Principal Officer competition 2019

froggiegirls · 04-04-2021 4:54pm

Grey AP wrote: »

Woohoo - good news for all on panel two. I finally got a smoke signal from PAS and have been made an offer. I had thought I was last on panel one, but according to the AHCPS there were three more after me. However, given it was a few weeks between PAS telling me I was next on the list and getting the offer, I think it likely that all four of us are gone now, which means panel two should start getting offers very soon. Fingers crossed for you all, it's been a long old road.

Delighted for You. Well done !

Belfry2018 · 05-04-2021 2:33pm

Does anyone know how many made it through from batch 2 yet?

froggiegirls · 05-04-2021 2:46pm

Belfry2018 wrote: »

Does anyone know how many made it through from batch 2 yet?

I emailed them to ask that and to ask for confirmation as to how long the second panel will last. They haven’t come back to me yet but when they do I’ll post up the response

Waterbottle2 · 06-04-2021 7:28pm

Well done to all who got through this time. Ive been following this thread for a while, and thought i should contribute something in case it helps others in future. I'm a current AP in CS, and I applied and got mid 600s on OOM from the online tests back in Nov 2019. I scored in lower third for critical analysis and middle third for job simulation. I found the online tests difficult, and a bit stressful being watched. This was my first time doing online tests, and i didnt put much effort/training into it before hand. Maybe I should have. Based on my scores, I wasnt expecting to hear anymore from the competition. However, like others I got the message in late 2020 that a 2nd batch was being put through to further tests. I scored OK on video recording stage, with mid 60s for all three competencies (leadership; management; judgement and decision making). This placed me mid-40s on OOM. In feb 2021 I did the interview over zoom, and scored mid 70s for the competencies (Leadership and Strategic Direction; judgement and Decision Making; Management and Delivery of Results; Building Relationships and Communication; Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values; Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development). Finally, in late march I did the case study over zoom. I enjoyed this experience, and found it a little easier than the example one they provided with the information pack. I took some solace in the fact that there probably isnt any right or wrong answer to the case study, you just need to be able to justify and argue for your choices. I scored 70s in the three competencies (Leadership and Strategic Direction; Judgement and Decision Making;
Building Relationships & Communicating), so combined with my interview scores i've got a very early (<5) place on the panel. Im delighted, especially after doing poorly on the very first stage. Ive no doubt my experience in the CS helped me a lot in all stages after the online tests, and ive also had 2 hour of professional coaching in the last 2 years as i've been applying for internal departmental promotions too. Ive also been interviewing others using the competency based interview framework, so its well drilled in to use the Situation Task Action Result model. Ill update the thread once I hear anymore about offers.

froggiegirls · 06-04-2021 7:31pm

Waterbottle2 wrote: »

Well done to all who got through this time. Ive been following this thread for a while, and thought i should contribute something in case it helps others in future. I'm a current AP in CS, and I applied and got mid 600s on OOM from the online tests back in Nov 2019. I scored in lower third for critical analysis and middle third for job simulation. I found the online tests difficult, and a bit stressful being watched. This was my first time doing online tests, and i didnt put much effort/training into it before hand. Maybe I should have. Based on my scores, I wasnt expecting to hear anymore from the competition. However, like others I got the message in late 2020 that a 2nd batch was being put through to further tests. I scored OK on video recording stage, with mid 60s for all three competencies (leadership; management; judgement and decision making). This placed me mid-40s on OOM. In feb 2021 I did the interview over zoom, and scored mid 70s for the competencies (Leadership and Strategic Direction; judgement and Decision Making; Management and Delivery of Results; Building Relationships and Communication; Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values; Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development). Finally, in late march I did the case study over zoom. I enjoyed this experience, and found it a little easier than the example one they provided with the information pack. I took some solace in the fact that there probably isnt any right or wrong answer to the case study, you just need to be able to justify and argue for your choices. I scored 70s in the three competencies (Leadership and Strategic Direction; Judgement and Decision Making;
Building Relationships & Communicating), so combined with my interview scores i've got a very early (<5) place on the panel. Im delighted, especially after doing poorly on the very first stage. Ive no doubt my experience in the CS helped me a lot in all stages after the online tests, and ive also had 2 hour of professional coaching in the last 2 years as i've been applying for internal departmental promotions too. Ive also been interviewing others using the competency based interview framework, so its well drilled in to use the Situation Task Action Result model. Ill update the thread once I hear anymore about offers.

Fantastic result! I was the opposite - did much better in the video interview than presentation but got on the panel (just outside top ten) so relieved about that - its quite the journey - i reckon it would be easier to join the marines. Would really appreciate if you post when you get an offer so we can see how fast or slow it’s Moving.

Congrats again !

ShellyMCD · 06-04-2021 9:11pm

Hi Waterbottle2,

Congratulations and thanks for sharing that info.

karlitob · 06-04-2021 9:18pm

Waterbottle2 wrote: »

Well done to all who got through this time. Ive been following this thread for a while, and thought i should contribute something in case it helps others in future. I'm a current AP in CS, and I applied and got mid 600s on OOM from the online tests back in Nov 2019. I scored in lower third for critical analysis and middle third for job simulation. I found the online tests difficult, and a bit stressful being watched. This was my first time doing online tests, and i didnt put much effort/training into it before hand. Maybe I should have. Based on my scores, I wasnt expecting to hear anymore from the competition. However, like others I got the message in late 2020 that a 2nd batch was being put through to further tests. I scored OK on video recording stage, with mid 60s for all three competencies (leadership; management; judgement and decision making). This placed me mid-40s on OOM. In feb 2021 I did the interview over zoom, and scored mid 70s for the competencies (Leadership and Strategic Direction; judgement and Decision Making; Management and Delivery of Results; Building Relationships and Communication; Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values; Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development). Finally, in late march I did the case study over zoom. I enjoyed this experience, and found it a little easier than the example one they provided with the information pack. I took some solace in the fact that there probably isnt any right or wrong answer to the case study, you just need to be able to justify and argue for your choices. I scored 70s in the three competencies (Leadership and Strategic Direction; Judgement and Decision Making;
Building Relationships & Communicating), so combined with my interview scores i've got a very early (<5) place on the panel. Im delighted, especially after doing poorly on the very first stage. Ive no doubt my experience in the CS helped me a lot in all stages after the online tests, and ive also had 2 hour of professional coaching in the last 2 years as i've been applying for internal departmental promotions too. Ive also been interviewing others using the competency based interview framework, so its well drilled in to use the Situation Task Action Result model. Ill update the thread once I hear anymore about offers.

Thanks for this.

I’m fairly comfortable with the STAR (I use SHARE). Was wondering for the general PO are the questions more general, do they give time to answer? Or do they give you a rattle. My last few interviews didn’t really allow competency responses.

Interview next week.

froggiegirls · 07-04-2021 9:36am

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this.

I’m fairly comfortable with the STAR (I use SHARE). Was wondering for the general PO are the questions more general, do they give time to answer? Or do they give you a rattle. My last few interviews didn’t really allow competency responses.

Interview next week.

I found that they kind of butted in a bit - not sure if that was to shake you or bring you more to what they wanted to hear ?

duffer247 · 07-04-2021 10:32am

In my experience the interview board will interrupt you for any one of the following reasons;
1. you have answered the question and they want to move on
2. they want to verify your answer i.e. 'and how did you approach that issue" or "what was the outcome"
3. you are not answering the question that was put to you

Each interviewer has a short time window to get the evidence that you can perform at PO level and will not waste time if they feel they are not achieving that. So, in short expect to be interrupted but don't asume that's a bad thing.

froggiegirls · 07-04-2021 2:06pm

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this.

I’m fairly comfortable with the STAR (I use SHARE). Was wondering for the general PO are the questions more general, do they give time to answer? Or do they give you a rattle. My last few interviews didn’t really allow competency responses.

Interview next week.

Best of luck with the interview

Waterbottle2 · 07-04-2021 3:37pm

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this.

I’m fairly comfortable with the STAR (I use SHARE). Was wondering for the general PO are the questions more general, do they give time to answer? Or do they give you a rattle. My last few interviews didn’t really allow competency responses.

Interview next week.

yes, the questions were all general. They often prefaced them with reference to my example, which made it easier to use STAR. That said, they made it obvious (either through cutting me off or by looking uninterested) when they wanted me to finish up for another question. Good luck in interview

Babsiboo · 07-04-2021 3:51pm

Waterbottle2 wrote: »

yes, the questions were all general. They often prefaced them with reference to my example, which made it easier to use STAR. That said, they made it obvious (either through cutting me off or by looking uninterested) when they wanted me to finish up for another question. Good luck in interview

I had my interview with the new board, I found them very reassuring and spent time making me feel at ease. I found in my AP interview they interrupted a lot more. The PO board give enough time to answer using examples, though I did ramble on a bit. Very high level also, I thought I'd be asked more on specifics. I'm not sure when the results are out but I'd imagine some time in May.
Congratulations to all through and best of luck to those who have yet to interview.

ShellyMCD · 07-04-2021 4:03pm

It took less than a week from the time the interviews ended to the results being issued for batch 2.

Babsiboo · 07-04-2021 5:21pm

ShellyMCD wrote: »

It took less than a week from the time the interviews ended to the results being issued for batch 2.

Thank you, last day is the 21st of April. I hope to keep busy until results say. ðŸ˜Š

ShellyMCD · 07-04-2021 7:00pm

Best of luck to you.

froggiegirls · 07-04-2021 7:53pm

Babsiboo wrote: »

Thank you, last day is the 21st of April. I hope to keep busy until results say. &#55357;&#56842;

Do you have any idea how many were interviewed in this new batch? There must have been quite a few unless the interview dates were spread out ( maybe because of board availability )

JLG · 07-04-2021 10:16pm

froggiegirls wrote: »

Do you have any idea how many were interviewed in this new batch? There must have been quite a few unless the interview dates were spread out ( maybe because of board availability )

My interview is on 20th April and my Oom was in the 120’s after the 9 minute interview in December so if the called 50 in the first batch they must have called at least 80 in a the third batch.

froggiegirls · 07-04-2021 10:24pm

JLG wrote: »

My interview is on 20th April and my Oom was in the 120’s after the 9 minute interview in December so if the called 50 in the first batch they must have called at least 80 in a the third batch.

Thanks for that. They must think the second batch panel will be exhausted then for to have called that many . Fingers crossed ðŸ€ž

Tangtastic · 07-04-2021 10:25pm

I was 104 on OOM after video interviews and had interview today (7th). Perhaps more than one interview board?? My experience was quite different than report above - it was fast paced and rapid fire (from one board member in particular).

JLG · 07-04-2021 11:01pm

froggiegirls wrote: »

Thanks for that. They must think the second batch panel will be exhausted then for to have called that many . Fingers crossed ðŸ€ž

Yes I agree it’s looking very positive for those who made it to the batch 2 panel.

duffer247 · 08-04-2021 9:30am

Tangtastic wrote: »

I was 104 on OOM after video interviews and had interview today (7th). Perhaps more than one interview board?? My experience was quite different than report above - it was fast paced and rapid fire (from one board member in particular).

Hope you were able to manage that, sounds very tricky and different than the more measured experience I had

Babsiboo · 08-04-2021 2:33pm

froggiegirls wrote: »

Do you have any idea how many were interviewed in this new batch? There must have been quite a few unless the interview dates were spread out ( maybe because of board availability )

No idea, I was in the 50s. There was 1 board listed with a switch for 1 person for certain dates. Seems to be 2 weeks of interviews, ending on the 21st.

froggiegirls · 08-04-2021 4:56pm

ShellyMCD wrote: »

Can’t remember location selection but it’s so long ago I’ve probably forgotten. Hopefully some regional vacancies will come up for those looking for them.

I’m hoping that as another batch has been called for interview everyone on the second panel will get placed. Too optimistic?

Just got a message from pas asking me to confirm whether i want to be considered for any regional posts. Do you know if you put down regional as second choices and you get offered one but refuse it - do you stay on the Dublin panel ?

ShellyMCD · 08-04-2021 5:34pm

Not sure. Probably best to confirm with PAS. Although by the sounds of it most jobs will be in Dublin.

Roscoe69 · 08-04-2021 8:13pm

froggiegirls wrote: »

Do you have any idea how many were interviewed in this new batch? There must have been quite a few unless the interview dates were spread out ( maybe because of board availability )

I was in 80s on OOM and interview is on 21st - interview slots appear to have been allocated randomly.

I'm a blow-in from private sector - reckon my chances are slim!

froggiegirls · 08-04-2021 8:15pm

Roscoe69 wrote: »

I was in 80s on OOM and interview is on 21st - interview slots appear to have been allocated randomly.

I'm a blow-in from private sector - reckon my chances are slim!

Ah don’t be thinking like that - you’ve as good a chance as anyone . You got this far didn’t you ?! Best of luck with it

Roscoe69 · 08-04-2021 8:31pm

froggiegirls wrote: »

Ah don’t be thinking like that - you’ve as good a chance as anyone . You got this far didn’t you ?! Best of luck with it

Ah thanks! Will give it a shot anyway!

Tangtastic · 08-04-2021 8:46pm

duffer247 wrote: »

Hope you were able to manage that, sounds very tricky and different than the more measured experience I had

Thanks. It’s very difficult to gauge - could have gone either way. Time will tell!!

Waterbottle2 · 08-04-2021 8:56pm

My understanding is you get 1 offer per county. So in the situation you describe you would still remain on the Dublin panel. It seems more likely you would get offered a Dublin post first no matter which other 2 counties you pick. I'm assuming that all those from the first batch will still remain on the regional panels, in the event they refused their Dublin placement in order to wait for a regional placement. Im at the same stage of trying to figure out which 2 counties to select. I'm using the civil service mobility map (google: civil service mobility map arcgis) which gives the numbers of grades per location. However, I dont think this is complete, because there are no PO posts showing up within Dept. Health. Still, its something to go on for potential regional vacancies.

froggiegirls · 08-04-2021 8:57pm

Waterbottle2 wrote: »

My understanding is you get 1 offer per county. So in the situation you describe you would still remain on the Dublin panel. It seems more likely you would get offered a Dublin post first no matter which other 2 counties you pick. I'm assuming that all those from the first batch will still remain on the regional panels, in the event they refused their Dublin placement in order to wait for a regional placement. Im at the same stage of trying to figure out which 2 counties to select. I'm using the civil service mobility map (google: civil service mobility map arcgis) which gives the numbers of grades per location. However, I dont think this is complete, because there are no PO posts showing up within Dept. Health. Still, its something to go on for potential regional vacancies.

Thanks for that. I’m living in Dublin and would prefer Dublin but not sure whether to include Kildare as well just in case

Maybenever · 08-04-2021 10:32pm

Speaking from experience, limiting yourself to a regional post could well leave you having to go through this all again.....

Nocrac · 08-04-2021 11:03pm

Maybenever wrote: »

Speaking from experience, limiting yourself to a regional post could well leave you having to go through this all again.....

Agreed! This is third time making the panel, holding out for regional position!

froggiegirls · 09-04-2021 4:48pm

Hi folks

Got a response from pas re numbers on panel etc

They confirmed that there are 25 people on the Dublin panel.

They said panels normally last for 18 - 24 months from the first batch (which was January 2020) so it doesnt really clarify how long this panel will last

ShellyMCD · 09-04-2021 5:08pm

Thanks for letting us know. Hopefully it’ll be 24 months, especially as they have called another batch. And that we will be placed long before then!

Nocrac · 10-04-2021 4:05pm

Waterbottle2 wrote: »

My understanding is you get 1 offer per county. So in the situation you describe you would still remain on the Dublin panel. It seems more likely you would get offered a Dublin post first no matter which other 2 counties you pick. I'm assuming that all those from the first batch will still remain on the regional panels, in the event they refused their Dublin placement in order to wait for a regional placement. Im at the same stage of trying to figure out which 2 counties to select. I'm using the civil service mobility map (google: civil service mobility map arcgis) which gives the numbers of grades per location. However, I dont think this is complete, because there are no PO posts showing up within Dept. Health. Still, its something to go on for potential regional vacancies.

Thanks, hadn't known about the mobility map. It's very useful and for my preferred counties, there are very few PO positions especially considering Revenue are presumably not drawing from this panel.

The only slim hope I have are the proposed regional remote working hubs but I can't find any info on which locations these may open in. Otherwise I might take a Dublin position if I can find out, from informal contacts, that Department's position on remote working for POs.

Grey AP · 12-04-2021 10:24pm

Nocrac wrote: »

Thanks, hadn't known about the mobility map. It's very useful and for my preferred counties, there are very few PO positions especially considering Revenue are presumably not drawing from this panel.

The only slim hope I have are the proposed regional remote working hubs but I can't find any info on which locations these may open in. Otherwise I might take a Dublin position if I can find out, from informal contacts, that Department's position on remote working for POs.

Pretty much all POs in Dublin are working remotely at the moment, and in some departments recruitment in the past year means they no longer have enough space for all their staff, including POs, or for meeting rooms. This means, I would say, that they will be prepared to be pretty flexible if you are offering to give up or to share the valuable real estate that is a PO office.

My advice would be to take a Dublin post. Even if you have to be in the office one day a week, once you've done two years you can use the PO mobility scheme to move to another post closer to home. See https://hr.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FAQs-Civil-Service-Mobility-scheme-January-2021.pdf

Since this notice was put out, the system has gone online through PeoplePoint, so even easier, and your own HR has no say if you are successful. Hope this helps.

Nocrac · 13-04-2021 10:45am

Grey AP wrote: »

Pretty much all POs in Dublin are working remotely at the moment, and in some departments recruitment in the past year means they no longer have enough space for all their staff, including POs, or for meeting rooms. This means, I would say, that they will be prepared to be pretty flexible if you are offering to give up or to share the valuable real estate that is a PO office.

My advice would be to take a Dublin post. Even if you have to be in the office one day a week, once you've done two years you can use the PO mobility scheme to move to another post closer to home. See https://hr.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FAQs-Civil-Service-Mobility-scheme-January-2021.pdf

Since this notice was put out, the system has gone online through PeoplePoint, so even easier, and your own HR has no say if you are successful. Hope this helps.

Thank you, that is very useful to know.

ThumbTaxed · 14-04-2021 6:41pm

After the interview do you get a score before progressing to the next stage or do they just tell you can progress to the next stage?

Belfry2018 · 14-04-2021 7:47pm

They give you your score for each competency and what the qualifying score to progress to the next stage is. Your scores from final interview are then combined with your results of the presentation should you successfully pass that last stage, the presentation ! Good luck.

ShellyMCD · 15-04-2021 12:13pm

I know it’s only been two weeks since the results but has anybody heard of any movement on the panel? Thanks

Belfry2018 · 15-04-2021 2:16pm

I was going to ask the same thing? I would have thought that the first offers would be out today or tomorrow.

Waterbottle2 · 15-04-2021 4:29pm

Ive been offered a Dublin post, was placed <5 on panel. Got some serious thinking to do now

ThumbTaxed · 15-04-2021 4:44pm

Waterbottle2 wrote: »

Ive been offered a Dublin post, was placed <5 on panel. Got some serious thinking to do now

Congratulatations and take it as I suspect if you are interested in this job you are not spoilt for choice?

Geekchick · 15-04-2021 8:03pm

Hi guys

I just found this thread through a Google search. Would have been handy months ago ☺️

I placed <10 and got an offer today for Dublin. From what I’m reading here the regional panels are moving slowly? And this panels life could be up by early next year? So, it may be an idea to take the job! For serving CS - are most departments open to blended working post COVID?

Thanks

Belfry2018 · 15-04-2021 9:01pm

Hi that great news. Congratulations on your promotion. I think they may move quickly through this panel! Here's hoping I placed <20 which I was delighted with having just got over a Covid dose.

Our Dept, while open to blended working arrangements, is only considering 20%, so one day remotely. However not sure how that will go down but also we can't been seen to have an advantage on the private sector so I'd say a plan maybe be implemented slowly to see what the public opinion is like!

terminatorX1 · 15-04-2021 9:09pm

Well done to everyone so far! How do you get notified of an offer, is it the usual text/Email to check your publicjobs messages?

Does anyone know if there has been any update on the PO ICT/Digital competition that was advertised around the same time as this competition?

Geekchick · 15-04-2021 9:15pm

Belfry2018 wrote: »

Hi that great news. Congratulations on your promotion. I think they may move quickly through this panel! Here's hoping I placed <20 which I was delighted with having just got over a Covid dose.

Thanks and congrats to you too ! It does seem to be moving quickly. Hope you’re feeling better now after the dose.

Most larger private sector companies seem to be going blended or fully remote so that may not be an issue long term. I had hoped for 2 days remote but I guess 1 is better than nothing. My current place was looking at a 2:3 remote: office split. Im fully remote at the moment.

Thanks again for the insight

Geekchick · 15-04-2021 9:17pm

terminatorX1 wrote: »

Well done to everyone so far! How do you get notified of an offer, is it the usual text/Email to check your publicjobs messages?

Does anyone know if there has been any update on the PO ICT/Digital competition that was advertised around the same time as this competition?

Thanks! Yes, message to check your message board. It seems to be moving really quickly

Haven’t heard anything about the ICT competition.

Belfry2018 · 15-04-2021 9:21pm

Geekchick wrote: »

Thanks and congrats to you too ! It does seem to be moving quickly. Hope you’re feeling better now after the dose.

Most larger private sector companies seem to be going blended or fully remote so that may not be an issue long term. I had hoped for 2 days remote but I guess 1 is better than nothing. My current place was looking at a 2:3 remote: office split. Im fully remote at the moment.

Thanks again for the insight

I know following on from a staff survey across the CS 2:3 days or 3:2 options were the most preferred. Like all Depts one size policy wont fit all business areas. So I imagine we will end up nearer your hopes! I think we all have a long way to go before we are fully blended!:)

karlitob · 16-04-2021 7:27pm

Done!
They’re no fun, these things. Part and parcel of working life, I suppose.
They got what I had to give - let’s hope it’s good enough.
Thanks to everyone for their time and advice.

Principal Officer competition 2019

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