ICT Specialists (Executive Officer level) in Civil Service

Moocifer · 30-01-2015 6:45pm

I have my test first thing Monday morning and it seems to be going on all week so my guess would be there's a huge number going for this. I'l be posting Monday evening let ye know what it's like!

fxotoole · 30-01-2015 7:52pm

Moocifer wrote: »

I have my test first thing Monday morning and it seems to be going on all week so my guess would be there's a huge number going for this. I'l be posting Monday evening let ye know what it's like!

Yeah looks like they got swamped with applications alright. I'm pencilled in for wed afternoon myself.

Zipppy · 30-01-2015 9:23pm

fxotoole wrote: »

Yeah looks like they got swamped with applications alright. I'm pencilled in for wed afternoon myself.

I'm Tues morning myself...

Mightn't be too many really... Morning and afternoon sessions...50 in each...x say 5 days...500
Interview 100......maybe....

stevenmu · 30-01-2015 9:40pm

The_Conductor wrote: »

- and indeed, even as an EO ICT- you are expected to be mobile and willing to move into completely different areas at your managers discretion. For example- a Manager could walk into a room and point at the first 3 people and say- You, you and you- you're going on a Java course next week- and are going to be trained up on Java- and then point at the next 3 people- and say 'You, you and you- are going on a SQL course- and are going to be my sql programmers.......'

That's a really important point that people should be aware of. I actually know of one case where an EO was promoted to HEO and then told that they had to leave ICT and move to a policy area.

Moocifer · 30-01-2015 10:48pm

That happens it depends on the competition you do. If you do a standard HEO you have to go back to general service but if you a HEO Analyst one you would stay in ICT. Actually that scenario applies to someone I know. Got the standard HEO last year and had to move out of ICT.

Zipppy · 02-02-2015 4:22pm

Anyone been in yet?

Moocifer · 02-02-2015 7:00pm

Yep done and dusted but the first thing they make you do is sign a disclaimer stating you won't discuss it.

uck51js9zml2yt · 02-02-2015 7:19pm

Moocifer wrote: »

Yep done and dusted but the first thing they make you do is sign a disclaimer stating you won't discuss it.

And ?

Zipppy · 02-02-2015 7:43pm

Is it actually two hours long?
Curious as I'll be heading straight to work.....

Moocifer · 02-02-2015 7:51pm

Out in under two hours. It wasn't too bad the example will definitely set people on the right track.

fxotoole · 02-02-2015 7:57pm

I'm curious as to the difficulty level / complexity / trickiness of both exams. Don't suppose you'd be willing to provide some pointers?

Zipppy · 02-02-2015 8:13pm

Moocifer wrote: »

Yep done and dusted but the first thing they make you do is sign a disclaimer stating you won't discuss it.

But you're anonymous on here

Moocifer · 02-02-2015 10:27pm

If you do the sample tests on the site it's very like that. Honestly no great surprises from what they sent us already. The only thing that might trip people is the time because it was tight getting the numerical reasoning done.

westmeath11 · 03-02-2015 11:07am

Zipppy wrote: »

But you're anonymous on here

Hi
The examples will put you on the right track. The results will be out at the end of the month so we don't have to wait that long

delricyo · 03-02-2015 12:12pm

Here is a bit of advice:
Bring a couple of pencils for the numerical rough work.
Also bring a pen for signing the back of your photo.

There was no instruction to bring pens or pencils in our original email

Zipppy · 03-02-2015 12:27pm

Done and dusted this morning...
TBH I thought it was all pretty straight forward...numerical are easy enough..just the time gets to ya ..

About 40 being assessed this morning...

As for pencils and pens . no hassle as they will give you a lend if stuck..

westmeath11 · 03-02-2015 12:33pm

Zipppy wrote: »

Done and dusted this morning...
TBH I thought it was all pretty straight forward...numerical are easy enough..just the time gets to ya ..

About 40 being assessed this morning...

As for pencils and pens . no hassle as they will give you a lend if stuck..

Yes I agree, I brought no stationary other than a calculator, they will lend you the stuff. I find it strange that we all did the same test, for example I work in the networking side of the industry, I have the CCNA, I could never do a whole lot even with simple java programmes, I find it strange that programmers and network people would be assessed the same as they are two very different jobs.

Zipppy · 03-02-2015 12:51pm

westmeath11 wrote: »

Yes I agree, I brought no stationary other than a calculator, they will lend you the stuff. I find it strange that we all did the same test, for example I work in the networking side of the industry, I have the CCNA, I could never do a whole lot even with simple java programmes, I find it strange that programmers and network people would be assessed the same as they are two very different jobs.

Interview will assess those competencies...tests are simply to assess your overall suitability for a roel within ICT in Civil Service...Its just a culling / short listing exercise..

Zipppy · 03-02-2015 3:37pm

Was just thinking about the diverse age range of attendees this morning at the assessment...from young to 'mature'....
i wonder will any particular age bracket be favoured at interview or is it open house really?

westmeath11 · 03-02-2015 3:57pm

Zipppy wrote: »

Was just thinking about the diverse age range of attendees this morning at the assessment...from young to 'mature'....
i wonder will any particular age bracket be favoured at interview or is it open house really?

I think the PAS service are very fair in that regard, they really don't care if you only met the necessary standard since last week of if you are 5 years from retirement, if they feel you are suited to the job from what I hear they hire you.

Moocifer · 03-02-2015 7:23pm

It's always open house. I know both young, middle and mature people who've got in. It's very fair that way

Nucular Arms · 03-02-2015 9:33pm

Due to a moving house type situation I have not received an address for the test centre, anyone fancy posting up the details?

uck51js9zml2yt · 03-02-2015 11:07pm

Nucular Arms wrote: »

Due to a moving house type situation I have not received an address for the test centre, anyone fancy posting up the details?

Its 26/30 abbey st upper . its chapter house just at the outbound stop for the Luas opposite jervis SC.

For those wanting to know more...heres what I can tell you. If you can answer the question, you get the job(whatever it is)

There are 3 sessions per day with between 30 - 40 each time for a period of 5 days.

True -false- cannot say.

There are 600 people doing the same test for an unspecified number of positions.

They also cant say if they use negative marking on the instructions of the psychologists conducting the tests.

Nucular Arms · 03-02-2015 11:32pm

Great stuff, thanks!

Zipppy · 03-02-2015 11:44pm

Sean Embarrassed Scrap wrote: »

They also cant say if they use negative marking on the instructions of the psychologists conducting the tests.

:eek:
I hope not...I guessed a few at the end....

Surely if they Do use negative marking and don't inform candidates beforehand it would be a breach of recruitment regulations?

fxotoole · 04-02-2015 8:01am

Zipppy wrote: »

:eek:
I hope not...I guessed a few at the end....

Surely if they Do use negative marking and don't inform candidates beforehand it would be a breach of recruitment regulations?

Why would it be?

The_Conductor · 04-02-2015 8:03am

In the other recent competitions- they have explicitly stated that they do not use negative marking. Maybe ring someone in Graduate Recruitment- they should be able to tell you on the phone.

bennyineire · 04-02-2015 10:52am

The_Conductor wrote: »

In the other recent competitions- they have explicitly stated that they do not use negative marking. Maybe ring someone in Graduate Recruitment- they should be able to tell you on the phone.

This isn't a graduate role though

westmeath11 · 04-02-2015 10:54am

The_Conductor wrote: »

In the other recent competitions- they have explicitly stated that they do not use negative marking. Maybe ring someone in Graduate Recruitment- they should be able to tell you on the phone.

Someone asked about negative marking in my exam session and the lady replied that she was not allowed to answer either way.
I also applied for the CO position and the question was asked and they did answer it so there seems to be a change in ploicy

Zipppy · 04-02-2015 10:57am

The_Conductor wrote: »

In the other recent competitions- they have explicitly stated that they do not use negative marking. Maybe ring someone in Graduate Recruitment- they should be able to tell you on the phone.

bennyineire wrote: »

This isn't a graduate role though

Rang PAS...'Whatever it states on the paper'

'So if it doesn't states negative marking, one can assume it's not used?'

'Whatever it states on the paper'

Arrgghhh

Garda tests from last year explicitly state negative marking is used...so we really just dont / won't know...which isn't good enough TBH

fxotoole · 04-02-2015 1:32pm

Also rang PAS this morning and was told that they would tell us on the day.

Maximus_1 · 04-02-2015 2:10pm

Was in this test yesterday also and it was asked as a direct question. She answered it by saying they cannot say either way. Leaves it trickier, for me means it maybe in use so I went on that basis and didn't start guessing to save time or answer something I wasn't sure of. Overall the test isn't hard, what is hard is the time frame. Had 2 questions left on the verbal and 7 on the numerical so I'm probably out of the running on that basis but it was a learning experience, never did something like that before against the clock.

Moocifer · 04-02-2015 2:29pm

Maximus never say never it doesn't matter that you didn't get it finished. There is usually a base line where you have to have x amount correct and if you don't meet that then your out. It's not the full total of questions.

If it depended on me getting finished I would never have become a civil servant in the first place.

fxotoole · 04-02-2015 2:33pm

Funny thing is though, as a civil servant, you will never actually be in a position where you have to extract and interpret data from graphs/charts or written passages and make calculations under such tight deadlines.

The_Conductor · 04-02-2015 2:36pm

fxotoole wrote: »

Funny thing is though, as a civil servant, you will never actually be in a position where you have to extract and interpret data from graphs/charts or written passages and make calculations under such tight deadlines.

Don't bet on it.
It depends entirely on what section you're working in- and what capacity you're dealing with figures. Its not out of the ordinary though.......

Nucular Arms · 04-02-2015 2:38pm

I thought it was ridiculously easy actually.

I mean the vast majority were percentage questions. That's junior cert maths level!

Zipppy · 04-02-2015 2:41pm

Maximus_1 wrote: »

Was in this test yesterday also and it was asked as a direct question. She answered it by saying they cannot say either way. Leaves it trickier, for me means it maybe in use so I went on that basis and didn't start guessing to save time or answer something I wasn't sure of. Overall the test isn't hard, what is hard is the time frame. Had 2 questions left on the verbal and 7 on the numerical so I'm probably out of the running on that basis but it was a learning experience, never did something like that before against the clock.

Test does state that it is expected that candidates wont finish all questions so have faith...maybe you did really well...I just about got verbal done and had 4/5 left in numerical (that I best guessed over last 2 mins)

As for negative marking I've been reading up on it and it may not be that bad..
Any question best guessed or not entirely sure of would have at least 25%-33% chance of being right anyhow (depending on either 3 or 4 answers options) and even allowing for in-corrects deducting marks from you some theorists believe answering all questions (even best guessing some) can be of benefit in a negative marking situation. http://iasexamportal.com/civilservices/tips/Negative_Marking

It is the lap of the gods...

I do think it's bad form that candidates aren't informed of negative marking if it is employed...and will certainly be seeking a breakdown of my scores should I fail to progress...

Best of luck everyone..

Maximus_1 · 04-02-2015 3:46pm

Moocifer wrote: »

Maximus never say never it doesn't matter that you didn't get it finished. There is usually a base line where you have to have x amount correct and if you don't meet that then your out. It's not the full total of questions.

If it depended on me getting finished I would never have become a civil servant in the first place.

Yeah cheers you never know, most of what I answered I know were right but underestimated the time factor. My thinking is though out of 600 around 100 will get pretty much all of nailed (like Nuclear Arms there!). I'm out of school over 15 years so I think the younger crew who'd have recently done exams/Maths in Leaving Cert/college exams would have an advantage in the speed stakes. I got an A in JC maths but its 20 years ago and so I wasn't as quick on the draw as I once was! On the other hand I have much more experience on my CV in real world ICT employment so swings and roundabouts!

fxotoole · 04-02-2015 5:35pm

Just out of my test there.

Found it challenging for sure, won't go into details but it deffo was a case of skipping over questions you're not sure about and coming back to them if you have time at the end.

Nucular Arms · 04-02-2015 6:28pm

Yeah I was definitely a little tight for time towards the end of the numeracy one.

Good luck all round anyway!

bennyineire · 06-02-2015 3:14pm

My test is due on Tuesday 10th but I just got offered a job 20 mins from my house in the midlands and in exactly the area of IT I want to specialise.
So I'm not going to bother with the test, that's 1 of your list so guys, best of luck to the boardies who are going for these roles

fguinan · 06-02-2015 3:36pm

Just sat the tests this morning. They were similar to the practice tests and pretty straight forward.

Zipppy · 06-02-2015 6:36pm

bennyineire wrote: »

My test is due on Tuesday 10th but I just got offered a job 20 mins from my house in the midlands and in exactly the area of IT I want to specialise.
So I'm not going to bother with the test, that's 1 of your list so guys, best of luck to the boardies who are going for these roles

So more tests next week? :eek:

That could double amount we reckoned were sitting tests.....

Best of luck with the new job...

fxotoole · 06-02-2015 7:08pm

Zipppy wrote: »

So more tests next week? :eek:

That could double amount we reckoned were sitting tests.....

Plus the test administrator told my group to expect results at the end of this month. So potentially there could be 3 weeks of testing going on.

Zipppy · 07-02-2015 12:35pm

fxotoole wrote:

Plus the test administrator told my group to expect results at the end of this month. So potentially there could be 3 weeks of testing going on.

That could be do do with pressure from all the different competitions running concurrently...
hopefully

The_Conductor · 07-02-2015 9:49pm

Zipppy wrote: »

That could be do do with pressure from all the different competitions running concurrently...
hopefully

There are several others that PAS are being pressurised to hold ASAP too....... They are under incredible pressure..........

Zipppy · 07-02-2015 10:37pm

The_Conductor wrote:

There are several others that PAS are being pressurised to hold ASAP too....... They are under incredible pressure..........

Anything interesting coming up?

The_Conductor · 08-02-2015 10:17am

Zipppy wrote: »

Anything interesting coming up?

External and Interdepartmental HEO?
Apparently its been longfingered for the last few months- the internal competitions held in early 2014 are all exhausted, and vacancies are mounting.
CPSU (as opposed to the PSEU) seem to be running with this (why- as its not a representative grade- I'm not sure).

Anyway- its a case of watch this space- more stuff is coming up- when they get around to it- I do not know........

Zipppy · 11-02-2015 10:02am

Any indications that tests are completed yet?

westmeath11 · 12-02-2015 11:31am

Zipppy wrote: »

Any indications that tests are completed yet?

I'd say they must be, didn't someone say further back that there are about 800 to sit the test. They have about 30 in that room, probably 3 times a day, so 9 days tests should do it. If tests began Monday last week they should be over today.

ICT Specialists (Executive Officer level) in Civil Service

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