Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

NEW 2020 Assistant Principal Officer Competition

1181921232452

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭MrsBean


    Once you're contacted by your new department's HR you can pretty much determine your start date. They'll ask you for a date that suits so you can make arrangements with your current employer.

    Out of interest did they ask you first before they contacted your current employer? I've always been asked to confirm if it's ok for PAS to contact them which I assumed was standard practice to avoid any awkward situations like yours!


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭s1ippy


    MrsBean wrote: »
    Once you're contacted by your new department's HR you can pretty much determine your start date. They'll ask you for a date that suits so you can make arrangements with your current employer.

    Out of interest did they ask you first before they contacted your current employer? I've always been asked to confirm if it's ok for PAS to contact them which I assumed was standard practice to avoid any awkward situations like yours!
    Yes, the agent from PAS requested my employer's details (even though I had given them twice already during the process!), so it gave me a chance to let them know I had been successful in applying for a new role at least. I just feel like I'm leaving them on the line now, since they know I'm going and have kindly offered to waive any notice period required and let me leave whenever the job is due to start (incredibly sound). I'm working away still but I haven't told my colleagues I'm leaving or anything yet, it really feels like I'm going to be waiting a long time!

    The department it's for haven't contacted me yet, all my clearance and everything is done. I guess like with basically everything, the cogs move much slower at the moment. I applied for the position back in October last year, I've started in another job since!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭MrsBean


    s1ippy wrote: »
    Yes, the agent from PAS requested my employer's details (even though I had given them twice already during the process!), so it gave me a chance to let them know I had been successful in applying for a new role at least. I just feel like I'm leaving them on the line now, since they know I'm going and have kindly offered to waive any notice period required and let me leave whenever the job is due to start (incredibly sound). I'm working away still but I haven't told my colleagues I'm leaving or anything yet, it really feels like I'm going to be waiting a long time!

    In my experience the job starts when you say it starts. If you need to give 4 weeks notice then you tell PAS that, if you're ready to start on Monday then you tell them that.
    Very sound of your current employer, but you can repay that soundness by consulting them on your leaving date once you hear from HR.

    Yep cogs would be moving fierce slow in the civil service in August! Recently moved departments in the civil service and both HR sections had hardly anyone in them! Given that it's Sept next week I'd say you will hear soon as people return from annual leave or shorter working year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 186 ✭✭Brera


    InsideEdge wrote: »
    Is there anyone with any experience of attempting an e-tray exercise? Any tips would be very welcome!


    I would have a piece of paper beside me and right as much of information down on it as you can at the start.

    When I did the EO one two years ago you had half an hour at the start to read through the main tasks before it actually started. There was lot of info about organising a schedule ie certain people can’t do certain days etc

    It’s would be useful to have that written down at the start so your not wasting time going back forth between screens checking it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 12 lilt


    Does anyone know if you can look at the prep material more than once? Haven't opened it yet in case I get locked out after a quick look.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,064 ✭✭✭poundhound


    Its not really prep material, just a walk through of the screen and tabs you will be using.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 242 ✭✭berocca2016


    Does anyone have a good practice etray site ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭supersaint3


    Hi all, did this yesterday and couldn't see straight after it it is mentally exhausting. A tip, after the 90 minute exercise there's a timed 15 minute survey of 10 or so questions the last one being 'is there anything else you would like the examiner to know' from which I take it that the answers to these questions are examined for want of a better word. I had to leave as my time was tight and so I might a very light and rushed pass at these questions, just be expecting them, I didn't see any forewarning of them coming after the 90


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 Dasi


    lilt wrote: »
    Does anyone know if you can look at the prep material more than once? Haven't opened it yet in case I get locked out after a quick look.

    I just took a look; once you've done the tutorial you can't go back to t.


  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    Hi all, did this yesterday and couldn't see straight after it it is mentally exhausting. A tip, after the 90 minute exercise there's a timed 15 minute survey of 10 or so questions the last one being 'is there anything else you would like the examiner to know' from which I take it that the answers to these questions are examined for want of a better word. I had to leave as my time was tight and so I might a very light and rushed pass at these questions, just be expecting them, I didn't see any forewarning of them coming after the 90
    Just finished and it is mentally exhausting but the time flies by so don't get too bogged down in any one query. I missed one query due to running out of time - another 20 seconds would have done it! The survey at the end is a bit weird, 15 minutes to answer a set of self-reflective questions with little time to think so I'm hoping that they don't examine this part of it. Anyway, best of luck to those who still have to do it!


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 242 ✭✭berocca2016


    InsideEdge wrote: »
    Just finished and it is mentally exhausting but the time flies by so don't get too bogged down in any one query. I missed one query due to running out of time - another 20 seconds would have done it! The survey at the end is a bit weird, 15 minutes to answer a set of self-reflective questions with little time to think so I'm hoping that they don't examine this part of it. Anyway, best of luck to those who still have to do it!

    Just finished it there myself, not sure whether I delegated too much or too little!

    Missed the last query but tried to justify it in the little survey at the end so fingers crossed!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭MrsBean


    I did it first thing this morning, not feeling too confident with how it went but sure it's done now. Confused as to the level of influence the responses in the survey afterwards will have on it? I wasn't feeling particularly self-reflective at that stage! Of course things dawned on me to say after I had submitted it..
    Best of luck to everyone and here's hoping they put us out of our misery sooner rather than later!


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 Herriott


    Just wondering if anyone else experienced technical difficulties with the etray? It froze while I was doing mine, pretty gutting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,094 ✭✭✭TaurenDruid


    MrsBean wrote: »
    I did it first thing this morning, not feeling too confident with how it went but sure it's done now. Confused as to the level of influence the responses in the survey afterwards will have on it? I wasn't feeling particularly self-reflective at that stage! Of course things dawned on me to say after I had submitted it..
    Best of luck to everyone and here's hoping they put us out of our misery sooner rather than later!

    None? You're being evaluated on the etray, not the feedback survey.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭MrsBean


    None? You're being evaluated on the etray, not the feedback survey.

    I hope so. The wording of it implied what you write in there would be considered by the assessor and just threw me a bit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭supersaint3


    MrsBean wrote: »
    I hope so. The wording of it implied what you write in there would be considered by the assessor and just threw me a bit.

    My view is that this should have been advertised it's clear it will be read at the very least my examiner and or course they will take it into account at least unconsciously. If I knew it was coming I would have left time for it and gave it the consideration it deserved


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 242 ✭✭berocca2016


    When do people think the results will be out from the etray ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 139 ✭✭Bobby2004


    Just a question or two if anyone can answer. Should there be much movement in counties outside Dublin in the coming months for all grades from EO to AP. I had heard there was to be a lot of retirements in October after 2% increase. Is westmeath usually a fast moving county with a lot of gov departments? I was told by PAS there 3 candidates between me and a position. For instance in email I was told there is no foreseeable vacancies but yet they have interviewed a whole other batch which I fin second in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,094 ✭✭✭TaurenDruid


    Bobby2004 wrote: »
    Just a question or two if anyone can answer. Should there be much movement in counties outside Dublin in the coming months for all grades from EO to AP. I had heard there was to be a lot of retirements in October after 2% increase. Is westmeath usually a fast moving county with a lot of gov departments? I was told by PAS there 3 candidates between me and a position. For instance in email I was told there is no foreseeable vacancies but yet they have interviewed a whole other batch which I fin second in.

    Check what government departments are in any county. That'll give you a clue. Small offices/agencies, not much movement. Big chunk of a department, much better chance.

    Westmeath would have a large chunk of the Department of Education and the State Exams Commission, as well as all the usual Social Welfare and Revenue offices, so would be better for movement than most midlands counties, i'd imagine.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,064 ✭✭✭poundhound


    When do people think the results will be out from the etray ?

    The sooner the better. I was extremely disappointed and angry with myself after my exercise. I didn't deal with all the e-mails and I know I neglected one high priority item.
    In fairness, I felt dejected after the numerical reasoning psychometric test but passed. My only hope is that a minimum mark of 40% is also required in the etray.

    It's the hope that kills.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 242 ✭✭berocca2016


    poundhound wrote: »
    The sooner the better. I was extremely disappointed and angry with myself after my exercise. I didn't deal with all the e-mails and I know I neglected one high priority item.
    In fairness, I felt dejected after the numerical reasoning psychometric test but passed. My only hope is that a minimum mark of 40% is also required in the etray.

    It's the hope that kills.

    I'm sure you'll be fine. Its a compliment on yourself to get this far regardless


  • Registered Users Posts: 32 Pdbtsi


    Just got a message to complete the video interview! I wasn't expecting this for months. Window of completion starts tomorrow!


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 MrMistoffelees


    Just got an invitation to stage 2 - online video interview. They seem to be moving quickly.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 96 ✭✭Milenauno


    Just got an invitation to stage 2 - online video interview. They seem to be moving quickly.

    Do you mind saying what was your order or merit, just to understand how far I am? Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,629 ✭✭✭channelsurfer2


    now i have to trawl back through pages of what the video interview was about for those that took it in the first batch..


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭MrsBean


    now i have to trawl back through pages of what the video interview was about for those that took it in the first batch..

    you can also use the 'search this thread' function...
    video interview is what it says on the tin. you are given 3 Qs to answer in advance. then given a log in to website to record your answers. 3 mins per Q.


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 MrMistoffelees


    Milenauno wrote: »
    Do you mind saying what was your order or merit, just to understand how far I am? Thanks

    No problem, my OOM is 408


  • Registered Users Posts: 112 ✭✭Sarahlaois


    Are the people who got invites on a dublin list or country?


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 MrMistoffelees


    Sarahlaois wrote: »
    Are the people who got invites on a dublin list or country?

    I’m Dublin


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    Got mine as well, Dublin too.

    Would be great to hear what kind of questions were asked? Really nervous to do this now!


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 112 ✭✭Sarahlaois


    Thanks for that .... just thought I'd been skipped. Best of luck


  • Registered Users Posts: 97 ✭✭Ahshurlookit


    Nicole2020 wrote: »
    Got mine as well, Dublin too.

    Would be great to hear what kind of questions were asked? Really nervous to do this now!

    The questions are already given to us in the pre-test information booklet. Seems to be calling people who have chosen Dublin and Kildare.


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    Oh brilliant, the booklet isn’t opening properly on my phone, will have to look earlier! Didn’t realise we got them in advance, thought we’d log in and have to answer and record on the spot, I did on a few months ago like that. That’s great news!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 collywobbles1


    No problem, my OOM is 408

    Can I ask is that OOM on the Open or Interdepartmental?


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 MrMistoffelees


    Can I ask is that OOM on the Open or Interdepartmental?

    Open


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭lucat


    Open

    What OOM did they call up to this time?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭lucat


    Any movement on a batch 2 for Interdepartmental?


  • Registered Users Posts: 208 ✭✭Steamer


    Next batch is score of 120.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭lucat


    Steamer wrote: »
    Next batch is score of 120.

    Seems low for a batch 2 doesn't it?


  • Registered Users Posts: 208 ✭✭Steamer


    lucat wrote: »
    Seems low for a batch 2 doesn't it?
    Yeah it does, must have been based on the amount of people they can take with all the online processes. Hopefully Batch 3 for me, whenever that might be! Spring next year perhaps unless they choose a lower number for the regions.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭lucat


    Steamer wrote: »
    Yeah it does, must have been based on the amount of people they can take with all the online processes. Hopefully Batch 3 for me, whenever that might be! Spring next year perhaps unless they choose a lower number for the regions.

    It's possible they are restricted in numbers they can take forward due to Covid, so there will be more batches over a longer period of time...? Either way I'm in the 700's so I'm not holding out much hope!


  • Registered Users Posts: 25 MrMistoffelees


    Have to do a second video interview (same format) this week for SEO Local Authority - the joys!


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,629 ✭✭✭channelsurfer2


    3 minutes seems like a lifetime when you are doing it!


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,629 ✭✭✭channelsurfer2


    anyone know if there is a break after each one on the video interview or do they go right through ie you keep talking.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭MrsBean


    anyone know if there is a break after each one on the video interview or do they go right through ie you keep talking.

    About a minute or a minute and a half in between as I recall.


  • Registered Users Posts: 338 ✭✭Cheeseplant


    Steamer wrote: »
    Next batch is score of 120.
    Ahhh! I have 116! Really thought i'd be in batch 2... Batch 3 then. How long has stage 2 taken for Batch 1? I wonder would batch 3 be Halloween-ish??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭lucat


    Ahhh! I have 116! Really thought i'd be in batch 2... Batch 3 then. How long has stage 2 taken for Batch 1? I wonder would batch 3 be Halloween-ish??

    Batch 1 was 126+, batch 2 120-125 presumably, so batch 3 may well be 115 - 119, and batch 4 110 - 114.

    I'm 111 so hopefully there is a batch 4!

    I know this is about the Open but has there been any movement on the InterD? Is that still on batch 1?

    Also, can anyone recommend a good place/person who does training for Verbal? It used to be my strongest area but I've become complacent with it over the years and now it's my weakest!


  • Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭delricyo


    lucat wrote: »

    Also, can anyone recommend a good place/person who does training for Verbal? It used to be my strongest area but I've become complacent with it over the years and now it's my weakest!

    I can only add my own opinion on these tests. Coming from a science/maths background, I always scored highly in numerical. I never read in my free time so verbal was sometimes a scrape of a pass.
    As cliched as it sounds, it is all about practice. Try and do a quick practice test in the morning, one at lunch and a couple in the evening if you have time. The difficult part is the difference between false and cannot say. Only select false if the statement is incorrect. If there is any doubt about the statement, select cannot say.
    And repeat, and repeat...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭lucat


    delricyo wrote: »
    I can only add my own opinion on these tests. Coming from a science/maths background, I always scored highly in numerical. I never read in my free time so verbal was sometimes a scrape of a pass.
    As cliched as it sounds, it is all about practice. Try and do a quick practice test in the morning, one at lunch and a couple in the evening if you have time. The difficult part is the difference between false and cannot say. Only select false if the statement is incorrect. If there is any doubt about the statement, select cannot say.
    And repeat, and repeat...

    Oh I went to training 7 or 8 years ago and became really good. I definitely agree about 'false' vs 'cannot say' bit it's often trickier than that. The training I did was for EU civil servants in belgium but I'd like to do a similar one again here in Ireland.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    lucat wrote: »

    Also, can anyone recommend a good place/person who does training for Verbal? It used to be my strongest area but I've become complacent with it over the years and now it's my weakest!

    Again only my own opinion but the verbal is my strongest; got a perfect score last time. I recommend always reading the statements/questions first and then you can scan the passage much quicker as you're focused on only the info you need.

    And as other people said, if there's any doubt at all then it's 'cannot say'. Assume nothing. Make no inferences. It's only true if it absolutely must be true based on the passage, and same with false.

    After that it is practice, but I'd say much of reading for pleasure is practice. The faster you can read while still absorbing the info the more time you have to think.


Advertisement