2020 Executive Officer Civil Service

jules86 · 15-09-2021 8:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117896202#Comment_117896202

No waiting to be called for interview.

2 months wait for etray results.

Clareh123 · 16-09-2021 1:47pm

Would also love any last minute interview tips, like what kinds of questions were asked? I have my interview tomorrow, I interviewed (unsuccessfully) for AO before so I think I have an idea but some new info would be great.

In case it's relevant to anyone, some of the things I was asked for AO were:

Tell us about a time you managed underperformance

What does the role entail?

Was there a time you went against your colleagues on an issue (This one is slippery)

Tell us about a project you are proud of.

Was there a time you managed disagreements in a group?

Tell us about a time you went above and beyond

What is the link between your studies and work?

What is the biggest crisis facing the government?

They also asked quite a few questions about my current role.

Pamelabeasley · 16-09-2021 3:27pm

Hi guys just had interview thought it was quite tough and was very nervous! How long until results would be out roughly?

LISAMC38 · 16-09-2021 9:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117899993#Comment_117899993

Good luck with your results, I believe they take approx 2 weeks. Can I please ask what aspects of the interview you found tough?

Pamelabeasley · 17-09-2021 12:59am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117901565#Comment_117901565

i found the interruptions to look for more information kind of threw me off balance and I was almost forgetting to get to the point of my examples for some of the competency questions! It was also very fast paced which was daunting. They panel were very nice but I still found it tough, by the end of the 40 minutes I could barley string a sentence together 🥲 I was very nervous beforehand also so that didn’t help matters either. I was asked almost all of the questions mentioned by Clareh123 above, as well as more follow ups.

LISAMC38 · 17-09-2021 8:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117902115#Comment_117902115

if I do get called for interview, I imagine I will be feeling exactly the same. Lots of luck.

blondie007 · 17-09-2021 1:18pm

Hi All

Just got an email from public jobs asking me if I'm interested in interviewing for Cork. Just emailed them to say Yes ! I'm 00M 40 in the Open Stream after etray.

Just wondering if they acknowledge your expression of interest email ??

VitreousLife · 17-09-2021 1:40pm

I know I seen to ask all the time haha

but any update for Dublin?

VitreousLife · 17-09-2021 1:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117903675#Comment_117903675

I received acknowledgement for Dublin!

WishfullT · 17-09-2021 1:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117903675#Comment_117903675

I just got a thanks response, but I did get one. You will probably get one shortly. Don’t make the same mistake as me though, when you get the interview details make sure and respond with your photo ID BEFORE the expire date 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

blondie007 · 17-09-2021 1:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117903830#Comment_117903830

Thanks a mil for that advice, appreciate it😊

I wish it was a different email address for the expressions of interest, instead of having to use the one for every inquiry. I've seen people on here who've replied but it's been missed & then there's major panic cos they're being told they're off the panel. Hopefully I'll get an acknowledgement today .

WishfullT · 17-09-2021 2:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117903908#Comment_117903908

If it was me, and I didn’t get a response by EOB today I’d said another email over the weekend just asking if they received it.

I know it will be another email into an already full mail box but hopefully it would avoid you having a near heart attack in the future if you thought you were out of the competition, that’s only my 2pence for what it is worth ☺️

blondie007 · 17-09-2021 2:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117904030#Comment_117904030

I got the acknowledgement 5 minutes ago thankfully !!! I can relax now for the weekend lol. Thanks again.

Clareh123 · 18-09-2021 9:37pm

Sorry if this has been asked! I am awaiting a response from PAS but just in case I don't get it on time I thought I would ask here.

I had an interview for the EO 2020 competition yesterday. I previously applied for CO 2020 but obviously I would prefer EO. Also yesterday I was invited to interview for CO 2020 on October 8th. I will most likely find out if my EO interview was successful before the CO interview date. If I am doing the CO interview I need to confirm and send my application form by Monday. Am I ok to proceed for now and then withdraw if I find out in the meantime my EO interview was successful? I'm not going to be removed from the EO competition if I proceed with the CO one am I? Just want to be sure.

T900i · 18-09-2021 10:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117902115#Comment_117902115

When you say look for more information do you mean expand on your competency or give another example of the same competence.

In relation to more follow ups could you give an example please

2021_AP · 18-09-2021 10:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117909421#Comment_117909421

They are completely separate so what you do on one will have no bearing on the other

Clareh123 · 19-09-2021 9:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117909603#Comment_117909603

They are essentially just trying to get you to say things they need to hear in order to give you points. One example is for the leadership competency they might ask you to talk about a project you led from start to finish that you are proud of. Then they might ask you a follow-up question like 'How did you handle disagreements in the group?' or 'What criteria did you use to establish the success of the project?' They might also ask something like 'In hindsight would you have done anything differently?' It can feel like an interrogation when they're firing questions at you quickly but they're just trying to help you get the points.

For anyone who has still to do the interview I would recommend looking at the detailed criteria for each competency and fleshing out a specific story that hits on all or most of those points. So for example for delivery of results they will want to see that you had a logical planned approach, planned for contingencies, used people's skills etc, so your story should demonstrate how you did those things. Making a spider plan for each one really helped me. I had one very specific and properly fleshed out example for each competency and a couple of rougher ones as backup.

And remember you can have post-its up around your computer but make sure they're just offscreen so it's not too noticeable when you look at them. Also sounds obvious but it's helpful to have a printed copy of your application form beside you! They will be using that as the basis of their questions so it's good to have it there. Good luck to anyone still do to it!

VitreousLife · 20-09-2021 3:26pm

Got my invite to interview, just confirmed it about 10 mins ago but no confirmation yet - I’d imagine it’s due to the high volume of emails!

best of luck to all!

CoolroeMan · 20-09-2021 3:28pm

Been offered a position. However, salary is an issue. And yes I know the salary scales are well known but I was hoping that Private sector experience would be taken into consideration and that, on occasion, a candidate can start on step 4 or 5 of the scales rather than step 1.

Just wondering are there opportunities within the role to move up the scale faster or is just it increases year on year?

Pamelabeasley · 20-09-2021 3:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915809#Comment_117915809

Congratulations on your offer! As far as I’m aware only public service experience is counted towards your point on the scale, the same as the HSE and other public bodies. It would be just increases year on year unless you were offered an acting up position or were promoted but there are big pros other than salary depending on the post you are offered. Best of luck whichever way you decide!

morrism · 20-09-2021 4:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915809#Comment_117915809

Hi, Congrats on your offer. I was in a similar position to you and unfortunately you start on the bottom rung, regardless of private sector experience and no matter how well you perform you can only move up the scale on a yearly basis.

CoolroeMan · 20-09-2021 4:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915921#Comment_117915921

Hi

Many thanks for your reply. I appreciate your advice.

Just a matter of sitting down and weighing up the pros & cons of everything and hope I make the right decision!

Thanks again

AMEMCM · 20-09-2021 4:36pm

I've heard a few people recommending to study up and know how you will answer your competency questions based on what's already been included in your initial application form. Can anyone shed some light on what part of your application they would pull from to come up with competency based questions? As far as I remember the application was just general personal details in one form and then education and job experience in the second form.

🤔

OrlaParkes · 20-09-2021 4:51pm

Hi everyone

Does anyone know how many were called for interview from Dublin open batch 3. Thanks

2021_AP · 20-09-2021 9:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915981#Comment_117915981

Definitely take some time to weigh it up. I was in a similar enough position when I went for CO a few years ago and I decided to take the hit and go for it.

4 years on I have been promoted twice and am just through stage 1 of the latest AP campaign. I have made the paycut back plus some in not a huge amount of time.

So if you think you can take the hit for a few years go for it

Also you skip point 4 and 8 on the scale now so I think in 3 years you would be on 37436

Sixofone · 20-09-2021 10:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915809#Comment_117915809

I was also in a similar position and tried to negotiate - no dice. Although it does feel very low to start with as a previous poster mentioned a couple of points on the scale are now skipped. Also worth bearing in mind that there'll be a lot of retirements at different grades in the next few years so plenty of scope to advance.

cyning · 20-09-2021 10:47pm

I had my interview last week… first half of the interview was grand very straightforward, second half I was constantly interrupted to the point I stopped for the first time ever took a drink and gathered myself. Flustered wasn’t the word. I fell down in public service values.. anyway I’m not too worried I felt the rest of the interview went very well and the interruptions are part of it too.

Also I absolutely do not want to get appointed before my increment date anyway as I am a co anyway!

T900i · 21-09-2021 5:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915797#Comment_117915797

how much time do you think we have now to prepare before we are called for interview. I sent my interest to interview back last week and requested and received confirmation of acknowledgment they said they would be in touch shortly re interview

blondie007 · 21-09-2021 7:20am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117915809#Comment_117915809

That's great news, congrats !! Can I ask where you're being placed pleased ? I have my interview on 1st October !!

VitreousLife · 21-09-2021 8:32am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117917995#Comment_117917995

My interview is next week. I have approximately 11 days to prepare!

T900i · 21-09-2021 10:12am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117918131#Comment_117918131

I think I better start preparing myself I may hear something soon then if that’s the case.

natc · 21-09-2021 11:29am

for those who were recently contacted to express an interest in Interviewing for Dublin, or who have received interview dates can you say approximately where you placed on both panels in Batch 3? It would help shed some light on how far the rest of us are from being called. It would be greatly appreciated 😄

castle_lover · 21-09-2021 11:37am

Its definitely starting to slow down for people being called. Ugh hate this waiting game.

T900i · 21-09-2021 12:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117918770#Comment_117918770

I sent back expression of interest for Dublin last week I’ve no date for interview yet. They have acknowledged my email and said they will be in touch shortly.

following etray

Open 13x

interdepartmental 3x

natc · 21-09-2021 1:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117919026#Comment_117919026

Thanks so much for that. I’m approx 20 behind you so in Inter D so I was expecting to wait until after Christmas for interview so looks like I could possibly be called earlier than that but I won’t bank on it.

alanbyrne1982 · 21-09-2021 2:06pm

Has anyone heard from clearance from batch 2.5 Dublin?

skidmarkoner · 21-09-2021 2:36pm

Anyone know what oom they are calling for wexford?

VitreousLife · 21-09-2021 3:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117918770#Comment_117918770

I’m on the Interdepartmental panel & I’m between 30-35 :)

T900i · 21-09-2021 3:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117919380#Comment_117919380

It’s hard to know really hope your called 20 isn’t a lot when you consider how many offices there are in Dublin

Meanman · 21-09-2021 4:01pm

I am 2500 on the Dublin Panel. How far up have they got to for etray?Thanks in advance

castle_lover · 21-09-2021 4:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117920216#Comment_117920216

14xx or something like that.

kkcat11 · 21-09-2021 6:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117919769#Comment_117919769

oom 7 for the Wexford Open stream and 4 for the Wexford Interdepartmental stream. I have no idea how many are in each batch. I'm no 18 for the Open & 8 for Interdepartmental

Redsettee90 · 21-09-2021 8:08pm

Anyone know are you allowed ask Pas if there is any movement got interview results 6 weeks ago passed and got oom just wondering can you ask for an update or will you just get a go away type response if you ask

Clareh123 · 21-09-2021 8:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117920877#Comment_117920877

Can I ask does this just mean they've called up to OOM7 in open batch 2 for an interview? I was placed at OOM7 for open batch 2 in Wexford after the etray. I interviewed on Friday so waiting nervously now. Any idea how long to be placed if I passed the interview, I suppose it depends if my OOM goes up or down?

furrybones · 21-09-2021 9:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921236#Comment_117921236

PAS are excellent for giving updates when requested.

kkcat11 · 21-09-2021 9:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921250#Comment_117921250

Yes they have interviewed up to oom 7, congratulations on getting an interview. I'm oom 18 on the open batch 2! I don't know how long it would take after results of interview or how long to get a placement. Keep me updated :)

CoolroeMan · 21-09-2021 11:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117918038#Comment_117918038

Dept of Social Welfare, best of luck with your interview

pjcpolly · 22-09-2021 4:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117852636#Comment_117852636

Yes there have been a number of placements made and interviews still being done. Still waiting on my interview...hopefully not too long to go!

Gracepearl · 22-09-2021 6:04pm

Got my expression of interest email for Dublin Interview earlier this week and got my interview date for next Thursday the 30th of Sep!

I placed approx 100 mark for open competition for Dublin after E-Tray and I was around 1155 before that stage.

Feeling quite anxious about next week, I have interviewed for CO with PAS before and found it quite manageable but Any tips for the interview for an outsider such a myself trying to break in?

I have the list of broken down competencies I found on the PAS site but any one who’s been through it before advice is greatly appreciated!

blondie007 · 22-09-2021 8:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922074#Comment_117922074

Thanks a mil. All the vey best to you in DSP ☺️

2020 Executive Officer Civil Service

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