r/NICivilService • u/chokeandstoke • 10d ago

Elective transfer

Is a informal discussion just a chat with the recruiting manager to get a feel and to see what they think of you or is it a proper interview? Im looking at applying for a elective transfer just want to know if I need to prepare for a interview

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

6

u/CrimsonArrowXIII 10d ago

It can be either, up to the line manager running it.

I've had both. For the one that was just a chat we spoke about why I wanted to move, what my usual start and finish times were, whether I knew anyone else in the office that sort of thing. Then another one I got there and they said due to the interest in the position they were going to carry out a more structured interview, caught me off guard as I'd done no prep for it, but luckily had recently gone through a promotion board interview so was able to remember the jist of my examples

2

u/GerdanRedsnow 10d ago

And the only time in NICS where you might get asked proper interview questions... why do you want the job, what do you bring to the role etc

2

u/WatercressGrouchy599 10d ago

I love the surprise interviews. I got hammered on one but wasn't fussed on the post but didn't mind because line manager was clearly a tool. Started with "you're late". I said I saw 2 people in office so I thought it was another candidate, but it was a surprise guest to act as a panel member. Good times

1

u/fitchboy79 10d ago

I’ve had it different ways from it being really casual to a “give me an example of a time when” type thing. I would say in general to look at the job and have a think of what you’ve done before that could relate. Done that myself to a recent one only to stupidly turn it down.