Participating in EX Appointment Processes
Modules
- Applying for an appointment process
- Assessment boards and the appointment process
- Preparing yourself
- Types of questions
- What if you don't succeed?
1. Applying For An Appointment Process
- Are you in the area of selection?
- Do you meet the essential qualifications on the advertisement?
- Do you have the time to dedicate to prepare yourself adequately? Are you available for assessment?
Apply Selectively
- Be strategic
- Be focused
- Be realistic – be pragmatic, think long term
Submit an Up-To-Date CV
- Choose from a range of styles
- Adapt your CV to the specific appointment process (Statement of Merit Criteria)
- Be brief and concise
- Profile significant achievements
Precise Covering Letter
- Complement your CV
- Address each specific screening requirement (i.e. Education, Experience)
- Be precise and explicit (make sure it is supported in your CV)
- Create interest and attract attention
2. Assessment Boards and The Appointment Process
- Increasing variety of boards
- More rigour
- Departmental differences
- Written tests
- Involvement of clients and colleagues
- Collective Staffing and Functional Communities
Tools Used in the Evaluation Process
- Screening
- Testing at the Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) or other centres
- Written knowledge / competencies test
- Simulated presentation
- Structured interviews
- Structured reference checks
The Leadership Competencies
- Values and Ethics:
- Strategic Thinking:
- Engagement:
- People,
- Organizations,
- Partners
- Management Excellence:
- Action Management,
- People Management,
- Financial Management
3. Preparing Yourself
- Critical to being successful on EX appointment processes
- Start preparing once you have applied for a position
- Must be able to effectively demonstrate the knowledge and competencies required for the position
Expectations Of EX Assessment Boards
- Big picture perspective
- Structured synthesis of knowledge
- Organizational awareness
- Leadership competencies
Know the Organisation
- Government priorities
- Department specific priorities
- Function specific priorities
- Auditor General Reports
- Recent press clippings
Know the Job
- Unique characteristics
- Organizational context
- Major issues and challenges
- Knowledge and background required
- Competencies required
- Statement of Merit Criteria and Job Description
Know Yourself
- How does this job fit into your career plan?
- What is your competency profile?
- How do you measure yourself?
- Your views on leadership and management and on current management issues?
- Create a personal "Library of Experiences"
Selling Yourself Effectively
- Be self aware
- Project your achievements and qualities
- Use a presentational style
- Act like you have the position
- Exude leadership
General Strategies
- Arrive relaxed and on time
- Manage your time
- Structure your answers
- Use of "I" and "WE"
- Provide current and relevant examples
- Be strategic
- Answer as if you have the job
- Keep eye contact with board members
- Don't forget to mention how you involve your staff
Preparation of Your References
- Select appropriate and recent references
- Ensure their co-operation and availability
- Review accomplishments with them
4. Types of Questions
- Strategic questions
- Knowledge-based questions
- Behavioural event questions
- Situational questions
- Traditional marketing questions
- Probes
Strategic Questions
- Focus on strategic, conceptual and priority issues
- Present macro level viewpoint
- Link up to Government priorities
- Link down to position responsibilities
Knowledge-Based Questions
- Examine required knowledge
- Could be directed to various frameworks, processes, strategies, papers or initiatives
- Demonstrate other competencies
Behavioural Event Questions
- Past behaviour predicts future behaviour
- "Tell us about a time when…"
- Focus is on required competencies
- Structure your responses
- Use your "Library of Personal Experience"
Situational Questions
- Describes a hypothetical work situation
- Usually broadly stated
- Make and state assumptions
- Share action plan
- Explain your actions
Traditonal "Marketing" Questions
- Describe your background, experience and personal abilities
- Create a lasting impression
- Be concise, creative and interesting
Probes
- Should I expect probes?
- What do probes mean?
- Listen carefully, think and respond
- Continue to be mindful of the time
5. What If You Don't Succeed
- Keep things in perspective
- Get feedback (informal discussion) what can you do to improve on your performance
- Reflect on lessons learned
- Develop a plan of action
- Nurture a positive attitude
- Get coaching, training
Sites of Interest
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