Civil Service Graduate Fast Stream 2013

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Hmm, this makes me wonder what specific abilities they look for. I'll have to ask the guys I know there. Although I suppose that the slightest blemish on one's record won't be forgiven. I'll just try to be ultra-cordial and ultra-sensitive in what I say, should I get that far.

They make what they are looking at fairly clear on the website. Language is not tested when you apply. If you get into the FCO you then take a language aptitude test.

Reply 21

lovers in japan

Original post by Don John

FCO requires a high mark on FSAC to be eligible for the FSB. That's all. Practice those competencies, and that's all you can do.

The 'guys you know there', unless they are Fast Streamers, can't really help you in that respect, as you're entering in a different way.

Reply 22

Don John

Original post by lovers in japan

Yeah, I think I'll probably ask them, worth a shot anyway.

Reply 23

sharpiiie

Im graduating in July 2013 can I apply??

Reply 24

Don John

Original post by sharpiiie

Im graduating in July 2013 can I apply??

Not yet I'm afraid.

Are you British in Dubai? If not, you may need to read this. British, Commonwealth, Swiss, and sometimes Turkish nationals can apply.
http://faststream.civilservice.gov.uk/Nationality-and-Immigration/

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 25

Chiryu

Original post by sharpiiie

Im graduating in July 2013 can I apply??

Ignore the previous poster (aside from the point about nationality).

Yes, you can apply as this round of recruitment is for summer 2013. You'll need to be predicted at least a 2.2 (2.1 for some streams).

The process begins in September (usually on the 30th), but you won't complete the process (if successful) until March at the earliest - and May in some cases.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 26

just_jenn

Greetings Campers,

This is actually my first post on TSR (woohoo!) and I was inspired to join because I'm planning on applying to the fast stream for 2013. Feeling a bit long in the tooth though as I graduated in 2007 and I have a toddler and a husband.

I've always been interested in politics and policy and I'm hoping I can draw on my 4-5 years experience working for various charities and NGOs in the USA and the UK to be an effective civil servant if I get through. I'm applying for Diplomatic and General--I'd be ecstatic if I got through to either!

Reply 27

Chiryu

Good luck just_jenn! The average age of successful fast streamers is about 25, so you aren't that old really (I'm in mid-thirties and married with a small kid, but I'm starting on the TiB fast stream this coming summer, having deferred from the 2012 competition).

Reply 28

lovers in japan

Original post by Chiryu

Really?! Wow I feel young :redface:

Reply 29

Don John

Original post by just_jenn

Welcome to TSR, and good luck on the application!

Reply 30

lovers in japan

Original post by just_jenn

Good luck Jenn! Your experience will help in the interview for sure! Make sure you focus on the competencies that they list on their website, and do some practical of verbal and numerical tests :smile:

Reply 31

redflipflop

Hi all,

Just a quick question to anyone who knows anything about applying. Just how competitive exactly is the Dipomatic Corps? I'm trying to get an idea of whether it's worth me applying to them at all. If I'm turned down by them will I be rejected by the other departments as well?

Thanks

Reply 32

lovers in japan

Original post by redflipflop

Hi there, it is very competitive (statistically speaking, 1 in 150 applicants who put Diplomatic Service as their first choice get in) but don't let that stop you applying: as long as you put down Central Departments somewhere, you could still get a job offer if you score highly enough at the assessment centre!

Reply 33

ellie_flower

I just want to second lovers in Japan as we just went through the entire 2011/12 application process. Everything she has said is correct.

For those of you who want the glamour of the DS you need to get real, or at least realistic. Consider how you'd feel being given a job at another department, and, only then if you could consider working for department for transport or education, apply.

Contacts will not help, and frankly, as Don John kept mentioning contacts it made me laugh. I promise, if you mention an inside contact in your interview it will be painfully embarrassing as they absolutely couldn't care less.

Age is no problem. I was only 21 when I got into the ministry of justice, but I know a guy who is 29.

As long as you want to work for the country, don't mind a bit of burearacy, then apply.

Good luck if you choose to apply everyone!

Reply 34

Don John

Original post by ellie_flower

Ouch, don't hate! :wink:

Reply 35

just_jenn

Original post by ellie_flower

For those of you who want the glamour of the DS you need to get real, or at least realistic. Consider how you'd feel being given a job at another department, and, only then if you could consider working for department for transport or education, apply.

I happen to think education is very glamourous :biggrin:

Then again, I currently work in HE anyway, lol. Actually, in all seriousness, I've lived, worked and studied abroad before and glamourous is the last word that would come to mind!

I have what might be too much of a specialised question and I may just have to contact the fast stream directly, but I figured I'd ask. Does anyone know anything about disability/guaranteed interview scheme? I'm diabetic so I believe I fall under some scheme they have where they will guarantee an interview if you meet all the criteria, bypassing the verbal and numerical tests. The thing is, I'd like to do the tests and get to the AC on my own merit--but then I'd worry about getting in trouble over not "declaring" my disability. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Reply 36

lovers in japan

Original post by just_jenn

I happen to think education is very glamourous :biggrin:

Hi again Jenn.

I went through the guaranteed interview scheme; it means that you go straight to e-tray and complete the tests at a later date. It also means that you get necessary adjustments for the assessment centre: in my case it meant that I got larger print text for the handouts. Some people had adapted computers, others had different colour paper etc. If you have a disability then you are entitled to use the scheme. You will be expected to provide medical evidence and you will also have an extended medical as part of your pre-appointment checks. If you feel your disability negatively impacts your performance, then it's worth it (in my case, medication gave me severe shakes in my hands and arms so my typing was given more leeway. If you feel however that your illness does not stop you from performing well, then it's not worth it. You won't get in trouble for not declaring, as you will tell them about it anyway in pre-appointment checks.

Hope that helps?

Reply 37

lovers in japan

Original post by Don John

Ouch, don't hate! :wink:

It wasn't hate, pretty sure it was just being realistic :p:

; I agree with ellie, if I had mentioned having contacts in my interview it wouldn't have gone down well. However, I did mention having spoken to a present Fast Streamer when I was asked why I wanted to work for the Civil Service and what I knew about it, in particular the Fast Stream. That can be beneficial, but presuming that you'll get through all the stages up to FSB off the backs of your contacts is erroneous.

Regardless, best of luck with your application :smile:

Reply 38

Don John

Original post by lovers in japan

It wasn't hate, pretty sure it was just being realistic :p:

Yeah, I would be surprised if it got me a place on the FS too, it would make one heck of a scandal. My main use of these contacts is merely for advice, and to ask questions about working life in the DS.

I suppose that in the context of a business, contacts have more sway. Networking is everything nowadays, especially in the private sector.

I'm still unsure whether I should apply for graduate schemes at all this year - my real life passion is in another activity I do and I want to give that 100% of my effort and focus. Either way, thanks for the wishes! Hope Health works out well for you.