Graduate jobs in the civil service (AO)

noodler

marieky21 wrote: »

The assessment will last 2 and 1/2 hours. I emailed pubic jobs and this was the response i got back.

Thank you very much for that.

Really is something they could have stuck in the message.

I'll take a swinging guess and say it won't actually start at 9:30am, so maybe 9:45 or 10? I'll assume all done by 12:30 at the latest.

oran12

I thought it was 1 and 1/2 hours - 30 mins per section?

Graciefacey

I've done these before in a different capacity and publicjobs are great sticklers for time keeping. Id say give yourself 2 and a half hours, you have to factor in registration, reading of instructions, distributing and collecting papers etc. I thought that would be common sense!

delricyo

ladd19 wrote: »

No negative marking - sweet as. I reckon the initial selection was done by computer scans on ones CV, if you had few buzzwords then you got through. E.g - Law degree, Admin work, Customer Service.

There were no cv's uploaded for stage one. There was enough info on the online test to narrow down the applicants.
I'm disappointed with PAS that they are making everyone sit another job simulation test. They had 40 good questions to use from the online test !

Good luck all

oran12

I uploaded a CV for stage one.

jjjqwerty

i dont think i uploaded a cv got invited to thursday tests...weird?

noodler

I did upload a CV in a section where they wanted you to upload any further documents but I sincerely doubt CVs have come into play yet.
0
The message said people have been chosen (or more likely the worst dismissed) purely on the basis of the questionaire.

Graciefacey

I uploaded a cv too, but when I looked at application again a few days later they had changed it to say don't attach anything. I doubt theyv looked at anything of that nature yet until these assessments are over. I was going to wear smart clothes and heels but god knows where ill park so comfy boots and cardi it is

Pawwed Rig

capefear wrote: »

Hi

Congrats to every one who got to this stage. Im called for thurs morning, but it doesnt suit me, heading away for afew days. Is the test been held the following week would any one know? As I dont want to have to cancel trip.

I was called for Fri but can't do that date. I talked to one of the girls in the office and they said to come on another date and present yourself (early) to the Adjudicator who should be able to get you a seat. In your case I would suggest the Wed as they told me there are no exams the following week.
There are a morning and afternoon session nexr Wed, Thur and Fri.

phoenix99

I got called for the Friday session and was just wondering, is there an expected dress code for these assessments?

nehemiah

phoenix99 wrote: »

I got called for the Friday session and was just wondering, is there an expected dress code for these assessments?

Clothing is optional :cool:

It's an assessment, not an interview. Nobody is going to be judged on what they are wearing so don't worry. If it's on for 2 1/2 hours just wear something comfortable.

sophya

Been called for this next Thursday.

Just wondering if anyone knew whether the sample tests on publicjobs are actually the level that we are going to be facing on the day?

Was talking to my brother who works in finance and he was saying that the sample tests would be 10 times easier than the test actually given. Any truth in that?

Because the numerical test is gonna be the hardest for me and I have been practicing some tests he's sent me with differing levels of success.

tiger_cub

2378 sitting the assessments next week. my friend rang up and asked. they wouldn't say how many positions are available though.
apparently 3400 applied originally, but don't have a source for that.

scoopmine

Would it be worthwhile applying for the Human Resource positions with an honours degree in humanities? Thinking ahead for next year!

starlit

scoopmine wrote: »

Would it be worthwhile applying for the Human Resource positions with an honours degree in humanities? Thinking ahead for next year!

Ya if they have the HR positions again next year then ya best to have an honours degree in humanities I think to get through. Or HR related business course. I think for the other positions mentioned that a Masters or further professional qualifications might be a requirement but for HR say you be ok with the degree alone.

anbodhran

scoopmine wrote: »

Would it be worthwhile applying for the Human Resource positions with an honours degree in humanities? Thinking ahead for next year!

Have a go why not, but very difficult to get into HR without either a business degree where you've specialised in HR, and/or a HR Masters degree.

See if you can get some work experience and try and do some courses which will lead to CIPD membership.

delricyo

sophya wrote: »

Been called for this next Thursday.

Just wondering if anyone knew whether the sample tests on publicjobs are actually the level that we are going to be facing on the day?

Was talking to my brother who works in finance and he was saying that the sample tests would be 10 times easier than the test actually given. Any truth in that?

Because the numerical test is gonna be the hardest for me and I have been practicing some tests he's sent me with differing levels of success.

Who knows
See my earlier post about the tests. The sample questions are from a sample test for a grade lower than AO. So either 1 - they are going to use tests on the day for lower grades. Or 2, the test on the day will be of a higher level.

Either way, practice with as much questions as possible. Not sure about 10 times harder. There is only so difficult the maths can get. There won't be any differential calculus on it, that's for sure

I've sat the AO tests before and the biggest issue is time. Bring a good watch - I usually bring my stopwatch. Half way through the test you might find yourself thinking what time the test started at. I check the watch regularly to make sure I'm on course. With the maths it is very easy to lose track of time.

Lockstep

tiger_cub wrote: »

2378 sitting the assessments next week. my friend rang up and asked. they wouldn't say how many positions are available though.
apparently 3400 applied originally, but don't have a source for that.

3200 to be exact

Thanks for finding out how many are sitting the tests, much appreciated.

I'm guessing they have different numbers for each particular area (law, economics etc).

Danger Mouse Ahead

Im up on Wednesday aswell but Ive to come from Donegal dont know if its worth my while going.

Lockstep

Does anyone have the minimum requirements list? My friend is interested in applying for the future and see what they're looking for but they seem to have taken down the original ad.

tiger_cub

Lockstep wrote: »

Does anyone have the minimum requirements list? My friend is interested in applying for the future and see what they're looking for but they seem to have taken down the original ad.

I only know for the legal positions you had to be be either a qualified barrister or solicitor, or have a law degree( I think it may have had some requirement like a 3yr full time degree/4 yr part time but I can't say for certain).

Also applied for the tax positions, but can't remember the exact requirements. I just know I qualified for it with my BCL.

hopefully someone will have saved a screenshot so you get a more accurate account, and one for the other positions.

Pawwed Rig

Lockstep wrote: »

Does anyone have the minimum requirements list? My friend is interested in applying for the future and see what they're looking for but they seem to have taken down the original ad.

Apologies if this is huge. Never loaded a pic before





Ok I am failing miserably here. Anyone any suggestion on how to load an image?

Pawwed Rig

Ahhh there you go

1082229

Does anyone know if this competition is civil service wide or just for the depts of Finance and public expenditure & reform?

Just I'm still sitting on a panel for the DFA and if AOs from this comp will fill vacancies in the DFA I'll sit the exams but if not I don't think its worth the flight from london.

JohnMearsheimer

1082229 wrote: »

Does anyone know if this competition is civil service wide or just for the depts of Finance and public expenditure & reform?

Just I'm still sitting on a panel for the DFA and if AOs from this comp will fill vacancies in the DFA I'll sit the exams but if not I don't think its worth the flight from london.

Are you on the 3rd sec panel for the DFA? I doubt people from this competition would be used to fill 3rd sec vacancies.....if that's what you're getting at.

Pawwed Rig

Just an FYI for anyone who may not get to read the practise literature

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Before you arrive at your test centre, please ensure that you have the following items with you:[/FONT]

1. [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Student ID, passport or driving licence.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] (This photographic ID is essential for admission to the test)[/FONT]
2. [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A silent, cordless, non-programmable calculator. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Calculators will not be supplied.[/FONT]
3. [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Two soft pencils.[/FONT]
4. [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1 [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]white[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] eraser.[/FONT]
5. [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1 sharpener.[/FONT]
6. [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Your glasses, contact lenses or hearing aid, if required.[/FONT]

macfhinn

Why isnt the numerical part added to the overall score?

Denerick

Hi,

Just keeping on open mind for next year. What is the average age of applicants for these graduate roles? Does it matter if you got your degree a couple of years ago? Is a masters degree a requisite?

Pawwed Rig

Denerick wrote: »

Hi,

Just keeping on open mind for next year. What is the average age of applicants for these graduate roles? Does it matter if you got your degree a couple of years ago? Is a masters degree a requisite?

No a masters isn't a prerequisite.

Not sure on the average age but it is illegal to discrimininate based on age and to be fair the civil service doesn't

cornerforward13

It seems to be more comfortable dress than formal, what are people wearing?