Faststream Part 2

I sat the second round of the FastStream selection process yesterday. The day was split in two three parts - a group discussion in which we had to role play a scenario, a presentation - again in role, and a competency interview.

With my two co-workers we feel the pannel discussion went well, and that we all got the balance right in terms of speaking, listening, pushing for our points and being prepared to compromise. The presentation role saw me having to assume the position of marketing director in a supermarket chain which had received bad publicity within a local community and decide from 3 options and make a recommendation to the board.

I think the presentation went well. My introductory bit lasted 9 minutes so was within the 10 minutes allowed, and I feel that I was able to handle the questions well and not fall in to any bear traps.

The competency interview was the last session, and followed straight on from the presentation exercise. Not so sure how I did in this, as it was the toughest interview I have yet faced. Of the three competencies they were testing, I think I answered well on two, and gave a slightly weeker answer to how I demonstrate constructive thinking.

The thing I took from yesterday is that I am as good as anyone else in the Home Office at this stage of the process - there are only 19 of us (4 of whom from my outfit) - and that irrespective of what happens I will get very helpful feedback.

I really want to get on to this scheme, and am reassured to know that of all the Home Office candidates that made it through the internal selection procedure only 1 did not get through the open competition last year.

Three weeks until the results - so not long at all.

In the mean time I am going to be busy with the flat, as all being well I will be exchanging contracts today. Yipppeee!!!

I am about to push off down to Southampton for a meeting with my lawyer to finalise all the bits and bobs.

More soon on the apartment purchase.