Garda Recruitment- The Waiting to Apply Room

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 10:09pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

That's true, we don't actually know if they are negative marking blanks, but from what we have been told we can assume we won't be marked from leaving blanks, they never mentioned it. The instructions are like verbal reasoning tests themselves lol. What's done is done, no point worrying about it now. Congrats on finishing. Must be a relief. I'm glad to see no one mentioned not having a enough time to finish as I was sure we wouldn't get half them done. I practiced at home from paper but similar tests to the tabs and just managed to get 25 done and 2 wrong. And that was quick working.

This was on the Garda Careers Facebook page........

Best of luck everyone if you are taking your test today. Everyone has different times and dates so don't worry. Make sure you read everything carefully and keep an eye on the time. There is negative marking on the test so if you don't answer a question you get deducted points. If you don't know the answer, tick a box anyway, it could be the right one !

There are lots of things being said on the marking, and its awful how it hasn't been actually stated clearly by anyone

redout · 17-01-2014 10:12pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

That's true, we don't actually know if they are negative marking blanks, but from what we have been told we can assume we won't be marked from leaving blanks, they never mentioned it. The instructions are like verbal reasoning tests themselves lol. What's done is done, no point worrying about it now. Congrats on finishing. Must be a relief. I'm glad to see no one mentioned not having a enough time to finish as I was sure we wouldn't get half them done. I practiced at home from paper but similar tests to the tabs and just managed to get 25 done and 2 wrong. And that was quick working.

Instructions do not mention negative marking for blanks per se, though I wonder if they consider that as being incorrect? Gut feeling is that they will be considered incorrect. I will try answer everything. To each his own.

Be aware that there is negative marking for incorrect answers on both these aptitude tests.

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 10:16pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

This was on the ##### Facebook page........

Best of luck everyone if you are taking your test today. Everyone has different times and dates so don't worry. Make sure you read everything carefully and keep an eye on the time. There is negative marking on the test so if you don't answer a question you get deducted points. If you don't know the answer, tick a box anyway, it could be the right one !

There are lots of things being said on the marking, and its awful how it hasn't been actually stated clearly by anyone

I don't have Facebook. Who wrote this exactly? Did anyone reply and ask about it. That doesn't make sense. I thought the negative marking was there for a purpose, to stop people guessing the answers but this sort of negative means that people are force to guess.

EDIT: is the ###### page one of those private companies or is actually affiliated with the gardai. Because if it isn't, then I don't believe there is negative marking on blanks at all, other wise it would be mentioned. Logically it doesn't make sense to me but that's just me. I'm not planning on guessing myself. It will make a huge difference to the marks.

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 10:21pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

I don't have Facebook. Who wrote this exactly? Did anyone reply and ask about it. That doesn't make sense. I thought the negative marking was there for a purpose, to stop people guessing the answers but this sort of negative means that people are force to guess.

https://www.facebook.com/gardacareers?fref=ts

thekopend · 17-01-2014 10:23pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

This was on the Garda Careers Facebook page........

Best of luck everyone if you are taking your test today. Everyone has different times and dates so don't worry. Make sure you read everything carefully and keep an eye on the time. There is negative marking on the test so if you don't answer a question you get deducted points. If you don't know the answer, tick a box anyway, it could be the right one !

There are lots of things being said on the marking, and its awful how it hasn't been actually stated clearly by anyone

That's not accurate in my opinion, it's negative marking for incorrect answers as it states on the booklet. There is no reason for the booklet not to say 'negative marking for incorrect and unanswered questions' if that was the case. I think that if it isn't answered its a case of nothing lost nothing gained, this has been the case with negative marking in garda aptitude since early nineties and we have been given no reason to believe otherwise!

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 10:28pm

thekopend wrote: »

That's not accurate in my opinion, it's negative marking for incorrect answers as it states on the booklet. There is no reason for the booklet not to say 'negative marking for incorrect and unanswered questions' if that was the case. I think that if it isn't answered its a case of nothing lost nothing gained, this has been the case with negative marking in garda aptitude since early nineties and we have been given no reason to believe otherwise!

I agree with this. This company knows about as much as we do.

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 10:29pm

thekopend wrote: »

That's not accurate in my opinion, it's negative marking for incorrect answers as it states on the booklet. There is no reason for the booklet not to say 'negative marking for incorrect and unanswered questions' if that was the case. I think that if it isn't answered its a case of nothing lost nothing gained, this has been the case with negative marking in garda aptitude since early nineties and we have been given no reason to believe otherwise!

Well I'm just posting what they said. I don't know what to believe to be honest. Unless I hear it from publicjobs

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 10:33pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

Well I'm just posting what they said. I don't know what to believe to be honest. Unless I hear it from publicjobs

No I appreciate you letting us know. To be honest its bad advice to all the people taking the test because they don't really know. And if they are incorrect this could take away marks from people. If it's the one for one system then if someone guessed five wrong then that's ten they missed out on. I don't know myself so no one take my word on it but it's the most logical system to me.

Rothmans · 17-01-2014 10:37pm

They've done a 180 on it now

Important information - Negative marking is only for answers that are incorrect and not for unanswered questions. Hope everyone is getting on ok with the tests !

This crowd don't know what they're at.

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 10:40pm

Rothmans wrote: »

They've done a 180 on it now

This crowd don't know what they're at.

The thing is some people have done their tests already.

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 10:41pm

Rothmans wrote: »

They've done a 180 on it now

This crowd don't know what they're at.

What a bunch of cowboys

Kaizersoze81 · 17-01-2014 10:41pm

Rothmans wrote: »

This crowd don't know what they're at.

Better get used to it, the job is the exact same

Rothmans · 17-01-2014 10:42pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

The thing is some people have done their tests already.

Yup, they'll surely be peeved if they followed that advice

Rothmans · 17-01-2014 10:43pm

A disgruntled customer

Are you for real? you said the opposite yesterday! What kind of organisation is this? plus you deleted yesterdays post too!

want2b · 17-01-2014 10:44pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

What a bunch of cowboys

They are after commenting on the thread for stage 1, should take it up with them there

thekopend · 17-01-2014 10:44pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

Well I'm just posting what they said. I don't know what to believe to be honest. Unless I hear it from publicjobs

Ya I know. I just can't see it being the case if booklet did not say it. They would have said it in my opinion because if they tell you that there is negative marking for wrong answers they would also say for unanswered, but they didn't and they have no reason not to tell us if it was, it's black and white in my opinion. It has always been the case that it's only wrong answers. And it also goes againsed the point of negative marking(stopping guessing). In fact there is nothing to base the unanswered questions being negative only ill informed roumer if you ask me. I was specifically told by the person I got preparation with that it's for wrong answers and he told me not to guess as it can ruin your marks, he also said that it is to stop people from chancing at the end of the test e.g if there is 5 questions left and you only have a minute left you could just say cannot say for the five and chances are 1 or 2 of them would be right. I know what I will be doing anyway.

On another note what's the assessment questionair like/about?

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 10:46pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

What a bunch of cowboys

Ah someone made a mistake, thing is they haven't done anything for their reputation. I think the lesson to be learned here is to know the booklet inside out and backwards, do the prep and use the noggin. That and don't believe everything people have said unless it comes from the horses mouth. Now some people might still use the system and that's their tactic. Guessing one or two won't do that much having answered the majority of them correctly. A few marks lost maybe or maybe break even. But I wouldn't advise it. That system is there for a reason.

Edit: just a note to everyone and maybe future applicants reading back too. I noticed that some of the things said on a day course I went on myself weren't 100 per cent. I know that from reading the comments from the past and from reading their experiences. So make sure you sieve through the booklet and take anything else they say with a pinch of salt. It was a great course and helped, but they know about the same as we do.

redout · 17-01-2014 10:54pm

But sure who told this crowd that it does not apply to unanswered questions which has made them backtrack all of a sudden? There is no source.

thekopend · 17-01-2014 10:56pm

redout wrote: »

But sure who told this crowd that it does not apply to unanswered questions which has made them backtrack all of a sudden? There is no source.

They seen what we were saying on this!

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 10:58pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

Ah someone made a mistake, thing is they haven't done anything for their reputation. I think the lesson to be learned here is to know the booklet inside out and backwards, do the prep and use the noggin. That and don't believe everything people have said unless it comes from the horses mouth. Now some people might still use the system and that's their tactic. Guessing one or two won't do that much having answered the majority of them correctly. A few marks lost maybe or maybe break even. But I wouldn't advise it. That system is there for a reason.

I'm not worried anyway. I only guessed 6 overall from both tests. I just hate this false info being thrown around by companies that can reach hundreds of people, mistake or not.

I remember doing abstract reasoning back in 2008 in the teachers centre Dublin. I forgot all about the time limit, and they stopped the test and I had about 30% left to do. I managed to pass it anyway.

I'm not worried

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 11:00pm

thekopend wrote: »

They seen what we were saying on this!

I think it's some automatic word scanning system which reacted when someone mentioned the name, because straight away there was a post advertising the site. Makes you think about how well monitored this thread is. I feel sorry for the person who made the mistake and the people who followed their advice, it's a pity we didn't catch it earlier and send them a message to amend it.

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 11:03pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

I think it's some automatic word scanning system which reacted when someone mentioned the name, because straight away there was a post advertising the site. Makes you think about how well monitored this thread is. I feel sorry for the person who made the mistake and the people who followed their advice, it's a pity we didn't catch it earlier and send them a message to amend it.

Its dog eat dog. Not everyone can pass. Its just a shame that money hungry companies are spreading false information

redout · 17-01-2014 11:05pm

thekopend wrote: »

They seen what we were saying on this!

Christ, they sound well dodgy. I would feel aggrieved had I of paid them and was given that info. Poor chaps if they have already gone ahead and done the tests.

thekopend · 17-01-2014 11:06pm

Andrea345 wrote: »

I think it's some automatic word scanning system which reacted when someone mentioned the name, because straight away there was a post advertising the site. Makes you think about how well monitored this thread is. I feel sorry for the person who made the mistake and the people who followed their advice, it's a pity we didn't catch it earlier and send them a message to amend it.

I don't know much about it but if you ask me the person who runs the fb page looks at this site, that's where they based there negative marking on unanswered q's the then seen us figure out it was wrong and changed it, they then set up a page and tried to redeem there image by posting there cheap course. But who knows.

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 11:06pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

I'm not worried anyway. I only guessed 6 overall from both tests. I just hate this false info being thrown around by companies that can reach hundreds of people, mistake or not.

I remember doing abstract reasoning back in 2008 in the teachers centre Dublin. I forgot all about the time limit, and they stopped the test and I had about 30% left to do. I managed to pass it anyway.

I'm not worried

Worrying will do you no good now anyway. You did well to answer all you did. I hope I do as well as that on my day. Yes, it's annoying not being able to trust advice. I'm not familiar with the company and don't know how legit they are or useful so I can't comment but it might have been a genuine mistake also. Unfortunately, it's a mistake that may have affected a lot of people's marks. But it will do no good complaining for the people hard done by. It's not associated with PAS or the company giving the tests so it is what it is, unfortunate.

Faith and Justice · 17-01-2014 11:07pm

Theres also Job simulation questions as part of the questionnaire

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 11:10pm

Faith and Justice wrote: »

Its dog eat dog. Not everyone can pass. Its just a shame that money hungry companies are spreading false information

Yes but I wouldn't wish false information on anyone. The people who are fit to pass will pass anyway. Those people are well prepared, anyone can be well prepared. This is different. It's an unfair advantage as to a fair one.

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 11:13pm

thekopend wrote: »

I don't know much about it but if you ask me the person who runs the fb page looks at this site, that's where they based there negative marking on unanswered q's the then seen us figure out it was wrong and changed it, they then set up a page and tried to redeem there image by posting there cheap course. But who knows.

Right, I see. I would have expected that they assumed it from the booklet. Surely, the booklet was read.

King Ludvig · 17-01-2014 11:20pm

Interesting comments placed on record by Shatter this week:

Given that the closing date for applications for the competition was the 9 January we hope to have 300 recruits entering training in Templemore in 2014. I would like to say however that reports implying that there are 25,000 applicants for 300 posts are incorrect as we expect to use this competition to provide Garda recruits in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2014-01-15a.1540&s=garda+recruitment#g1546.r

D Trent · 17-01-2014 11:22pm

King Ludvig wrote: »

Interesting comments placed on record by Shatter this week:

http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2014-01-15a.1540&s=garda+recruitment#g1546.r

King Ludvig take a look at post #2035 on this thread

Andrea345 · 17-01-2014 11:35pm

Anyone mentioning the name of the FB page might want to go back and edit their posts, It's also against the rules for us to mention the name. I have corrected the quoted text in my comments. Just a heads up. Don't want anyone getting into trouble

Galway1987 · 18-01-2014 4:46am

King Ludvig wrote: »

Interesting comments placed on record by Shatter this week:

http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2014-01-15a.1540&s=garda+recruitment#g1546.r

This is very disheartening. I was hoping there would be annual campaigns and to move back to Ireland next year and have a go.

Devil08 · 18-01-2014 9:18am

Galway1987 wrote: »

This is very disheartening. I was hoping there would be annual campaigns and to move back to Ireland next year and have a go.

It will cost a lot for them to do this campaign with the amount of applicants. You can't blame them getting their money's worth and making it last a few years. They might not have a budget for another campaign next year or the year after so they need to make this one count!

thekopend · 18-01-2014 9:48am

It's good for the people that have applied tho, gives them a better chance of being hired

mfergus · 18-01-2014 12:03pm

Devil08 wrote: »

It will cost a lot for them to do this campaign with the amount of applicants. You can't blame them getting their money's worth and making it last a few years. They might not have a budget for another campaign next year or the year after so they need to make this one count!

I wonder is everybody getting the same online test or is it random?

The only extra cost is the online aptitude test, that will knock out 10000. Then it's back in line with all the other campaigns!

Shield · 18-01-2014 4:09pm

Guys, I could set up a Facebook page and call it "The Official Garda Entrance Exam" and rip off a logo from a Telecoms company, but it wouldn't mean a thing. This guy has demonstrated that he clearly doesn't know what he's talking about, and that's likely to screw people out of a career they've waiting years to apply for. There no way of knowing if there is question weighting or negative marking in play unless it is released or acknowledged by PAS.

If I was doing it, I would just try my best to get through the answers as quickly as possible, and if I didn't get to finish the test, I think I'd leave them blank, but that's just me. I'm not posting this as a Mod, just as someone who has done very similar tests and passed with a score high enough to guarantee me a place as a Student Officer (quite a long time ago, I admit!).

AaronMul1 · 19-01-2014 12:52am

i think the news that it will be used for a few campaigns is good news, if i could get on the panel and then continue with the reserves for a year or two it would be fantastic. I know its not a guarantee of a job but its a hell of a good start to get on a panel!

carzony · 19-01-2014 12:56am

don't forget what happened to the previous panel lads lol.... just joking..

AaronMul1 · 19-01-2014 12:57am

carzony wrote: »

don't forget what happened to the previous panel lads lol.... just joking..

thats why i got in that there is no guarantee

PeteK* · 19-01-2014 10:50pm

So people who pass these stages will be selected (for interview?) for the next intake in years to come?

Scouser · 19-01-2014 11:44pm

PeteK* wrote: »

So people who pass these stages will be selected (for interview?) for the next intake in years to come?

correct

eventually called

thestar · 20-01-2014 1:30pm

Am I right in saying that the next windows are from today to Thursday and tomorrow to Friday? That company that handed out wrong information should be ashamed of themselves, just goes to show some of the idiots that are out there trying to make money from applicants. Done my own test and was relatively happy with it. However I'm expecting the standard to be high so whether I'm above that or not is another story

slingerz · 20-01-2014 3:31pm

thestar wrote: »

Am I right in saying that the next windows are from today to Thursday and tomorrow to Friday? That company that handed out wrong information should be ashamed of themselves, just goes to show some of the idiots that are out there trying to make money from applicants. Done my own test and was relatively happy with it. However I'm expecting the standard to be high so whether I'm above that or not is another story

All in the same boat.

Whats done is done at this stage just got to accept whatever happens happens!

thestar · 20-01-2014 3:59pm

slingerz wrote: »

All in the same boat.

Whats done is done at this stage just got to accept whatever happens happens!

True but I'm still gonna be thinking about it, looks like we will be waiting a month to hear either way as well

jkell061 · 21-01-2014 5:34pm

hi,

I've applied and my window is this week, however someone else i know applied (or thought that he did), and when i mentioned it to him today about when his tests are he didnt know what i was talking about. He went checked his publicjobs a/c and there was no word back from them. I don't think he got any sort of confirmation at all. I know there's a chance his application may not have submitted properly (due to his end), but is there a chance it could have happened from the other end? Has there been any other applications that didn't go through correctly or anything?

thanks

thekopend · 21-01-2014 5:37pm

jkell061 wrote: »

hi,

I've applied and my window is this week, however someone else i know applied (or thought that he did), and when i mentioned it to him today about when his tests are he didnt know what i was talking about. He went checked his publicjobs a/c and there was no word back from them. I don't think he got any sort of confirmation at all. I know there's a chance his application may not have submitted properly (due to his end), but is there a chance it could have happened from the other end? Has there been any other applications that didn't go through correctly or anything?

thanks

I'd say it must be a problem at his end, might not have registered interest properly, did he fill out the online application form ?

jkell061 · 21-01-2014 5:41pm

thekopend wrote: »

I'd say it must be a problem at his end, might not have registered interest properly, did he fill out the online application form ?

He reckons so, and the more i asked him the more i realised he must not have done it properly. Asked had he any emails he said no. I just thought I'd ask in case there had been any cases where an application did not go through correctly on publicjob's part

Scouser · 21-01-2014 5:42pm

jkell061 wrote: »

He reckons so, and the more i asked him the more i realised he must not have done it properly. Asked had he any emails he said no. I just thought I'd ask in case there had been any cases where an application did not go through correctly on publicjob's part

what did PAS say when he contacted them?

jkell061 · 21-01-2014 5:47pm

Scouser wrote: »

what did PAS say when he contacted them?

Don't think he's contacted anyone yet he's only realised this now. I'll tell him to get onto them asap

davydute · 21-01-2014 5:55pm

is there any point in this application process where we let them know our educational background and work experience??

Garda Recruitment- The Waiting to Apply Room

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