Clerical Officer 2020

shmeee · 23-04-2021 11:17AM

whiskers77 wrote: »

Hi All. Can someone please help!!! I am working atm and taking home approx €570 p/w job is very stressful though and just dont feel happy in it. I have been offered a CO position and I actually dont know what to do. What are the perks so to speak working in civil service as a co would I be silly to turn it down?? I applied for civil service march 20 and started my current job August 20.

I'll echo ellejay words above.

I took a similar pay hit and TBH, the best decision I ever made. The wages starting off are brutal, let's face it. €24,586 P/A, €471.20 P/W before tax.

You will climb up the scale over time and also there is yearly pay increases of 1% etc. Some new agreements also getting battled out in the background for more pay increases over the next few years.

Plain and simple, it is job security and a weekly wage into your back account at 1am every Friday.

Progression is very good, I know many CO's who now after 2/3 years are in EO's positions. You show your work drive and commitment and it will be recognised. The work is very interesting and it's constant!

The work / life balance as mentioned by many is key. You leave your desk Friday and that's it. You don't bring home any baggage (WFH at present so, the baggage is just left in the box room).

I just weighed out the options, was my life worth the cut in pay, and to me it was!

imagusaran · 23-04-2021 02:25PM

Has anyone had to do additional vetting? I've been assigned to the Department of the Taoiseach but waiting to hear back about additional vetting, they said it takes 4 to 6 weeks but just wondering has it taken quicker/longer for anyone else? I will be going into my 4th week of waiting next week but I just want to know my start date now cos I'm beyond excited

Icbaby · 23-04-2021 03:07PM

whiskers77 wrote: »

Hi All. Can someone please help!!! I am working atm and taking home approx €570 p/w job is very stressful though and just dont feel happy in it. I have been offered a CO position and I actually dont know what to do. What are the perks so to speak working in civil service as a co would I be silly to turn it down?? I applied for civil service march 20 and started my current job August 20.

I was you last year except I happened to love the job I was in. But having flexi and stability was the appeal and tbh it’s the best thing I ever did. I love the dept I’m in, the people are great and I am no longer stressed (even tho I loved my last job it was stressful and super busy). It’s busy but no one is jumping back your throat to fix it NOW! When you log off then that’s it, no one waiting for you. Think about what you want/need. I knew I had a small child so could forgo the money now and hopefully when she’s older I’ll be back at a good wage.

Nekarsulm · 23-04-2021 03:19PM

imagusaran wrote: »

Has anyone had to do additional vetting? I've been assigned to the Department of the Taoiseach but waiting to hear back about additional vetting, they said it takes 4 to 6 weeks but just wondering has it taken quicker/longer for anyone else? I will be going into my 4th week of waiting next week but I just want to know my start date now cos I'm beyond excited

You will be waiting probably another 12 weeks, if it's the same vetting as for Justice, etc.

imagusaran · 23-04-2021 04:39PM

Nekarsulm wrote: »

You will be waiting probably another 12 weeks, if it's the same vetting as for Justice, etc.

Yeah that's why I'm a little confused cos I know from reading this thread that AGS, Dept of Justice etc do enhanced vetting and it takes up to 16 weeks but I was told it would be additional vetting and would take 4 to 6 weeks so I'm not sure if it's the same??

G2234567 · 23-04-2021 05:45PM

Does anyone know what LS1 after 3 years means ? In relation to pay for CO

St. Pat · 23-04-2021 08:01PM

G2234567 wrote: »

Does anyone know what LS1 after 3 years means ? In relation to pay for CO

After 3 years on point 14 of the pay scale you move to LSI1 (long service increment) and after 3 years on LSI1 you move on to LSI2

Elliebeee · 23-04-2021 09:19PM

Vologda69 wrote: »

I got mine back in 5 days

And were you offered a position right away? Thanks😊

rostalof · 23-04-2021 09:38PM

ellejay wrote: »

A couple of posters previously posted that they're taking the CO job even though they're taking a big drop in salary.
With standard paye and prsi rates I think the take-home pay is €412.
Someone might jump in and confirm this.

I've a couple of friends that took up positions and they're very happy.
The major benefit is flexitime and time off.
Next is the permanency of the job and thirdly is the pension (although I don't know the workings of this.)
They're all working with really nice teams and love it.
They're very busy and definitely isn't an easy ride as the media make it out.

The Civil Service is very structured, so everyone has a tittle and a role.
Pro's and Cons to that setup, but it means they all abide by the workplace rules and laws so from a stress point of view I don't think you'd be under much stress.
You also have the backing of the unions if there was a workplace dispute - a benefit I didn't think of.

Someone posted at the beginning of the thread that the Civil Service is the one body that isn't discriminatory and that's very true.
If you were happy with the drop in salary you could take the job in the CS and look around for a less stressful role in the private sector, it might take time and by then you might find you don't want to move.

Despite what the general public are lead to believe, the pension in the civil service isn't exactly wonderful. Basically if you work 40 years you're entitled to half of your career average salary. But, that includes your state contributory pension. So if you started in the civil service at 22, even though you'd have done 40 years by the time you are 62, you won't get the state contributory pension until you're 66 so it's not really payable in its entirety until you hit state pension age.

So if you're a CO and over your 40 year career you earn an average of €35k a year. You will receive a tax free lump sum of about €40k. You'd be entitled to a pension of €17,500. But about €12,500 of that is your contributory pension, the one that you've paid PRSI for 40 years for. Welcome to the 'gold plated' civil service pension you've read and heard about in the media.

The pension is basically 1/80 X Number of years service X Career average salary.

Vologda69 · 23-04-2021 10:35PM

Elliebeee wrote: »

And were you offered a position right away? Thanks😊

Yes...few days later. Just trying to sort starting salary as ive previous service

Elliebeee · 23-04-2021 10:59PM

Vologda69 wrote: »

Yes...few days later. Just trying to sort starting salary as ive previous service

How does that work do you mind me asking?

Also do you start right away or will they give you notice?

I've just submitted my evetting just trying to gauge how long it will be before I start.

St. Pat · 23-04-2021 11:07PM

rostalof wrote: »

Despite what the general public are lead to believe, the pension in the civil service isn't exactly wonderful. Basically if you work 40 years you're entitled to half of your career average salary. But, that includes your state contributory pension. So if you started in the civil service at 22, even though you'd have done 40 years by the time you are 62, you won't get the state contributory pension until you're 66 so it's not really payable in its entirety until you hit state pension age.

So if you're a CO and over your 40 year career you earn an average of €35k a year. You will receive a tax free lump sum of about €40k. You'd be entitled to a pension of €17,500. But about €12,500 of that is your contributory pension, the one that you've paid PRSI for 40 years for. Welcome to the 'gold plated' civil service pension you've read and heard about in the media.

The pension is basically 1/80 X Number of years service X Career average salary.

I'm not familiar with the single pension scheme. Do you not get 1.5 times your average salary as a lump sum?

Missyst · 24-04-2021 12:23AM

whiskers77 wrote: »

Hi All. Can someone please help!!! I am working atm and taking home approx €570 p/w job is very stressful though and just dont feel happy in it. I have been offered a CO position and I actually dont know what to do. What are the perks so to speak working in civil service as a co would I be silly to turn it down?? I applied for civil service march 20 and started my current job August 20.

I was in the same boat last year. Taking home approx €550 a week plus bonuses and worked very close to home. I was offered a CO position which meant I had to commute an hour a day, added expenses such as parking, tolls, etc as well as the pay cut. I decided to take the plunge as I wasn’t happy in the job I was in. I am in the civil service about 7 months now and i go in, do my days work and go home. I don’t stress about it or have someone hanging over my shoulder. Flexi time is a massive perk I think. I take a day and a half off every month to
relax and Just do nothing. I know my wages will go up every year and I don’t have to beg for a payrise anymore! Id do it all again in the morning. And just to add 6 weeks after I left the company I was in they closed down and let everyone go..so yeah in these times job security is not something to be overlooked.

Vologda69 · 24-04-2021 12:43AM

Elliebeee wrote: »

How does that work do you mind me asking?

Also do you start right away or will they give you notice?

I've just submitted my evetting just trying to gauge how long it will be before I start.

They requested a letter from previous HR confirming salary etc.. So I will remain on same salary and increment date. They are flexible with start dates as I had to give a few weeks notice to my current employer

24-04-2021 11:31AM

Hi all.

Hoping to shed some light here but is there a chance of another CS panel happening? I'm on publicjobs.ie everyday keeping my eye out. I'm following this thread as well.

Thank you

xxsammyxx085 · 24-04-2021 11:52AM

Hi everyone, I have my interview next week and I am absolutely terrified... I hate interviews... I know I am well able to do this job, I work in a very busy office, but I hate being face to face and put on the spot... I tend to freeze up in those situations and can not sell myself or get out the words that I need to. Is there anywhere I can see any example questions that may come up??

November Golf · 24-04-2021 12:01PM

clamityjane wrote: »

Hi all.

Hoping to shed some light here but is there a chance of another CS panel happening? I'm on publicjobs.ie everyday keeping my eye out. I'm following this thread as well.

Thank you

There was meant to be a new campaign opening around now, however in an earlier post someone said they got a email from PAS that it would be delayed until September time.

Given the fact that Covid has slowed recruitment from this panel, there is a possibility that it might be pushed out again.

You can register for alerts on publicjobs.ie if you have set up an account but I would suggest you keep an eye on this thread as well. It will be posted here once it does go live.

Icbaby · 24-04-2021 12:03PM

clamityjane wrote: »

Hi all.

Hoping to shed some light here but is there a chance of another CS panel happening? I'm on publicjobs.ie everyday keeping my eye out. I'm following this thread as well.

Thank you

Normally it’s a 2 year campaign but seemingly this one was marked as 1 year so should be finishing up soon (unless they extend it). If they don’t extend it the new panel should start around May I believe.

abbeybella · 24-04-2021 12:20PM

xxsammyxx085 wrote: »

Hi everyone, I have my interview next week and I am absolutely terrified... I hate interviews... I know I am well able to do this job, I work in a very busy office, but I hate being face to face and put on the spot... I tend to freeze up in those situations and can not sell myself or get out the words that I need to. Is there anywhere I can see any example questions that may come up??

Congrats on getting the interview. There is no need to stress as it's usually a couple of people and they are lovely. If you Google STAR method or look back through the thread it will help you prepare for the type of questions. Mainly stuff like resolving a customer query that was tricky or have you had a situation with a colleague that may have not contributed to the team and how you handled it. They want you to do well so remember just look over the familiarisation material and have examples . Good luckðŸ™‚

happylad21 · 24-04-2021 02:45PM

sharkman wrote: »

Thanks for the insight , I start training on Monday .

@sharkman

How did your first week go? What was the training like? Are you working from home? Are you based in Dublin, if so what are the other staff members like?

Badam147 · 24-04-2021 10:16PM

Lilywhite 1928 wrote: »

Anyone know what it's like to work in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and whats involved? is it in kildare Street or is there other offices? does it have flexi time? Sorry for all the questions I went back through the thread and didn't see anyone getting assigned in that department.

Starting in the DETE at the start of next month and would love to hear any info on what it's like myself.

rostalof · 24-04-2021 10:23PM

St. Pat wrote: »

I'm not familiar with the single pension scheme. Do you not get 1.5 times your average salary as a lump sum?

Something like that, I can't remember how the lump sum element is calculated but I think it is something like 1.5 times.

Lilywhite 1928 · 25-04-2021 09:14AM

Badam147 wrote: »

Starting in the DETE at the start of next month and would love to hear any info on what it's like myself.

I'm starting at a similar time myself best of luck. I wonder will it be more likely for us to be able to WFH since its that department pushing for the choice of remote working, if possible that is. I'm hoping for a job inputting data as boring as it sounds would suit me grand after many years in sales, but knowing my luck I'll get the customer complaints department haha. I'm taking a large paycut even larger than some of the last few posts but stress free is where I want to be.

Mcgonagall7 · 25-04-2021 10:06PM

Would anyone have any information on Social Protection? Or what the office facilities/parking is like?

Lilywhite 1928 · 26-04-2021 05:29PM

Is there any chance of getting a promotion to EO without a 3 level degree.

Forthebuzz · 26-04-2021 05:31PM

Lilywhite 1928 wrote: »

Is there any chance of getting a promotion to EO without a 3 level degree.

Definitely, I have been promoted to EO and HEO without a degree

tiny14 · 26-04-2021 05:58PM

Anyone know how long you wait to get interview results thanks

imagusaran · 26-04-2021 06:12PM

tiny14 wrote: »

Anyone know how long you wait to get interview results thanks

I got mine exactly a week after my interview, should be posted to your messages on publicjobs.ie

tiny14 · 26-04-2021 06:23PM

imagusaran wrote: »

I got mine exactly a week after my interview, should be posted to your messages on publicjobs.ie

Thanks very much for reply

telebingo94 · 26-04-2021 08:21PM

Hi all. I worked as a TCO in the Irish Embassy, London (for DFA) for 18 months from 2018 to 2019. I’m now working as a CO for DCEDIY.

Because I worked for over a year for DFA, does this qualify me now to be on the second tier of the CO pay scale (I’m on the first tier as I started DCEDIY in January)? I’m not too sure how it works, thought it would be worth asking.

Clerical Officer 2020

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