When I first applied to the University of Greenwich I knew
that I wanted to do a sandwich year, which is a year working before you start
your 3rd and final year. I really hate filling out application forms and would
rather talk face to face so I found it really difficult when I started applying
but I knew it had to be done. I secured my placement for the civil service as
an operational assistant. I will now walk you through how I secured the
placement:
Application form - Competency based
Q1 Describe examples of where you have applied mathematical,
statistical or other analytical techniques (including computer programming,
spreadsheets, databases or other specialist software) to solve a complex
problem.
Q2 Provide details of when you have been able to draw
effective conclusions and/or advise others using your analysis, including how
you presented your results.
Q3 COLLABORATING AND PARTNERING This means working collaboratively, sharing
information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues
and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
Q4 MANAGING A QUALITY SERVICE People who are effective in this area plan,
organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and
efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to
support service delivery.
I filled in the application form the best I could as it is
competency based and you have to show you have skills and you are passionate
for the job and show them that you are the better candidate. Make sure you
don't have any spelling mistakes and you have provided everything they have
asked for because if you miss something they can just throw out your
application form and not even bother to finish reading the application.
2) Journey- I had to attend an interview at the Westminster
office normally before I go anywhere important like an interview I like to
check I know how to get there and go for a trial journey (a bit extra I know!)
but because I didn’t have much time I thought I’d not do that this time but
because I like to be on time and extra early for everything especially if it’s
important, I arrived 3 hours early (you never know with public transport) and to my luck there was a Pret a manager a 2
minute walk away where I killed some time.
3) Interview- When I arrived for my interview I was met by a
current student that is taking the placement, and they assured me that the
interview will be fine as there will be 3 staff members that will conduct the
interview. I asked as many questions as possible about what they do at the moment
and how they found it. I then got called into the interview I think it lasted
for 30 minutes the sort of questions they asked me were:
When have you worked in a team and come across a difficult
situation, what did you do and what was the outcome?
A manager had said he has had complaints of there being
discrimination in his company when it comes to promotions what data would you ask
for and how would you check if this is the case?
When have you had to work towards a deadline? (I can
remember the exact wording of the question)
They also had my answers from the application printed and asked
to go into more detail and asked me questions about the situation. So don’t lie on your application form as they
do ask at your interview!
I wasn’t that confident when I came out of the interview
because I felt the technical question let me down and didn’t really answer the
question to the best of my ability, but I got an email after Christmas to say I
had got the placement.
Best tip I’ve ever been given is don’t be shy, keep calm and
just keep smiling, don’t get too upset if you can’t answer a question and if you
pause and telling a joke or two helps, well it’s helped me not sure if it will
help everyone.
I hope this helps you if you’re applying for a placement or
when you will be applying.. J
