u/Cian_Donovan_12

I was recently interviewed for a Graduate AO position under the Environment, Energy and Climate stream. The interview started fine with a presentation element about how climate change will impact the Public Sector, but as soon as I began answering the Capability Framework questions I started being undermined by the tone and attitude of the interview panel. They were constantly cutting across me to the point that I couldn't string a couple sentences together without them talking over me which ruined my train of thought for the following questions. I felt emotionally shattered after the interview finished from all the constant interruptions and interference from the panel, it felt so unprofessional on their part to not make candidates feel comfortable in a high stress situation.

I have a background in environmental sciences and environmental law, I have worked for over three years in Ireland's public sector working on local authority climate action plans and how the role of the local authorities can support climate action measures for private Group Water Schemes. I feel as if the panel didn't take me seriously despite all the knowledge and professional experiences that I hold.

I received the results yesterday, and I was not surprised to see I did not progress when the panel wouldn't let me speak and make coherent answers to the interview questions. I will consider appealing the scores given to me as I feel that my ability to answer the capability framework questions in the interview was compromised by the panel constantly interfering and interrupting me.

I want to know if other people who've been interviewed recently had similar experiences during interviews for Civil Service roles?