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Garda Reserve - Interview/Report-Writing (see Moderator note: POST#1)

  • 12-04-2007 10:10am
    #1
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭


    Hi All, I am going for Interview and written Test at 1pm today, any advise? Fred


    Keep this thread on-topic please!

    If you have any general info on Reserves please post in here. Anything off-topic, non reserve related-here is okay. I've moved over some posts, please don't make me move more. Thanks


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Comments

  • #2
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    I attended for the written test along with about 25 others. Then I was interviewed by a Super and another nice lady from the Public Service, I felt I got on well and they put me at ease from the beginning of the Interview. I recommend anyone who is thinking of applying to go ahead. One has nothing to loose anyway and it was an experience. I was speaking to a very nice guy who I think said, was doing a Masters, I realise, I should have got his name and number to chat about GR. If by any chance you appear on line sure leave me a message.


  • #3
    robbiedublin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭robbiedublin


    Hi freddiew,
    Good to hear you got on well with the written section.
    I am a member of the reserve force working in Dublin and have found all those I have encountered very supportive. The training is of great benifit and will be a positive aspect to anyone thinking of joining the main force.


  • #4
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    Robbie, any way I could talk to you on landline or somewhere more confidential about next stage, I think its better to talk than write!


  • #5
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    Hey all,

    I had the interview and the report writing excercise 2 weeks ago and i flopped so bad, After reading through this thread i beleive ive done only that.

    Any ideas? im kinda down-hearted now :(


  • #6
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    Odarallo, I think I was possibly at the same written test, was it 1pm Thursday 12th? There was one chap beside me who kept looking at the Test Mag. and he never wrote anything. Let me know when you hear anything and I willo do the same. Good Luck.


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  • #7
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    Hey Freddie,

    I think mine was on the wed.. I was a little late and got alot of filthy looks. I did notice there wasnt many Irish people in the room. Dont know where that leaves me standing and I had to use the example alot because to be honest I didnt know what I was supposed to be doing. Never wrote a report before and I think that test is a little unfair.

    :)


  • #8
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    hey guys,

    Reveived letter today, did not get the position. Does not state why but I'll call later and see why :)


  • #9
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    ok rang the public appointments office and this is what they said.

    I passed the report writing excercise. hitting well abouve the average. When it came to the interview I done a overal good interview but lacked experience and did not have enough volintery work done. Which I wasnt sure was a requirment.

    Im overall pleased that I done a good interview and passed the report. But am downhearted at the nearsighted-ness of not allowing someone in because of not enough volintery work.

    I guess because there is a huge amount of people applying they need to give a reason why the are refusing people.

    Best of luck to all who apply

    Odarallo


  • #10
    Oul Wan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 25 ✭Oul Wan


    Odarello, take up some voluntary work, such as the Civil Defence, and try again next year if it's something you want. And good luck with it.

    Well, my friend is heading down on Saturday - that's the one who got her phone call to go to Templemore. The other girl is still waiting for word. I must get her to sign up here herself and chat to ye instead of me having to tell her what's going on here.

    Good luck to ye all!


  • #11
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    I got a letter this morning stating that I had been successful at interview and in the report writing exercise. They say I am through to the next stage and they will be in contact relating to my medical and security clearance procedures.


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  • #12
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    Well guys thats nice to hear, i wont bother re-applying for the reserve position as im going for the full garda position in August.

    Best of luck ciao


  • #13
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    ok guys please help me here..... this is what my summary says at end of the letter.

    OVER ALL SUMMARY COMMENT : Failed to demonstrate community involvment and lacked overall life experience. Needs to focus on Garda Reserve Role and understand role

    Ok, now what do I do nothing? let them refuse me because im young?! Should I appeal there decision what should I do please help :(


  • #14
    Hughdub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭Hughdub


    Hi all.. Just looking for a heads up.. Passed all the relevent interview/test. Filled out the GR2 form gave it to the local Garda station. I have a meeting/interview with the local superintendant next week. Has anyone else had this type of meeting and if so what was it like, just looking to prepare as best I can.. Thanks....


  • #15
    odarallo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭odarallo


    Well done on being accepted mate,

    and im 21 this is to young to be applying for the reserves? :P


  • #16
    Oul Wan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 25 ✭Oul Wan


    Another update for anyone who's interested. My friend got a phone call about an hour ago to say she's to go to Templemore this weekend. She said to me yesterday that the reserve office are up to their eyes up there and that they're hoping to let everyone know by tomorrow (Thursday) whether they're in for this round of training or not.

    Odarello, I agree with FreddieW, I don't think you should appeal, just apply again. Not sure if it's any help or not, but both my friends are very involved in the community - Civil Defence, Youth Groups etc.

    Hughdub, A(my friend) told me her interview with the Super was very informal, but at the same time he wanted to know that she knew what she was getting herself in for, and the type of work she would be doing.

    Best of luck everyone!


  • #17
    r3nu4l
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,399 ✭✭✭✭r3nu4l


    Oul Wan wrote:
    Not sure if it's any help or not, but both my friends are very involved in the community - Civil Defence, Youth Groups etc.

    I was in the Civil Defence for a few years and can tell you that being an actively serving member of the CD is a very positive bonus for anyone trying to join the army, gardaí or Fire Service.

    Being a member of the DC indicates a willingness to support the community should the need arise. Good service demonstrates your ability to work as part of a team or on your own in stressful situations and demonstrates the ability to analyse situations and make good decisions under pressure. It also demonstrates that you have an ability to obey orders.

    The fact that you can put up with the ridicule of wearing a bright yellow jumpsuit must surely also be a bonus and testimony to the fact that you're not in it 'for the uniform' :D

    I know for a fact that it helps and if any members of the CD are applying for the reservists then you should make sure to get a letter of reccomendation from your CDO.


  • #18
    KIERAN61
    Closed Accounts Posts: 50 ✭✭KIERAN61


    Very well said R3NU4L participation in the community is very much part of the interview process as is conflict resolution.I have been an active member of the local Residence association for a number of years now and im sure they looked very favourably on that .People who have been putting it in consistently for little or no reward is the type of person they want I think.


  • #19
    Hughdub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭Hughdub


    Kieran / Oul Wan thanks for that info. Anyone in the West here been accepted for the Reserves or going through the process at the moment ??? Good luck to all travelling to Templemore hope it goes well for ye, keep us posted on your progress..


  • #20
    cushtac
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,253 ✭✭✭cushtac


    odarallo wrote:
    im 21 this is to young to be applying for the reserves? :P

    It all depends on what else you've been doing with your time. A 21 year-old who's significantly involved in the community and contributes to it (RDF, Civil Defence, RNLI, scouts etc.) would stand a better chance than someone who isn't.

    Joining one of the above would improve your chances with the Gardaí and look good on a CV generally.


  • #21
    Trooper407
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭Trooper407


    Iv been called in for an interview on the 18th, any tips?? Also seems strange they called me in since im not 18 until next month, not complaining though!


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  • #22
    Hughdub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭Hughdub


    Hi Freddie..

    My answer to the scenario was <removed>

    Hugh


  • #23
    Hughdub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭Hughdub


    Answers to the above on a postcard only!! :p


  • #24
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    Very Good that sounds reasonable.


  • #25
    celticlegend03
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭celticlegend03


    Hi Guys,

    I had my test and interview about two weeks ago and was just wondering if anyone else who had theirs had heard back yet?


  • #26
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    celticlegend03 wrote:
    Hi Guys,

    I had my test and interview about two weeks ago and was just wondering if anyone else who had theirs had heard back yet?


    It takes three to four weeks. I am waiting to hear about my Medical, the local Super. is calling to see me tomorrow.


  • #27
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Any tips on reading items for my prep for interview and short test,a forum or text book?
    Thanks.


  • #28
    baton charge
    Registered Users Posts: 94 ✭✭baton charge


    Leinsterdude,
    You will be asked about stuff you do in the community.You will must definitely be asked about conflict resolution.You may be asked how you dealt with a problem in work and how you resolved it teamworking etc.There is a written test where you are asked from looking at a comic stip senario what are the important factual points and to leave out irrelevant details like heresay.This will become clear when you come to do it nothing at all to be afraid of commonsense stuff really.


  • #29
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Hi,I had to call them and see why my interview took so long,now up for it next month,call them,I have no leaving cert either.


  • #30
    lehanemore
    Registered Users Posts: 319 ✭✭lehanemore


    just got called for written exam and initial interview in cork in november.

    anyone else get called for cork?


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  • #31
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Hi all just did my test today,then after into the interview in with the super and the public jobs rep,test was grand,think I messed the interview though,was asked about team work and would I prefer to be a team member or a leader,thought they wanted me to say member and said that a team member was my preference....which he picked me up on as conflicting with earlier comments on how an underperformer should be dealt with,not a very nice guy either,no handshake at all no smiles,feel I messd up now,although the public app lady was very good and made me feel at ease,who makes the decision? is it both or just the super? any feedback from you guys would help.:confused:


  • #32
    iandromiskin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 115 ✭✭iandromiskin


    Hi,

    Don't worry too much about it, we all felt the same after coming out of that interview, even me. I even think I was asked the same about being part of a team and identifing people who arn't or are less than capable. It sounds like you answered correctly by saying you would prefer to be part of team, as lets face it the reserves will and are a part of a much larger team. The Garda sort of has to act or perform in a certain way, its not personnal, a reflection on your performance or an indication of how you got on, just a means of impartiality really. I can't remember getting a hand shake either. Hang tight. You should get a letter soon enough, I was a week (though I got an email sooner), telling you how you got on.

    I know it doesn't help much, but we all went through it and felt the same. 'Oh God, if only I had said this or that'. The whole purpose of the thing is to get an indication of who you are and how you would work within the organisation. You'll be grand.


  • #33
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Thanks Ian,I hope you are right,fingers crossed,will post here when I hear.


  • #34
    on standby
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24 ✭on standby


    leinsterdude wrote:
    Hi all just did my test today,then after into the interview in with the super and the public jobs rep,test was grand,think I messed the interview though,was asked about team work and would I prefer to be a team member or a leader,thought they wanted me to say member and said that a team member was my preference....which he picked me up on as conflicting with earlier comments on how an underperformer should be dealt with,not a very nice guy either,no handshake at all no smiles,feel I messd up now,although the public app lady was very good and made me feel at ease,who makes the decision? is it both or just the super? any feedback from you guys would help.:confused:[/QUOTE

    leinsterdude, Don't worry. I've done many an interview in the past and felt I messed up, but didn't. I would say he just wanted to see your reaction. You will be fine.


  • #35
    pat1187
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭pat1187


    yes, I agree with standby ?, It is natural in interviews to try and tell them what " they want to hear " so its likely they will understand that and take it into account.I have interviewed a lot of people in my previous jobs and it is difficult to define what exactly swayed me in choices but a lot would have to do with personality types and enthusiasm, that sort of thing.
    Also part way through this process we are told we were to '' meet with our local area Superintendent '' which I took literally and when he started asking questions somewhat aggressively I got a bit thick and ended up criticizing the force for what I saw as shortcomings so I figured I was finished, but no,everything worked out in the end. so best of luck and try not to worry.


  • #36
    Murphy(Cork)
    Closed Accounts Posts: 441 ✭✭Murphy(Cork)


    Done my interview back in May. Was told i passed it about 2 weeks afterwards. Been waiting ages for this medical. But if i pass it, training starts in Templemore on the 1st weekend in November.


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  • #37
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Hi,dont know if I passed this but got gr2 form today,is this a good sign?Thanks.


  • #38
    iandromiskin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 115 ✭✭iandromiskin


    Hey, well done. Would appear you made it through the interview. Same thing happened to me - I got the GR(2) then a letter in the post. As the previous post said, this form does not mean your there yet, you still have to get security clearance, be interviewed by two more Garda and the medical. It will take time and patience.

    You are going to love that form, NOT. You have to list all your relatives, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles. They don't want cousins etc, but if you have any relatives abroad expect a long wait. Your next test after submission is patience and patience and more patience as its going to take ages, I mean it. I was waiting 6 months, and some guy in my group was waiting at least 8, but you may be lucky.

    Anyway, wait for the letter for official confirmation, but it appears your onto the next stage. Congratulations.


  • #39
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Hi,just got the letter and I have passed,delighted,now the GR2,next hurdle.


  • #40
    pat1187
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭pat1187


    yes, congrats Leinsterdude, and dont forget your friendly health board ( birth and deaths register) if you are stuck looking for elderly relatives dates of birth etc.
    See you Saturday K.


  • #41
    baton charge
    Registered Users Posts: 94 ✭✭baton charge


    pat1187 wrote: »
    yes, congrats Leinsterdude, and dont forget your friendly health board ( birth and deaths register) if you are stuck looking for elderly relatives dates of birth etc.
    See you Saturday K.

    Yeah see you there nice and early Pat.Hope to see those boots gleaming with a bit of good old fashioned spit and polish.Think I will get Stevie boy to give you the once over just in case.


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  • #42
    pat1187
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭pat1187


    baton charge wrote: »
    Yeah see you there nice and early Pat.Hope to see those boots gleaming with a bit of good old fashioned spit and polish.Think I will get Stevie boy to give you the once over just in case.

    If you see him before I do, tell him I finally got my Hep.B money


  • #43
    baton charge
    Registered Users Posts: 94 ✭✭baton charge


    pat1187 wrote: »
    If you see him before I do, tell him I finally got my Hep.B money

    I will certainly will pass on that info.He was not a happy bunny up to last week anyway perhaps like you he has been paid in the meantime lets hope so.


  • #44
    freddiew
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭freddiew


    baton charge wrote: »
    I will certainly will pass on that info.He was not a happy bunny up to last week anyway perhaps like you he has been paid in the meantime lets hope so.

    Can one ask what Hep. B money is?


  • #45
    iandromiskin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 115 ✭✭iandromiskin


    I'd be curious to know that too, but it may be private ? On a similar question, are the Reserves vacinated against Hep B and other similar occupatinal hazards ?


  • #46
    Highlander
    Registered Users Posts: 219 ✭✭Highlander


    Hi All

    I've received letter advising interview and test in Dublin in early December, reding through the educational requirements, it states you must have either English or Irish and a second language in Leaving Cert, I don't have the second language, will this rule me out from the start, I have the Leaving Cert, can I request an exemption on the second language?

    Thanks


  • #47
    controller
    Closed Accounts Posts: 299 ✭✭controller


    Highlander wrote: »
    Hi All

    I've received letter advising interview and test in Dublin in early December, reding through the educational requirements, it states you must have either English or Irish and a second language in Leaving Cert, I don't have the second language, will this rule me out from the start, I have the Leaving Cert, can I request an exemption on the second language?

    Thanks


    I think from reading it if you have Irish & English, this will suffice, as If you do have irish, it states on the next line grade for English or other language. But someone else might want to clarify this for you.


  • #48
    Highlander
    Registered Users Posts: 219 ✭✭Highlander


    controller wrote: »
    I think from reading it if you have Irish & English, this will suffice, as If you do have irish, it states on the next line grade for English or other language. But someone else might want to clarify this for you.

    thanks


  • #49
    lehanemore
    Registered Users Posts: 319 ✭✭lehanemore


    well, I did the written test and interview last week.

    written test went OK.

    not sure what they thought of me in the interview but I suppose time will tell.

    The Superintendent said that the Reserve Gardai currently out on the job were geting on very well and that the whole scheme has been a great success.


  • #50
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    My interview went ok but thought I didnt pass,super was not very friendly,but I did so dont worry,has anyone any thoughts on this,dropped gr2 a month ago,got a call for a chat to my local station last week,does this mean things are progressing quite fast?


  • #51
    leinsterdude
    Registered Users Posts: 523 ✭✭✭leinsterdude


    Interview

    My interview went ok but thought I didnt pass,super was not very friendly,but I did so dont worry,has anyone any thoughts on this,dropped gr2 a month ago,got a call for a chat to my local station last week,does this mean things are progressing quite fast?


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