fast stream video interview questions

Applications for the Civil Service Fast Stream have opened for 2021 start with deadlines on the 26th October.

The Girls in Policy team interviewed Laura Brindley, a third-year generalist to answer your questions about the application process!

I’m Laura and I’m a third-year generalist on the Civil Service Fast Stream. I studied Psychology at the University of Birmingham, and I was drawn to the Fast Stream because I wanted a job which had real meaning and public service involved. I particularly liked the idea of rotating around various departments and roles to get a feel for what suited me best.

I think I found getting started with the application to be the hardest part as I was very nervous! Particularly because of the Fast Stream’s reputation for being a very competitive scheme to get onto. If I could go back and speak to myself then, I’d say that there’s no such thing as the ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect’ Fast Streamer, so give it a go and you’ve got nothing to lose.

I’ll be honest and admit that I didn’t do any practice tests! The best advice I can give is to familiarise yourself with the Civil Service Success Profiles (strengths and behaviours), particularly the ones that you’ll be assessed on during the Fast Stream application process. If you can get yourself into the mindset of demonstrating those behaviours through the online tests and work-based scenarios, you’ll be giving yourself the best possible shot.

In terms of timescales, the official Fast Stream FAQ contains some helpful info about this. I wouldn’t worry if it’s not at the same time as others, because there are so many factors at play – not least the actual schemes that you’ve applied for, which will be very different for a lot of people. The waiting is definitely the worst part, but try not to overthink it too much.

One of my top tips is to get the basics right – so, have a plain background, wear smart clothes, make sure your internet connection is decent and most importantly, show ‘eye contact’ to the camera, even if it feels weird!

Again I can’t emphasise enough how useful it is to understand the Success Profiles you’re being assessed against. If you know what they are, you can think about how to draw out those behaviours and strengths in your answers. On a related note, it’s not about the so-called ‘quality’ of your experience – it’s about how you articulate your experience to demonstrate the strengths and behaviours. You don’t need to have had a glitzy internship in London – a part-time job or involvement in a uni society is just as valid.

Finally, it’s all about structure! The STAR technique of structuring your answers is a solid approach to use.

An online assessment will certainly be a different experience! You can expect to do a mixture of independent and group-based tasks, all designed to assess you against the Civil Service strengths and behaviours. They aren’t looking for perfection – they’re looking for potential.

My advice would be to try your best not to compare yourself to the other candidates. I felt so daunted at the start of my assessment centre and the imposter syndrome really kicked in, but if you’ve got that far you’re clearly doing something right!

I’d also advise not dwelling on a certain task if you felt it didn’t go so well. I was worried that I’d messed up on my first task of the day, but I tried to put it behind me and not let it knock my confidence. As it happened, that was the task I did really well on! So you might surprise yourself.

The Civil Service operates across the country and the idea of the Fast Stream is to expose you to a variety of departments and experiences, so they do ask for flexibility on your part, and from my experience, sometimes the postings that don’t look so good on paper turn out to be amazing. With that said, if you have a specific reason that you can’t relocate – such as caring responsibilities or health reasons – the Fast Stream team will respect that and will try their best to find a local posting.

I wish I’d relaxed a bit more, especially in the weeks before starting the Fast Stream! I was so worried about whether I’d fit in or enjoy it, but my experience of the Fast Stream has been so positive and I’ve met so many fantastic, inclusive and supportive colleagues along the way.

Give the Fast Stream your very best shot, but if you don’t quite get all the way, remember that the Civil Service does make direct appointments if you’re a near miss. There are also plenty of opportunities on the Civil Service Jobs website, so there are absolutely many routes into the Civil Service.

Civil Service Fast Stream Video Interview Practise Webinar 9th November 2018

Interviews for Top Jobs at Civil Service Fast Stream

Generalist Interview

Operational Research Interview

Civil Service Fast Track Interview

Online video interviews are a fantastic way for our clients and candidates to meet; they provide both parties with the opportunity to build a strong rapport and represent themselves as if they were in a face-to-face interview.

Treat your online video interview like you would treat any other interview, meaning the dress code should remain professional and well presented. The interviewer will be looking for candidates who professionally portray themselves.

If you have an online video interview coming up for a new role and are keen to make a great impression- you are in the right place. At Faststream Recruitment, our dedicated and specialist teams regularly support great candidates in securing their dream opportunities and we strive to offer the best advice to ensure you make a great impression at your interview.

Pre-interview preparation is just as crucial as the interview itself and there are several factors you need to take into consideration.

The client will more than likely want to discuss your experience to date, so print a copy of your CV to have with you during the interview – this will help you when you need to reference back to points and relevant dates made in your application. Not knowing the start and end dates of employment can come across as unprofessional and the interviewer may question whether the information is correct.

ASSESSMENT CENTRE AND FINAL SELECTION

You will be assigned to a particular date to undertake your FSAC. If you cannot make that date, we will try to re-arrange it so that you can complete your assessment on a different day, if there are other slots available. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to reschedule your date.

The FSAC is a virtual assessment centre which means the entire assessment centre is completed online. A virtual assessment centre might sound daunting at first, but it’s not much different from a ‘face to face’ assessment centre – and we will support you all the way. It means you wont need to visit our offices in-person. But it’s a way for us to assess applicants remotely. We will make arrangements to put any adjustments you have requested into place before you undertake the assessment. For more information on the process please read the candidate guide to FSAC.

Everything you need to know is in the FSAC Assessment Centre guide

There are lots of logistical IT things you’ll want to get right from the start. Here’s a list to consider:

You will need a laptop or computer with a webcam and microphone, and a strong WiFi connection. We recommend that you run a test to check that your WiFi, webcam and microphone are working before your FSAC date. Tablet devices are not compatible.

You will need access to Google Meet. We recommend using the current version of Google Chrome for the best user experience. If you are unable to access Google Chrome then we recommend using a current version of Safari 13+, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

On the day, if you are disconnected from the internet we might need to contact you via phone, so if possible have a mobile device ready and fully charged.

Arrange to complete your assessments in a quiet room with plug sockets and internet connection. Plugging your laptop into a charging socket will prevent it from running out of battery on the day.

You can find more information in the FSAC Guide. If you have any IT logistical concerns before the assessment day please email [email protected]

We expect to run assessment centres between early November and mid February.

You will need to have your passport and Fast Stream application system login details with you. Please check the FSAC Guide for further information. You will also find it helpful to have a pen and some paper so that you can take notes during the assessment if you wish.

Yes. The FSAC Guide has more information.

We aim to set final pass marks for the Fast Stream Assessment Centre by the end of February. Candidates will receive their results periodically and not all at the same time so please make sure you keep an eye on your home page, email inbox and check your junk or spam mailbox.

You will receive written feedback that summarises your performance whether you are successful or not.

Details of candidate feedback will be outlined in each of the Final Selection Board Guides.

My advice would be to try your best not to compare yourself to the other candidates. I felt so daunted at the start of my assessment centre and the imposter syndrome really kicked in, but if you’ve got that far you’re clearly doing something right!

Again I can’t emphasise enough how useful it is to understand the Success Profiles you’re being assessed against. If you know what they are, you can think about how to draw out those behaviours and strengths in your answers. On a related note, it’s not about the so-called ‘quality’ of your experience – it’s about how you articulate your experience to demonstrate the strengths and behaviours. You don’t need to have had a glitzy internship in London – a part-time job or involvement in a uni society is just as valid.

I’m Laura and I’m a third-year generalist on the Civil Service Fast Stream. I studied Psychology at the University of Birmingham, and I was drawn to the Fast Stream because I wanted a job which had real meaning and public service involved. I particularly liked the idea of rotating around various departments and roles to get a feel for what suited me best.

An online assessment will certainly be a different experience! You can expect to do a mixture of independent and group-based tasks, all designed to assess you against the Civil Service strengths and behaviours. They aren’t looking for perfection – they’re looking for potential.

Finally, it’s all about structure! The STAR technique of structuring your answers is a solid approach to use.

FAQ

How do I prepare for a fast stream interview?

1. Are in a quiet environment.
2. Set aside an hour when you are free from distractions.
3. Have adequate lighting in the room you are in.

What kind of questions are asked in a video interview?

• Tell me about yourself. …
• Why are you interested in working for us? …
• Why should we hire you? …
• What do you know about our company? …
• What’s your greatest accomplishment? …
• What is your ideal work environment? …
• Where do you see yourself five years from now?

What questions are asked in a one way video interview?

• Tell us a little bit about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this role?
• Why are you interested in our company?
• What are you looking for in a job?
• What compensation are you looking for?
• How did you find this position?
• What are your career goals?

How do you pass a video interview?

1. Prepare Like You Would for an In-Person Interview. …
2. Dress to Impress. …
3. Test Your Tech. …
4. Set Up Your Shot. …
5. Don’t Sit Too Far or Too Close. …
6. Prep for Optimal Eye Contact. …
7. Check for Glare. …
8. Practice Your Video Interview Skills Ahead of Time.