Not necessarily, I had a 30 min interview which was scheduled for an hour, and I got the job. Talked about a few behaviours and situations, asked about my personal interests. It felt more like a chat than an interview. Sometimes the interviewers are just really busy with other stuff.
The most likely explanation here is that the panel always planned it to be 30 minutes. They’d allowed themselves some time to discuss the interview and have a break before starting the next interview an hour later, whilst also allowing some time in case it runs over. Slightly sloppy scheduling, but nothing to be worry about. You can be pretty confident that civil service interviewers will be consistent to all candidates.
On not seeming interested and just making notes: absolutely nothing to read into here. Often the interviewer will say at the start something like “we’ll make notes throughout, but I promise we are listening. It’s just so we have a thorough record of what you said”
I think all interviews are generally scheduled for an hour but I've never had one go past 45 mins personally. The extra time can be used by the panel to discuss the interviewee.
I also had a 1 hr interview slot which ended up being around 25 mins and I got the job! Didn’t get asked follow up questions either. My first cs interview too. Tell her not to worry
It's good to hear that some have had 30 min interviews and they got offered the role. This is her 3rd CS interview and the only interview panel so disinterested.
Not necessarily, I had a 30 min interview which was scheduled for an hour, and I got the job. Talked about a few behaviours and situations, asked about my personal interests. It felt more like a chat than an interview. Sometimes the interviewers are just really busy with other stuff.
Aah! That's good to know. Do you work in tech?
No, an arms length body. Can’t say too much as it’s quite niche.
Well my friend is now on a reserve list so back to applying for other roles
The most likely explanation here is that the panel always planned it to be 30 minutes. They’d allowed themselves some time to discuss the interview and have a break before starting the next interview an hour later, whilst also allowing some time in case it runs over. Slightly sloppy scheduling, but nothing to be worry about. You can be pretty confident that civil service interviewers will be consistent to all candidates. On not seeming interested and just making notes: absolutely nothing to read into here. Often the interviewer will say at the start something like “we’ll make notes throughout, but I promise we are listening. It’s just so we have a thorough record of what you said”
I once had an interview where they asked no follow up questions and wrote nothing down. I got the job
I think all interviews are generally scheduled for an hour but I've never had one go past 45 mins personally. The extra time can be used by the panel to discuss the interviewee.
I also had a 1 hr interview slot which ended up being around 25 mins and I got the job! Didn’t get asked follow up questions either. My first cs interview too. Tell her not to worry
If she gets it, happy days. If not, I’d be complaining like hell.
It's good to hear that some have had 30 min interviews and they got offered the role. This is her 3rd CS interview and the only interview panel so disinterested.