Civil Service Fast Stream 2020/21

You definitely should not only apply for just one.

There were folk last year who did this and they never had high enough scores for their chosen scheme but they had very high scores that would have allowed them on another scheme.

They ended up with nothing.

Use your 4 selections or as many as possible 🙂

I get that, but I genuinely wouldn't want to do any of the other streams. I'd rather do something else like a job or PhD. I've got a very specific career goal.

hey guys, incoming fast streamer here happy to answer any questions you have and help where I can. Strap yourselves in for one hell of a ride

Hey

Do you know when there will be an update regarding if the fast stream is being delivered virtually for this years intake? I'm intrigued as to how that is going to work.

Thanks

we're starting remotely yes, I'm not sure when we will be going to offices but I am quite looking forward to it because I think starting remotely could be a bit more complicated

I agree, I think you've probably been very complimentary using the term "complicated".

So you're starting remotely with the understanding that you will be moving into an office at some point? I just wonder if this is something they would put a time frame on for those who would need to relocate if successful.

It'll be interesting for sure. Which fast stream are you starting on if you don't mind me asking?

hey guys, incoming fast streamer here happy to answer any questions you have and help where I can. Strap yourselves in for one hell of a ride

Hi, well done on getting onto the FS. Have you got one piece of advice you think we should keep in mind throughout the process?

thanks! the most important thing to keep in mind with any CS application is their success profiles. You can read more about them here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

During the FS process they will explicitly state which profiles you're being tested against- I can't remember which ones they are but they will tell you. Keep them in mind during the process. This isn't like other graduate scheme applications where you have to prepare a wealth of examples for each possible competency to ever exist and try to come across as this incredibly impressive person. In fact, the only 'interview' is the video interview (some FSB may have interviews too i'm not sure, mine didn't). They want talented individuals yes of course but from what I gather, more than anything, they want people who understand the ethos of the civil service and won't rock the boat. People who are flexible and can deliver on high-stress projects in a short period of time. This is what you'll be doing as a fast streamer. This means do not be super dominating in the FSAC group exercise for instance, that indicates you will be a bad team player within the CS. My group exercise was an absolute mess with people arguing and such, if you stay diplomatic in that situation all the better for your marks. Always stay calm and keep the profiles in mind! Do not release a tirade of verbal diarrhea about how great you are and all the things you've done. Basically, don't be a prat. Personality goes a very long way in this application, hence the several rounds of testing. Some will argue it's flooded with arrogant Whitehall public school types and so good personality can't be that important- this wasn't my experience. Everyone I met at the FSAC was unbelievably down to earth, including the assessors. I went to a state school and didn't go to oxbridge, the same for my 3 mates who also got a place on the scheme. So if you're in the same boat, do not be discouraged.

I would advise using all of your 4 choices when applying. I got knocked out of 3 of mine at the very first round haha. So had I not put down my fourth (even though it was the one I wanted most) I would be in a different position. Think carefully about the order as I don't think it's changeable after (may be wrong though). If you're applying for diplomatic services don't get discouraged if you fail, the numbers are unbelievable for this scheme. 10s of thousands apply for it with i think only around 40 places (maybe even less now due to the merger of FCO and DFID).

My last tip would be, especially for the first two rounds of online testing, do not overthink it. When I did them I didn't do any prep as I thought I wanted to do a masters this year anyway so had nothing to lose. People who spend hours on them overthinking it often end up panicking and choosing weird answers and failing. Just keep a level head and think 'what would a good, well-rounded civil servant do in this situation?' but not to the point of picking answers that are so unnatural for you and ending up with a strange combination of personality traits. Keep the CS in mind, but stay natural. I would argue the only stages you can prepare for are the VI and the FSB (if you have one). IMO, trying to source loads and loads of similar practice tests is a waste of time. Spend some of that time reading up on the civil service, but most of it applying to other jobs to hedge your bets. Of ~30 grad schemes I applied to in my final year this is the only one I got offered so it's crucial to not have all your eggs in one basket. For the VI think about examples of where you have demonstrated the CS success profiles in real life. For the FSB, they will tell you all you need to prepare. When people get round to FSACs I am happy to write another detailed post giving all the tips I can think of from my experience.

Sorry if this went on way too long, i'm terrible at concise writing. Best of luck, it's a long process but unbelievably rewarding if you make it to the end. I look forward to hearing how you get on

Thank you so much, this is so helpful. The more information the better for us who have never been through the process before. I compeleted the SDIP over the summer and will hopefully be fast-tracked to the AC, so would appreciate tips for that closer to the time. Thanks again .

Hi guys! Good luck with your upcoming applications. I successfully applied last year for the Social Research Stream. I've deferred my place so I'll be starting next September after completing my Masters

For anyone with previous experience of FS.... Are you told the questions in advance to prepare? Or at least the behaviours being assessed at interview?