PSNI Recruitment - Stage 2 - The Assessment Centre

given1 · 10-07-2008 11:55am

all this talk about vetting forms really has got me thinking that ive failed the a/c, its now 4 weeks since it and i think im about the only person who hasnt received them!so tempted to ring vetting...

mr fug on the subject of higher education that relates to the work of police constable, i was told by a currently serving constable that it can be useful when coming to promotion if you want to specialise in pacific fields, no one hold me to this as im only saying what i was told!

however you can have no formal qualifications and be the perfect police constable if you have the right attitude, charisma, characteristics, dedication etc etc formal qualifications have nothing over this...

im studying criminology and criminal justice up in jordanstown as it relates to the job but should i be succesfull with c 13 i wouldnt think twice about dropping out!

just my take on the topic:)

MrFug · 10-07-2008 12:36pm

Lol, I really didn't intend to start a conversation/debate on Education vs Police compentencies. I was just saying how frustrating it is to want to do something that requires much more than formal qualifications, and much more difficult to obtain!

Anyway I did my AC today. Not feeling entirely confident after it. The consensia guy (the one who looks like a safari park warden) did make a point to say that receiving vetting forms is NOT an indication that you've passed. Although theres quite a lot on this board that contradicts that... so who knows?

Good luck everyone in this and future campaigns. I'm not naturally a pesimist but i'm fairly sure I haven't done enough here and I probably wont reapply.

MustBeCrazy · 10-07-2008 12:48pm

MrFug wrote: »

Lol, I really didn't intend to start a conversation/debate on Education vs Police compentencies. I was just saying how frustrating it is to want to do something that requires much more than formal qualifications, and much more difficult to obtain!

Anyway I did my AC today. Not feeling entirely confident after it. The consensia guy (the one who looks like a safari park warden) did make a point to say that receiving vetting forms is NOT an indication that you've passed. Although theres quite a lot on this board that contradicts that... so who knows?

Good luck everyone in this and future campaigns. I'm not naturally a pesimist but i'm fairly sure I haven't done enough here and I probably wont reapply.

Hello Mr Fug :P

I have my a/c on Monday week and at this stage just can't wait to get it over with so I can stop constantly thinking about it!! It's driving me mad. Anyway...don't lose heart yet. I remember coming out of the IST and telling my husband I would die of shock if I'd passed it as it was soooo much more difficult than I had expected (thankfully didn't die of shock but was very surprised to receive the pass letter!). I think even more with the a/c it's impossible to know how well you've done (unless you did something really bad like lamp the role play actor?!). In saying all of that I'm sure I'll come out of the a/c feeling exactly the same as you :eek:. I hope you did better than you thought and are pleasantly surprised by a pass letter arriving in the next few weeks.

MrsGeneHunt · 10-07-2008 2:05pm

MrFug wrote: »

Good luck everyone in this and future campaigns. I'm not naturally a pesimist but i'm fairly sure I haven't done enough here and I probably wont reapply.

Why wouldnt you reapply????? If you think you havent done well this time round turn it to your advantage and use it next time. You will get feedback from Consensia about how you fared in each task and therefore will highlight areas you need to work on.

But chin up, you may have done better than you think and it aint over til the fat lady sings, this whole process has a way of throwing things at you when you least expect it, I failed the IST intially by two marks then got thrown a lifeline and got an AC date - Never give up!

carlty888 · 10-07-2008 2:44pm

MrFug wrote: »

Good luck everyone in this and future campaigns. I'm not naturally a pesimist but i'm fairly sure I haven't done enough here and I probably wont reapply.

You said in an earlier post that this was the career you wanted. Prove it!!
Sometimes you will get knocked down, but you gotta learn from experiences and come back stronger.

As they say. "If at first you don't succeed. Cover up all the evidence that you ever tried in the first place."

MrAnderson · 10-07-2008 2:59pm

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

(unless you did something really bad like lamp the role play actor?!)

I was tempted......:D (joking)

MrFug, keep an open mind lad, as MrsGeneHunt says, if the fat lady ain't about then it's all good!

Hope all goes the best for you

MustBeCrazy · 10-07-2008 3:57pm

Silly questions alert!!!

Is there somewhere to leave your 'stuff' in the a/c while doing the roleplays etc? Things like bag, coat, snack/drink etc? Or do we just leave it all on a seat somewhere trusting that all other PSNI applicants are trustworthy and won't run off with my cheese sandwich at the first opportunity??

And did most of you bring notes into the actual role play/interview with you and if so did you refer to them during the assessment or is it better to ad lib your way through it?

And not to raise the old debate again but ladies what did you wear?

Thanks you lot

MrAnderson · 10-07-2008 4:21pm

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

Silly questions alert!!!

Is there somewhere to leave your 'stuff' in the a/c while doing the roleplays etc? Things like bag, coat, snack/drink etc? Or do we just leave it all on a seat somewhere trusting that all other PSNI applicants are trustworthy and won't run off with my cheese sandwich at the first opportunity??

And did most of you bring notes into the actual role play/interview with you and if so did you refer to them during the assessment or is it better to ad lib your way through it?

And not to raise the old debate again but ladies what did you wear?

Thanks you lot

I can answer some of this, when I was in, we were all told to bring everything with you as there is no locked room to leave bags, belongings etc. I tried not to bring too much, so I just had everything in an A4 envelope and carried that. However, this could be down to where I attended the AC, so it might differ for somebody else.

As to notes, they'll explain where you can use notes and refer to them. Don't worry, Consensia will make sure everything is laid out in plain English so there's no confusion! Although I would recommend that if you get the chance to make notes, use it!

Hope that helps

MrsGeneHunt · 10-07-2008 4:47pm

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

Silly questions alert!!!

Is there somewhere to leave your 'stuff' in the a/c while doing the roleplays etc? Things like bag, coat, snack/drink etc? Or do we just leave it all on a seat somewhere trusting that all other PSNI applicants are trustworthy and won't run off with my cheese sandwich at the first opportunity??

And did most of you bring notes into the actual role play/interview with you and if so did you refer to them during the assessment or is it better to ad lib your way through it?

And not to raise the old debate again but ladies what did you wear?

Thanks you lot

There has been a lot of debate on the subject of what to wear but for my two pence worth, I'd say as you are going for a job where the uniform is paramount then I'd make damn sure I was very smartly dressed and neatly turned out. I think this will also help you feel more authorative during the whole AC process. Dress for success! I'm wearing a suit and killer heels!!!:cool:

alanbelfast · 10-07-2008 6:17pm

Mustbecrazy

Yes you can and should bring notes into the role plays with you. The notes I wrote down were just that of my job roles and the competencies that needed to be demonstrated in that role play. I would have a page of notes and in huge letters have.......TEAM WORK and PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY etc etc.

I would also have maybe 'I AM OWNER OF THE STORE ' My ROLE IS ENSURE BUSINESS RUNS EVERYDAY etc etc. So every now and then I would look down and go .....'o I need to show team work' Then maybe try hard to bring in others. Sometimes the roles are that intense that you forget what your in there for...........so my way jogged the ole memory. All you needed to do was give a little glance down and see the HUGE LETTERS.

MustBeCrazy · 10-07-2008 7:13pm

MrsGeneHunt wrote: »

There has been a lot of debate on the subject of what to wear but for my two pence worth, I'd say as you are going for a job where the uniform is paramount then I'd make damn sure I was very smartly dressed and neatly turned out. I think this will also help you feel more authorative during the whole AC process. Dress for success! I'm wearing a suit and killer heels!!!:cool:

Thanks MrsGH...I have bought a nice black pin-striped trouser suit for the occasion but was worried it might be a bit OTT. But I thought if I'm going to be playing the role of a Manager, I may as well look like one for the day :-) Hope it's not too long a day in the ol' heels though :eek:

MustBeCrazy · 10-07-2008 7:14pm

alanbelfast wrote: »

Mustbecrazy

Yes you can and should bring notes into the role plays with you. The notes I wrote down were just that of my job roles and the competencies that needed to be demonstrated in that role play. I would have a page of notes and in huge letters have.......TEAM WORK and PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY etc etc.

I would also have maybe 'I AM OWNER OF THE STORE ' My ROLE IS ENSURE BUSINESS RUNS EVERYDAY etc etc. So every now and then I would look down and go .....'o I need to show team work' Then maybe try hard to bring in others. Sometimes the roles are that intense that you forget what your in there for...........so my way jogged the ole memory. All you needed to do was give a little glance down and see the HUGE LETTERS.

Thanks AlanB, I think that's what I'll do (it worked for you, so why not?? lol).

MustBeCrazy · 10-07-2008 7:18pm

MrAnderson wrote: »

I can answer some of this, when I was in, we were all told to bring everything with you as there is no locked room to leave bags, belongings etc. I tried not to bring too much, so I just had everything in an A4 envelope and carried that. However, this could be down to where I attended the AC, so it might differ for somebody else.

As to notes, they'll explain where you can use notes and refer to them. Don't worry, Consensia will make sure everything is laid out in plain English so there's no confusion! Although I would recommend that if you get the chance to make notes, use it!

Hope that helps

Thankyou, yes it was a big help. I think I will bring a large hand bag with me to hold everything I need. I'm not sure whether bringing notes into the roleplays would put me off more than anything, but as AlanB says maybe just a few well placed points to remember in large writing would be useful - and wouldn't be too off-putting.

manaka · 10-07-2008 8:43pm

hey man, she was very nice to me! too nice to be a bad ass cop! Hope she gets through! Did you do your ac yet?

MrFug · 10-07-2008 9:55pm

They do take your mobile phones from you at the start, so you can't take photographs apparantly. Otherwise I didn't see any lockers or the likes. The consensia dude did say not to leave anything lying around you can't afford to lose etc.

I would definatley dress smart, a suit etc. Everyone at mines was in suits apart from one guy, who came in in trainers and jeans and immediatley looked quite embarassed about it.

Also, it helps you get into the role of someone in a position of authority for the role plays when you've got your best whistle & flute on and shiny shoes.

Did anyone else leave their role-plays and have one of those 'fore-head slapping DOH!' moments. I did, several times when I realised that I should have said this and that. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and all that

Best of luck.

JVB · 10-07-2008 10:31pm

MrFug wrote: »

They do take your mobile phones from you at the start, so you can't take photographs apparantly. Otherwise I didn't see any lockers or the likes. The consensia dude did say not to leave anything lying around you can't afford to lose etc.

I would definatley dress smart, a suit etc. Everyone at mines was in suits apart from one guy, who came in in trainers and jeans and immediatley looked quite embarassed about it.

Also, it helps you get into the role of someone in a position of authority for the role plays when you've got your best whistle & flute on and shiny shoes.

Did anyone else leave their role-plays and have one of those 'fore-head slapping DOH!' moments. I did, several times when I realised that I should have said this and that. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and all that

Best of luck.

Hi MrFug. You seem quite assured that you haven't passed the AC. Believe me, as MrsGH has said, it aint over ... You just never know how it all came across to the assessment staff. Maybe if you had said some of those extra things you thought of after, they may have been innapropriate to the situation. Obviously I wasn't there and only you can say how it went. But if you came out with a bad feeling and eventually you do not pass, don't give up; it's your first attempt. You've only then failed yourself. Honestly, if you want this, you'll get it.

JVB · 10-07-2008 11:01pm

carlty888 wrote: »

As they say. "If at first you don't succeed. Cover up all the evidence that you ever tried in the first place."

Lol Carlty. And if at first you do succeed, don't look so surprised

tfitzgerald · 10-07-2008 11:38pm

hi i am like mr fug i am afraid this is my last chance too but my reason is that i am at the wrong side of 40 i would love the job but i think i will be a bag of nerves doing my ac so if there is anyone out there that can give me some real advice concerning the roleplays interviews ect please pm me i am not proud i will take advice or help where ever i can get it

cheers

MrFug · 11-07-2008 4:37am

Yeah nerves are a terrible thing. They are the bane of many good people. Some people just don't do themselves justice in a test environment (like me) and the ironic thing is, I'm fine in situations some other people would crumble. its just the feeling of being so closely scrutinised and having to say the right things that gets me.

I'm encouraged by the things you guys have said, thanks for that. I'm in two minds. I really would love this job, however in a weird way, I'd also love to not love the job lol - cause it can be very frustrating striving to achieve something that MAY just be outside my capabilities at the end of the day. But thats a terribly downbeat attitude :slaps himself:

So here is what I've come up with. If I PASS the A/C but fail due to a low merit rating i will apply again. If i fail, I'll pursue a career somewhere else.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 11:32am

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

Thanks MrsGH...I have bought a nice black pin-striped trouser suit for the occasion but was worried it might be a bit OTT. But I thought if I'm going to be playing the role of a Manager, I may as well look like one for the day :-) Hope it's not too long a day in the ol' heels though :eek:

Def not over the top, I have a black suit as well, very managerial!! Dont think it will be too hard a day on the feet, its only for a few hours and you'll be seated for most of it!

Another few weeks til mine, wish it would roll round, really just chomping at the bit to get it over and done with!!!!!!!!:p

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 11:35am

MrFug wrote: »

They do take your mobile phones from you at the start, so you can't take photographs apparantly.

Why on earth would anyone want to take photos???

Am I missing something here?:P

Shield · 11-07-2008 11:45am

...of any of the printed material that you're given to read perhaps...?

MrsGeneHunt wrote: »

Why on earth would anyone want to take photos???

Am I missing something here?:P

PapaYankeeGirl · 11-07-2008 11:48am

Someone asked about phones on the other page, sorry i cant remember who.

Consensia take your phone off you at the beginning and then put either your name or candidate number on it. You get it as soon as you finish all your tasks. You get a name badge as well:).

On the subject of womens clothing i brightened up the Ac with Red shoes a white shirt with red pin stripes and navy calf length dressy trousers!!! Everyone was smart dressed and the 1 girl who came in a hoodie and jeans left after only doing the written part!!! Not sure why she left tho

PapaYankeeGirl · 11-07-2008 12:09pm

Hello MrsGeneHunt- my adopted sista!!!!

Yes yes i know this has nothing to do with th AC but i couldnt resist sayin hello.:)

PS i replied to your PM

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 12:10pm

psni wrote: »

...of any of the printed material that you're given to read perhaps...?

Ahhhhhhhh. Penny dropped. Muchas Gracias.

See, I would never be that sneaky so thats why it didnt occur to me!
I'm a good girl I am!:p

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 12:11pm

PapaYankeeGirl wrote: »

Hello MrsGeneHunt- my adopted sista!!!!

Yes yes i know this has nothing to do with th AC but i couldnt resist sayin hello.:)

PS i replied to your PM

I know I read it!!! I'll Pm you later sista!! Getting a half day Whoop Whoop!! Will facilitate the removal of this MONSTER hangover nicely!!!

MustBeCrazy · 11-07-2008 12:17pm

MrsGeneHunt wrote: »

Def not over the top, I have a black suit as well, very managerial!! Dont think it will be too hard a day on the feet, its only for a few hours and you'll be seated for most of it!

Another few weeks til mine, wish it would roll round, really just chomping at the bit to get it over and done with!!!!!!!!:p

I know how you feel. Mine should have been over by now but had to reschedule as was away on holidays on original date. I just want it over so I can stop thinking about it and imagining saying something really ridiculous and feeling like an idiot for the rest of my life

. Enjoying these boards though. I'm sure my poor hubby is sick hearing about it (the sighs and glazed eyes as I start to talk about it again are a give away) - so at least I get my 'fix' by coming on here!

PapaYankeeGirl · 11-07-2008 12:20pm

Thats fine, chat later then:D

Ps- maybe some post will have arrived by then

Hope you feel better soon:)

inspector71 · 11-07-2008 12:42pm

Did my A/C 4 weeks ago today!
So here begins the 2 weeks countdown to my results day!!

regtgunner · 11-07-2008 5:46pm

Sat the s/c on wed. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!
Now the wait................................

JVB · 11-07-2008 5:48pm

Good luck with your AC results and with whatever you decide upon.

JVB · 11-07-2008 5:49pm

regtgunner wrote: »

Sat the s/c on wed. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!
Now the wait................................

Errr regtgunner as in RAF Regt? (Hello by the way)

Fo · 11-07-2008 6:21pm

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

Thanks MrsGH...I have bought a nice black pin-striped trouser suit for the occasion but was worried it might be a bit OTT. But I thought if I'm going to be playing the role of a Manager, I may as well look like one for the day :-) Hope it's not too long a day in the ol' heels though :eek:

I wore a pair of heels and I was fine - go for it! Your sat down most of the time

regtgunner · 11-07-2008 6:24pm

Yeah you guess right! Raf regiment, well ex regiment now. Hopefully moving on to bigger and better things!

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 7:00pm

regtgunner wrote: »

Yeah you guess right! Raf regiment, well ex regiment now. Hopefully moving on to bigger and better things!

Ah our JVB. Future head of CID methinks

manaka · 11-07-2008 9:05pm

Hows that hangover now mrs genehunter?

Did ac not at the start o the week there. Wore smart myself at the AC, other 3 guys in jeans and tshirt. The girls were smartly dressed, inc badcopgoodcop!

I was surprised about how many were from my locality on the day! I had to travel over 80 miles to get there! Made it in good time, was pretty nervous, never wrote so fast in such a short space of time! Hope they dont need a graphologist to determine what I scrawled! ha

JVB · 11-07-2008 10:00pm

manaka wrote: »

Hope they dont need a graphologist to determine what I scrawled! ha

They'll need a thesaurus to work out what a graphologist is I would say

:D

JVB · 11-07-2008 10:02pm

regtgunner wrote: »

Yeah you guess right! Raf regiment, well ex regiment now. Hopefully moving on to bigger and better things!

I'll PM you to see if we have mutual acquaintances

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 10:13pm

manaka wrote: »

Hows that hangover now mrs genehunt?

The hangover all gone!
Too many cosmopolitans last night followed by champagne.:P

manaka · 11-07-2008 10:31pm

sorry but when you mentioned thesaurus i couldn't but help think of this awful joke...what do you call a one-eyed dinosaur?

Doyouthinkhesaurus!!

Just a lil query on your name, are you a dyslexic JCB driver!?

:D

I prob asked this before, are you in C13? You still vetting outstanding?

MrsGeneHunt · 11-07-2008 10:33pm

JVB in already, starting November ( the swine :P )

JVB · 12-07-2008 12:33pm

manaka wrote: »

sorry but when you mentioned thesaurus i couldn't but help think of this awful joke...what do you call a one-eyed dinosaur?

Doyouthinkhesaurus!!

Just a lil query on your name, are you a dyslexic JCB driver!? :D

I prob asked this before, are you in C13? You still vetting outstanding?

Lol manaka.

What do you say to a dinosaur with 2 heads? Hello, hello! (sorry all)

Yes I start in Nov as MrsGH has said. But before anyone asks, external appts haven't made phone calls for Nov yet, I deferred to this date due to my current employment.

squire69 · 12-07-2008 1:56pm

Hey all.

I am new to this board and have found it very useful so far in my application. I had my A.C yesterday and am so glad that it is over. I found the role plays and written exercise went well. My biggest fear, though, is that the situational interview wasn't as strong. I felt much more nervous during this. But who knows!!!! I just hope I get through with a little bit of luck to help me on the way.

All the best to anyone doing theirs in the coming weeks.

MrsGeneHunt · 12-07-2008 3:39pm

At least its all behind you know. Probably best not to stress and "what if" because it will drive you up the wall. I have over three weeks ot wait til I do mine and I am already going boogaloo. Lord knows what I'll be like afterwards having to wait another 6 weeks for results and waiting for Vetting forms to drop through the letterbox...then they might not in which case I am just going to start drinking during the day!!!:D

We are all most likely in for the long haul, there are still intakes of C13 to take place!

Patience - you'll need it in bucketloads!!!

belfastard · 15-07-2008 6:08pm

hi all

MustBeCrazy · 15-07-2008 6:10pm

Hi everybody

Well, the friend of a friend came to visit today. She's just finishing her 2 year probabationary period in the PSNI and was very kind to give me some pointers and advice for the assessment centre.

A couple of the example scenarios from her a/c did put the wind up me slightly as I couldn't think of a thing I would have said in response :eek: but I'm hoping divine intervention will help me on the day lol and she assured me she was a nervous wreck when she did hers and she obviously did OK so here's hoping. She said she nearly turned back when she got there as she turned up in combats and a top and everyone was dressed to the nines. I will be dressing up - hoping it will help with my confidence.

I have decided to stop worrying about it, and if it's meant to be it will be - just as long as I don't make a complete idiot of myself (please please) and look at them like a rabbit caught in headlights when I'm asked a question!

Hope everyone is doing OK - it's quiet on here these days. Where are you all hiding?

belfastard · 15-07-2008 6:16pm

i passed back in middle of june.well i got my vetting forms 5 days after,so heres hoping

MrsGeneHunt · 15-07-2008 7:16pm

Hi Mustbecrazy

Long time no see!!!

Good to have you back. Yes the board has been a bit quiet, ACs still going on but the phonecalls for the Sept should kick in next week we think so expect lots of OMG why isnt the phone ringing postings!!
Also we now have a girls only thread ( tho JVB cant grasp that concept LOL ) so us girlies are chatting over there and generally putting the world to rights!! You'll be very welcome!!

My AC is still a few weeks away I know what you mean about feeling about being dumbstruck in the role plays. But you will do great, I think the key thing is to relax. At least you are in the room on your own with the actor and assessors, and not having everyone ogling on!! I'm really nervous and kind of excited at the same time. I will most likely be a wreck on the day, I will be straight out of there and straight to the nearest bar for a large one LOL

I think you are so right to dress up, I am going in a ultra smart trouser suit, dressing for success and all that. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we're applying for a job where the uniform is paramount and defines you, so why would you go to what is in effect an interview and not demonstrate that you can be well turned out. Fair enough you may not be marked on your appearance, but I wouldnt feel the part unless I was dressed it.

Best of luck to you for yours, I know its not too far away. you will do great! Let us know how you get on when you get back.

But come on over to the gals thread, we'd love to see you!:D

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

Hi everybody

Well, the friend of a friend came to visit today. She's just finishing her 2 year probabationary period in the PSNI and was very kind to give me some pointers and advice for the assessment centre.

A couple of the example scenarios from her a/c did put the wind up me slightly as I couldn't think of a thing I would have said in response :eek: but I'm hoping divine intervention will help me on the day lol and she assured me she was a nervous wreck when she did hers and she obviously did OK so here's hoping. She said she nearly turned back when she got there as she turned up in combats and a top and everyone was dressed to the nines. I will be dressing up - hoping it will help with my confidence.

I have decided to stop worrying about it, and if it's meant to be it will be - just as long as I don't make a complete idiot of myself (please please) and look at them like a rabbit caught in headlights when I'm asked a question!

Hope everyone is doing OK - it's quiet on here these days. Where are you all hiding?

MrsGeneHunt · 15-07-2008 7:18pm

belfastard wrote: »

i passed back in middle of june.well i got my vetting forms 5 days after,so heres hoping

Well done!

belfastard · 15-07-2008 7:44pm

cheers.hope vetting wont matter because my sister got in last year and is loving it.roll on medical and merit pool number

PSNI Recruitment - Stage 2 - The Assessment Centre

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