DAA graduate programme 2013

walkinggold

So I've applied for the DAA graduate programme. After doing the aptitude tests, I received a phone call today to invite me to do an interview next week.

Does anyone have any previous experience in this programme? If so, what did ye think? There seems to be limited information available about what is involved. What kind of questions are asked in the first round of interviews?

nanotech90

Hi walkinggold! I'v applied for the program as-well, but haven't done the aptitude tests yet, how did you find them? any advise??

freeze4real

After the HR sending me a couple if emails I decided to do it. If I pass the test I'll decline going for an interview. The process/stages for getting the job is long so that put me off.

Aptitude test wasn't bad. Pretty standard.

Last year they were less than 10 roles. Look up the DAA thread of 2012.

walkinggold

nanotech90 wrote: »

Hi walkinggold! I'v applied for the program as-well, but haven't done the aptitude tests yet, how did you find them? any advise??

The aptitude tests seemed pretty standard. I usually do really bad at the numeracy tests, but think I did pretty well on the ones for DAA. I didn't even nearly finish either test and I don't think your really expected to.

miamigo

Walkinggold did you get an email before your phone call or did you just get a call straight away?

I received the email below but if people already have interviews arranged maybe it's bad news for me?

"Thank you for completing the online tests for the DAA`s Graduate Programme 2013. Your results have been submitted and will be reviewed shortly.

We will be in contact with you regarding the status of your application as soon as all applications have been processed.

Thanks and regards
On behalf of the DAA,
Symbio Business Solutions Ltd."

walkinggold

I didn't receive that email at all

I got a phone-call and then a text confirming the time and date of the interview

miamigo

How soon after you completed the online tests did they get back to you? I did the tests late Wed night but I only received the email on Friday. I hate waiting to hear back.

Best of luck in your interview though! Are you nervous? Have you done many interviews before?

walkinggold

They got back to me within a week of doing the online tests.

"Given that interviews for the DAA Graduate Programme 2013 will take place between the 6th and 14th June 2013 we would appreciate it if you could complete your tests as soon as possible but no later than the 4th June 2013."

Maybe they are doing a second week of interviews later on in the summer?

I'm not really that nervous yet I've done interviews so far with Glanbia, Kerry and Mazars so hopefully it will be something similar.

miamigo

Ok well I feel better now. My initial email was different to yours and I had to complete the online tests by the 7th not the 4th so maybe I will hear back during the week.

When is your interview?

Lauraw87

I only received a call today about the interview! Anyone have any idea what kind of questions will be asked?? Will it be job specific or just a general interview?

Equium

The lady that rang me said that the interview will be a short one (less than 30 minutes) and will just cover the information that you included as part of your application. Bearing in mind that there are at least three more stages that successful candidates must complete before being hired, I can't see the questioning being overly complicated.

walkinggold

I had my interview at the start of the week. I've already got called for the assessment centre next week.

idonthaveaname

I did the online test last friday, got a call yesterday and have my interview tomorrow.

How did you find the interview walkinggold? Is it based around them finding out more about you, or do thy stress why you wanted to work with DAA?

walkinggold

The interview felt very short. There was a member for the DAA there and another member from the recruitment company. They asked a lot of competency based questions, but also a lot about the DAA so you need all sides covered really. They write notes down while you talk to them, which is a bit off-putting, but I thought they were nice overall and seemed interested in what I had to say.

Jimjams21

Hi there I have 3 questions if anyone can help.

How many jobs is there?
Has anyone got invited to the assessment centre?
How many stages are after the assessment centre?

I have done the interview so if I can answer any questions let me know!

Thanks

chucknorris13

i did the interview Wednesday the 12th and got called today to go the assessment centre next Friday. I think there is 10 jobs spread across 5 areas and after the assessment centre I think it's just a final face-to-face interview.

tambourineman

Got the same phone call today to come in for assessment centre next week...was a bit suprised (in a good way!) to get it cos I didn't feel the interview went great. Just read the email they sent about it...think it's goin to be rough enough - no info on how to prepare for next weeks tasks so s***ting it a bit now!

chucknorris13

yea I thought my interview went crap! Yea it sounds pretty ****ty to be honest - role play, a presentation and a short written in tray. What does that even mean? Are you in on Friday as well?

tambourineman

Yep next friday - seems to be a group in the morning and one in the evening. if those are the only 2 groups there couldnt be many people left so think we've done well to get to this stage (there could be other groups on others days-i'm not sure). had to google 'written in-tray' after i read the email lol not a good start!

Jellybean28

Hate to break it too you but there are groups on other days as I am on Wednesday. I have a feeling there is a morning and afternoon session everyday next week, or at least for 3 days.

Jimjams21

Im in on the Thursday and the interviewer told me they were running for 3 days. She said they were interviewing a lot of people.I think the assessment centre will be awful because they are going to have to cut numbers down big time Dunno how to prepare at all!

walkinggold

I've got through to the assessment centre next week too. Those of you who also got through- what backgrounds are ye coming from?

I've studied IS and my assessment centre is on Wednesday.

miamigo

I had given up on getting an interview but got a call on Thurs and have an interview on Monday. Anyone have any tips for the interview?

Jimjams21

The interview is really short and general. They ask you questions on compentency like give me an example of a time you worked as part of a team. Nothing too difficult! Im from an Environmental science backround. I wonder how many people will be in each group and will they group specialities together or mix it up?

miamigo

Jimjams21 did they ask you anything to do with your college courses or knowledge of Environmental Science? I am awful at interviews and usually have complete mental blanks when I am half way through answering questions!!!

Jellybean28

My background is Civil and Environmental Engineering.

walkinggold: you on in the morning or afternoon session?

miamigo: they asked general questions about my courses, why I chose them, favourite subject, etc. The interviewer from DAA had studied the same undergrad course as me so knew the details about it.

Jimjams21

Miamigo No they asked me very little about my course. They were more interested in my work experience. Are you environmental science too? Is any one else in on Thursday afternoon?

Lauraw87

My interview was quite specific!! I'm from a chemistry/environmental science background. I was asked A LOT about environmental monitoring and regulation etc! I'm in the assessment center on Friday.. Pretty terrified about it! It sound very daunting!

tambourineman

My interview is Friday and im environmental background, hoping they will stick people together who are of the same background (i'd be lost in a group of business students discussing their stuff!) but you never know. I hate how theres nothing to prepare us for it...not a fan of trying to wing things!

chucknorris13

I'm on Friday too and I have an IT background! Yea it would make sense to keep business students and that separate but they'll probably just throw everyone together!

Equium

Jellybean28 wrote: »

My background is Civil and Environmental Engineering.

walkinggold: you on in the morning or afternoon session?

miamigo: they asked general questions about my courses, why I chose them, favourite subject, etc. The interviewer from DAA had studied the same undergrad course as me so knew the details about it.

Weird. I had my interview today as a civil, structural and environmental engineering graduate and wasn't asked anything about my course, or indeed anything about engineering at all. It was more about the company profile, how you deal with conflict or previous roles involving responsibility, etc.

miamigo

I'm an environmental science graduate too and my interview seems to have been similar to yours Equium. There was nothing too difficult asked but I had my usual interview brain farts and didn't answer very well. My interview was very short - only 15 mins, probably because they wanted to get me out of there so they didn't have to listen to me fumble through my sentences!! Its so annoying as I can communicate very effectively in all other situations but interviews just mess with my head.

Anyway I am not expecting a call back for the assessment centre so good look to everyone else!!

amkeane81

Hi JimJams21, I have been reading this thread for the past few days and was hoping someone who went to the assessement centre today would have replied although perhaps they think that would put us at an unfair advantage. I'd love to know what it's going to be like. I really have no clue. I'm in tomorrow too. At 1pm. You? Pretty nervous as well. Yikes! :eek:

Jimjams21

Hi amkeane81, I'm in at 1pm tomorrow too, pretty nervous but I guess we'll just have to try our best, they have to give somebody the jobs! I suppose it would be unfair for us to have the lowdown on what to expect so it looks like we're going in blind too!! Best of luck tomorrow, I don't know how many people will be in or what it's going to be like so the chances are we may not meet. Best of luck to everyone else too

tambourineman

Have mine tomorrow and fairly bircking it...never felt so unprepared for anything in my life but not sure how i can prepare! the most i am hoping for is to leave with a shread of dignity intact good luck to everyone!

amkeane81

Who were you jimjam21? :-) I must have met you last thursday! Hope we find out next week!

Lauraw87

Hey Guys,

I hope everyone got on OK in the assessment centre! Was anyone told when we would hear anything?!

The process seemed pretty quick so far, so hopefully it won't be too much longer!

Jellybean28

They told me that'd I'd know in a week to 10 days

amkeane81

Yeah, when I asked, they said in the next week or 2. I'm not very good at waiting!

Jellybean28

I heard back last night, anyone else?

amkeane81

positive or negative jellybean? and no, not heard yet. :-(

Jellybean28

Positive
Am just curious out of the approximate 60 who went to the assessment centre how many are through to the next stage.

amkeane81

Well done! I'll let you know when I know. Bit freaked that they've started to let people know and I haven't heard yet! Is it straight to final interview or is there another online test?

chucknorris13

Well done jellybean!

amkeane81

oh, also, did they call you or was it through email?

Jellybean28

There is both!
I've a face-to-face interview with at least 3 people from the department where I'll hopefully be working, and an online emotional/personality test to be completed before the interview.

Don't stress I'm sure you'll know either way soon. They seem to be getting through them quicker than they originally said.

Jellybean28

amkeane81 wrote: »

oh, also, did they call you or was it through email?

It was a call about 5.30pm yesterday and was told they'd send the details by email too (which I have yet to receive).

amkeane81

Thanks! Best of luck with the interview.

qwabercd

I've also got through to the final interview but wasn't told anything about an online test? I was just told about the interview and that that was the final stage!

Jellybean28

I thought they had forgotten about it because on the original list of steps it was meant to be before the assessment centre.

qwabercd: have you gotten an email about it yet or just a call? Also what is your background? Am just curious if I am competing against you lol!

amkeane81

Hi lads,
Just got my phone call! Yay! So happy! I wasn't told about an online test either. Also wasn't told if I would get a confirmation email or not. My interview is on Tuesday and my background is HR. You?