NEW 2020 Assistant Principal Officer Competition

Here’s my interview experience but I think it’s different for everyone and depends on the panel. Mine were all external. Very nice. Specialist knowledge was dealt with at the very beginning by the Chair. Went through my application, training courses, key skills I learned in each role and course etc. Leadership next. Interviewer didn’t look too impressed so I quickly threw in a second example. So 2 examples needed but not great detail for the second one. Interpersonal and communication skills next. Got asked for an example of each. Managing and delivery of results including drive and commitment next. Quick fire questions. Faltered here. What I was asked didn’t match the example I had prepared. Ended up digging something up from 25 years ago off the top of my head for one question. Judgement analysis etc one example. Didn’t really get a chance to do STAR. Was really all action and result. Look at the competency framework and have little examples for all the requirements you could dig out. Not star but just so you don’t draw a blank. Bring passion and enthusiasm. Hope that helps. I passed.

Class advise, congratulations on passing thanks a mill!

Be positive. Remember you are probably competing against a weaker set of people than you normally would be for such competitions. So be confident.

Anyone with real ability would be at that level already through internal competitions so you have a great chance.

I don't agree with Thumb Taxed above just because someone may not have aced the verbal reasoning/situational tests over a year ago doesn't mean they won't be great at interview.

Also you are up against non civil servants who are often seen as more skilled.

A few departments haven't had an internal AP promotion in over 2 years.

Not necessarily, some departments don't have internal comps often. My department hasn't had one in 8 years and back then the old rule of at least 2 years at HEO applied. They've owed too many AP liabilities since to external panels

Nope, and in the "olden days" of face-to-face interviews you'd be reminded to bring a copy of the form with you, with the caveat that you weren't to have any notes on it.

And it's not like they will ask you to hold it up to the screen 🤪

I don't think it matters that you have managed a small number of staff once you can demonstrate that you have and that you can - then it's just a question of volume for the 50 staff - (remember at AP level you will have HEO's reporting to you that will manage day to day output of staff) ultimately it is setting clear goals on an individual and team basis.

Great spin thanks - I've definitely got speculative Qs in the past, particularly on management. 'How would you change the PMDS if you could invent a new one' immediately jumps to mind.

Best of luck tomorrow, i’m not on till next week but i’m sure i’ll be panicking then too. You got this far so you have the required knowledge, skills and relevant experience so go knock ‘em dead. Make sure to check-in and let us know how you get on. Focus on the competencies, that’s what you’ll be marked on and don’t be worrying about the curve balls, you can wing them.

Cheers not long now ! Will swing by later and update you on how it went! The very best of luck to everyone at the interview stage!! We got this!

I’d ignore him. He claims to be earning 300k in a legal firm while also doing comps for AP tax specialists which he didn’t get an offer from and a PO comp that he didn’t get through the video interview stage on. He seems to like posting comments on random threads to spark an argument.

I agree in relation to the interviewees. The interview prep is a good amount of the work. My board were also lovely, very helpful and really put me at ease from the first minute. If you’ve put in the work you’ll be grand!

Hi so panel were really nice ...like previous posters I didn't have the opportunity to go through the star example more straight into open questions on each competency. They didn't give much time and told me when they had enough for each point my internet dropped a couple of times which was really.offputting . Apart from that I felt.that I proved an answer to the questions asked, how strong they were and did I hit the mark remains to be seen.... My mind is completely blank now to remember any specifics. Best of luck remember to keep breathing

Ah well done and at least you have it over you now so relax and spare a thought (and maybe prayer) for the rest of us who have a week or more of anticipatory torture lol

Well done you! Enjoy the rest of your hols! I'm in your boat now - on hols at the moment with interview looming in the background!