OPW Seasonal Guide/Information Officer

Red_Star

Hi just wondering if anyone else applied for one of these jobs ?
I received a letter offering me an interview for a position at Phoenix Park Visitor centre next week.
Any clue what the interviews are like?
Thanks in advance

tony007

Hey, when did you get the call up for the interview? I'm waiting for a reply from them, I got no word yet.

Red_Star

tony007 wrote: »

Hey, when did you get the call up for the interview? I'm waiting for a reply from them, I got no word yet.

I got a letter in the post today.... What site did you apply for ?

tony007

Red_Star wrote: »

I got a letter in the post today.... What site did you apply for ?

Northwest areas.

tony007

Thanks for the info btw, hopefully I'll get something tomorrow.

phoenix999

Red_Star wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone else applied for one of these jobs ?
I received a letter offering me an interview for a position at Phoenix Park Visitor centre next week.
Any clue what the interviews are like?
Thanks in advance

Got a rejection letter for Kilmainham. My history degrees didn't seem to make any difference. They usually ask about your favourite heritage site, health and safety, and your CV. Have you done something similar before?

Red_Star

phoenix999 wrote: »

Red_Star wrote: »

Hi just wondering if anyone else applied for one of these jobs ?
I received a letter offering me an interview for a position at Phoenix Park Visitor centre next week.
Any clue what the interviews are like?
Thanks in advance

Got a rejection letter for Kilmainham. My history degrees didn't seem to make any difference. They usually ask about your favourite heritage site, health and safety, and your CV. Have you done something similar before?

Thanks For the heads up , really nervous as it's my first interview in AGES.... No never have done anything like this before ... I have alot of customer service experience and an archaeology degree....
Maybe the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre is more customer service based and less tour guide orientated !? Or maybe not many people applied .... I'd say Kilmainham would have been a popular choice... Sorry you didn't get an interview
What was your second choice ?

phoenix999

Red_Star wrote: »

Thanks For the heads up , really nervous as it's my first interview in AGES.... No never have done anything like this before ... I have alot of customer service experience and an archaeology degree....
Maybe the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre is more customer service based and less tour guide orientated !? Or maybe not many people applied .... I'd say Kilmainham would have been a popular choice... Sorry you didn't get an interview
What was your second choice ?

I think you are right about the customer service experience. Kilmainham was probably a bad choice. Didn't fill in much detail on the application form either. My 2nd choice is Dublin Castle. But didn't hear anything yet. Was going to pick Farmleigh but changed my mind. I'd say thousands must have applied. So congrats on getting the interview.

dubbie82

Yes those jobs are in great demand. I am a tour guide but not in any way connected to the OPW but have a bit of experience of dealing with them.

As far as I know the get a large number of people who work with the OPW every year during the summer months to fill the vacancies. I think if you worked with them for one or two seasons you get a guaranteed interview and they are usually first preference to get the job again.

The guides in Kilmainham are fantastic and I dare say they have some of the best guides in any Dublin Tourist site.
For all who got invited make sure you know the sites you applied for inside and out, go on a tour there and make sure you read up about the OPW too and remember a degree in that line of work means diddlisquat if you are not able to bring the knowledge across in a entertaining and suitable manner and you need customer service skills to deal with your visitors.

Oh and mention health and safety once in a while during the interview, they like to hear that.

genie

If you have worked three or more seasons in a row, you are then considered 'permanent' and are taken back automatically from then on. The OPW did get rid of a number of guides, such as myself, who had completed two years in a row and were about to become 'permanent' so they could then pay the newcomer minimum wage. The OPW have no loyalty whatsoever towards their seasonal staff so be very aware of this. Yes, I know I sound bitter, but can you blame me?!

phoenix999

genie wrote: »

If you have worked three or more seasons in a row, you are then considered 'permanent' and are taken back automatically from then on. The OPW did get rid of a number of guides, such as myself, who had completed two years in a row and were about to become 'permanent' so they could then pay the newcomer minimum wage. The OPW have no loyalty whatsoever towards their seasonal staff so be very aware of this. Yes, I know I sound bitter, but can you blame me?!

Sorry to hear that. Rather mean thing to do to someone. Did you apply this year? Sounds a rather crass way to save money.

genie

phoenix999 wrote: »

Sorry to hear that. Rather mean thing to do to someone. Did you apply this year? Sounds a rather crass way to save money.

Thanks. No, it all left me with an extremely bad taste in my mouth. I don't want to work for the OPW again, especially for minimum wage, when I had been earning a lot more.

Regarding the interview, they will probably ask you who the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW is and how you would deal with an awkward visitor, about teamwork etc. Also, always maintain eye contact with the interviewers, and dress smartly.

At my first interview, I was told at the start of it that I had lost interview points by NOT having a degree. That completely threw me because I thought it was extremely unfair, one of the interviewers clearly didn't like me - she turned everything I said into a negative - and I didn't get the job that year.

The following year, I worked a lot harder on the application form, knew what to expect at the interview (luckily the person who had disliked me the previous year had gone) and I got the job! At that second interview, I was also asked by the Head of Visitor Services to describe the site I was applying for to them. At the time, I thought it was just a typical question until I discovered that they had really NEVER been to the site I was applying for! :rolleyes:

The year after that, I wasn't interviewed as I was told that they were holding on to as many current guides as they could because of cutbacks, and I was re-employed automatically. The year after that, I was told the same thing and then discovered the week before the site was due to re-open that they had hired someone else instead of me and were paying them minimum wage. Needless to say, I was both gutted and absolutely furious. :mad:

That's the OPW for you. They expect their guides to be loyal to them but they don't give a toss about their guides.

V480

I'd have to agree with all of the above statement!

Anybody apply for positions in Cork??

m conroy

No, not in Cork but I did apply for Waterford area, did anyone hear anything back yet to their application? I haven't heard anything yet...:)

phoenix999

V480 wrote: »

I'd have to agree with all of the above statement!

Anybody apply for positions in Cork??

My friend applied for Charles Fort and Barryscourt Castle. She hasn't heard anything yet.

gone gardening

m conroy wrote: »

No, not in Cork but I did apply for Waterford area, did anyone hear anything back yet to their application? I haven't heard anything yet...:)

I applied waterford area, havent heard anything back yet... nor has anyone who i know has applied.. heard interviews started but not sure

V480

gone gardening wrote: »

I applied waterford area, havent heard anything back yet... nor has anyone who i know has applied.. heard interviews started but not sure

Seems very late considering some of the sites are opening in a few weeks...

iliketeaandcake

Things are probably very up in the air and last minute as usual. Having worked as a seasonal guide for OPW for five years my experience is that you might get a phone call and be asked to start work the next day.
One year I had exams until the end of June and wasn't available for work until then, so they said they wouldn't be able to offer me a contract. Then they rang me in July and asked would I work at a site up the country - starting in 2 days! I took the job as I had nothing else, and I thought working for them every season I would be exempt from interviews. But then last summer I got in touch with them and said I would be willing to work anywhere for any length of contract as I was finished college and they just said they didn't have anything for me because I didn't send in an application form! :rolleyes:

I applied again this year, haven't heard anything back, and I am really not pinning my hopes on it because if it happens it happens. I have the relevant education, the experience, health and safety courses, you name it - I even did a thesis on one of the monuments - doesn't seem to make a bit of difference as their hiring policy seems to be based on whimsical notions and disregard of common sense.

iliketeaandcake

I would like to add - seeing as my last post was off topic- it is a great job, no matter what site you work at you'd be hard pushed to find a nicer more interesting job with normal hours.
Regards the interviews, I have usually been interviewed by a panel of three people. Sample questions that I have been asked each year are:
How would you deal with a difficult customer?
Some of our sites aren't wheelchair accessible, how would you respond to complaints about this?
What other places in the nearby area would you recommend for a tourist to see? (i.e. know the nearby heritage sites and points of interest, not just the OPW ones).

It helps to know a bit about the history of the organisation and their responsibilities.
Hope some of this helps, best of luck with it and let us know if you hear anything!

phoenix999

iliketeaandcake wrote: »

I would like to add - seeing as my last post was off topic- it is a great job, no matter what site you work at you'd be hard pushed to find a nicer more interesting job with normal hours.
Regards the interviews, I have usually been interviewed by a panel of three people. Sample questions that I have been asked each year are:
How would you deal with a difficult customer?
Some of our sites aren't wheelchair accessible, how would you respond to complaints about this?
What other places in the nearby area would you recommend for a tourist to see? (i.e. know the nearby heritage sites and points of interest, not just the OPW ones).

It helps to know a bit about the history of the organisation and their responsibilities.
Hope some of this helps, best of luck with it and let us know if you hear anything!

Thanks for telling us about your experience with OPW and the interview tips. Anyone got any suggestions how you would answer the question about wheelchair access?

iliketeaandcake

phoenix999 wrote: »

Thanks for telling us about your experience with OPW and the interview tips. Anyone got any suggestions how you would answer the question about wheelchair access?

You could say something like 'As many heritage buildings have narrow doorways, stairs and are on unsuitable terrain for people with disabilities, there will inevitably be complaints regarding this. Unfortunately, in many cases heritage buildings cannot be architecturally modified to suit people with disabilities, but I would do everything I could to accommodate disabled access'.

But it would of course depend on what site you are being interviewed for. I think Reginald's Tower in Waterford only has ground floor wheelchair access, whereas other sites are almost fully accessible like Clonmacnoise, and then some have only partial accessibility. So it may be a more likely interview question if it is at a site where it is an issue.

Also I remember being asked every year how you would deal with a customer complaint at the desk while you are under pressure and very busy selling tickets, answering phones and getting ready for a tour!
Thought a good answer was to prioritise with the customer complaint, as they are there in front of you, and to try to calmly yet efficiently resolve the issue in order to move onto the next task at hand.

Albannach1

Has anyone in the north-west heard anything yet?

wiblick

I had my interview today. A Dublin site. Questions were pretty basic.

What would you say to a customer who said all your information was wrong?

How would you approach Health & Safety?

What would you do if a colleague didn't turn up to do their tour?

I don't have a second language or first aid so that'll be weeding out criteria.

V480

wiblick wrote: »

I don't have a second language or first aid so that'll be weeding out criteria.

I thought that as well but in the end I got the job (two years ago) so you never know.

baba_bear

Anyone hear back from the OPW in relation to Seasonal Guide/Information Officer posts in the Meath area?

gone gardening

baba_bear wrote: »

Anyone hear back from the OPW in relation to Seasonal Guide/Information Officer posts in the Meath area?

Didnt apply for the Meath area but for the Waterford/Kilkenny area havent heard anything back, has anyone heard back from either of these areas?

V480

I didn't apply for either of the above areas but I've heard nothing either. The site I applied for opens to the public in THREE WEEKS! What are they playing at?!

aimsirbia

I also applied for Charlesfort and Barryscourt, no correspondance whatever though when I called the person said at "visitor-services" where I was advised to inquire, they told me interviews for these cork sites'd be mid May. Has anyone else heard about interviews for Cork or should I assume I didn't make the grade? cheers

V480

aimsirbia wrote: »

I also applied for Charlesfort and Barryscourt, no correspondance whatever though when I called the person said at "visitor-services" where I was advised to inquire, they told me interviews for these cork sites'd be mid May. Has anyone else heard about interviews for Cork or should I assume I didn't make the grade? cheers

Hi. I applied for the same area and have also heard nothing. It's insane tht they are calling people for interview that late when Barryscourt opens on the 23/24th May I think.

tony007

Albannach1 wrote: »

Has anyone in the north-west heard anything yet?

No, not yet.

V480

The site I applied for opens next week. Heard nothing, not even a PFO.

philaper

I managed to get an interview for the Shannon region, just haven't a clue where the depot is in Athenry. Also applied for Newgrange, but more on a whim and have not heard back on that. I only heard last week, and had given up on the idea long ago. Anyone one know the secret location of the depot?! Thank you!

iliketeaandcake

philaper wrote: »

I managed to get an interview for the Shannon region, just haven't a clue where the depot is in Athenry. Also applied for Newgrange, but more on a whim and have not heard back on that. I only heard last week, and had given up on the idea long ago. Anyone one know the secret location of the depot?! Thank you!

Did you try looking it up on google?

National Monuments Depots
Athenry Depot
District Works Manager, Raheen, Athenry, Co. Galway
Tel:(091) 844373

philaper

iliketeaandcake wrote: »

Did you try looking it up on google?

National Monuments Depots
Athenry Depot
District Works Manager, Raheen, Athenry, Co. Galway
Tel:(091) 844373

Sorry, should have made that clear, yes I had the address already, thanks. I've been all over the areas marked 'Raheen' on street maps. I'll probably just have to call them when I get to Athrenry for specifics.

shiversd

Have an interview in raheen, athenry too tomorrow. Travelling up from west clare. Have directions only as far as the garda station as couldnt find anything on google maps to get to The national monuments depot in raheeny! I think i will call them as well when i arrive.

Little My

The Athenry depot is right beside the Raheen Woods Hotel, if your coming from Athenry pass the hotel on your right and its the next right. There is a small OPW sign indicating where to turn, and the depot is at the end of a very small lane.

Hope this helps!

(Just seen the interview is today - good luck and hope you found it okay!)

gone gardening

shiversd wrote: »

Have an interview in raheen, athenry too tomorrow. Travelling up from west clare. Have directions only as far as the garda station as couldnt find anything on google maps to get to The national monuments depot in raheeny! I think i will call them as well when i arrive.

Hi
hope interview went well for you today, I've mine next week, hate to ask but any tips on questions asked they asked you etc? Im in Leinster area
Tnx

shiversd

Hi all,
Well thanks for the directions. Indeed the OPW monument office is beside the Raheen Woods hotel. Rather difficult to find otherwise. I didnt mention this to the interviewers though! Will wait and see if i get a position first.
The interview was about half an hour long. I would recomend you know who the OPW are and what other work they do besides conservation and which government dept they operate under. Also who the minister of this department is. Other questions included the topic of teamwork and they refer to your application quite a bit and ask about your employment history too. Asked what i would do if a member of my team was not pulling there weight. Other questions were how to increase visitior numbers to a site and what you would do. Also asked whether i felt volunteerss where a good idea or not to a heritage site. They took the references at the end and photo id too. One of my toughest interviews yet. Oh and was also asked to give a brief history of the site i was applying for. Hope this helps. Will here from them in about 10 days they said so hopefully .

gone gardening

Thanks a mill for the info, best of luck

m conroy

shiversd wrote: »

Hi all,
Well thanks for the directions. Indeed the OPW monument office is beside the Raheen Woods hotel. Rather difficult to find otherwise. I didnt mention this to the interviewers though! Will wait and see if i get a position first.
The interview was about half an hour long. I would recomend you know who the OPW are and what other work they do besides conservation and which government dept they operate under. Also who the minister of this department is. Other questions included the topic of teamwork and they refer to your application quite a bit and ask about your employment history too. Asked what i would do if a member of my team was not pulling there weight. Other questions were how to increase visitior numbers to a site and what you would do. Also asked whether i felt volunteerss where a good idea or not to a heritage site. They took the references at the end and photo id too. One of my toughest interviews yet. Oh and was also asked to give a brief history of the site i was applying for. Hope this helps. Will here from them in about 10 days they said so hopefully .

is the minister brian hayes??