As a poster who is very intrigued by this advertisements and put in an application form, I would be interested in some feedback from anyone who can help, can better advise.
I am in my early thirties, out of college ten years, and worked for most of the time in the private sector.
My concern is that I may be perceived as being too ‘old’ for this sort of role, purely because I would imagine many CO’s would have joined straight after college or school.
Am I wrong to think that ‘seniority’ is the be all and end all when it comes to promotion in this sort of role? IE would I effectively be perceived as an 18-year-old?
I am somewhat concerned by Shoestrings insight, but valuable as it is.
Also, can those not working in the service realistically get in at the middling grades or realistically, if you can’t show you joined a day after college/school are you wasting your time?
How likely are EO roles likely to come up? And how can one demonstrate relevant private sector experience to enter the service at the that grade?
My issue is I would have to take a major pay drop to enter this level, and similar to Shoestring, I would be doing so with the intention of moving on/going for potential promotion in time, and would like to think there would the chance of increasing salary etc.
If people could advise? I am very interested in the fact that the service is recruiting again, it is a positive sign, but there are pros and cons too. Many thanks.
Also, I am I right in thinking an AO salary scale begins at circa 30k and EO slight less?
Is there any sort of a public sector tax calculator online that allows one to check for increased levies that public servants pay etc?