Fast Stream 2012
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Original post by rockrunride
Below top 45 for both practice tests. Give up now?
Original post by rainbow drops
I found the practice tests harder than the real ones, and I think a few other people in this thread have said the same. I'd just go for it, you've nothing to lose! Doing a few more free practice tests first could be a good idea, i.e. SHL ones.
What she said. I made a total hash of the practice tests and then nailed the real one. Go for it! I did also find the real test much more straightforward.
Original post by Jimdog
No harm in asking them what the position is. The process is actually done by Parity, rather than the Civil Service - so no need to worry about the impression you give on these kind of admin issues.
They were very helpful with me. I had mine moved as a morning test wasnt convenient, and they replied within a couple of hours with an alternative test date. They are running lots of tests, so it is only an admin issue.
Your test is likely to be put back at least a week but they'll just send through a new invitation. From my own experience and reading posts on here, the Fast Stream Recruitment Team have been very helpful.
(edited 12 years ago)
Just putting in my preferences. I don't think I'll get onto the diplomatic service but I would still like to try. Would I hurt my chances of getting onto the houses of parliament scheme or central departments scheme if I put them 2nd and and 3rd preferences instead of 1st and 2nd?
A few questions. Sorry in advance if I sound like a crank.
I have passed the online tests for the TiB scheme. I am a final year but provisionally meet the academic criteria stated for the scheme - predicted a 2:1 or higher.
Having passed the test I was asked to complete an online questionnaire. This questionnaire, whilst not intrusive, asked for several pieces of information. I cannot find any explanation on the CSFS website of how this information is used, or why it is collected. In particular:
1) Why are we asked to supply A Level grades if these are not a condition for entry to the scheme?
2) What is done with the information about University level grades, subjects, extra curricular activities and the quesiton asking us why we are interested in the scheme to which we have applied?
I do realise this may sound somewhat paranoid, but I am an absolute anorak when it comes to transparency in selection processes.
Any information much appreciated.
I have passed the online tests for the TiB scheme. I am a final year but provisionally meet the academic criteria stated for the scheme - predicted a 2:1 or higher.
Having passed the test I was asked to complete an online questionnaire. This questionnaire, whilst not intrusive, asked for several pieces of information. I cannot find any explanation on the CSFS website of how this information is used, or why it is collected. In particular:
1) Why are we asked to supply A Level grades if these are not a condition for entry to the scheme?
2) What is done with the information about University level grades, subjects, extra curricular activities and the quesiton asking us why we are interested in the scheme to which we have applied?
I do realise this may sound somewhat paranoid, but I am an absolute anorak when it comes to transparency in selection processes.
Any information much appreciated.
(edited 12 years ago)
A 2.1 or higher is surely just the criterion that must be met to apply to the TiB scheme?
I don't really understand your concerns over transparency regarding the issues that you raised - you would be expected to provide this information for just about any job that you apply to. It's not really a massive stretch to see why a graduate scheme would be interested in your academic past, your extra-curricular activities or why you want the job, is it?
The way I've had it explained to me is that once accepted as a fast streamer, you're merely in a pool with other candidates who have passed, but you still have to compete for jobs internally. This additional information would be part of assessing and differentiating between candidates for any job, and I would be surprised if there wasn't a short interview before taking up your first post.
My understanding is that the statement on why you are applying is not important for GFS, but it can be for other schemes. TiB is suitably specialised enough for it to possibly have some bearing.
EDIT: If they didnt have this info, they'd just have your scores from the assessment process. It's a harsh but pretty fair system of whittling down the numbers who apply, but once they have the accepted intake, it would be foolish to disregard the information more traditionally used in a recruitment process.
I don't really understand your concerns over transparency regarding the issues that you raised - you would be expected to provide this information for just about any job that you apply to. It's not really a massive stretch to see why a graduate scheme would be interested in your academic past, your extra-curricular activities or why you want the job, is it?
The way I've had it explained to me is that once accepted as a fast streamer, you're merely in a pool with other candidates who have passed, but you still have to compete for jobs internally. This additional information would be part of assessing and differentiating between candidates for any job, and I would be surprised if there wasn't a short interview before taking up your first post.
My understanding is that the statement on why you are applying is not important for GFS, but it can be for other schemes. TiB is suitably specialised enough for it to possibly have some bearing.
EDIT: If they didnt have this info, they'd just have your scores from the assessment process. It's a harsh but pretty fair system of whittling down the numbers who apply, but once they have the accepted intake, it would be foolish to disregard the information more traditionally used in a recruitment process.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by HLS
A few questions. Sorry in advance if I sound like a crank.
I have passed the online tests for the TiB scheme. I am a final year but provisionally meet the academic criteria stated for the scheme - predicted a 2:1 or higher.
Having passed the test I was asked to complete an online questionnaire. This questionnaire, whilst not intrusive, asked for several pieces of information. I cannot find any explanation on the CSFS website of how this information is used, or why it is collected. In particular:
1) Why are we asked to supply A Level grades if these are not a condition for entry to the scheme?
2) What is done with the information about University level grades, subjects, extra curricular activities and the quesiton asking us why we are interested in the scheme to which we have applied?
I do realise this may sound somewhat paranoid, but I am an absolute anorak when it comes to transparency in selection processes.
Any information much appreciated.
I have passed the online tests for the TiB scheme. I am a final year but provisionally meet the academic criteria stated for the scheme - predicted a 2:1 or higher.
Having passed the test I was asked to complete an online questionnaire. This questionnaire, whilst not intrusive, asked for several pieces of information. I cannot find any explanation on the CSFS website of how this information is used, or why it is collected. In particular:
1) Why are we asked to supply A Level grades if these are not a condition for entry to the scheme?
2) What is done with the information about University level grades, subjects, extra curricular activities and the quesiton asking us why we are interested in the scheme to which we have applied?
I do realise this may sound somewhat paranoid, but I am an absolute anorak when it comes to transparency in selection processes.
Any information much appreciated.
I think you make a good point - Parity should explain why they're collecting this personal information. I suspect there are two reasons:
1. if you make it to FSAC, one of the activities is an interview. Time is very tight for this, and the information would help the interviewer get up to speed on your background and what questions it might be helpful to ask; and
2. as balders alluded to, successful applicants need to be allocated to a suitable post. I wouldn't call this a competition, and you would typically meet a new line manager, rather than being interviewed by them.
This is based on my experience. If you're really that much of an anorak why not get someone to submit a FOI request (or just ask Parity)!
Original post by Jimdog
1. if you make it to FSAC, one of the activities is an interview. Time is very tight for this, and the information would help the interviewer get up to speed on your background and what questions it might be helpful to ask; and
I don't think the interviewer in that section of the Assessment Centre sees your application. It's purely competency based assessment.
The questions asked are the same for each applicant. Follow up questions may vary, but are dependent on what you said to the set questions.
I'll stand corrected if somebody has information to the contrary.
Jimdog
2. as balders alluded to, successful applicants need to be allocated to a suitable post. I wouldn't call this a competition, and you would typically meet a new line manager, rather than being interviewed by them.
2. as balders alluded to, successful applicants need to be allocated to a suitable post. I wouldn't call this a competition, and you would typically meet a new line manager, rather than being interviewed by them.
This, and probably for those going to Final Selection Board (which is the case with Technology in Business applicants)
Original post by Jimdog
I think you make a good point - Parity should explain why they're collecting this personal information. I suspect there are two reasons:
1. if you make it to FSAC, one of the activities is an interview. Time is very tight for this, and the information would help the interviewer get up to speed on your background and what questions it might be helpful to ask; and
2. as balders alluded to, successful applicants need to be allocated to a suitable post. I wouldn't call this a competition, and you would typically meet a new line manager, rather than being interviewed by them.
This is based on my experience. If you're really that much of an anorak why not get someone to submit a FOI request (or just ask Parity)!
1. if you make it to FSAC, one of the activities is an interview. Time is very tight for this, and the information would help the interviewer get up to speed on your background and what questions it might be helpful to ask; and
2. as balders alluded to, successful applicants need to be allocated to a suitable post. I wouldn't call this a competition, and you would typically meet a new line manager, rather than being interviewed by them.
This is based on my experience. If you're really that much of an anorak why not get someone to submit a FOI request (or just ask Parity)!
Yeh, I didn't really mean a formal interview, more of a chat with your manager.
AFAIK, as Rat_Bag said, the FSAC interviewer doesnt have your application - it's purely competence-based. Final Selection Boards could well be a different matter; I don't know anything about them.
Original post by Rat_Bag
I don't think the interviewer in that section of the Assessment Centre sees your application. It's purely competency based assessment.
The questions asked are the same for each applicant. Follow up questions may vary, but are dependent on what you said to the set questions.
I'll stand corrected if somebody has information to the contrary.
This, and probably for those going to Final Selection Board (which is the case with Technology in Business applicants)
The questions asked are the same for each applicant. Follow up questions may vary, but are dependent on what you said to the set questions.
I'll stand corrected if somebody has information to the contrary.
This, and probably for those going to Final Selection Board (which is the case with Technology in Business applicants)
Yeh, the more I think about it, the more I wonder whether the interviewer doesn't see the application at all - so take my previous with a pinch of salt. Nor would it be right to say everyone's asked the same questions though - only that the questons will explore the same competency set. In my opinion though, it's not the interview you should be concerned about - as the interviewer will be on your side - aiming to help you to demonstrate the competencies!
If you want further information on the FSAC process I would recommend reading the politico's guide to careers in politics - where the author ws allowed to shadow an assessment team for what was then a two-day event. it's a little dated, but points to a few pitfalls to be avoided.
Original post by Jimdog
Yeh, the more I think about it, the more I wonder whether the interviewer doesn't see the application at all - so take my previous with a pinch of salt. Nor would it be right to say everyone's asked the same questions though - only that the questons will explore the same competency set. In my opinion though, it's not the interview you should be concerned about - as the interviewer will be on your side - aiming to help you to demonstrate the competencies!
If you want further information on the FSAC process I would recommend reading the politico's guide to careers in politics - where the author ws allowed to shadow an assessment team for what was then a two-day event. it's a little dated, but points to a few pitfalls to be avoided.
If you want further information on the FSAC process I would recommend reading the politico's guide to careers in politics - where the author ws allowed to shadow an assessment team for what was then a two-day event. it's a little dated, but points to a few pitfalls to be avoided.
http://faststream.hmg.gov.uk/Global/Docs/Fast-Stream-Assessment-Centre.pdf on pg 19 it says the interviewer doesn't know anything about you or your application.
It's not unreasonable to presume they would ask the same set questions (for the sake of fairness, everybody on an equal parity, some private sector recruiters do, so I presume the Fast Stream are even more likely to). But the follow up questions will vary depending on what you say.
Original post by Rat_Bag
http://faststream.hmg.gov.uk/Global/Docs/Fast-Stream-Assessment-Centre.pdf on pg 19 it says the interviewer doesn't know anything about you or your application.
It's not unreasonable to presume they would ask the same set questions (for the sake of fairness, everybody on an equal parity, some private sector recruiters do, so I presume the Fast Stream are even more likely to). But the follow up questions will vary depending on what you say.
It's not unreasonable to presume they would ask the same set questions (for the sake of fairness, everybody on an equal parity, some private sector recruiters do, so I presume the Fast Stream are even more likely to). But the follow up questions will vary depending on what you say.
I agree it's not unreasonable - but if it's an assumption best not to pass it off as a fact. I've been through FSAC twice, having failed on the first occasion - so am fairly confident the assessors are given an element of flexibility. Also, imagine if the questions were fixed and someone decided to share them...
Why do so many people seem to think it is unreasonable to put these things on the questionnaire? If you apply for any other jobs you generally have to do a more challenging application form than this which requires A level grades, GCSE grades for english and maths, competency questions and reasons for wanting to work there.
This competency questionaire is simply the CSFS application form. If you don't show that you are able to work with people (at an extra curricular or similar) then it could show that you aren't the right type of person for the CS as you will need to be working with others on a regular basis. It just gives you an opportunity to show them more about you. I wouldn't complain I've seen much worse processes
This competency questionaire is simply the CSFS application form. If you don't show that you are able to work with people (at an extra curricular or similar) then it could show that you aren't the right type of person for the CS as you will need to be working with others on a regular basis. It just gives you an opportunity to show them more about you. I wouldn't complain I've seen much worse processes
Original post by ellejaytee
Why do so many people seem to think it is unreasonable to put these things on the questionnaire? If you apply for any other jobs you generally have to do a more challenging application form than this which requires A level grades, GCSE grades for english and maths, competency questions and reasons for wanting to work there.
This competency questionaire is simply the CSFS application form. If you don't show that you are able to work with people (at an extra curricular or similar) then it could show that you aren't the right type of person for the CS as you will need to be working with others on a regular basis. It just gives you an opportunity to show them more about you. I wouldn't complain I've seen much worse processes
This competency questionaire is simply the CSFS application form. If you don't show that you are able to work with people (at an extra curricular or similar) then it could show that you aren't the right type of person for the CS as you will need to be working with others on a regular basis. It just gives you an opportunity to show them more about you. I wouldn't complain I've seen much worse processes
I do not object to the information being collected. What I objected to is the way this information is used being seemingly opaque.
As I stated above, I do not believe information would be collected and then not used. I want to know what it is used for, and I also want to know why this is not stated in the selection process.
As somebody else said, an FoI request is probably a good idea. That said, I thought somebody in this discussion board might have an answer - FoI takes up to 21 working days.
Original post by HLS
.........
I understand that Fast Stream may pass on your details to third parties, with your consent, if you reach the Assessment Centre but do no receive a sufficient grade to be recommended for appointment. Something like small and medium businesses seeking to recruit, etc. Also, there is the relationship with TeachFirst. So it may be useful in their selection process, but I don't know.
It may also be used for diversity and access monitoring, or other statistics, but this seems unlikely, since it's not referenced in the annual Fast Stream reports.
Original post by student1337
Just putting in my preferences. I don't think I'll get onto the diplomatic service but I would still like to try. Would I hurt my chances of getting onto the houses of parliament scheme or central departments scheme if I put them 2nd and and 3rd preferences instead of 1st and 2nd?
It would make no difference where you put the central departments option (always put it last).
However, you're much less likely to be called for a HoP interview if its not your first choice, though its not impossible. DS has to be your first choice if you want to apply to the FCO
No other applicants for the Operational Research stream around?
Has anyone had the ORAC yet?
Has anyone had the ORAC yet?
Has anyone had their e-tray yet? I have one on friday. Not sure what to expect really.
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