Graduate jobs in the civil service (AO)

MrStuffins · 07-03-2012 12:41am

Wow!

Just took the sample maths test on the site! Flew through it (I thought) but was only able to complete 17 questions!

You need 19 correct answers just to pas s it. Jaysus! gonna have to have another few goes.

delricyo · 07-03-2012 12:45am

Graciefacey wrote: »

Dislike! Relocating not an option. Bit disheartened now going into the assessment tomorrow

I would have assumed they were all in Dublin too. I would say most AO type jobs are centrally based. At least people know that Dublin = Dublin
It would be different if somebody from Cork got offered a place in Letterkenny

Dont be disheartened about the test. Do your best anyway. Even do the interview also if you get through. If anything, it will be great experience for you.

delricyo · 07-03-2012 12:49am

MrStuffins wrote: »

Wow!

Just took the sample maths test on the site! Flew through it (I thought) but was only able to complete 17 questions!

You need 19 correct answers just to pas s it. Jaysus! gonna have to have another few goes.

You may not need the 19 questions to pass. Remember they never release how many questions are needed to pass !

Good luck

sophya · 07-03-2012 1:12am

MrStuffins wrote: »

Wow!

Just took the sample maths test on the site! Flew through it (I thought) but was only able to complete 17 questions!

You need 19 correct answers just to pas s it. Jaysus! gonna have to have another few goes.

Do you have a link? The test I did on publicjobs only had 8 maths questions.

MrStuffins · 07-03-2012 1:55am

sophya wrote: »

Do you have a link? The test I did on publicjobs only had 8 maths questions.

It's in the "Advice Centre". I think the one with 8 questions might've been the sample part. The one with 30+ questions is the "Timed Test"

Linda20 · 07-03-2012 8:21am

hi

Anyone know how long the tests are valid for? Do you need to resit every year or anything? Doing a masters in Sept and don't know if it's worth my while.

Linda

noodler · 07-03-2012 2:17pm

Finished my one.

No real issues with Section 1 or 2 (didn't quite finish 2 but would be surprised if I didn't pass).

The third section seems overly subjective to me. It just seems to me that the Job Simulation exercise questions have multiple correct answers and it really is difficult to say which one is the correct one without additional information.

nehemiah · 07-03-2012 2:28pm

noodler wrote: »

Finished my one.

No real issues with Section 1 or 2 (didn't quite finish 2 but would be surprised if I didn't pass).

The third section seems overly subjective to me. It just seems to me that the Job Simulation exercise questions have multiple correct answers and it really is difficult to say which one is the correct one without additional information.

That is kind of the point of the Job Simulation though. There is no wrong answer. Some answers are just marked better than others. The answers are marked 1 to 5. Therefore you get marks for every answer, with marks 4 and 5 both being very good answers. Therefore if you get mostly 4 and 5 mark answers with a few of the lower answers you will still probably in the top band.

noodler · 07-03-2012 2:36pm

nehemiah wrote: »

That is kind of the point of the Job Simulation though. There is no wrong answer. Some answers are just marked better than others. The answers are marked 1 to 5. Therefore you get marks for every answer, with marks 4 and 5 both being very good answers. Therefore if you get mostly 4 and 5 mark answers with a few of the lower answers you will still probably in the top band.

I understand but it seems to me that a person can choose a 'lesser' answer through absolutely no fault of his/her own but anyway.

Maybe we'll have more discussion it once all the tests are done.

nehemiah · 07-03-2012 2:41pm

noodler wrote: »

I understand but it seems to me that a person can choose a 'lesser' answer through absolutely no fault of his/her own but anyway.

Maybe we'll have more discussion it once all the tests are done.

Did you do the self-assessment Job Simulation test?

Did you find the same problems with that or was there much difference between it and the actual Job Simulation tests?

obeara · 07-03-2012 2:43pm

noodler wrote: »

The third section seems overly subjective to me. It just seems to me that the Job Simulation exercise questions have multiple correct answers and it really is difficult to say which one is the correct one without additional information.

Thought the same with some of the sample questions on their website.

What time did ye finish this morning? I'm up there tommorrow and have to get back to Galway for work..

tricky@ · 07-03-2012 2:50pm

obeara wrote: »

Thought the same with some of the sample questions on their website.

What time did ye finish this morning? I'm up there tommorrow and have to get back to Galway for work..

All done and allowed to leave the hall at 11:50.

marieky21 · 07-03-2012 3:06pm

Was it anything like the sample tests on the website?

oran12 · 07-03-2012 3:17pm

Seen a few people there who have been out of college a good few years...its unfair that recent grads have 2 compete against experienced pros

Deco99 · 07-03-2012 3:43pm

oran12 wrote: »

Seen a few people there who have been out of college a good few years...its unfair that recent grads have 2 compete against experienced pros

Ya, I agree, like its not you're fault these people dont have jobs or whatever. I mean the jobs should prob be split half and half, and therefore two seperate exams, one for recent grads, and one for people out of college for lets say 3 years or more. Also, the people who are out of college longer should get marked harder cause...... Wait a second! Oh ya, ITS CALLED THE REAL WORLD! NICE TO MEET YA!

sophya · 07-03-2012 5:01pm

Anyone who sat this already able to tell me if there is a cloakroom to stash coat/bag? Don't wanna leave it in a hallway or something

tricky@ · 07-03-2012 5:18pm

sophya wrote: »

Anyone who sat this already able to tell me if there is a cloakroom to stash coat/bag? Don't wanna leave it in a hallway or something

Only thing I saw were coat racks in the hallways as you come out of the lifts before you go into the main exam centre. But plenty of people just had their coats on the back of the chairs and bags under their desks.

Pawwed Rig · 07-03-2012 5:19pm

sophya wrote: »

Anyone who sat this already able to tell me if there is a cloakroom to stash coat/bag? Don't wanna leave it in a hallway or something

hung my jacket on the back of the chair and left my bag at the window (but I am sure you can keep it beside you). No cloakroom

Snap tricky@

Pawwed Rig · 07-03-2012 5:21pm

oran12 wrote: »

Seen a few people there who have been out of college a good few years...its unfair that recent grads have 2 compete against experienced pros

Are you being serious??

Also how do you know people have been out of college for a good few years?

marieky21 wrote: »

Was it anything like the sample tests on the website?

Yes pretty similar standard. Also like the initial online test we did.

jameskil · 07-03-2012 5:47pm

oran12 wrote: »

Seen a few people there who have been out of college a good few years...its unfair that recent grads have 2 compete against experienced pros

Did you go around asking these people how long they are out of college?
Its an assessment!!!! It doesn't matter if you are competing with someone who has worked for over 20 years or someone who never went to college.

oran12 · 07-03-2012 6:20pm

No I didnt go around asking them, I know them personally secondly, Im not talking about the assessment, Im talking about the interview stage. Who are they going to hire someone with over 4 or 5 years relevant experience or someone whos just out of college? If the job spec said graduates then shouldn't it just be graduates and not people who have way more experience than your average grad!

MrStuffins · 07-03-2012 6:26pm

oran12 wrote: »

No I didnt go around asking them, I know them personally secondly, Im not talking about the assessment, Im talking about the interview stage. Who are they going to hire someone with over 4 or 5 years relevant experience or someone whos just out of college? If the job spec said graduates then shouldn't it just be graduates and not people who have way more experience than your average grad!

You know older people can be recent graduates too?

macfhinn · 07-03-2012 6:29pm

When are the results?

Who_8_Paul? · 07-03-2012 6:29pm

oran12 wrote: »

No I didnt go around asking them, I know them personally secondly, Im not talking about the assessment, Im talking about the interview stage. Who are they going to hire someone with over 4 or 5 years relevant experience or someone whos just out of college? If the job spec said graduates then shouldn't it just be graduates and not people who have way more experience than your average grad!

I think now more than ever the Government through the public appointments service will be looking for and hiring the best applicants for the job, not that it's really ever different from that in any recruitment campaign, public or private sector. Link below regarding the new IGEES which will be taking in some AO's in May:

http://per.gov.ie/2012/03/06/minister-howlin-announces-establishment-of-new-government-economic-and-evaluation-service/

So you think they should take on fresh graduates with 0 years experience rather than a graduate of whatever years ago with a number of years relevant experience? Right...

aidom · 07-03-2012 6:37pm

I was given the sitting tomorrow at 9:30 but I haven't been able to get the time off work. Coincidentally I've had Friday booked off for a few months so I'm hoping to turn up and take the test on Friday morning.

Has anyone turned up for a session different then what they were given?

I rang the public appointments commission and they said it should be fine but I'd like to hear someone else was successful to put my mind at ease!

I also have a plane to catch at 13:25 so glad to hear the session finished at 11:50. I should be able to make it if I jump straight in a taxi and am already checked in with no bags!

Deco99 · 07-03-2012 7:16pm

oran12 wrote: »

No I didnt go around asking them, I know them personally secondly, Im not talking about the assessment, Im talking about the interview stage. Who are they going to hire someone with over 4 or 5 years relevant experience or someone whos just out of college? If the job spec said graduates then shouldn't it just be graduates and not people who have way more experience than your average grad!

So your saying, these people should not be entitled to get these jobs? There's no best before date on a degree so they are more than entitled to go for it, its called fair competition, and if they get someone better than you then thats your tough go find the job they're leaving behind and fill that position, and if there is no job to fill then why should you be more entitled to it than another unemployed person regardless of age or experience. Would love to see how you got on in verbal reasoning... Palm to face.... its been a long day and thats just irked me no end.

Pawwed Rig · 07-03-2012 7:20pm

aidom wrote: »

I was given the sitting tomorrow at 9:30 but I haven't been able to get the time off work. Coincidentally I've had Friday booked off for a few months so I'm hoping to turn up and take the test on Friday morning.

Has anyone turned up for a session different then what they were given?

I rang the public appointments commission and they said it should be fine but I'd like to hear someone else was successful to put my mind at ease!

I also have a plane to catch at 13:25 so glad to hear the session finished at 11:50. I should be able to make it if I jump straight in a taxi and am already checked in with no bags!

Yes I did it today despite being scheduled for Friday. No hassle, just talk to one of the staff when you get there and she will take your name and give you a number. She started taking names at 9:10 so no point in being there any earlier (I was ther at 8:50:(). There was loads of empty seats so everyone today who wasn'r scheduled for today got to do it.

It may finish earlier on Friday for your flight. I would hope they get better at it as the week goes on:D

oran12 wrote: »

No I didnt go around asking them, I know them personally secondly, Im not talking about the assessment, Im talking about the interview stage. Who are they going to hire someone with over 4 or 5 years relevant experience or someone whos just out of college? If the job spec said graduates then shouldn't it just be graduates and not people who have way more experience than your average grad!

Wow you are being serious? So you want the Civil Service to break EU law by discriminating against someone based on their age?
The job spec sets out the qualifications required. Anyone who has them qualifications can apply.

noodler · 07-03-2012 7:29pm

oran12 wrote: »

Seen a few people there who have been out of college a good few years...its unfair that recent grads have 2 compete against experienced pros

Jesus!

Employers should pick the best people for the job.

Deco99 wrote: »

Ya, I agree, like its not you're fault these people dont have jobs or whatever. I mean the jobs should prob be split half and half, and therefore two seperate exams, one for recent grads, and one for people out of college for lets say 3 years or more. Also, the people who are out of college longer should get marked harder cause...... Wait a second! Oh ya, ITS CALLED THE REAL WORLD! NICE TO MEET YA!

You are correct sir.

mini_cooper · 07-03-2012 9:02pm

Is there anyone who doesn't have the best maths skills that is a bit worried about the Numerical reasoning section??

I've tried the practice tests but can not get anyway near completing all the questions.

nehemiah · 07-03-2012 9:12pm

mini_cooper wrote: »

Is there anyone who doesn't have the best maths skills that is a bit worried about the Numerical reasoning section??

I've tried the practice tests but can not get anyway near completing all the questions.

They don't really expect you to complete them. You just have to pass which is 50% I believe. I'm not great at Maths but many of the questions are based on observation rather than any advanced level of Maths. There are some basic formulas to work out stuff like percentages that can be learned off pretty quickly.

I have not really used Maths since school but having looked through the sample test a few times I feel more comfortable with they type of questions that I previously had trouble with.

noodler · 07-03-2012 9:22pm

Aye, I mean from the samples you can cleary see the important stuff is stuff like?

1)If my income was 45 in 2009 but 75 in 2010, what was the % increase?

so 30/45 X 100 = the answer

2) Or if 35% = 45e than what does 55% =

Graciefacey · 07-03-2012 9:28pm

Did the assessment today, its much easier than the samples. Had loads of time. The numerical reasoning was v repetitive, the same questions asked a lot! Took me about ten minutes to absorb the shock of the sheer amount of people there. Competition will b fierce. Best of luck everybody yel do great. And as for the person who wants only newly graduated people to get the job, it seems you're worried about the competition. If I was an employer id want the job to go to somebody who has lost their job and whose life would transform by getting a job, not somebody who wouldn't appreciate it or work their ass off. Please stop being so narrow minded and work on your people skills, maybe then you can banish your little man syndrome

noodler · 07-03-2012 9:31pm

oran12 wrote: »

No I didnt go around asking them, I know them personally secondly, Im not talking about the assessment, Im talking about the interview stage. Who are they going to hire someone with over 4 or 5 years relevant experience or someone whos just out of college? If the job spec said graduates then shouldn't it just be graduates and not people who have way more experience than your average grad!

I don't agree with your definition of graduate either by the way.

A graduate is somebody with a degree imo.

mini_cooper · 07-03-2012 9:59pm

Thanks for the tips on the math section.

still not looking forward to that section but fingers crossed.

Best of luck to everyone

MrStuffins · 07-03-2012 10:08pm

Yeah i'm the same. I mean, the Maths themselves are easy as pie, but the time is terrible! I was practicing on the site and there's no way anyone could get anywhere near all of those questions finished in the time provided.

I know that's not the point, but it makes me wonder whether the amount I can get done on the time is even enough?

Graciefacey · 07-03-2012 10:15pm

MrStuffins wrote: »

Yeah i'm the same. I mean, the Maths themselves are easy as pie, but the time is terrible! I was practicing on the site and there's no way anyone could get anywhere near all of those questions finished in the time provided.

I know that's not the point, but it makes me wonder whether the amount I can get done on the time is even enough?

The ones on the site are twice as difficult I promise you. I'm terrible at anything like that and I'm v pleased wit today! I no this mightn't b v helpful but if it gets to a stage that ur falling behind and there's no way you can finish in time, take the last 30 seconds to tick random boxes just to make sure Youv them all answered. There's no negative marking. That was my plan b bit thankfully I got through it. Don't worry guys

Lockstep · 07-03-2012 10:32pm

Did the assessment today, it different to how I expected and easier than the exam I did for the EU's civil service. Maths part was a doddle, way easier than I anticipated but IIRC, 25% of the marks come from the Verbal Reasoning and 75% from the job simulation.
There were a fair few empty chairs laid out (I know a few people who just couldn't make it this week) so I dunno how many people just didn't show up.

Anyone any idea how many people get called for an interview?

noodler · 07-03-2012 10:43pm

Lockstep wrote: »

, 25% of the marks come from the Verbal Reasoning and 75% from the job simulation.

Hah, seriously? I think thats bad news for me.

delricyo · 08-03-2012 12:37am

Lockstep wrote: »

Did the assessment today, it different to how I expected and easier than the exam I did for the EU's civil service. Maths part was a doddle, way easier than I anticipated but IIRC, 25% of the marks come from the Verbal Reasoning and 75% from the job simulation.
There were a fair few empty chairs laid out (I know a few people who just couldn't make it this week) so I dunno how many people just didn't show up.

Anyone any idea how many people get called for an interview?

They wont release that information just yet. I would assume that will be in the results email (like previous competitions)
I would estimate less than 10% of the 2400 sitting these tests will be called for interview

Graciefacey · 08-03-2012 1:10am

delricyo wrote: »

Lockstep wrote: »

Did the assessment today, it different to how I expected and easier than the exam I did for the EU's civil service. Maths part was a doddle, way easier than I anticipated but IIRC, 25% of the marks come from the Verbal Reasoning and 75% from the job simulation.
There were a fair few empty chairs laid out (I know a few people who just couldn't make it this week) so I dunno how many people just didn't show up.

Anyone any idea how many people get called for an interview?

They wont release that information just yet. I would assume that will be in the results email (like previous competitions)
I would estimate less than 10% of the 2400 sitting these tests will be called for interview

In todays assessment in the hogan suite there were approximately 30 no shows, and also a smaller amount downstairs. Factor these in over the couple of days the tests are being run and I'd imagine the number sitting the tests will be nearer to 2000! Still an incredible number! Gosh even the thoughts of getting to interview stage would be fab!

wizardmp · 08-03-2012 12:36pm

MrStuffins wrote: »

Wow!

Just took the sample maths test on the site! Flew through it (I thought) but was only able to complete 17 questions!

You need 19 correct answers just to pas s it. Jaysus! gonna have to have another few goes.

I did the test Wednsday, the standard of questions were 3 times easier I would say than the sample timed test on the website. The standard was more like the sample questions in the information booklet.

wizardmp · 08-03-2012 12:40pm

macfhinn wrote: »

When are the results?

I sat the test yesturday and we were told that the results are out at the end of March but it will be after this that we find out whether or not we get through to the next round.

wizardmp · 08-03-2012 12:45pm

delricyo wrote: »

They wont release that information just yet. I would assume that will be in the results email (like previous competitions)
I would estimate less than 10% of the 2400 sitting these tests will be called for interview

well i saw an article in the Indepenent a few weeks ago and it said that there were 1,000 jobs being offered so i think it will be more like 50% that get called for interview

Skittlebrau · 08-03-2012 1:05pm

Just out. Agree that the numerical is a lot easier than expected. Verbal was fine too. The job simulation is so subjective. Very hard to know which answers are better regarded.

Lockstep · 08-03-2012 1:06pm

wizardmp wrote: »

well i saw an article in the Indepenent a few weeks ago and it said that there were 1,000 jobs being offered so i think it will be more like 50% that get called for interview

I emailed PublicJobs and it said they have no idea how many jobs are being advertised. IIRC, the Independent article noted that they were to plug the gaps left by over 1000 retirements in the Civil Service. I doubt they'll be filling every position though!

A friend of mine in the Civil Service says AO positions are not numerous to begin with so I dunno how many positions will be there.

Toasterspark · 08-03-2012 1:46pm

Did it yesterday. Took a little over 2 hours.

Numerical test was easier than the samples, but with all three it'll be time that catches up with you - you literally have to read, make a judgement, answer and move on. I did that and the time was up a minute or two afterwards. Then they'll announce to drop your pens and stop in unison, like they are cops surrounding a terrorist.

For anyone skeptical about the dress code - smart casual or even plain casual is more than enough. Treat it like an exam you'd sit for college. They aren't watching your clothes, honest!

Don't forget to bring an ID and your confirmation email. And you can leave your bag on the floor near your desk (unless it's colossal) and your coat on the back on your chair.

wizardmp · 08-03-2012 2:01pm

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/only-3200-graduates-apply-for-30000-state-jobs-3015860.html

article re AO jobs

maupat · 08-03-2012 2:15pm

If one was lucky enough to make it to the interview stage does anyone know if a panel will be formed on the basis of these interviews...?

nehemiah · 08-03-2012 2:34pm

Lockstep wrote: »

I emailed PublicJobs and it said they have no idea how many jobs are being advertised. IIRC, the Independent article noted that they were to plug the gaps left by over 1000 retirements in the Civil Service. I doubt they'll be filling every position though!

A friend of mine in the Civil Service says AO positions are not numerous to begin with so I dunno how many positions will be there.

I am doing an internship in the Civil Service and that is the indication that I have got too. If 2,000 people take the test, it might be as low as 150 to 200 that will have an interview, and presumably on that basis there would be less than 100 jobs.

Tense wait for the results

Toasterspark wrote: »

Then they'll announce to drop your pens and stop in unison, like they are cops surrounding a terrorist.

I was there today, and was laughing at that. Surely one person on a mic would be sufficient.

sophya · 08-03-2012 3:32pm

Found it far easier than the website and managed to finish all three tests.

Was really worried about the numerical one but it was fine. Now just have to worry about the results.

Graduate jobs in the civil service (AO)

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