me prepare for the questions. Thank you very much.

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Congrats James, that's awesome!

[@faritatabassum9675]

Your tips are top-notch and on point. I have secured a provisional job offer from HO in the EO level just on my second application in civil service. Thank you so much.

[@patmustard8995]

Jack, you are doing god's work! I discovered your channel the night before my civil service interview and one of these exact questions came up. Overall, it wasn't my best interview but I got the job offer this morning, and I'm certain that wouldn't have happened without these videos. Thank you.

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

You're welcome! Congrats

[@lukepavoni8508]

Excellent and extremely helpful videos, Jac. I have an interview at the MoJ on Thursday and another at the Home Office next Wednesday. Your advice has been invaluable. Thanks a lot!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Thanks Luke, glad they are helpful! Hope the interview goes well :)

[@lukepavoni8508]

@@JacWilliamsVideo Got the job at the MoJ. Thanks a lot for your help :)

[@yemi5193]

@@lukepavoni8508 congratulations. I have a project manager interview coming up on Monday. I’m tapping into your positive vibe

[@sophieh4925]

Congrats!! I'm currently applying fora third position...failed twice before but I'd really like this job and I feel I could be good at it! Any tips would be welcome!

[@buchislifestyle9066]

Hi Luke, How did the interview go? I have an interview at the home office for the position of litigation caseworker. Wondering if you can give me any tips?

[@mariag2916]

Who else does all the homework/prep then goes to bits at the interview?!

[@wangareful]

Hi Jac, just wanted to say thank you for all your advice. I just got a job offer with the Home OFFICE. I followed your advice and bam! They contacted me the next day. I also got feedback and scored pretty high marks. I am over the moon!😊👍

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Congratulations, you're welcome :)

[@samanthaavery9339]

very useful putting the strengths with the behaviours- haven't found anyone else doing that- and good on you for making sure people know it's your take on things. It has a certain modesty to it but not any lack of confidence, very watchable and useful

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Thank you :)

[@JCdizzystar]

Am going through the recruitment process now and I can't thank you enough for all your advice in these videos. Would love to see one on Developing Self and Others, if you have the chance!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Thanks, I'll try!

[@laureenagyemang5424]

Great video! I just did a CS interview for a heo/seo economist role and they asked me about how I chose between two different datasets for a piece of analytical work. this is specific to an economist role but sharing here incase you're applying for smth similar

[@PR--lv1do]

Came back just to say thank you so much man I got the job and it’s an absolute miracle. All of your videos helped immensely! Can’t thank you enough.

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Awesome!

[@ginjuice8951]

Hi Jac, just wanted to say thank you so much. Your tips yielded a good result for me. Thanks…. You’re a legend 👍🏾😊

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Love it! You're welcome.

[@Amber-c1m]

Genuinely brilliant video demystifying the process and what they actually are looking for. Found my way into civil service but had struggled to tackle internal interviews. Just had an interview using this and your tool and think it went well! Thank you 😊

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

You're welcome, glad I could help :)

[@debbiehemingway1952]

Hey, Jac! I just wanted to thank you for this fabulous video - and for several of your other fabulous videos, actually, too! I'm transferring from another sector, completely, and your insight was instrumental in helping me to nail the application and the interview... and getting the job offer I wanted! You are so inspirational. Thank youuuuuu!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

What a nice way to start the day! Thanks Debbie and congratulations :)

[@maxinechantel2393]

Hi Jac, thank you for your videos I find them very helpful. I am thinking of applying to the civil service but the process has put me off until I saw your videos. Many thanks. Maxine

[@tanyanikolova9055]

Thank you for your all videos on interviewing at the civil service. May I ask you if you could do a video about Managing a Quality Service please and when you have the time to? Many thanks!

[@MarkPierro]

You're almost at 50 subscribers!

[@Emily-i5g3v]

Just hear to say that this video helped me to score a 6 at EO grade for the making effective decisions behaviour and get the job! Thank you Jack 🎉❤

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Awesome, you're welcome and congrats :)

[@sophiebrynley-jones2251]

I’ve found these videos so helpful, I’d love to see one for developing self and others ☺️

[@saumyasinghs]

Jac I got the job! Thank you!

[@dee5274]

Got a HO interview tomorrow at 12 hence watching your video which has really clarified a few uncertainties I had in how to approach the answer. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge !!!

[@jackfordmac]

Did you get the job?

[@dee5274]

@@jackfordmac funny you ask. I was put on a reserve list but had a phone call just last week offering me a position !!

[@mrkoolwear]

Hey Jack just stumble on your video as i have interview on all the topic covered here . this is really awesome for me thanks feedback is on the way fingers cross

[@flinzyace2]

Hi Jac! Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your videos, which have provided great tips and helped me with interviews for the two CS jobs that I got. My first job was in 2022; and the latest job was on promotion, I got an offer this week for the role, using your videos to prep for both interviews. Thank you, and God bless you!❤

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Proud! Well done for smashing it

[@douglasgaunt537]

Please make a video on managing a quality service

[@Prometuis101]

Hi Jac, fantastic Videos currently going for an internal E.O competition and these has put me more at ease, I will share with my colleagues after the interview ;).

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Best of luck!

[@kevinstoneham1245]

I have my interview on Tuesday. This is really useful, so thank you.

[@davidj8065]

Very helpful Jac - thank you very much for this and all of them. They are really helping me think through a proper approach

[@mohiburrehman4685]

Very helpful, clear and concise. thank you! I was so confused for my interview's preparation before watching this video. Update: I passed the interview and got the job 🤌🏼🥰 So once again thank you for making this video 🙏🏼

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@Tait1990]

Jac is amazing! Thank you for this!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Thanks! You're welcome

[@davidgow7889]

Applied for an Administrative role in April with the DWP, prepared well, practiced and practiced, asked family and friends in similar roles for feedback, it was good, day of the interview I was barely 30 seconds in explaining the first of three behaviour based questions and one of the two interviewers shook his head, turned around from his desk and picked up a huge of pile of papers and proceeded to look at these, he never once looked up again during the interview, needless to say I was unsuccessful and I would never apply with the DWP again, put me off for life.

[@anee368]

That's terrible behaviour and I'm sorry this happened to you.

[@viesuwito]

Can you give examples more on the context of work instead of home. Thank you for making this channel

[@RomaInvicta202]

Thanks a lot for your work, I'm trying to get a job at DWP and they're very helpful: increase my knowledge and confidence

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

good luck

[@Jshaik26]

please make a video on the dwp EO role - dispute resolution ??? I've an interview in 3 days.

[@orestismakris8633]

Hey Jac, your channel is super helpful!! I have the effective decisions behaviour questions and i would be very happy if you tell me your opinion for my answer. In 2019, I have decided to do a master’s degree in data science in the United Kingdom. However, I have studied only in Greece, and I have not had information for foreign universities. So, I gathered as much information as I could for my desired Data science master programs in the UK. Secondly, I weighted the parameters which will help me to select a suitable master program. After two months, I received two offers from Lancaster and the city university of London. Both universities are well-known, but I accepted the city university of London because would acquire me skills that I had not developed in my bachelor. The universities' curriculum research, analysis and ranking helped me to understand better what I like the most and avoid dilemmas.

[@itsmine2193]

Really enjoyed how you've broken down making effective decisions, it makes more sense thank you

[@lucie1219]

Hi Jac, thank you for your informative videos. I got the job that I wanted thanks to your help :)

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Congrats Lucie :)

[@sarahsissen7144]

Thankyou for your guidance Jac 👍

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

No problem Sarah :)

[@nathmiller55]

I find these videos very helpful. Thank you 🙏

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

You're so welcome!

[@SalmaBegum-wn4np]

I love your videos I bought your civil service tool. I’d highly recommend everyone to buy it!!!

[@victorianasolitaire1410]

This was very helpful, many thanks.

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

You're welcome!

[@matthewmochan3161]

Any chance of example of situational-based questions for this Behaviour?

[@olufemioguntoyinbo1944]

Thanks Jac for this video, quite helpful

[@c59294fje]

Love this video. So helpful!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Awesome! thanks Charlie

[@Nkelebe]

I went for an interview for a senior role in the civil service a few days ago, and it was an absolute disaster even though I stayed up all night preparing. It would be a miracle if I even have a decent feedback😂

[@jameshomer4679]

I know it didnt go how you wanted, but thanks for positing this. I'm prepping for an online interview which I've got to complete in the next couple of days and seeing everyone just post really positive takes that have got job offers has made me feel more pressure. At least now if i cock it up I know I'm not the only one. Thank you for sharing.

[@agirlandhiscat]

Ive been old ill be asked on 'managing a quality service' any tips on this one?

[@ratady748]

Hi Jac! I have a pre-recorded interview for a CS position coming up. I have a question regarding the Effective Decisions behaviour- you talk about making sure you have an option A and B, listing the pros and cons. What if I’m arguing for A, and a friend is arguing for B and I ultimately end up choosing my friend’s B option. Would I look bad for choosing their option rather than my own?

[@melissadiaz8497]

Hi Jac, what's your opinion on using examples from university/academic study say on a question about evidence-based decisions?

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

I think that's fine!

[@redwanahmed3308]

This was useful Jac

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Awesome :)

[@mariadenisatimofte8078]

Hello Jac, I got a job with the CS, so thank you so much for your videos. I asked them how long do the security checks usually take and they told me that typically TWELVE WEEKS. Which is a ridiculous amount of time. I wanted to ask you, do you know if after those 12 weeks I’d start work immediately or do I need to wait even more?? And how much notice do they give you before the actual start date? Thank you♥️

[@Hercules003]

Is that typical? Seems too long but what do I know?

[@mariadenisatimofte8078]

@@Hercules003 This is what I was told in official emails, so I assume it is typical since they told me that.

[@Alina-eh2qb]

Hi jac appreciate the vids, I’m looking for some help on leadership behaviour(don’t think you have one either ), could I use a uni experience of leading a team as opposed to work (never led a team in work)

[@llamasuzanne]

Great video, thank you! One question - Would you suggest reusing and expanding examples from the written application in a face to face interview, or coming up with new examples?☺️

[@noiseworks]

Yes expand on those written examples at interview but also have a backup example that you can draw from.

[@Laura-ni5mt]

Hi, I have an interview at the end of this month. My first EO interview! I already work for the CS. I am waiting for your Delivering at Pace video. Could you also do one for Working Together and Developing Self and Others? Really helpful channel, thanks!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Working on one for DAP!

[@KD-nu3fw]

Hi Jac, thank you for the video. I have to write a Civil Service candidate statement using the STAR method to give one example of making an effective decision. I'm thinking of giving the example of the decision of whether to return home from my year abroad in Australia in March 2020 because of the COVID situation. I had to consider what airlines were available, the price of tickets, whether to buy a ticket now or wait a couple of weeks etc and weigh up the pros and cons of my decision. Would this be a good example to use or do you think I should base the example on my university studies (i.e studying law) or something else?

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Hi Kieran, have you got any examples from your Law studies, maybe a piece of work/assignment/project where you had to make a decision?

[@KD-nu3fw]

@@JacWilliamsVideo I haven’t done a dissertation or any projects but a lot of the assessments for the law course involve a hypothetical scenario and we as students have to come to a decision on how to advise a client in the hypothetical scenario by analysing/researching the relevant legislation and legal cases Not sure if this example is a bit of a stretch though for making an effective decision?

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

That could be a good one! Talk about the assessment and the scenario etc and then say what the options were and why you decided to choose the option you chose after researching legislation etc.

[@KD-nu3fw]

@@JacWilliamsVideo Okay cool, I’ll use an example of a piece of assessment! Thank you very much Jac for your help, I appreciate it!

[@amylittlewood8890]

Hi Jac! Thank you so much for these great videos, I was successful in my interview and was offered the job I applied for. :)

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Fantastic!

[@ianmcmillan2762]

The interview process is really off-putting and it's affecting my opinion of myself and my capabilites. I've always been pretty intelligent and adaptable and able to organise and reorganise on a whim but no matter the examples and instances I use (and I have plenty), I get feedback that I've not successfully demonstrated the behaviours or strengths, with no pointers as to where I went wrong. Also, I regularly get "99% better than others" results on the verbal, maths, and reasoning tests. Surely this should put me in consideration for an interview? As with every job, I can adapt and learn in the role and during the training period, so why is the process so harsh and - as I've heard from many folk I know in the civil service - unnecessary?

[@sarwatbhatti1985]

Thanks for this video. Does this apply to different grades?

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Yes. However, I guess the level of impact your decisions have varies the higher the grade you are.

[@antoniodasilva3131]

hi Jac, i have a interview for DWP soon, I done twice as english is not my first language I always get very nervous. need help to put the answers together , I used the STAR structure but, ever this helps me. what to do?

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

I would suggest maybe write some of your answers in bullet points down before the interview and then maybe use them as a prompt.

[@aninhasix]

Same here. It is really difficult to explain and develop the answer in a few minutes. My brain doesn’t work properly under pressure in English yet.

[@shoaibhassan5311]

hi @jac Williams hope so you will be alright . i just been to your video its really helpful. i have applied for EO role for asylum decision maker role at civil service now I am on online assessment stage which include these Online Assessment Centre The Online Assessment Centre will include the following assessment areas: Roleplay Written Exercise The Civil Service Behaviours assessed at Online Assessment Centre are: Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing could you guide me on role play as well as written exercise please

[@mariadenisatimofte8078]

Hello Jac, Do you think that I have any chance of getting a job as an Executive Officer in the CS without any prior related experience in that area (immigration enforcement). I am a recent Human Resource Management grad. Thank you! :)

[@suhelhaq3045]

Another very informative video - thanks Jac!

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@onoriode-afunezieonos4855]

Hi Jac How can I reachout to you

[@TLightfoot524]

Hi Jac, I'm currently in the process of writing an application and one of the questions asks how I would go about doing something (analyse information to draw a sound conclusion), rather than "give me an example". The word limit is 300, I'm currently on 144 and don't think I have enough to reach the limit. Do you have any tips? Thank you

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Hey! I would talk about taking information from a variety of sources and also maybe if you used any data as evidence (that can always help) then write about what the range of sources told you and then why you decided to draw that conclusion. Also the impact of that conclusion. Also you could say you would vary your approach by asking people, reading, looking at external sources etc to form a more rounded opinion

[@reshnarajesh9206]

Hi ,anyone help me to get civil service job?

[@sarahsissen7144]

I've got an interview. Wish me luck.

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Amazing! Good luck, I’m sure it will go well :)

[@sarahsissen7144]

@@JacWilliamsVideo Thankyou. I had a practice one today that didn't go too great so I'm hoping the real one goes alot better. 🙂

[@sharonfernando1]

Please base your statement on the key criteria set out in the advert in no more than 500 words. How do you go about this ? Behaviours are Effective Decision Making, Communicating and influencing and Working together. Should I give one example incorporating all the these behaviours or three different example. how would you approach this ? please advise. thanks

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

I would try and give 3 different examples

[@Number-s9h]

Don't try funny examples. I did. Was down graded for it. They have no sense of humour.