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

Jimmy Bottlehead · 11-03-2009 8:01pm

sf94 wrote: »

To be honest I cant actually remember where I got that 2 page'r......a lot of it is just general interview tips the main things to remember are the 3 areas they will concentrate on.....Community Involvement, Working as part of a team and Sloving difficult problems aswell as why you want to join the Reserves

No worries man, you've covered what needed to be covered!!

Cheers

kg08 · 16-03-2009 4:27pm

hey guys jus lookin fur sum info i am lookin to join the reserves at d min interviews in april is der a course i can doto perpare thanks

THE PIPER · 24-03-2009 11:23am

HI have my interview in two weeks,any advice from the people who have been through the process

sf94 · 24-03-2009 2:30pm

THE PIPER wrote: »

HI have my interview in two weeks,any advice from the people who have been through the process

Hi PIPER, I had my interview a few weeks ago.....if you look back a few pages in this thread I have outlind the types of questions I was asked.

THE PIPER · 24-03-2009 4:14pm

Thanks sf94

sdanseo · 24-03-2009 5:00pm

Well, took the plunge and applied - anyone else think 20 is a bit young for this? I'm in college but am interested in joining the regulars after I get my degree. Any of ye who follow the ES forum will probably be able to tell I have a genuine interest in the area.

If I don't get in - which with my feck all community activity (that isn't web-based), I expect will be the result - will that be regarded as a bar to entry into the permanent force or would it just be put down to inexperience?

Lastly, I've had a look through the thread and I may be blind but can someone revise what powers a reserve has, or maybe make a sticky as it's probably an FAQ? For example, I heard you were getting power of arrest without warrant under certain acts only -was that simply rumour?

kerry4sam · 24-03-2009 5:11pm

sdonn_1 wrote: »

...
If I don't get in - which with my feck all community activity (that isn't web-based), I expect will be the result - will that be regarded as a bar to entry into the permanent force or would it just be put down to inexperience?

Well done for applying. Being honest I think you should stay and keep positive about your application. When you apply then for the full-time I would guess they would put your reserve application down to dedication and if not successful, then lack of experience at this time. It certainly wouldn't be a bar to entry to full-time, but they may ask you about what you have done in the time before applying to full-time after the reserves in terms of gaining experience & community-work. Just my guess mind.

TheNog · 25-03-2009 10:53am

sdonn_1 wrote: »

Well, took the plunge and applied - anyone else think 20 is a bit young for this? I'm in college but am interested in joining the regulars after I get my degree.

YOu are not too young at all. Get your degree then go for the full time position if ye still want to. Remember always keep your options open even when applying. Dont go giving up college unless you know for sure you are in. Always have a back up plan in case the recruitment drags out.

If I don't get in - which with my feck all community activity (that isn't web-based), I expect will be the result - will that be regarded as a bar to entry into the permanent force or would it just be put down to inexperience?

Ever played football or soccer?
Ever helped a neighbour out with work in a farm or go to shop for them?
Ever done anything at all where your community is involved?

You should find something that you did..

Lastly, I've had a look through the thread and I may be blind but can someone revise what powers a reserve has, or maybe make a sticky as it's probably an FAQ? For example, I heard you were getting power of arrest without warrant under certain acts only -was that simply rumour?

Rumours, rumours, rumours.

The guards is the biggest rumour mill I have ever come across. Worse than a hairdressers salon on a Staurday morning.

Dont believe anything until it is in law

Scouser · 25-03-2009 11:19pm

hey!

hav the interview next month, really excited!

can anyone tell me what the time line is to going to templemore if the interview is successful? i would expect the medical to follow etc soon after.

would it be reasonable to assume that training would commence in the early summer months or am i being optimistic? if its anything like the Army Reserve it wont be anytime this year!

stiofanD · 26-03-2009 11:10am

Scouser wrote: »

hey!

hav the interview next month, really excited!

can anyone tell me what the time line is to going to templemore if the interview is successful? i would expect the medical to follow etc soon after.

would it be reasonable to assume that training would commence in the early summer months or am i being optimistic? if its anything like the Army Reserve it wont be anytime this year!

I think you need to prepare yourself - the whole process can take quite some time to go through. Based on my experience, if you've your interview next month, and you are successfull, then you can expect the background checks to take a further 1 - X months. Once background checks are complete, you have one or more interviews with a local Inspector/Super. Then wait another 1-3 months for a medical.

If you pass the medical, you are then accepted as a GR candidate. Once there are approx 40 candidates that have also gone through the process and been accepted, they will organise the first weekends training in Templemore.

The biggest delay would seem to be background checks - assuming you and all your family have a clean record and all your family live in Ireland, then you could be through the process and accepted 4 months after your interview. Then you just wait for the next training intake. If there are any hiccups along the way, then it will take longer.

An interesting statistic that I've heard is that for every 1000 applicants to the GR, only 20 actually make it to the first days training. Don't let that put you off though - Good luck with the application!

lehanemore · 26-03-2009 5:01pm

agree 100% with what StiofanD said and would like to add that you should also be prepared for an up to 18 month wait, took me almost 2 years from initial application to start of training.

you get plenty of time to reconsider along the way:)

Jimmy Bottlehead · 26-03-2009 7:13pm

How soon after the first interview do you find out if you were sucessful?

I did mine today and felt like the interview sucked. I'd prepared but the way they questioned me kinda threw me off a bit

Written was cool though, everyone else said they didn't get it finished, and I did.

sf94 · 26-03-2009 7:53pm

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

How soon after the first interview do you find out if you were sucessful?

I did mine today and felt like the interview sucked. I'd prepared but the way they questioned me kinda threw me off a bit

Written was cool though, everyone else said they didn't get it finished, and I did.

For me it was about 1 week afterwards.....I got a letter in the post.

Best of luck!!

Scouser · 31-03-2009 3:15pm

hey! hav my interview tmorow. any tips or advice!?

was told by a senior garda that the process moves swiftly after the interview phase. seems to be a conflict with what was said here! typical beauracracy lol

kerry4sam · 01-04-2009 6:27pm

Scouser wrote: »

hey! hav my interview tmorow. any tips or advice!?

was told by a senior garda that the process moves swiftly after the interview phase. seems to be a conflict with what was said here! typical beauracracy lol

hey Scouser, how did you find it went for you today?

kerry4sam · 02-04-2009 12:17pm

I done my Interview & Report Writting last week and found out this morning that I passed it. Oh, I am just over the moon. The moratorium is but a distant memory now when I think of the experience I will be gaining in the interim. This time last year I got the "dear John" for the full-time, what a difference a year makes

Mun23 · 02-04-2009 12:34pm

Well done Kerry4Sam! Thats great news, I got word myself last week delighted too, hope process does not take too long from here...:)

Jimmy Bottlehead · 02-04-2009 1:39pm

kerry4sam wrote: »

I done my Interview & Report Writting last week and found out this morning that I passed it. Oh, I am just over the moon. The moratorium is but a distant memory now when I think of the experience I will be gaining in the interim. This time last year I got the "dear John" for the full-time, what a difference a year makes

Me too!!

:D

I'm thrilled... I really thought I failed the interview. I actually thought half-way through "this is going sh!t" but seems not.

I'm guessing you were there last thursday too?

Mun23 · 02-04-2009 3:23pm

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Me too!! :D

I'm thrilled... I really thought I failed the interview. I actually thought half-way through "this is going sh!t" but seems not.

I'm guessing you were there last thursday too?

I did mine thurs 12th and got word last week!

kerry4sam · 02-04-2009 3:52pm

Mun23 wrote: »

Well done Kerry4Sam! Thats great news, I got word myself last week delighted too, hope process does not take too long from here...:)

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Me too!! :D

I'm thrilled... I really thought I failed the interview. I actually thought half-way through "this is going sh!t" but seems not.

I'm guessing you were there last thursday too?

Oh gosh I seriously hope things move along smoothly now. I don't mind waiting for the backgrounds checks once I get the medical done & passed.

But still though it really is great knowing the supposed hardest part is done now by us

billyhead · 06-04-2009 11:41am

MCJ,

When did you sit the interview and written test?

I did mine in February. Does anyone have an idea as to how long on average does it take before your called for the medical

Mc Jakester · 06-04-2009 1:23pm

billyhead wrote: »

MCJ,

When did you sit the interview and written test?

I did mine in February. Does anyone have an idea as to how long on average does it take before your called for the medical

Interview 26th March 09, Based in Dublin...Letter came with good news 2nd April 09 That's fast...........

Medical I think? Comes quicker in Dublin then any where else...

Where are you based?

Mc J.

billyhead · 06-04-2009 2:27pm

MCJ,

I had that meeting with the Seargenat. I am not sure if its the same interview that others had with both the Seargeant and the Super. You just sit down with the Seargeant and he signs it before he sends it off to HQ. He gives you a sheet with his siganture on it as proof that you handed it in. I would say we could be waiting for months before anything else happens.

Mc Jakester · 06-04-2009 6:58pm

billyhead wrote: »

MCJ,

I had that meeting with the Seargenat. I am not sure if its the same interview that others had with both the Seargeant and the Super. You just sit down with the Seargeant and he signs it before he sends it off to HQ. He gives you a sheet with his siganture on it as proof that you handed it in. I would say we could be waiting for months before anything else happens.

I know that one... This is different, The Skipper wants to meet for 10mins to fill out some paper work, what ever that entales..??

I think this is running along pritty fast...:)

dentalnurse · 11-04-2009 4:22pm

Hi,
was just wondering how its all going, i had my interview the other day, i think it went ok but i didnt get to finish my written, none of the eight of us did!!!
Im excited, i want it so much, i eventually want to be a full member but this is the way to go til they take on again. im afraid that ill be treated like sh*t though!!
Iv heard a few stories about full members refusing to go out with a reserve in the car etc. (he told me not to go 4d reserves too!)
I know ill have to earn respect but how could i if i dont even get the chance!! See im getting myself all worked up already. I wouldn go for it (and not get paid!) if i didnt want it more than anything.
I guess im just looking for some advice and how everyone else feels about it!
Thank you

lucygoosy · 11-04-2009 5:02pm

Look it, everyone is different. What I say to everyone is go in as an individual you are doing this for yourself and no one else so dont mind what anyone says to you. Whoever that Guard was that tried to discourage you from joining was, in my opinion wrong to do so. If you want to be a guard full time then why shouldnt you join the reserve? Im in the middle of my reserve training and the general feeling i recieved from reserves who are in my station a while is very mixed. Some feel they are accepted some not. You must make effort with people yourself. As for any full time member who doesnt want to get into a car with a reserve, well thats their problem you are there to assist in their duties and if they dont want you to then you go to your sergeant. A lot of full time Guards have respect for reserves as a lot of them want to become full time members and they are doing this for free. Like I sadi everyone is different go in with your head held high and do the best you can

Abed · 11-04-2009 8:38pm

dentalnurse wrote: »

Hi,
was just wondering how its all going, i had my interview the other day, i think it went ok but i didnt get to finish my written, none of the eight of us did!!!

Hi Dentalnurse,

I assure you there is nothing to worry about re: the report writing. I did mine in Febreuary and did not finish all of it (as far as I remember I finished four or five pages and left 2-3 pages untouched). A week later got a letter informing that I passed. I think what they care about more is the quality rather than quantity (within reason). If you paid attention to details both written and graphic and produced an accurate description of 70% of the scenario you will be fine (according to my experience).

dentalnurse · 12-04-2009 7:02pm

Thanks everyone for your reassurance!!!!! Its much appreciated. I feel much better now! xxx

donna1984 · 24-05-2009 2:16pm

hey! did anyone have an interviewand exam for the reserve's on the 19th of may, or around then? I think I did ok, well I hope so. how long do you have to wait to hear from them, I hope i get a call to say to book a medical. I hate this waiting!!

sdanseo · 02-06-2009 4:53pm

Have my interview for the Reserve tomorrow morning- any tips from anyone who's done it, or anyone else here doing it tomorrow in Dublin?

Also, is the dress code is full formal or do people turn up smart casual/other? Was gonna just play it safe and wear the suit.

DK47 · 02-06-2009 5:18pm

sdonn wrote: »

Have my interview for the Reserve tomorrow morning- any tips from anyone who's done it, or anyone else here doing it tomorrow in Dublin?

Also, is the dress code is full formal or do people turn up smart casual/other? Was gonna just play it safe and wear the suit.

hi sdonn, its full formal for most people, wear the suit!!! good luck!!!!:)

baton charge · 02-06-2009 6:43pm

sdonn wrote: »

Have my interview for the Reserve tomorrow morning- any tips from anyone who's done it, or anyone else here doing it tomorrow in Dublin?

Also, is the dress code is full formal or do people turn up smart casual/other? Was gonna just play it safe and wear the suit.

Yes wear the suit and be yourself it isn't as though the rest of your life depends on it. You will be asked about your role in the community and conflict resolution.Good luck.

kerry4sam · 02-06-2009 7:54pm

sdonn wrote: »

Have my interview for the Reserve tomorrow morning- any tips from anyone who's done it, or anyone else here doing it tomorrow in Dublin?

Also, is the dress code is full formal or do people turn up smart casual/other? Was gonna just play it safe and wear the suit.

Firstly, best of luck tomorrow sdonn

. The interview panel will be fair & you will feel relaxed from the get go. Try and come with various scenarios for the sections you know they will touch on but also a scenario or two on conflict resolution. Confidence & Honesty should shine through. It is formal so a suit would be advisable alright.

You don't have to finish the report but they will be checking for spelling & grammar mostly on the amount that you do write. That section is okay being honest but I would advise keeping an 'odd' eye on the time though.

Do keep us posted sdonn, good luck again

sdanseo · 03-06-2009 3:07pm

Well, that's the interview and written put away - can't really judge how I got on but your man the former Super is fairly tough allright, think I was talking a bit much for him because he cut me off a couple of times. Got the impression he thought I was a bit of a young pup which can't be good. The lady was very nice though, and I was able to answer everthing even if they did seem a little ameteurish compared to what a Garda or reserve would do.

The writen was tougher that I imagined, mainly because it was a little confusing. Can't elaborate too much or I'll break the rules re scenarios but suffice is to say I don't reckon the characters were explained properly. Very strict on the pens down, the supervisor got fairly spatty at one lad :P

We shall see...

As for the stats, 8 of us there altogether this morning/afternoon. Had my interview at 11.15 and the report writing at 1, there were a few who stayed and were doing interviews this afternoon. Best of luck to anyone in the same boat, t'was nerveracking! Cheer to kerry/baton/dkill for the advice, too

.

Richiedelight · 05-06-2009 12:17am

hi there,i

I had my interview week before.....i passed it heard tuesday....so im happy i agree with what you said....very tough your man wasbut fair i think.....test was too short time....and girl was very harsh i stopped half way through a word as she was heading for me like a bull

richie:)

lavman · 05-06-2009 12:21pm

I passed the interview three weeks ago and just back from talking to an inspector in my local station. It went well he seemed pleased with me. Does anyone know how long it takes for the next stage to happen? Do they only accept a certain amount to each station??????

DavidH82 · 11-06-2009 10:32am

Hi donna, I did my interview on the 19th of May and I got a letter last week saying I had passed. I'm just filling out the form br now, hopefully I'll be dropping it into the station at the weekend. How did you get on? Did you do your interview in Ennis?

da__flash · 11-06-2009 1:18pm

i hope you enjoy waiting because thats the name of the game like:pac::D:pac:

donna1984 · 11-06-2009 9:02pm

DavidH82 wrote: »

Hi donna, I did my interview on the 19th of May and I got a letter last week saying I had passed. I'm just filling out the form br now, hopefully I'll be dropping it into the station at the weekend. How did you get on? Did you do your interview in Ennis?

hey david! ya got my letter to say i passed! i did my interview and exam in ennis filled out the BR FORM, which took forever, gave it to the garda station. so fingers crossed! i did ring reserves headquaters, and they said it could take 2 more months to get confirmation. i hope thats not the case!! let me know if you hear anything please! i hope i hear something soon, would love to go training and get going with it!!

donna1984 · 11-06-2009 9:03pm

da__flash wrote: »

i hope you enjoy waiting because thats the name of the game like:pac::D:pac:

how long have you been waiting for????

DavidH82 · 11-06-2009 9:42pm

donna1984 wrote: »

hey david! ya got my letter to say i passed! i did my interview and exam in ennis filled out the BR FORM, which took forever, gave it to the garda station. so fingers crossed! i did ring reserves headquaters, and they said it could take 2 more months to get confirmation. i hope thats not the case!! let me know if you hear anything please! i hope i hear something soon, would love to go training and get going with it!!

I had my interview the same day, I think I was talking to you there. Are you from Limerick or Galway?

I'm just finished filling out my Form BR and its long, I mean loooooong. It's going to take them years to check everyone on my form. I did read somewhere though that you can be called for a medical before your background checks are completed. It would be great to get that done while you're waiting.

As already mentioned it seems that the Gardai, or at least Garda recruitment, is all about waiting so I'm going to the gym and reading up on some law to make the best use of the time. I know the feeling though, would love to be able to get into training now.

da__flash · 12-06-2009 1:18pm

donna1984 wrote: »

how long have you been waiting for????

well i m in phase 2 of training with the reserves like i was waiting about 6 months from applying in total before i was called to templemore for the training now we are finished our phase 2 training and have to wait till the end of july to go for phase 3 it s all a waiting game :pac:

donna1984 · 12-06-2009 5:35pm

DavidH82 wrote: »

I had my interview the same day, I think I was talking to you there. Are you from Limerick or Galway?

oh yes i remember you now! i'm from limerick, the other girl from galway was not succesfull. I have not got much aunts and uncles, so was lucky in that part of the form, but did move houses alot!!!!

ya im the same, at the gym alot, can run a mile under 12 mins now!! which is good for me, considering at christmas i couldn't run accross the road without passing out!!

so i guess it's the waiting game now!!!

donna1984 · 12-06-2009 5:37pm

da__flash wrote: »

well i m in phase 2 of training with the reserves like i was waiting about 6 months from applying in total before i was called to templemore for the training now we are finished our phase 2 training and have to wait till the end of july to go for phase 3 it s all a waiting game :pac:

at least it has started for u!! and you are half ways through it now! u are lucky!!!

da__flash · 13-06-2009 1:48pm

donna1984 wrote: »

at least it has started for u!! and you are half ways through it now! u are lucky!!!

ya the only thing is the waiting game is sicking like:mad::pac:

DK47 · 14-06-2009 12:23am

hi all, anyone else waiting to be called for interviews on 30th June, 1st & 2 July 2009. have sent off the application but haven't heard anything, should i have been given an appointment by now, i emailed the application form back, should i have received a confirmation that the application has been received. thanks:)

spudz21 · 14-06-2009 10:16am

dkhill47 wrote: »

hi all, anyone else waiting to be called for interviews on 30th June, 1st & 2 July 2009. have sent off the application but haven't heard anything, should i have been given an appointment by now, i emailed the application form back, should i have received a confirmation that the application has been received. thanks:)

Hi, I am waiting to be called for interview as well:D (but I'm in Dublin region)I emailed back my application form last week and didn't receive confirmation,don't think you are supposed to, I sent a follow up email to ask a Q about my application and they replied to that straight away!!
Are these the only dates for interviews in your area? They could be planning to contact people this week!!hope I get a week or twos notice before the interview:)

DK47 · 14-06-2009 11:37am

spudz21 wrote: »

Hi, I am waiting to be called for interview as well:D (but I'm in Dublin region)I emailed back my application form last week and didn't receive confirmation,don't think you are supposed to, I sent a follow up email to ask a Q about my application and they replied to that straight away!!
Are these the only dates for interviews in your area? They could be planning to contact people this week!!hope I get a week or twos notice before the interview:)

hi spudz, the email says

"interviews for applicants in the Cork / Kerry Region Dublin Region will take place 30th June, 1st & 2 July 2009. Interviews will take place at the Malton Hotel, Killarney (http://www.themalton.com/) and the Public Appointments Service, Dublin (publicjobs.ie)."

so i was hoping for 2 weeks notice aswell, but not sure if were going to get it now. hopefully we get contacted this week.:)

kerry4sam · 14-06-2009 12:52pm

spudz21 wrote: »

...hope I get a week or twos notice before the interview:)

dkhill47 wrote: »

...so i was hoping for 2 weeks notice aswell, but not sure if were going to get it now. hopefully we get contacted this week.:)

They sent you both out an e-mail saying about a month in advance that they will be holding interviews in x place on x date & that is your notice. They really couldn't be any fairer with applicants. Since you applied you know for certain now that you will be called for interview/report writting within one of those 3days they are holding them, which one or what time shouldn't matter. You should be preparing to be called on for any one of them. They will be more specific about a week or two before hand but you should know that you will definitely be called on to present yourself on one of the dates they told you about in the months' notice.

DK47 · 14-06-2009 1:12pm

kerry4sam wrote: »

They sent you both out an e-mail saying about a month in advance that they will be holding interviews in x place on x date & that is your notice. They really couldn't be any fairer with applicants. Since you applied you know for certain now that you will be called for interview/report writting within one of those 3days they are holding them, which one or what time shouldn't matter. You should be preparing to be called on for any one of them. They will be more specific about a week or two before hand but you should know that you will definitely be called on to present yourself on one of the dates they told you about in the months' notice.

i understand thats my notice but iam hoping i will get more then a few days notice for my interviue. i have to organize work and things, and i cants say i need one of these 3 days off, i have to give 1 weeks notice of time off, and in the current climate if i asked for 3, in short notice i wont get it

i agree they have been fairr, but not sure if iam certian of being called, maybe i just need to be positive,

once i get a call i dont really care if its an hour notice, will just have to work around it.:rolleyes:

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

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