The HEO 2024 Competition is now open for applications.
Link is here: https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/?option=com_jobsearch&view=jobdetails&cid=189011&campaignId=24231106&Itemid=263
Closing date for initial applications is 3pm on the 6th June, 2024.
Best of luck everyone! Candidate Information video is available here: https://vimeo.com/943622208/bbf6b13d05
Link to publicjobs.ie capability framework for Higher Executive Officer is here: https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/information-hub/capability-framework/higher-executive-officer
DPENDR Circular 07/2024 – Interdepartmental Competition for Promotion to Higher Executive Officer (HEO) in the Civil Service refers - will be published to gov.ie/circulars later.
Can't decide on local or Dublin, Leaning towards Dublin. Currently on EO probation after recently being promoted from CO but going to apply for this anyways.
It seems to be a new thing to only ask for 1 location rather than 2 - the overwhelming bulk of appointments will be made from Dublin unless you're near the top of the panel for your county, I would think, based on where the available positions are. Definitely go for it as you are just as eligible as anyone else and the new capability based system should be a lower bar for entry - you don't have to already be working at a HEO level, is my understanding, you just have to show based on your previous experience that you could. I think capability based will make the jump from CO to EO much easier in particular because I think most COs fail that due to a lack of management experience that isn't actually asked of them at their level. (BTW I have nothing to do with this competition, so don't take this as any kind of official advice!)
I wonder if they are doing tests 🤔
It's confirmed that Stage 1 is verbal and numerical tests (doesn't seem to have the situational test this time), then Stage 2 is Shortlisting, then Stage 3 is practical exercise and interview. There's a Vimeo link in the circular, click it when it goes live as it's very in-depth about every section of the new criteria. It even has sample interview Qs.
Three stages! Given how slow the process can be, it could be September or later before anyone is appointed..
Thanks time to put some prep into the tests, any advice would be welcomed
My advice with regard to the numerical and verbal:
Legend
What's the top pay of a HEO?
Civil Service pay scales….
https://www.forsa.ie/pay-scales/civil-service-salary-scales/
Yeehaw!
What is practical testing in stage 3?
You've to research a specific topic, write 3 or 4 detailed pages on the subject and then do a live presentation along with answering questions, right before your interview.
Thanks. I thought that was just for open competitions, not Interdepartmental.
There's no general grade open HEO competition for the civil service.
Edited original post to add competition brochure and Vimeo link.
The Vimeo is really good about the new framework, what they're asking, how it will be scored etc.
Does anyone know if AOs on probation are eligible? I've heard mixed things about this.
AOs are not eligible to compete for HEO, fairly sure probation makes no difference to this.
I wonder if it's possible to see how many applied for the last competition in any area
Page 5 of the circular has a county-by-county breakdown of HEO's appointed from the 2020 & 2022 competitions
Oh but I was thinking say if dunlin had 10k applications but 262 hires what is likelihood ill get called
If you pass all stages there is a good chance you will get called for Dublin. Check last discussion to see if panel exhausted
Looking at the first paragraph of booklet I would say deffo go for Dublin if feasible for you, competition seems to be primarily for posts there as previous panel still being used elsewhere plus this comp has a shorter panel lifetime
Excellent advice on numericals. Physical calculator and no distractions are essential. Just wanted to add I utilised free trial versions of paid tests once dates announced and defo helped with speed even if format was different.
Also used YouTube videos for areas id fluster or felt time consuming and found fluster really useful shortcuts for averages percentages etc
It's all about practice & prep.
Are there any good websites for calculating averages / percentages / statistics that you found? I could actually do with this in my day to day work haha.
Hi,
I am just catching up on this now. The last HEO panel stated that if u worked in the public service previously you could count that time towards the 2 years requirement. Am I correct in thinking that doesn't apply this time and if you have under 2 years in the civil service you are ineligible?. Or is there something I am missing?
The circular states that, on 06/06/24, you have to:
be serving in a permanent, temporary or acting capacity in the Civil Service in a grade below that of Higher Executive Officer or equivalent
and
have completed not less than two years’ service in the Civil Service.
The 2 years does not have to be continuous and does not have to be directly prior to 06/06/24, but if you simply don't have 2 years service in total from somewhere, sometime, you are ineligible
There's no qualification minimum for this, at least can't see anything in the circular?
