Host: Beijing only tests administrative ability and writing, right?
Li Yongxin: Yes. Writing can also be divided into two stages. The first stage is mainly about reading materials. Don't rush to look at the writing question types. You can start by reading some official media materials, learning how to extract and copy key points, memorizing what needs to be memorized, and reciting what needs to be recited.
The second stage is answering questions. Take some real test questions or simulation questions, like those from NetEase which has been around for just over a year, and answer them accordingly. After each practice, evaluate your answers. Analyze where your ideas deviate from the standard answers and learn to correct your biases.
In the last two or three days before the exam, you must relax. A good exam state can significantly improve your scores. Even a five to ten-point increase is quite normal if you are well-rested. Your potential will perform better, and generally improving by five to ten points is very common.
Host: What score is considered good in Beijing?
Li Yongxin: We say that civil service exams are mainly divided into two types: position-based and qualification-based. Position-based means that even passing the basic line isn't enough; you still need to rank among the top three or five candidates to qualify for the position. For example, in Beijing, once you pass a certain score line, you'll receive a qualification certificate valid for two years. During this period, you can participate in interviews for various departments in Beijing.
How to prepare for the final hurdle of civil service exams - the interview
Host: There's another crucial part that determines whether we can secure a good job after the exam - the interview. What should we pay attention to during the interview? How should netizens face this challenge?
Li Yongxin: First of all, when it comes to interviews, don't think that they can be easily prepared for or passed with simple preparation. Don't have this mindset. If you still have time, I suggest long-term preparation. The people interviewing you are usually highly intelligent. One of my seniors who works as the director of a personnel department told me that within the first five seconds of meeting some interviewees, he already knows their basic state. Some things cannot be faked. He decides whether to hire someone within those first five seconds. So, everyone should note a basic principle: don't cram. Establish a fundamental awareness to prepare long-term. Pay attention to your speech, behavior, attire, and especially your cultivation. This is the first aspect.
Host: Are there any tricks to get through the interview?
Li Yongxin: If you really have no time to prepare, here are a few principles to follow. First, pay attention to your overall image. Before the exam, make sure your appearance is well-groomed. For example, central government agencies have very clear expectations for your appearance. Girls shouldn't dress too flamboyantly, and boys shouldn't be too flashy either. Your attire should give the impression that you are approachable, modest, and steady. So, design your overall image carefully. Second, consider every step of the interview process, which is full of wisdom. For instance, when called for an interview, do you need to knock on the door before entering? If no one opens the door, should you push it open yourself? Once inside, with seven examiners sitting in a "U" shape, should you salute? Should you only look at the chief examiner or glance at the other examiners as well? If there's no table in front of you, how should you sit? If there is a table, how should you place your hands? Every detail requires deep thought. When concluding, should you salute? Should you salute everyone individually? Should your gaze only focus on the chief examiner or include others? Do you need to greet when leaving or close the door behind you? Think about every single detail.
Thirdly, consciously prepare for some common questions. For example, from previous interviews, although these questions are becoming fewer now, such as why you want to apply for a civil service position, or asking you to briefly introduce yourself. These are basic questions that require thorough preparation before the exam. The core purpose of this preparation is to stand out. An examiner may interview dozens of people in a day. If a young man walks in with a great image and delivers a distinctive and vivid self-introduction, the examiner will naturally form a good impression. Therefore, preparing for basic questions should have your own unique characteristics.
Fourth, always remember that every question has an underlying test point. When answering, analyze the examiner's intent. For example, customs might ask during an interview: "What do you think about 'a fence needs three stakes, a hero needs three helpers'?". In fact, they are testing your principledness - whether you hold such views when faced with principles. You need to thoroughly understand the underlying test points. There are many such questions.
Fifth, there are set patterns for various types of questions. For example, in interviews, there are often questions about handling relationships. Suppose you're a newly hired civil servant at a central government agency, and an older colleague finds some of your actions unacceptable. If you were the new civil servant, how would you handle this relationship? The pattern for this question is: "An older colleague doesn't approve of your actions. What should you do?" The most important point is that you must respect the older colleague. Due to generational differences, there might be gaps. Regardless of whether they're right or wrong, you must respect them first. After respecting them, communicate fully with the older colleague. Different opinions on issues are normal. Through communication, differences can be better understood. Find out which of your actions they disapprove of, which can be resolved, and which cannot. Solve problems through mutual respect and understanding. Thirdly, in future behaviors, pay attention to those actions that differ in opinion and be more cautious and careful. So, this question has these three principles in its pattern, all of which need to be noted.
There are also new types of questions, such as asking you to create a story using the words "sunshine, air, resources, coal." Such questions also have patterns. At this point, you should fully utilize your imagination. You don't need to worry too much about logic. As long as you can reasonably explain your thoughts based on your inner logic, it's fine.
I want to tell everyone that every interview question has a pattern. Online, including on NetEase, there are some real interview questions. You can analyze these questions and, if appropriate, send emails to NetEase or me, and I'll explain the patterns to you.
Sixth, it's very important to simulate interviews. Thinking about how to answer questions is one thing, but actually speaking in front of seven examiners is another. So, before the exam, you must seriously simulate interviews. It's best to find strangers, not your parents, because that wouldn't be formal enough. Ideally, find several strangers to sit in front of you, or one or a few. Let them ask you the questions you've prepared, and see how ready you are.
Seventh, stay relaxed. Returning to the earlier topic, if you think the interview is everything, or that being a civil servant is everything, then you likely won't succeed in this exam, because you'll be overly nervous at every stage, especially during the interview when you might meet your future leaders. So, stay relaxed.
Host: These aspects are crucial for all students and friends who will face interview examiners. Thank you again, Mr. Li, for taking the time today to join us on NetEase Education Channel and discuss so many issues related to civil service exams. Also, thank all the netizens who stayed online to participate in this interview. Due to time constraints, our interview ends here. Goodbye, everyone, and goodbye, Mr. Li.
Li Yongxin: Goodbye.