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NEW 2020 Assistant Principal Officer Competition

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    It's funny how I always instantly forget the questions I was asked!! But it was very structured as expected - they went from competency to competency asking mostly STAR questions yes. They mostly opened a competency with a pretty open question where anything you have prepared for that competency will work, and then they drill down a bit with more specific questions for that competency.

    For example you might start Leadership with 'Tell us about a time you feel you showed good leadership' and then after your answer 'and have you ever had to deal with a team or team member fighting back against your leadership and how did you deal with it?' and so on.
    Thanks Hannah, that is very useful. Were you asked for any alternative examples?


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    It's funny how I always instantly forget the questions I was asked!! But it was very structured as expected - they went from competency to competency asking mostly STAR questions yes. They mostly opened a competency with a pretty open question where anything you have prepared for that competency will work, and then they drill down a bit with more specific questions for that competency.

    For example you might start Leadership with 'Tell us about a time you feel you showed good leadership' and then after your answer 'and have you ever had to deal with a team or team member fighting back against your leadership and how did you deal with it?' and so on.

    Ok, so it’s not just one question on each competency and one example. That’s really good to know, at least you have the opportunity to really showcase yourself and give a couple of examples for each one. I did an interview for a government body a few months ago and it was just one question and answer for four competencies! Thanks so much :) Good luck, hope you get good news soon!


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    flanders1 wrote: »
    Hi folks, I've been following this thread silently until now (just did my 3 question video interview recently so there hasn't been that much that I can offer by way of advice/insight so far), but I had to weigh in here to say the absolute neck of this person's wife giving that response after seeking pretty much the exact same advice only last week. I'm actually laughing in disbelief here :D

    Surprising that such brazen self-interest exists and not something you see too often in the Civil Service, from my experience. That sort of attitude just doesn't work in an environment where sections/units within Departments, units between varying Departments/Govt agencies, etc, constantly need to engage and share each others' expertise in order to achieve their goals and deliver for the public. Particularly relevant to the 'Interpersonal & Communication Skills' and 'Drive and Commitment to PS Values' competencies. In fact, it's so central to ALL the competencies really.

    Anyway, best of luck to all going through this competition at the moment - it's certainly tough going, but hopefully as many of us as possible will make it through in the end.

    I was a bit shocked myself when I read back and saw the question I asked was the same as the one previously asked by the person before! But sure we’ll move on, the posts have been deleted now!

    Definitely tough going considering we might pass all this but still end up waiting a long time to get a position but positive thinking!


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    CBCB wrote: »
    Just checked the message on Public Jobs and after the results it says

    "Further details on the next stage of the process, an online simulation exercise in the form of an etray, will issue in due course".

    The first batch got their results on the 20th of August, then notification on the 25th that the e-tray was to be completed between the 1st - 4th Sept. Wonder if we’ll hear this week...


  • Registered Users Posts: 9 Northern Sound


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    I don't know if the scenario will be exactly the same but the set-up should be similar. You basically login and you are presented with a wall of text to read which explains the situation you are in. It will tell you what organisation you work for, and who you are (it may give you a name different than your own in which case make sure you sign off emails as that person), and what is going on.

    Make sure you read this carefully - it will be available during the eTray but you don't want to waste any time once the timer starts.

    Then you're presented with an email inbox that is 'your inbox' where you will get emails, be able to upload/submit documents, send emails etc. Usually there are a few emails waiting for you to deal with and you might have some arrive as you do it as well.

    The best advice I can give is to just put yourself into the situation as much as you can. Pretend it's real life and act as you would if you were just doing the job. Don't feel you have to do everything - they also want to see that you delegate appropriately. You will be told who your staff so you can send things on asking others to do them or get back to you.

    Hope that makes sense!

    Thanks for the tips. Are any of the Inbox emails to be answered in Multiple Choice Format - Most Effective, Least Effective etc


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    Thanks for the tips. Are any of the Inbox emails to be answered in Multiple Choice Format - Most Effective, Least Effective etc

    Nope - not in mine anyway. It's literally an email so if you choose to reply/forward or whatever you write out an email.

    In previous eTrays I've also had to deal with phone calls (which would just pop up with what the person said - you wouldn't literally have to speak to someone) and they would normally have 2 or 3 options of what to do/reply to the person and you'd pick the best one.

    It's like pretending to do the job for an hour so not really a multiple choice type thing.


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


    Can anyone in this first batch of interviews tell me

    A: if they received a response when they sent their confirmation of attendance/photograph to PAS and,
    B: if they received details of their interview board members prior to the interview?

    I'm probably worrying for no reason but I haven't heard anything from PAS since I got the invite to interview.


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    MrsBean wrote: »
    Can anyone in this first batch of interviews tell me

    A: if they received a response when they sent their confirmation of attendance/photograph to PAS and,
    B: if they received details of their interview board members prior to the interview?

    I'm probably worrying for no reason but I haven't heard anything from PAS since I got the invite to interview.

    A: No.
    B: Yes.


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    Just got word I passed my interview and am on the panel!! Can't believe results are out already - I only interviewed on Monday! And they are still interviewing...

    They must be in a rush...


  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    Just got word I passed my interview and am on the panel!! Can't believe results are out already - I only interviewed on Monday! And they are still interviewing...

    They must be in a rush...

    That is fantastic news, absolutely delighted for you!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 13 Herriott


    Well done, same here. Can't believe it. I only interviewed yesterday. An absolute first in terms of speed of placement!


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    Herriott wrote: »
    Well done, same here. Can't believe it. I only interviewed yesterday. An absolute first in terms of speed of placement!

    Well done to you too!!! I absolutely can't believe it either. I assumed when I was opening the message that it was some random off-topic message like that there'd been a data breach or something - hadn't even begun to think of getting the results!


  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    MrsBean wrote: »
    Can anyone in this first batch of interviews tell me

    A: if they received a response when they sent their confirmation of attendance/photograph to PAS and,
    B: if they received details of their interview board members prior to the interview?

    I'm probably worrying for no reason but I haven't heard anything from PAS since I got the invite to interview.

    A: I sent a reminder and then received a confirmation
    B: No details of who is on the panel yet!


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    InsideEdge wrote: »
    Thanks Hannah, that is very useful. Were you asked for any alternative examples?

    I was asked for 1 competency to use a different example than the application form if I had one but if not the one on the form was fine. I had another so I used that but they seemed genuine in that they wouldn't have minded too much if I hadn't.


  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    Herriott wrote: »
    Well done, same here. Can't believe it. I only interviewed yesterday. An absolute first in terms of speed of placement!

    That's brilliant too, well done!
    Do you know what number you are on the panel yet? I'm assuming they will have to finish all the first batch of interviews before giving people their place?


  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    I was asked for 1 competency to use a different example than the application form if I had one but if not the one on the form was fine. I had another so I used that but they seemed genuine in that they wouldn't have minded too much if I hadn't.

    That's good to know!


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 Herriott


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    Well done to you too!!! I absolutely can't believe it either. I assumed when I was opening the message that it was some random off-topic message like that there'd been a data breach or something - hadn't even begun to think of getting the results!

    I was sure it was a 'thanks, but no thanks' and they weren't wasting any time telling me! Now we just have to hope positions are offered soon. Congrats again - it's so nice to get some good news.


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 Herriott


    InsideEdge wrote: »
    That's brilliant too, well done!
    Do you know what number you are on the panel yet? I'm assuming they will have to finish all the first batch of interviews before giving people their place?

    Cheers! They gave me my order of merit today - perhaps the panels are going to be batched - 1.1, 1.2 etc.?


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    Herriott wrote: »
    Cheers! They gave me my order of merit today - perhaps the panels are going to be batched - 1.1, 1.2 etc.?

    I wondered that too - I wonder did the interview us in order of our previous placements and therefore they're placing as we go.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    I wondered that too - I wonder did the interview us in order of our previous placements and therefore they're placing as we go.

    That sounds like what they are doing alright. Another question on the interview if you don't mind - were you asked to give an overview of your career/experience to date?


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    InsideEdge wrote: »


    That sounds like what they are doing alright. Another question on the interview if you don't mind - were you asked to give an overview of your career/experience to date?

    The Chair opened up by going through my career based on my application form (i.e. she talked through it and I just said 'yep') and then asked if there was anything I was particularly proud of.


  • Registered Users Posts: 128 ✭✭InsideEdge


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    The Chair opened up by going through my career based on my application form (i.e. she talked through it and I just said 'yep') and then asked if there was anything I was particularly proud of.

    I've been working since the 1980s so that bit could take a while!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭HannahR31


    InsideEdge wrote: »
    I've been working since the 1980s so that bit could take a while!!

    Haha they might not go through every job! She skimmed the start and then focused in on 'So since 2018'


  • Registered Users Posts: 46 batman007


    I was called to do the videos for the Communications Manager AP role today! Absolutely thrilled, anyone else get the notification?


  • Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭Lorr


    batman007 wrote: »
    I was called to do the videos for the Communications Manager AP role today! Absolutely thrilled, anyone else get the notification?

    I got mine too! Had sort of given up hope on it so pleasantly surprised


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  • Registered Users Posts: 46 batman007


    Same!!! Good luck with the process. :)

    Do you by any chance know what stage is after this one? Trying to find the original booklet but can't see it online anywhere and I didn't save it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭Lorr


    batman007 wrote: »
    Same!!! Good luck with the process. :)

    Do you by any chance know what stage is after this one? Trying to find the original booklet but can't see it online anywhere and I didn't save it.

    No idea I'm afraid, first time applying for something like this so all new to me


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    Just got word I passed my interview and am on the panel!! Can't believe results are out already - I only interviewed on Monday! And they are still interviewing...

    They must be in a rush...

    Oh wow, that is amazing, huge congratulations!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Nicole2020


    Herriott wrote: »
    Well done, same here. Can't believe it. I only interviewed yesterday. An absolute first in terms of speed of placement!

    That’s unbelievable, well done!


  • Registered Users Posts: 93 ✭✭CBCB


    HannahR31 wrote: »
    Just got word I passed my interview and am on the panel!! Can't believe results are out already - I only interviewed on Monday! And they are still interviewing...

    They must be in a rush...

    Congratulations!


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


    Are they only interviewing 2 days a week (Tues & Wed)?


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


    poundhound wrote: »
    Are they only interviewing 2 days a week (Tues & Wed)?

    Must be Mon to Wed as I think HannahR mentioned hers was on Monday.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,839 ✭✭✭tea and coffee


    batman007 wrote: »
    Same!!! Good luck with the process. :)

    Do you by any chance know what stage is after this one? Trying to find the original booklet but can't see it online anywhere and I didn't save it.

    Come join me on the dedicated thread :-)

    https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2058112361/1/#post114869671

    AP Comms thread


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 Mariee


    Hi, they are interviewing all week as far as I know


  • Registered Users Posts: 15 Casarina


    Just gotten invite to Stage 2 of the competition - online video interviewing. So they must be starting on the outside of Dublin applicants. Thanks for all the advice here - hopefully will be able to make the most of it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 928 ✭✭✭Irishder


    Casarina wrote: »
    Just gotten invite to Stage 2 of the competition - online video interviewing. So they must be starting on the outside of Dublin applicants. Thanks for all the advice here - hopefully will be able to make the most of it!

    Im the same, I picked Waterford and Kilkenny as far as i can remember. Where did you pick?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 869 ✭✭✭crinkley


    can I ask if these are first or second batches. Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 15 Casarina


    Irishder wrote: »
    Im the same, I picked Waterford and Kilkenny as far as i can remember. Where did you pick?

    Mine is for the Sligo and Leitrim So must be calling us all outside of Dublin this time round! The fun begins!


  • Registered Users Posts: 15 Casarina


    crinkley wrote: »
    can I ask if these are first or second batches. Thanks

    This is first batch for outside of Dublin I am assuming? But not sure? Bit of a novice!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 928 ✭✭✭Irishder


    crinkley wrote: »
    can I ask if these are first or second batches. Thanks

    No idea sorry.

    Can I ask a question regarding the pay scale. If successful we would obviously go in on the starting point. Is it yearly increases after that as per the scale, assuming no pay freezes?

    Thanks


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,783 ✭✭✭Aglomerado


    Casarina wrote: »
    Just gotten invite to Stage 2 of the competition - online video interviewing. So they must be starting on the outside of Dublin applicants. Thanks for all the advice here - hopefully will be able to make the most of it!

    Same here! I wasn't expecting anything to come of it- the exam was a tough one - so it's a bolt from the blue.
    Might as well give it a shot! The best of luck!


  • Registered Users Posts: 225 ✭✭Anonire


    Casarina wrote: »
    Just gotten invite to Stage 2 of the competition - online video interviewing. So they must be starting on the outside of Dublin applicants. Thanks for all the advice here - hopefully will be able to make the most of it!

    Brilliant well done. Do you mind me asking what score they were calling? Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 15 Casarina


    Anonire wrote: »
    Brilliant well done. Do you mind me asking what score they were calling? Thanks

    Didn't say actually - just said you have been invited....that's interesting!


  • Registered Users Posts: 225 ✭✭Anonire


    Casarina wrote: »
    Didn't say actually - just said you have been invited....that's interesting!

    Thanks best of luck.


  • Registered Users Posts: 132 ✭✭Connected99


    I am curious to know, Is it those who scored over 126 in the aptitude tests who are now being called for video interview nationwide?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 928 ✭✭✭Irishder


    I am curious to know, Is it those who scored over 126 in the aptitude tests who are now being called for video interview nationwide?

    i scored 121 and got called


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 351 ✭✭dee75


    Can I ask the others who've just been called for regional locations, what was your score from the tests?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 80 ✭✭RWC15champions


    dee75 wrote: »
    Can I ask the others who've just been called for regional locations, what was your score from the tests?

    Mine was over 121 so I'm sure that's not the answer you are looking for! Would be interesting to know though....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,839 ✭✭✭tea and coffee


    Irishder wrote: »
    No idea sorry.

    Can I ask a question regarding the pay scale. If successful we would obviously go in on the starting point. Is it yearly increases after that as per the scale, assuming no pay freezes?

    Thanks

    Yes that is correct


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 351 ✭✭dee75


    Mine was over 121 so I'm sure that's not the answer you are looking for! Would be interesting to know though....

    Thanks for that! And best of luck to you and everyone called forward at this point.

    Yeah, would love to know what the lowest score was of those called forward so we can see how close (or not) some of us might be to getting called up in a second regional batch.

    My own score is in the 110 to 115 range.

    Also, if people feel comfortable sharing what counties they selected (or even region, like South East, or Midlands).


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