NEW 2020 Assistant Principal Officer Competition

Gickyk · 10-10-2020 1:04pm

My score is 120 got the call for stage 2.

Sarahlaois · 11-10-2020 2:56pm

my region is midlands and score was between 130 and 140. Delighted to be called and hopeful to get through this stage too

HelloPeeps · 12-10-2020 11:57am

Hello all, I've been a lurker her for a while. Hopping to get called for video interviews in the next one or two batches, depending how quickly they move.

This is slightly off topic but I just saw the Public Sector program for Innovation Week - It might be of interest to those who will be shortly joining or hoping to join the civil service, or even useful to mention if you are interviewing.

Here are the details:

https://www.ops2020.gov.ie/app/uploads/2019/11/InnovationWeek_Programme_FA-1.pdf

poundhound · 12-10-2020 3:59pm

To those already interviewed, how far in advance were you notified who was on the interview board?

HannahR31 · 12-10-2020 4:02pm

poundhound wrote: »

To those already interviewed, how far in advance were you notified who was on the interview board?

1 week

MrsBean · 12-10-2020 5:27pm

Just got notice of my interview board members. Two of them have interviewed me before and I really hope they don't remember me as neither of those interviews were my finest hour. It's all starting to feel very real now!

Bluegibbon · 12-10-2020 5:57pm

Hello everyone,

I found out I've been placed on the order of merit for the Dublin region open competition after my interview last week, which was nice news after a very long-winded process!

Does anyone know how long it usually takes between this point and actually getting offered a job? Obviously it varies, but just a rough estimate would be nice...

batman007 · 12-10-2020 6:10pm

dee75 wrote: »

Just a few tips for what worked for me: -
1. Respond to messages as they arrive in your "inbox".
2. Make sure your spelling, grammar and language skills are good.
3. Show that you can manage your time well throughout the e-tray exercise by prioritising emails/assignments effectively.
4. Where possible, try to show initiative and refer to additional documents provided in the exercise when preparing your response.
5. Try to ensure your responses address (or attempt to address) the majority of issues mentioned in the exercise.

Best of luck!

Do you know of any practice tools for this exercise?

Herriott · 12-10-2020 6:35pm

Congratulations! You could get an offer quickly, as in days rather than weeks. All depends on placement and urgency re. posts I'd say.

InsideEdge · 12-10-2020 7:03pm

I've just received notification of my interview board - sounds like a bunch of heavy-hitters. Gulp!!

The Third Policeman · 12-10-2020 7:10pm

Fingers crossed for Cork and Tipp soon. I'm in the 130's myself.

WingAndAPrayer · 12-10-2020 10:57pm

Hello,

This thread has been hugely helpful!

I am a private sector applicant and am interviewing next week.

I see some people have been successful (congrats).

My question is how does the 'panel' work? Am I to assume I am in the second group if people are being given positions on the panel already?

The thought of being on the panel and not getting a role!

Thanks for your input and good luck one and all.

Skulls · 13-10-2020 7:03am

Hi. Anyone do an etray that had mathematics? If so, what did that entail please?

Bluegibbon · 14-10-2020 5:29am

Skulls wrote: »

Hi. Anyone do an etray that had mathematics? If so, what did that entail please?

From what I recall there is not really any maths as such in the etray (stage 3). It’s mostly about how you manage problems and deal with people. There is maybe a bit of adding and subtracting you need to do but no more than that.

I assume that’s what you mean rather than the aptitude test at stage 1?

Sarahlaois · 14-10-2020 6:47am

WingAndAPrayer wrote: »

Hello,

This thread has been hugely helpful! I am a private sector applicant and am interviewing next week.

I see some people have been successful (congrats).

My question is how does the 'panel' work? Am I to assume I am in the second group if people are being given positions on the panel already?

The thought of being on the panel and not getting a role!

Thanks for your input and good luck one and all.

Hi. Panels are formed in order of merit. Candidates are placed off the panel as jobs come up. Whilst there is a likelihood that a candidate doesn't get a job after being placed on a panel, as this competition doesn't expire until March 2022 and you've been placed on a panel at this point, I'd say your chances are good. Best of luck

Aglomerado · 14-10-2020 12:25pm

The invite is out!

Will have to iron a shirt for the first time in 7 months for this one....:D:D:D

Skulls · 14-10-2020 8:37pm

Bluegibbon wrote: »

From what I recall there is not really any maths as such in the etray (stage 3). It’s mostly about how you manage problems and deal with people. There is maybe a bit of adding and subtracting you need to do but no more than that.

I assume that’s what you mean rather than the aptitude test at stage 1?

Yes. That is what I mean
Thanks a m.

Irishder · 14-10-2020 8:49pm

Aglomerado wrote: »

The invite is out!

Will have to iron a shirt for the first time in 7 months for this one....:D:D:D

Hope mine still fits....

When are you going to do it? im thinking about doing it friday, dont want it hanging over me for the weekend.

Aglomerado · 14-10-2020 10:48pm

Irishder wrote: »

Hope mine still fits....

When are you going to do it? im thinking about doing it friday, dont want it hanging over me for the weekend.

Probably Saturday, I'm up the walls with work this week can barely motivate myself for that never mind an interview!

The Third Policeman · 15-10-2020 10:48am

Out of curiosity, are there any serving AP's keeping an eye on the thread who would like to give an indication of the day to day work for an AP?

Connected99 · 15-10-2020 1:12pm

May I ask does one get much of a break between each of the 3 video interview questions please?
Thank you

poundhound · 15-10-2020 1:16pm

Connected99 wrote: »

May I ask does one get much of a break between each of the 3 video interview questions please?
Thank you

60 seconds between each.

poundhound · 15-10-2020 2:27pm

My experience of these interviews is that drive and commitment is assessed throughout the interview, but does the same apply to interpersonal and communication skills?
Maybe those who have done the interview can clarify or are you asked to give a specific example?

Irishder · 16-10-2020 2:08pm

Just done the video interview, i was horrific at it. Just glad its over.

Sarahlaois · 16-10-2020 2:25pm

Irishder wrote: »

Just done the video interview, i was horrific at it. Just glad its over.

Me too..... felt wrecked after it, even though it was only 9 minutes. Anyone know did the earlier candidates hear back in about 3 weeks?

InsideEdge · 16-10-2020 2:39pm

Sarahlaois wrote: »

Me too..... felt wrecked after it, even though it was only 9 minutes. Anyone know did the earlier candidates hear back in about 3 weeks?

Yes, took just under 3 weeks for the results of the video test to come back.

FlexBrowne · 16-10-2020 3:17pm

HannahR31 wrote: »

The Chair opened up by going through my career based on my application form (i.e. she talked through it and I just said 'yep') and then asked if there was anything I was particularly proud of.

Hi. Is this 'live' interview stage 4 of this AP comp? I've done the tests and now doing the Video recorded Interview. 3 x 3 mins.
Thanks

P

HannahR31 · 16-10-2020 3:26pm

FlexBrowne wrote: »

Hi. Is this 'live' interview stage 4 of this AP comp? I've done the tests and now doing the Video recorded Interview. 3 x 3 mins.
Thanks

P

Yes this was the final proper interview with a board.

FlexBrowne · 16-10-2020 3:28pm

HannahR31 wrote: »

Yes this was the final proper interview with a board.

Christ. Bit of a long process isn't it. The old Internal comps were a doddle compared to this! Best keep at it. Some day!
Thanks

HannahR31 · 16-10-2020 3:36pm

FlexBrowne wrote: »

Christ. Bit of a long process isn't it. The old Internal comps were a doddle compared to this! Best keep at it. Some day!
Thanks

Not short for sure!! After the 3x3 video interview is an online simulation exercise (etray) and then the proper interview - and then either way you're done.

Irishder · 16-10-2020 4:55pm

InsideEdge wrote: »

Yes, took just under 3 weeks for the results of the video test to come back.

Is it just pass or fail or are you scored?

InsideEdge · 16-10-2020 5:21pm

Irishder wrote: »

Is it just pass or fail or are you scored?

You get a notification saying you have (or haven't!) reached the qualifying standard and get given a score.

Cheeseplant · 16-10-2020 7:09pm

Hi all
Well done to those placed on panels in batch 1. Am I correct that batch 2 Dublin has had final interview ans now panelled, batch 2 Dublin is now on Etray and Batch 1 regions has just done video interviews?
Scored 116 for Dublin and hoping for a batch 3 in the coming weeks...

AndrewJRenko · 16-10-2020 7:18pm

MrsBean wrote: »

Just got notice of my interview board members. Two of them have interviewed me before and I really hope they don't remember me as neither of those interviews were my finest hour. It's all starting to feel very real now!

The chances of remembering anything significant about a particular candidate from a year or more ago, when they probably interviewed maybe 30-40 candidates in a week are slim.

But even if they do - they won't care. You will be marked on your current interview and your form. In general terms, they WANT to qualify people, provided they meet the requirements of the role.

Why would they do anything else?

MrsBean · 16-10-2020 7:21pm

Cheeseplant wrote: »

Hi all
Well done to those placed on panels in batch 1. Am I correct that batch 2 Dublin has had final interview ans now panelled, batch 2 Dublin is now on Etray and Batch 1 regions has just done video interviews?
Scored 116 for Dublin and hoping for a batch 3 in the coming weeks...

Heya, pretty much but not quite.. I have my interview next week - had a test Zoom call today with PAS which was called 'Test call - batch 1.1'. So batch 1 interviews are ongoing.

As far as I know batch 2 (or batch 1.2?) are due to do e-tray next week, and the regionals are doing video interviews at the moment. I'd wager you'd be correct in thinking batch 3 would be contacted in coming weeks.

InsideEdge · 16-10-2020 7:27pm

MrsBean wrote: »

Heya, pretty much but not quite.. I have my interview next week - had a test Zoom call today with PAS which was called 'Test call - batch 1.1'. So batch 1 interviews are ongoing.

As far as I know batch 2 are due to do e-tray next week, and the regionals are doing video interviews at the moment. I'd wager you'd be correct in thinking batch 3 would be contacted in coming weeks.

That's the same for me. I had my Zoom test today and I was batch 1.1 and will have my interview next week.

marley83 · 16-10-2020 7:38pm

MrsBean wrote: »

Heya, pretty much but not quite.. I have my interview next week - had a test Zoom call today with PAS which was called 'Test call - batch 1.1'. So batch 1 interviews are ongoing.

As far as I know batch 2 (or batch 1.2?) are due to do e-tray next week, and the regionals are doing video interviews at the moment. I'd wager you'd be correct in thinking batch 3 would be contacted in coming weeks.

Yep, Dublin Batch 2 are doing e-trays next week.

Cheeseplant · 16-10-2020 9:25pm

thanks All.
@MrsBean and Inside Edge- good luck next week

Can't imagine they would remember you MrsBean, but if they do, they will want you on the panel this time as 2nd time lucky

Rosia · 16-10-2020 11:27pm

marley83 wrote: »

Yep, Dublin Batch 2 are doing e-trays next week.

Have you had confirmation of this? I qualified for etray in batch 2 but I haven't received any notification yet.

marley83 · 16-10-2020 11:54pm

Rosia wrote: »

Have you had confirmation of this? I qualified for etray in batch 2 but I haven't received any notification yet.

I’m in Dublin batch 2, and was informed that the e-tray will take place next week. Maybe they don’t notify all candidates at the same time? This is my first time to get this far (!), so not sure how it all works.

Nicole2020 · 17-10-2020 1:11am

I’m in Dublin batch 2 and haven’t received confirmation that e tray is next week either! When did you get a message?

MrsBean · 17-10-2020 1:28am

It could be that batch 2 is bigger and they are doing it in stages? 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 etc. If ye are worried no harm in shooting pas an email on Monday morning to clarify.

Aglomerado · 17-10-2020 2:34am

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

The chances of remembering anything significant about a particular candidate from a year or more ago, when they probably interviewed maybe 30-40 candidates in a week are slim.

But even if they do - they won't care. You will be marked on your current interview and your form. In general terms, they WANT to qualify people, provided they meet the requirements of the role.

Why would they do anything else?

I've been interviewed by two panels containing the same person, first time unsuccessful (AP) second time successful (HEO). Another person who interviewed me on a different panel (unsuccessful) is now my current PO and has not mentioned meeting me before, but I remember them!

marley83 · 17-10-2020 6:33am

Nicole2020 wrote: »

I’m in Dublin batch 2 and haven’t received confirmation that e tray is next week either! When did you get a message?

Last Monday, 12th Oct.

Nicole2020 · 17-10-2020 1:14pm

MrsBean wrote: »

It could be that batch 2 is bigger and they are doing it in stages? 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 etc. If ye are worried no harm in shooting pas an email on Monday morning to clarify.

Yeah I think I’m going to message them just to be on the safe side, especially when communication went out last Monday!

Tails142 · 19-10-2020 11:03am

Tried logging on this morning to do the interview :pac::pac::pac:

Temporarily Unavailable.
We are currently experiencing abnormally high traffic volumes and are working to restore all services as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Dying of a cold and feeling pretty miserable so don't think I'd be putting out too much positivity and vibrant energy in any case - ah well, will check back later

InsideEdge · 19-10-2020 11:10am

Tails142 wrote: »

Tried logging on this morning to do the interview :pac::pac::pac:

Temporarily Unavailable.
We are currently experiencing abnormally high traffic volumes and are working to restore all services as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Dying of a cold and feeling pretty miserable so don't think I'd be putting out too much positivity and vibrant energy in any case - ah well, will check back later

That is really frustrating, I hope you're not getting too stressed. Best of luck when you get on and I'm sure they will take this glitch into account. Hope you feel better soon!

Pdbtsi · 19-10-2020 12:01pm

Nicole2020 wrote: »

Yeah I think I’m going to message them just to be on the safe side, especially when communication went out last Monday!

I'm the same, no notification of dates for e-tray yet. Let us know if you have any luck getting through!

FlexBrowne · 19-10-2020 12:04pm

Can't log into Sonus for the Video Interview 3 x 3 mins. Doesn't reduce stress! ðŸ˜႒

FlexBrowne · 19-10-2020 12:07pm

Tails142 wrote: »

Tried logging on this morning to do the interview :pac::pac::pac:

Temporarily Unavailable.
We are currently experiencing abnormally high traffic volumes and are working to restore all services as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Dying of a cold and feeling pretty miserable so don't think I'd be putting out too much positivity and vibrant energy in any case - ah well, will check back later

Yup. Same here. No way of getting in. My guess is that people are logged in and spending ages practicing. Come on folks. Just do it and log out ffs! :-)

NEW 2020 Assistant Principal Officer Competition

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