Civil service grades suitable for graduates

From my recent interview, they required direct reports. EO is the junior management position that doesn't require direct reports whereas HEO/SEO appear to require them, unless my interview was an anomaly in the direct reports requirement, they asked me questions relating to management of staff to ensure targets are met or what to do with a struggling junior for example, which I found strange as it didn't relate directly to the role (although I would've had a team under me so I guess it did).

As I said from the start, as a graduate not applying through Fast Stream, you should be applying for EO unless you've had management experience (direct reports/managed teams with projects etc) in which case HEO although I'd only advise it if you actually have managed teams with project delivery and deadlines.

I've managed project teams (I.e. Dotted line or horizontal/diagnoal management) but not had direct reports before.

From my recent interview, they required direct reports. EO is the junior management position that doesn't require direct reports whereas HEO/SEO appear to require them, unless my interview was an anomaly in the direct reports requirement, they asked me questions relating to management of staff to ensure targets are met or what to do with a struggling junior for example, which I found strange as it didn't relate directly to the role (although I would've had a team under me so I guess it did).

As I said from the start, as a graduate not applying through Fast Stream, you should be applying for EO unless you've had management experience (direct reports/managed teams with projects etc) in which case HEO although I'd only advise it if you actually have managed teams with project delivery and deadlines.

Hi PandaSal. I'm curious as to which department you were applying for. I've been a civil servant since graduation last year and the department I work for and those I have been successful in applying for jobs with (the internationally facing ones) DO NOT require any management experience until you reach SEO level. That is the main distinction between HEO and SEO. This is with the exception of applying for specialist roles in certain areas. Perhaps your interview was an anomaly.

For those looking to join the CS as a direct entrant:

If you have some strong work experience and/or a masters degree, it is completely reasonable as a graduate to apply for HEO roles. This is the exact entry level that you would face as a Fast Streamer. Progression can even be faster as a direct entrant in certain departments. However, if you have little work experience in a political/administrative service role, I would suggest you apply for EO roles in most departments. AO roles will not be stretching for most graduates, they are usually administrative in nature (hence the name) and will not make use of your skills.

A lot of departments seem to have combined HEO and SEO so maybe that's why? It seems to be the larger departments (DWP, HO) etc that have kept them separate.

Hi PandaSal. I'm curious as to which department you were applying for. I've been a civil servant since graduation last year and the department I work for and those I have been successful in applying for jobs with (the internationally facing ones) DO NOT require any management experience until you reach SEO level. That is the main distinction between HEO and SEO. This is with the exception of applying for specialist roles in certain areas. Perhaps your interview was an anomaly.

I don't want to give too much away however each of the HEO posts I applied for, had requirements of staff handling, these weren't your standard posts however so it may be that I'm basing my experience of a totally unique set of circumstances, even in my interview for one they asked about my experience with direct reports and based competencies on such.

I have another one coming up next week, I'll let you guys know if it's the same again or not and hopefully that'll make it clearer although last year I remember it being similar to the one I recently did as well so I'm unsure.

For many of the EO roles descriptions the website states:

"The initial sift may be conducted using a lead competency. This will be the competency which is listed first in the job advert.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application competency responses."

What is the initial sift? Are they referring to the Civil Service Initial Sift Test?

They're referring to the initial competency that you wrote down during the application, if you haven't met the minimum score for CSIST/CSJT/Verbal/Numerical, you get told straight away but if you have been successful at that stage, they look at your competency and mark it against the scheme before going any further.

It states quite clearly on every application and in your above quote.

Sorry to jump on this thread but it seems like the most relevant to me without starting another one.

I've just done a sift test for an EO position and got an immediate feedback score of 46%. That's apparently a pass but am I right to assume it's nowhere near good enough to get me through to the next stage? If so, what score is?

Its says I've passed the minimum requirement and am still being considered, but I assume in a competitive field that score leaves me way behind.

This sift stuff is all a bit new to me, I know I'd do a great job for them, so am intrigued to know how I could improve on the test. So many of the answers seemed very ambiguous, as if there was no right answer. Any advice much appreciated.

I can't remember exact details as it's a while since I've done an application, but I think the sift is there to know that you are fundamentally competent. If it's a pass, my guessing is that you will get to the application stage. Also, practice the tests, and know that some/many roles don't ask you to do a sift. Good luck!

Hi Guys, I applied for a HEO position and had an interview two weeks ago, which went OK (I think). They said they would let us know if successful (or not!) within 2-3 weeks. The wait is excruciating, as I would like to know whether or not I need to invest more time into looking for other positions, completing applications, writing cover letters etc., which is a huge (but necessary) distraction from my PhD thesis.... any news, advice or information you might have would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

It took me about 8 years.

The only people I know who joined at HEO will have had extensive prior professional experience. If I were recruiting externally for an HEO, then its unlikely that I would take a recent grad without prior work experience at that level - for an HEO I'm looking for a self tasking person with a reasonable understanding of how the CS works, an ability to lead teams, do Ministerial correspondence and Parliamentary Business and manage a lot of other issues. I'd be looking for evidence of your ability to do this in your application, and its unlikely that someone with no professional experience would be able to demonstrate this to a strong level, particularly when compared to others.

The HSE has a few graduate roles every year for Inspectors. The starting point is SEO, but after two years, once you have successfully completed the training programme you will become a HEO.

I don't want to give too much away however each of the HEO posts I applied for, had requirements of staff handling, these weren't your standard posts however so it may be that I'm basing my experience of a totally unique set of circumstances, even in my interview for one they asked about my experience with direct reports and based competencies on such.

I have another one coming up next week, I'll let you guys know if it's the same again or not and hopefully that'll make it clearer although last year I remember it being similar to the one I recently did as well so I'm unsure.