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Administrative Officer 2015 open competition

1246715

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭jameskil


    Congratulations on reaching the qualifying standard- however, we're only calling the top 250 to the next stage.......... :(
    Apparently they had just shy of 4000 applicants.

    Well done to those of you who are in the top 250.

    Its so damn annoying that the numeracy isn't counted- and I really don't think its fair in today's day and age........

    especially when you score so well on it! makes no sense


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,418 ✭✭✭griffdaddy


    I'm out based on the questionnaire. Did well in both the verbal and numerical but I guess that's just the way she goes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭jameskil


    550s - assessment questionnaire screwed me over the most

    i was in band A for numerical and verbal. Band C for bloody assessment questionnaire. in the 1500s
    theres time from my life ill never get back


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 731 ✭✭✭Butterface


    I got in the 490s. Ah well, 'twas worth a shot in the dark anyway! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Sunnies Washington


    How do they mark you? Is it a score per area? Or is it literally pass/fail?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 24 hard copy


    it's pass/fail ie if you fail any one of the three sections you're out. After that, if you pass all three, your score in verbal and assessment is ranked against the scores of everyone else , the numerical doesn't go towards the ranking.

    The numerical and verbal seem to be fairly right or wrong for answering whereas the assessment is a bit more ambiguous and they can probably tweak it according to the type of candidate they think they want. From this and previous competitions it usually seems to me to be the assessment that's biggest variable in deciding ranking.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48 connmel


    Delighted to have placed 77! I am totally shocked as I placed much lower after the EO tests last year. Also I did the tests with dodgy Wifi in a hotel lobby in Lanzarote with people asking me about car hire every 5 mintues! Hard luck to those who didn't make it and to those outside the number being called and best of luck in the next stage to everyone who got through.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭PM me nudes


    Placed in the low to mid 200s


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,606 ✭✭✭✭OwaynOTT


    Number 1!

    with a few few other digits


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭Armaghmagic


    Aced the Verbal and Numerical ones.......Failed the assessment! Exact same outcome as the Garda one where I fell down on the assessment!

    How do you pass the bloody assessment?? Really disappointed as I got over 65 in the verbal :-(


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Didn't place well at all :(

    Congrats and good luck to all those through to the next round


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    Passed all of them 😊 near perfect score on the verbal but the assessment pulled me down. Ended up just a little higher than 300. So nothing short term but if they take another batch 6 months from now or something then maybe. Holding out a little hope for now anyway. Considering I thought I wouldn't even pass I'm slightly chuffed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 82 ✭✭fangler


    Finished in the Top Tier for all 3 Tests but yet placed in the 1600's. Seems strange


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 141 ✭✭Omnishambles99


    The proposal is its to be what will be the first ever external HEO competition with an equal External/Interdepartment/Internal split- 1:1:1 with the ratios to be set dated back to the 1st of July last (same as for the AP panels). If there are internal HEO promotions since the 1st of July- there would have to be commensurate appointments from both the new (to be) constituted external and interdepartmental panels.

    Its not just one Department dragging its feet though- apparently, its several.

    Hi , it's not the first external open HEO comp. I was a CO back in ( I think) 2004-2005 and I did the psycho-metric exams out in RDS for an open HEO then . Got nowhere . What really annoyed me was I met a guy there who was an EO and he asked me what was I doing there ... I said going for the HEO competition... He was very surprised :( .... Hopefully a lot of that grade consciousness has left our job at this stage !!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭PM me nudes


    fangler wrote: »
    Finished in the Top Tier for all 3 Tests but yet placed in the 1600's. Seems strange

    They also take time into account afaik


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 87 ✭✭lauras91


    Ranked in 800s.. Bit disappointed, actually did better in the assessment than I thought though. Maybe next year!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 325 ✭✭octo



    Its so damn annoying that the numeracy isn't counted- and I really don't think its fair in today's day and age........

    Yes, it's really annoying. I came 435th. I aced the numerical and the assessment but fell slightly short on the verbal.

    It makes no sense. Why would the civil service/PAS not want to rank people on numeracy? Surely it's just as important. Anyway, I'm grumpy now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29 ColcloughP


    982.

    Top band in assessment and verbal while passing verbal and still only 982.

    I wasted a month straight studying those stupid tests.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    Hi , it's not the first external open HEO comp. I was a CO back in ( I think) 2004-2005 and I did the psycho-metric exams out in RDS for an open HEO then . Got nowhere . What really annoyed me was I met a guy there who was an EO and he asked me what was I doing there ... I said going for the HEO competition... He was very surprised :( .... Hopefully a lot of that grade consciousness has left our job at this stage !!

    There are grade conscious people everywhere- unfortunately. They are dinosaurs. In at least 2 recent internal competitions- serving COs have topped the panel in AP competitions- and fair play to them.

    Ignore people who are grade conscious- the best work colleagues you can possibly have- are competent hard working colleagues- who go that extra mile with colleagues and customers- as a matter of course.

    Life is short- too short for nonsense........


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭Armaghmagic


    I feel awful when I see people annoyed about their placing when I havent been placed at all!!

    Be thankful you are at least in with a shout if not straight away :-)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 AnClar2013


    Help! Would anyone who ranked high on the 'assessment questionnaire' consisting of the personality test and scenarios mind telling me what way they approached answering the questions especially the scenarios? I have done a few AO aptitude test now over the years and I always pass the Numerical and Verbal and never the questionnaire part v frustrating. I haven't cracked the code! If anyone who did well in this wouldn't mind sharing please.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 106 ✭✭roe_cat


    AnClar2013 wrote: »
    Help! Would anyone who ranked high on the 'assessment questionnaire' consisting of the personality test and scenarios mind telling me what way they approached answering the questions especially the scenarios? I have done a few AO aptitude test now over the years and I always pass the Numerical and Verbal and never the questionnaire part v frustrating. I haven't cracked the code! If anyone who did well in this wouldn't mind sharing please.

    Got 57 in the assessment - so my lowest score but still enough to get through...
    I do go for honest answers rather than a strategy - but I also gave an awful lot of the options a very noncommittal answer - marked very few of them as excellent or terrible. You don't have to pick one as the best and one as the worst. If all of the options you're given seem so-so - say that. I think some people try to rank them from best answer to worst but you can give them all the same rank if you want.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭Armaghmagic


    AnClar2013 wrote: »
    Help! Would anyone who ranked high on the 'assessment questionnaire' consisting of the personality test and scenarios mind telling me what way they approached answering the questions especially the scenarios? I have done a few AO aptitude test now over the years and I always pass the Numerical and Verbal and never the questionnaire part v frustrating. I haven't cracked the code! If anyone who did well in this wouldn't mind sharing please.

    I am in the exact same scenario. Both for these tests and the similar ones for the Gardaí, I passed the numerical and verbal tests with ease but failed both of the assessment questionnaires! :mad:

    Are there any sites or courses that you can do that help with doing better at the assessment questionnaire? Normally I would get annoyed and let it pass but I am not allowing this to fail me in the next similar tests I attempt! ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48 connmel


    roe_cat wrote: »
    Got 57 in the assessment - so my lowest score but still enough to get through...
    I do go for honest answers rather than a strategy - but I also gave an awful lot of the options a very noncommittal answer - marked very few of them as excellent or terrible. You don't have to pick one as the best and one as the worst. If all of the options you're given seem so-so - say that. I think some people try to rank them from best answer to worst but you can give them all the same rank if you want.

    I scored 69 in the assessment - my highest score and tbh I finished it not having a clue if I had passed or failed. I give 100% gut instinct answers and try not to overthink them. Thinking back I only gave 2 or 3 options a 'worst' rank across the entire sequence and generally I found there was 1 that jumped out as the best idea with maybe 2 that were equally ok.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 42 frankiejoepat


    I placed high 1300s.

    I scored well above average in verbal and exactly average in assessment. Seems incredible to pick people for interview based on these tests alone without reference to their application. I was under the completely wrong impression that you just needed to pass the tests in order to be considered for interview and your application form would then come into play.
    I should have read the instructions a little better!!
    I also didn't think that 4,000 would apply.

    I wonder how many of the 4,000 passed?!

    How likely is there to be a 2nd competition and if there is will it be simply be taken from that top 250 again?

    Anyone know how many positions are roughly up for grabs?? Those 250 are competing for what, 20 positions?

    Bit depressed by the whole experience - not even breaking into the top 1,000 albeit I only spent probably 8 hours preparing and only prepared for the numerical as I had failed it previously....

    Damn and blast.

    Well done to the people who made it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Sunnies Washington


    Its a tough process no doubt. Where did the figure of 4000 come from?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 42 frankiejoepat


    They told me in the feedback that almost 4,000 had applied, I presume its in the 3,800s or 3,900s.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 Sunnies Washington


    They told me in the feedback that almost 4,000 had applied, I presume its in the 3,800s or 3,900s.

    So they took what, the top 6.5% to interview? That's some skinny odds right there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 325 ✭✭octo


    connmel wrote: »
    I scored 69 in the assessment - my highest score and tbh I finished it not having a clue if I had passed or failed. I give 100% gut instinct answers and try not to overthink them. Thinking back I only gave 2 or 3 options a 'worst' rank across the entire sequence and generally I found there was 1 that jumped out as the best idea with maybe 2 that were equally ok.
    Yes, I got also got 69. With the self-assessment I stayed away from the extreme adjectives. For example, I marked my self fairly outgoing and confident, but not extremely so. I think I would then have come across as a mad cocky bstrd!)

    With the work scenarios I used common sense. Be a bit assertive but not too much. What would a decent and sound manager do? Take action to solve a problem but don't go over the top and try to sort it yourself without passing it on to your boss - unless of course it's something serious.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 82 ✭✭derailed


    Was informed last night by PAS that I was in the early 600's and that it was intended to call those placed up to 250 but could be considered thereafter.

    It is my 3rd time to receive an AO placing in the last 7-8 years after almost making the cut for Round 2 in the open AP competition this year. Unfortunately from my recent experience and hearsay the number PAS quote as to be called for the next phase (in this case 250) does not usually run over this amount.

    Very frustrating once more having scored so highly in verbal and numerical reasoning while being well over the pass mark in the assessment questionnaire was not enough to progress to Stage 2. Again I disagree with numerical reasoning not being a primary factor for overall positioning and just don't know where to go about preparing for assessment questionnaires as it appears to be a case of pot luck above anything else.

    Best of luck to those going to next stage and sorry for anyone else that have not advanced beyond this point.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 570 ✭✭✭bigwormbundoran


    So what exactly does the next stage entail does anyone know?


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    So what exactly does the next stage entail does anyone know?

    The exact same again- only supervised, in PAS on Capel Street.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    The exact same again- only supervised, in PAS on Capel Street.

    Do ya think? 250 is awful low of a number.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    Slydice wrote: »
    Do ya think? 250 is awful low of a number.

    Yes- I don't believe the 250 number- I reckon when they factor all 3 streams into account- we'll have just under 500 (time will tell though). The pass marks appear to have been set artificially low- compared to some of the other recent competitions- for what reason? Even if they try to bring 50 through on the Irish stream- they have still passed nearly 4 times more candidates than they think they'll need.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,246 ✭✭✭✭Riamfada


    My other half got 17 in the Irish stream but the email didnt give her an overall ranking of other Irish stream applicants or overall applicants.The email didnt include a number of applications for this stream that would be caled.Anyone have an idea what this ranking means?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48 connmel


    Just got invitation to next stage - all being run on the same day, supervised aptitude tests, job simulation, presentation and interview.

    My heart is racing just thinking about it!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 325 ✭✭octo


    connmel wrote: »
    Just got invitation to next stage - all being run on the same day, supervised aptitude tests, job simulation, presentation and interview.

    My heart is racing just thinking about it!!

    Wow! Best of luck - I'm Jealous! Just remember that everyone there will be just as nervous as you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭Breadcrusts


    Yes- I don't believe the 250 number- I reckon when they factor all 3 streams into account- we'll have just under 500 (time will tell though). The pass marks appear to have been set artificially low- compared to some of the other recent competitions- for what reason? Even if they try to bring 50 through on the Irish stream- they have still passed nearly 4 times more candidates than they think they'll need.

    Can I ask what the three streams are? AO, 3rd sec and?

    Sorry wasn't paying much attention when they were advertised obviously!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Can I ask what the three streams are? AO, 3rd sec and?

    Sorry wasn't paying much attention when they were advertised obviously!!

    Irish Language AO


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 Paphos


    Does anyone know how many stages this competition consists of? I was quite surprised as to the extent of the testing in Stage 2, particularly re. giving a presentation and an interview. Will there be a Stage 3 after this?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 418 ✭✭:Keith:


    For anyone who has reached a similar stage in previous calls, would did the Presentation aspect involve? I'm curious given the hour being given to prepare in advance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48 connmel


    So I've got my familiarisation material for Mondays assessment centre - I'm feeling apprehensive about the presentation - its a very long time since I've had to present anything and without any advance material it's impossible to prepare for. I'm doing some work on my competencies for the interview and will repeat the practice numerical and verbal reasoning but apart from that I'm not sure what else to do - apart from get the hair done of course!!


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    Riamfada wrote: »
    My other half got 17 in the Irish stream but the email didnt give her an overall ranking of other Irish stream applicants or overall applicants.The email didnt include a number of applications for this stream that would be caled.Anyone have an idea what this ranking means?

    I got placed fairly well in the Irish stream too- but no indication of how many they are calling (if indeed any). If they expand the 250 from the general competition- I'll be mightily happy........


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 238 ✭✭Emmal14


    I was placed 117 on the list and called for a full day assessment on the 4th of December! Pretty full on day. Delighted though! Have to try prep for the presentation and prepare examples for the interview! Any tips anybody who previously went through this has would be much appreciated! Also if anyone doesn't have their original degree ( I didn't! It's somewhere in the parents as I graduated over 5 years ago) they will accept original transcripts! Or for anyone who went to UCD the transcripts you can access and print online! Just need to get my last few references and get the pasport pics taken!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 Paphos


    Good luck to everyone doing Stage 2! I'm both looking forward to it and looking forward to having it done. No idea how I'm supposed to prep. though, especially for the presentation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 Paphos


    And the first week of interviews is over.

    Does anyone have any information about how the allocation of posts take place (once all of this is over, that is)? i.e. Do the first 20 people on the panel get offered the first 20 jobs, regardless of department, or do they take people's expertise into account when offering positions?

    There are some departments I'd much rather work in than others, and which I'd be much more suited to working in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 413 ✭✭Veledan22


    I was just wondering did they say anything about when they might be letting people know if they were successful? Or anything about start dates?


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    Paphos wrote: »
    Does anyone have any information about how the allocation of posts take place (once all of this is over, that is)? i.e. Do the first 20 people on the panel get offered the first 20 jobs, regardless of department, or do they take people's expertise into account when offering positions?

    Allocation of posts is normally- as Departments request staff- aka yes- the first 20 people on the panel are offered the first 20 posts- regardless of Department (in the general competition- you are supposed to be fully transferrable to any Department). Just because you have a degree with a major in economics- does not mean you will be offered a post where you can utilise your degree. Its the same at EO recruitment- the vast preponderance of whom also have degrees- no cognisance is given to the area in which you have your degree.........

    At AO- there still exists the programme where you are supposed to spend 2 years out of your home Department to get a broader experience of the civil service (aka- you'd spend your first 2 years in your home Department, next 2 in a different Department- and then back to your home Department again). They haven't been strictly insisting on people doing this recently- it is still at their prerogative to insist on it though..........


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 Fear na Sleibhte


    Veledan22 wrote: »
    I was just wondering did they say anything about when they might be letting people know if they were successful? Or anything about start dates?

    I did the assessment centre yesterday. They said they'd be in touch by late December.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17 Thisisit90


    Any idea how long the interview lasts for?


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