Clerical Officer 2020

ShellBell89 · 17-06-2021 09:14PM

blindsider wrote: »

Christmas Eve is department-dependant, but an early finish is the norm. (Can be booked as A/L) 25th/26th are OFF - 26th is ON for retail (in most cases). The rest is booked annual leave for MOST depts, there are always exceptions e.g. Customs Officers/ Immigration etc.

IIRC most retail = no hols from mid-November to mid Jan and around Sale time.

Ive previously worked in a CS department that worked through Christmas (Finished an hour early on xmas eve), off Xmas day & Stephens day then back to work up untill new years(worked full day) & off new years day

ShellBell89 · 17-06-2021 09:16PM

AtomicBolts wrote: »

It's important that you to clarify what you mean by take home pay and how often you are paid. Are you receiving €600 every week directly into your bank account? Or is the amount you receive after all tax deductions much less than €600?

If the amount going into your bank account every week is €600 then you need to seriously consider the financial hit you are about to take. Without a promotion you will not have this income again for almost 15 years. Could you cope with this?

You may get a promotion. You may not. These are highly competitive positions and several others will be expecting, perhaps naively, to climb the ladder almost instantly. Sad reality is there are more CO positions than any other grade. While you see people being promoted all the time you do need to consider that most people around you won't ever be. Some won't want it, some won't be competent enough but even for those that do want it and are more than capable there won't be enough positions to satisfy their needs. Many people at CO level are ridiculously over qualified. They may never get beyond that grade. You need to be open to the prospect that you could be stuck at CO for a long time.

Every department is different. Posters here have mentioned flexi and work life balance. The department's business needs will always come first. You could get remote working and flexible hours. Or, you could end up with no flexible hours working rostered shifts just like retail. You may get a unit that has ridiculously high rates of absenteeism and turnover due to burnout. You may get a unit that's the best balance of teamwork, support and self development you'll ever find and look forward to most days working with them.

Like any large private or public sector entity there's a lot of luck involved. Everyone's experience and mileage varies. I feel you need to consider this decision a lot more before taking the plunge. If it doesn't work out will it be easy for you to transition back to where you were? If you don't like your current job maybe some other pathway is more suitable to you.

If take home pay is what you're referring to I can say I made a very similar decision to the one you are contemplating. I will never get back to the earnings potential I could have once had. I don't regret that one bit. It does take a lot of adjustment. The first year was by far the most difficult. In hindsight I wish I had better prepared for it. I actually did a fair amount of research, budgeting and planning. I still found it a struggle. In many ways I also got really lucky. Nobody got sick. No appliances needed replacing. The job I got had almost no commute. So many things went my way that may not have for others.

Can you afford your basic bills with almost €200 less per week in your pocket?
What happens if you or someone close to you gets sick?
Did you have a private pension? How does this compare to your new public one?
There's a tonne of stuff you need to consider before taking your pay cut.

This is brilliant, rounded advice

ShellBell89 · 17-06-2021 09:25PM

Fatherfred wrote: »

Can anyone give me some advice. I recently got a job as a clerical officer and I am delighted but when I told my employer I was leaving I was offered more money my take home pay is 600 the job is stressful 9-5 retail which I never intended on staying long 12 years later I'm still here I cycle to work in 10 mins. I really want to try my hand in the public sector but would I be mad to consider this paycut and the Clerical officer job would mean a 45min commute need an answer by Monday my head is melted

What did you decide??!!

job seeker · 17-06-2021 09:54PM

blindsider wrote: »

Christmas Eve is department-dependant, but an early finish is the norm. (Can be booked as A/L) 25th/26th are OFF - 26th is ON for retail (in most cases). The rest is booked annual leave for MOST depts, there are always exceptions e.g. Customs Officers/ Immigration etc.

IIRC most retail = no hols from mid-November to mid Jan and around Sale time.

Thanks for that clarity. I'm trying to get into the CS myself and Christmas is a huge thing for me. I have a sibling and inlaws that visit at Christmas. So, I need to consider this once I do secure employment, depending on the department.

blindsider · 18-06-2021 12:06AM

ShellBell89 wrote: »

Ive previously worked in a CS department that worked through Christmas (Finished an hour early on xmas eve), off Xmas day & Stephens day then back to work up untill new years(worked full day) & off new years day

Apart from the part in bold, this is what I've written. The BIG differrence is, that you can book AL over Christmas in the CS, and many people do; you normally can't in retail.

I've never worked in a company that made staff stay until 4.30 on Christmas Eve...retail does tho...

Zebrag · 18-06-2021 04:56AM

blindsider wrote: »

Apart from the part in bold, this is what I've written. The BIG differrence is, that you can book AL over Christmas in the CS, and many people do; you normally can't in retail.

I've never worked in a company that made staff stay until 4.30 on Christmas Eve...retail does tho...

I can vouch for that *rolls eyes". Often rostered until 6pm on Xmas eve. You'll be surprised of the last minute shoppers

tiny14 · 18-06-2021 09:33PM

Anyone know how long before you get your assignment from AGS thanks

xxsammyxx085 · 19-06-2021 07:42AM

Does everybody do a "paper" version vetting and then an online link one too???

Mine says "application submitted to NVB for processing" for a week now is that normal?

Ahem123 · 19-06-2021 10:03AM

xxsammyxx085 wrote: »

Does everybody do a "paper" version vetting and then an online link one too???

Mine says "application submitted to NVB for processing" for a week now is that normal?

Just got mine yesterday, took a week and a day. Just keep checking it online and track it's progress. Don't be alarmed if the final message reads "a disclosure has been made to PAS", sounds like a negative message but it's just the way it's worded.

xxsammyxx085 · 19-06-2021 10:08AM

Ahem123 wrote: »

Just got mine yesterday, took a week and a day. Just keep checking it online and track it's progress. Don't be alarmed if the final message reads "a disclosure has been made to PAS", sounds like a negative message but it's just the way it's worded.

Ah super thanks so much!!

Samuel T. Cogley · 19-06-2021 06:33PM

tiny14 wrote: »

Anyone know how long before you get your assignment from AGS thanks

If your vetting is complete then it should be a matter of days.

tiny14 · 19-06-2021 08:03PM

Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »

If your vetting is complete then it should be a matter of days.

Thanks very much its complete since thursday so was just wondering as im working at moment & will have to work out notice!!

tinofapples · 19-06-2021 09:33PM

Has anyone assigned to DEASP in the last couple of weeks/months heard back from HR or have you started even ?

condubh · 20-06-2021 01:32AM

tinofapples wrote: »

Has anyone assigned to DEASP in the last couple of weeks/months heard back from HR or have you started even ?

Starting early next month. I was only waiting a couple of weeks to get assigned and get a start after I sent them all my documents, but I know a lot of people have said they were waiting a while.

alanbyrne1982 · 20-06-2021 06:03PM

tinofapples wrote: »

Has anyone assigned to DEASP in the last couple of weeks/months heard back from HR or have you started even ?

I was assigned to Deasp weeks ago I haven't heard a thing. Emailed clearance and they came back to me and said "The Department of Social Protection got back to me that they are currently working through an unprecedented volume of assignments. You will be contacted in the coming weeks"

tinofapples · 20-06-2021 08:56PM

alanbyrne1982 wrote: »

I was assigned to Deasp weeks ago I haven't heard a thing. Emailed clearance and they came back to me and said "The Department of Social Protection got back to me that they are currently working through an unprecedented volume of assignments. You will be contacted in the coming weeks"

No doubt they are, all the more reason why they should have been recruiting.

condubh · 20-06-2021 09:04PM

Gone from a trickle of recruitment to a burst dam.

I suppose they know now that PUP is about to transition to regular dole and for all the “positive indicators” and talk of a bounce back there will more than likely be high unemployment for like 10 years, if the last global economic collapse is anything to go by.

Mcgonagall7 · 21-06-2021 10:42AM

tinofapples wrote: »

Has anyone assigned to DEASP in the last couple of weeks/months heard back from HR or have you started even ?

I started two months ago. It was just over a month from when I was told my department to when I started. Can't fault the HR girl that I was dealing with at all, she answered all my emails straight away and was very helpful.

StevenBeven · 21-06-2021 03:30PM

Hi, I have an interview for Clerical Officer on Wednesday. I have reviewed the competencies and prepared my STAR stories. With regard to the "drive and committment to public service values" competency, what questions have been asked? I have examples for all the other competencies but am a bit unsure regarding that one. Would be really grateful for help and insight. Thanks.

Sarah_87 · 21-06-2021 08:59PM

alanbyrne1982 wrote: »

I was assigned to Deasp weeks ago I haven't heard a thing. Emailed clearance and they came back to me and said "The Department of Social Protection got back to me that they are currently working through an unprecedented volume of assignments. You will be contacted in the coming weeks"

I was the same. Got an email 5 weeks ago saying I was being placed in deasp and then nothing. But I followed up and got my call with start date today!!!

Keep following up

ioanamiron2014 · 22-06-2021 07:38AM

tiny14 wrote: »

Thanks very much its complete since thursday so was just wondering as im working at moment & will have to work out notice!!

In my case, it took about 6 weeks and only after emailing PAS I got the start date. No idea why this delay, but they've been very supportive.

tiny14 · 22-06-2021 01:02PM

ioanamiron2014 wrote: »

In my case, it took about 6 weeks and only after emailing PAS I got the start date. No idea why this delay, but they've been very supportive.

Thanks for reply!! PAS gave me the email for the garda section so do you think id mail them or PAS thanks

Samuel T. Cogley · 22-06-2021 01:09PM

tiny14 wrote: »

Thanks for reply!! PAS gave me the email for the garda section so do you think id mail them or PAS thanks

Garda section you've been assigned to. Many places are crying out for COs so I'm surprised it's taken this long for them to get in touch.

tiny14 · 22-06-2021 01:40PM

Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »

Garda section you've been assigned to. Many places are crying out for COs so I'm surprised it's taken this long for them to get in touch.

Got vetting through last week & yes its AGS im being assingned to so i might get something this week as my boss was asking when im planning to leave!!

Samuel T. Cogley · 22-06-2021 01:46PM

tiny14 wrote: »

Got vetting through last week & yes its AGS im being assingned to so i might get something this week as my boss was asking when im planning to leave!!

You seemed to indicate you know what section within the guards you've been assigned to, may be I picked you up wrong. If you do know it's worth firing off an email to give them a nudge in getting you on board.

tiny14 · 22-06-2021 02:14PM

Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »

You seemed to indicate you know what section within the guards you've been assigned to, may be I picked you up wrong. If you do know it's worth firing off an email to give them a nudge in getting you on board.[/

The only info i got was i going to AGS so i might give it a couple of days and see what happens!! My boss was contacted for reference so she was asking me did i no when i was leaving & thanks for the help

Good luck Lady · 22-06-2021 02:29PM

May I ask how soon after you received your Garda Clearance where you offered a position?

Samuel T. Cogley · 22-06-2021 03:27PM

tiny14 wrote: »

The only info i got was i going to AGS so i might give it a couple of days and see what happens!! My boss was contacted for reference so she was asking me did i no when i was leaving & thanks for the help

Ah right I get ya. In that case I'd keep dealing with PAS.

DundalkFan86 · 22-06-2021 04:03PM

Hey

Just wondering want sort of questions are asked in the interview

Marksman73 · 22-06-2021 06:06PM

Anyone on batch 24 get called, last I heard was no. 13. Anybody later than that

Clerical Officer 2020

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