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
Now you mention it, I tried to zoom out at one point but it wouldn't allow me, because I thought maybe some quadrants or data was missing. The table made no sense otherwise.
The fact that we are having similar issues makes me think this must have happened to a few people and it's not a device issue. I was using an external monitor but my laptop is 15" anyway. I really couldn't see anything when I scrolled, there were just unclear labels. I actually scrolled down to the end of some pages to see if any extra data legends etc. were there.
I've emailed them so will see what they say.
Time wise that doesn't sound bad, Id be ok with it if those were my times, average verbal times on most practice tests seem to be 15m and for numerical its 30m, even if numerical isn't that generous you still came in under 25m and close to 20m.
I wonder what the pass mark is for questions, 60%-70% maybe?
Are you allowed have a monitor on the desk with a hdmi cable lose to connect the laptop to? once I do the room check Ill sit the laptop down on the desk and connect it to second screen, my monitor is on a desk arm stand, I can clear everything off and remove pc from under the desk so everything looks above board.
Did anyone find the estimated time guidelines misleading? The numerical took a lot longer than 15mins
I also had difficulties with the tables and charts, but more around format, had to scroll left and right or up and down to see different quadrants of the tables. I did also think charts could be labelled more clearly and exact numbers difficult to work out in some cases. I have been emailing the LCV5sovasupport@publicjobs.ie email, but they're just indicating a 'local device issue' though haven't been able to indicate in anything more specific. My laptop and browser meet the specs and I've never found any similar issues previously. Perhaps if you email them, they might start realising that some people did have issues with the platform/format. Same laptop had no issues on previous PAS assessments or in SOVA practice tests.
That was the most bizarre test I've ever done and I'm a bit shocked at the poor quality.
Did anyone else find the tables and charts very confusing because they were not adequately labelled? And the questions had a lot of redundant information? And none of my answers seemed to be there as options to choose- so I am guessing I am missing data?
Can you imagine actually including tables like them in a report to the Minister- you'd be in serious trouble for not even labelling the X and Y axis!
It took me around 23 mins to complete the Numerical one, and 14 mins for the Verbal. No much hope here :'(
Thanks CivilCybil, at least I know it's not down to either of those reasons. I'll try to figure out for next time. Thanks for your response and best of luck .
Yes, thought it was just me
Thanks for the response, can I ask what size screen you used and what browser
Thanks for the advice gestappo, will do
Thanks for response, can I ask what size screen you used and what browser.
I used laptop and Google Chrome and had no issues, didn't have to scroll up or zoom in or out. Everything was visible on the same screen (16")
Yes, I used a laptop, which I've used previously for similar assessments with no issues. Screen is 16" so not the smallest, but connected large screen probably would help had I known. I didn't anticipate when mentions tablets etc. I doubt I could do from work because of firewalls. Thanks for the feedback, next time I will get a larger screen and connect.
Did anyone find there was more "cannot say" than expected in the verbal one.
Did you use a laptop or desktop?
Neither did I!!
I was worried about this when I was doing the practice tests on my laptop - I had to do a good bit of scrolling but didn't when I was on my work pc. Maybe email PAS and log this issue with them and emphasis how it impacted your ability to be efficient throughout the assessment?
When I did it I didn't have to scroll up at all!
Thanks Janw, can I ask did you use a laptop for the tests?
Do you think this would have not been so much of an issue on bigger screen
Hi all, and hope you're getting through your assessment tests okay. I did find them tough, in particular the numerical, because I couldn't see a full chart at any point only different quadrants at a time. I was constantly scrolling back and forth, up and down to check on correct column/row or confirm list of numbers. Zooming in and out didn't help as only impacted text size. Tests displayed totally differently to the practice Sova tests and made things very difficult. The final chart showed in full as it was a different chart type, but on that it was difficult to identify exact numbers even when zoomed, but I think I found that previously. Interested to know if anyone else had similar issues.
On tech side, I used Google Chrome, as Edge wasn't mentioned in the familiarisation info' but then noticed Edge mentioned when starting verification. It was too late at that stage to change, but wondering whether this issue was Chrome specific or if everyone found the same.
I may not have passed anyway, but felt this really impacted my time, and accuracy at choosing the correct numbers in a row or column to include in calculations. It did seem to be caused by having the right hand side of the screen reserved for video/proctoring. I didn't have this issue with previous assessments when recording throughout. I think now, I would far prefer to do these tests on site.
Even if you find the test hard, you only have to find it "about as hard as other people do", to be fine. The minimum standard they mention is likely to be a % of total applicants, like the bottom 20% or whatever. So don't get too discouraged if you aren't happy with your performance - you can be unhappy with it and still hit 'par' with everyone else if they also find it difficult.
Great thank you. I agree it's stupid, I would have thought having them on the desk made it more transparent and accessible. Thanks though, I will do them this evening
I just had them to the side on another table and grabbed them after the room/desk scan was done - rather stupid rule
Possibly stupid question but it says we can use paper and a calculator but not to have them on the desk. But I assume I can't go off camera to get them either, can I just leave them on the chair/floor, visible to the camera so I can grab them? (I did say it was stupid 🤣)
….
Well done 👏
Just finished it - thought the numerical was fairly easy, a few tricky formulas you had to play with (that could be a bad sign and I got them all wrong).
The verbal I found harder - seemed to be too many cannot say but I couldn't see a definitive answer in the statement.
Up to you.... having a G&T now 😉😂😂
Not even a vodka?
Folks
I have just finished the assessment tests - and they are quite tough. It is now in the lap of the adjudicators to see if I did enough to get through.
I would suggest that you take your time and read the questions twice before you try to answer and really empty your minds.
I cannot say what the questions were or how they were worded but I can tell you that the practice format on Sova is given to us for a reason. Please don't use other sites - it will only confuse you and the test is tough enough as it is.
Good luck everyone - what will be, will be!
Ps - don't drink anything and go to the loo beforehand - I was bursting at the end if it!!😉
