Assistant Staff Officer Interview

sister bliss

Hi all,

Just wondering does anyone have any advice on interviewing for an assistant staff officer position in a local county council?

There was no real job description, just an application form with the usual headings e.g. educational qualifications, skills, achievements, etc. And there was no details of which department the position would be in.

I know it is above clerical officer but would like to know more about the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of such a position.

Any help anyone could give would be much appreciated!!

Creol1

My understanding is that it is a non-management role despite the title, essentially a kind of senior clerical officer. However, I wouldn't be in a position to give a very detailed explanation of the differences in responsibility, etc.

Heart Break Kid

Creol1 wrote: »

My understanding is that it is a non-management role despite the title, essentially a kind of senior clerical officer. However, I wouldn't be in a position to give a very detailed explanation of the differences in responsibility, etc.

From my short brief 3 month stint SO's seemed to be more people that could help or provide guidance and assistance while above CO here still didn't have anywhere near the level of responsibility as an EO.

According to this its still technically juinor management
http://www.publicjobs.ie/publicjobs/who/civil-local/civil.htm

This may help its for limerick City council but the details should be similar.

http://limerickcity.ie/media/Media,9462,en.doc

Competency Indicators

Work based achievement, Initiative and Financial Management experience

• Demonstrates achievement of quality by checking and monitoring work for accuracy
and ensuring guidelines and procedures are followed

• Demonstrates experience of planning/prioritizing to meet targets and delegating work appropriately

• Demonstrates experience of monitoring and reviewing progress against plans and developing contingency plans to ensure targets are met

• Demonstrates experience of managing resources and budgets in particular monitoring, assessing, evaluating and adhering to them

• Demonstrates experience of effecting work-based improvements


Problem solving/decision making

• Demonstrates experience of problem solving/decision making and examples of instances of same without close supervision and/or guidelines

• Demonstrates experience of considering issues thoroughly before making decisions

• Demonstrates experience of ability to retrieve and evaluate information effectively in the decision making process

Interpersonal Skills and Team Management Skills

• Demonstrates experience of effective team building in a work place

• Demonstrates a realistic approach to managing under-performance

• Demonstrates experience of report writing and correspondence in non-routine work situations

• Advocates a realistic approach and demonstrates experience of work based dealings with a variety of individuals/groups/agencies

• Demonstrates experience of supervising others by providing clear direction and monitoring performance/attendance

• Demonstrates experience of coaching, delegating fairly and valuing the contribution of others

• Demonstrates experience of negotiating successful outcomes

• Demonstrates openness and a willingness to adopt new ways of working
and involves others in change.

• Demonstrates experience of and commitment to meeting the needs of both internal and external customers in an efficient and effective way.


Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrates a knowledge of the structure and functions of local government
• Demonstrates a knowledge of current issues in local government and/or the public sector and advocates practical approaches to addressing them
• Demonstrates a clear and realistic view of future trends and strategic direction of local government and/or the public sector
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of an Senior Staff Officer in the context of the above

sister bliss

That's very helpful, thanks. I'm relatively new to interviewing having been in the same job since finishing college a few years ago so any information I can get is appreciated!

Did a clerical officer interview a few months ago and found it a bit sticky to be honest so I really want to prepare well for this one.

ab4248

Hi Sister Bliss, I know its been a while but I was wondering how your interview went. I am looking at a change of career and came across a job ad for a assistant staff officer. Any advice about applying/ interviewing?

sister bliss

Hi, the interview was ok, coz it was a county council they just asked loads about the county council itself, they were really grilling me about it n they asked very little about myself! Just a few competencies n scenario questions. Suffice to say I didn't get the job!! But I am now working as a clerical officer in Revenue, that interview was much higher better!! In general I think concentrate on the competencies that are in the job description, have examples of dem all n practice all the typical interview questions, what's ur biggest achievement, why do u want dis job etc. Staff officer is all about people so have examples of teamwork/leadership/difficult situations! And if it is in a county council/education board do as much research as possible about the organisation itself coz they will grill you!!! Good luck!!

LauraH12345

Hi

Does anybody know if they have started placing people on the panel for this?

Vologda69

LauraH12345 wrote: »

Hi

Does anybody know if they have started placing people on the panel for this?

Hi Laura, im.on the most recent panel. Havent heard anything. Suspect it might be New Year before they start offering jobs

LauraH12345

Vologda69 wrote: »

Hi Laura, im.on the most recent panel. Havent heard anything. Suspect it might be New Year before they start offering jobs

Hopefully it will start moving soon 🀞

LauraH12345

Vologda69 wrote: »

Hi Laura, im.on the most recent panel. Havent heard anything. Suspect it might be New Year before they start offering jobs

Hopefully it will start moving soon 🀞