Graduate jobs in the civil service (AO)

Lockstep · 29-02-2012 3:08pm

delricyo wrote: »

Congrats to all who got through stage 1. From the posts above it does seem like plenty got through. Havent heard of anybody so far who didnt get through.

I applied along with 3 friends and was the only one to get through (we all have law degrees)
Fairly surprised by it, they were all strong candidates.

I applied for the EU's Civil Service before and came in the top 20% (not enough to progress) so dunno how this one will go.

29-02-2012 3:18pm

Did anyone manage to find out yet if these positions will be Dublin based?

ladd19 · 29-02-2012 3:20pm

No negative marking - sweet as. I reckon the initial selection was done by computer scans on ones CV, if you had few buzzwords then you got through. E.g - Law degree, Admin work, Customer Service.

invpat · 29-02-2012 3:24pm

I thought there was an embargo on hiring in the public service.

nehemiah · 29-02-2012 4:15pm

invpat wrote: »

I thought there was an embargo on hiring in the public service.

Limited recruitment was announced in the budget. This has been followed up on due to the number of retirements in the last few months.

jayteecork · 29-02-2012 5:22pm

Hi guys, got called for the Thursday morning.

Just wondering will the entire assessment be in a written format?

Thanks.

starlit · 29-02-2012 5:45pm

invpat wrote: »

I thought there was an embargo on hiring in the public service.

There is still an embargo but that they can still employ temporary staff in the mean time, and with retirements think they can open for permanent employment though there was a restriction before that those that retired were either not replaced or someone else internally in the civil service could fill in their place but they would have to have a permanent contract to avail of it. I thought the government embargo on recruitment was to be lifted within three years but doesn't seem like there will be any let up yet.

It applies to any one within the civil service doesn't matter if you work for the government, teacher, nurse, garda etc everyone is affected by the embargo to an extent if they are temporary staff in the cs. If they have permanent contracts then they aren't affected by the embargo but their position might be later in the future if someone were to take their place.

noodler · 29-02-2012 5:49pm

crystalmice wrote: »

Have a look at the sample tests on publicjobs.ie, they dont look too hard, from those I gather the asssement is 1 1/2 hrs long. Does anyone know how many more stages there are after this? Its a big inconvenience for me to go there on such short notice, and I was always doubtful I would get the job as I dont have much experience (graduated last year)

Are you sure about the length?

I have to take time off to go and want to ensure that taking the first half of the day off will be okay.

(Mine's on Wed at 09:30)

V480 · 29-02-2012 7:20pm

noodler wrote: »

Are you sure about the length?

I have to take time off to go and want to ensure that taking the first half of the day off will be okay.

(Mine's on Wed at 09:30)

I was thinking the same, I'm on Wed 9.30 too and need to get the train home. 13.30 and 14.30 are the train times...how long does it take to get from Croke Park to Hewston?

marieky21 · 29-02-2012 8:00pm

The assessment will last 2 and 1/2 hours. I emailed pubic jobs and this was the response i got back.

noodler · 29-02-2012 8:44pm

marieky21 wrote: »

The assessment will last 2 and 1/2 hours. I emailed pubic jobs and this was the response i got back.

Thank you very much for that.

Really is something they could have stuck in the message.

I'll take a swinging guess and say it won't actually start at 9:30am, so maybe 9:45 or 10? I'll assume all done by 12:30 at the latest.

oran12 · 29-02-2012 8:55pm

I thought it was 1 and 1/2 hours - 30 mins per section?

Graciefacey · 29-02-2012 10:00pm

I've done these before in a different capacity and publicjobs are great sticklers for time keeping. Id say give yourself 2 and a half hours, you have to factor in registration, reading of instructions, distributing and collecting papers etc. I thought that would be common sense!

delricyo · 29-02-2012 10:21pm

ladd19 wrote: »

No negative marking - sweet as. I reckon the initial selection was done by computer scans on ones CV, if you had few buzzwords then you got through. E.g - Law degree, Admin work, Customer Service.

There were no cv's uploaded for stage one. There was enough info on the online test to narrow down the applicants.
I'm disappointed with PAS that they are making everyone sit another job simulation test. They had 40 good questions to use from the online test !

Good luck all

oran12 · 29-02-2012 11:01pm

I uploaded a CV for stage one.

jjjqwerty · 29-02-2012 11:53pm

i dont think i uploaded a cv got invited to thursday tests...weird?

noodler · 29-02-2012 11:54pm

I did upload a CV in a section where they wanted you to upload any further documents but I sincerely doubt CVs have come into play yet.
0
The message said people have been chosen (or more likely the worst dismissed) purely on the basis of the questionaire.

Graciefacey · 01-03-2012 12:06am

I uploaded a cv too, but when I looked at application again a few days later they had changed it to say don't attach anything. I doubt theyv looked at anything of that nature yet until these assessments are over. I was going to wear smart clothes and heels but god knows where ill park so comfy boots and cardi it is

Pawwed Rig · 01-03-2012 10:30am

capefear wrote: »

Hi

Congrats to every one who got to this stage. Im called for thurs morning, but it doesnt suit me, heading away for afew days. Is the test been held the following week would any one know? As I dont want to have to cancel trip.

I was called for Fri but can't do that date. I talked to one of the girls in the office and they said to come on another date and present yourself (early) to the Adjudicator who should be able to get you a seat. In your case I would suggest the Wed as they told me there are no exams the following week.
There are a morning and afternoon session nexr Wed, Thur and Fri.

phoenix99 · 01-03-2012 12:07pm

I got called for the Friday session and was just wondering, is there an expected dress code for these assessments?

nehemiah · 01-03-2012 12:52pm

phoenix99 wrote: »

I got called for the Friday session and was just wondering, is there an expected dress code for these assessments?

Clothing is optional :cool:

It's an assessment, not an interview. Nobody is going to be judged on what they are wearing so don't worry. If it's on for 2 1/2 hours just wear something comfortable.

sophya · 01-03-2012 4:14pm

Been called for this next Thursday.

Just wondering if anyone knew whether the sample tests on publicjobs are actually the level that we are going to be facing on the day?

Was talking to my brother who works in finance and he was saying that the sample tests would be 10 times easier than the test actually given. Any truth in that?

Because the numerical test is gonna be the hardest for me and I have been practicing some tests he's sent me with differing levels of success.

tiger_cub · 01-03-2012 9:23pm

2378 sitting the assessments next week. my friend rang up and asked. they wouldn't say how many positions are available though.
apparently 3400 applied originally, but don't have a source for that.

scoopmine · 01-03-2012 10:16pm

Would it be worthwhile applying for the Human Resource positions with an honours degree in humanities? Thinking ahead for next year!

starlit · 01-03-2012 10:31pm

scoopmine wrote: »

Would it be worthwhile applying for the Human Resource positions with an honours degree in humanities? Thinking ahead for next year!

Ya if they have the HR positions again next year then ya best to have an honours degree in humanities I think to get through. Or HR related business course. I think for the other positions mentioned that a Masters or further professional qualifications might be a requirement but for HR say you be ok with the degree alone.

anbodhran · 01-03-2012 11:13pm

scoopmine wrote: »

Would it be worthwhile applying for the Human Resource positions with an honours degree in humanities? Thinking ahead for next year!

Have a go why not, but very difficult to get into HR without either a business degree where you've specialised in HR, and/or a HR Masters degree.

See if you can get some work experience and try and do some courses which will lead to CIPD membership.

delricyo · 01-03-2012 11:57pm

sophya wrote: »

Been called for this next Thursday.

Just wondering if anyone knew whether the sample tests on publicjobs are actually the level that we are going to be facing on the day?

Was talking to my brother who works in finance and he was saying that the sample tests would be 10 times easier than the test actually given. Any truth in that?

Because the numerical test is gonna be the hardest for me and I have been practicing some tests he's sent me with differing levels of success.

Who knows

See my earlier post about the tests. The sample questions are from a sample test for a grade lower than AO. So either 1 - they are going to use tests on the day for lower grades. Or 2, the test on the day will be of a higher level.

Either way, practice with as much questions as possible. Not sure about 10 times harder. There is only so difficult the maths can get. There won't be any differential calculus on it, that's for sure

I've sat the AO tests before and the biggest issue is time. Bring a good watch - I usually bring my stopwatch. Half way through the test you might find yourself thinking what time the test started at. I check the watch regularly to make sure I'm on course. With the maths it is very easy to lose track of time.

Lockstep · 02-03-2012 11:44am

tiger_cub wrote: »

2378 sitting the assessments next week. my friend rang up and asked. they wouldn't say how many positions are available though.
apparently 3400 applied originally, but don't have a source for that.

3200 to be exact

Thanks for finding out how many are sitting the tests, much appreciated.

I'm guessing they have different numbers for each particular area (law, economics etc).

Danger Mouse Ahead · 02-03-2012 11:48am

Im up on Wednesday aswell but Ive to come from Donegal dont know if its worth my while going.

Lockstep · 02-03-2012 12:18pm

Does anyone have the minimum requirements list? My friend is interested in applying for the future and see what they're looking for but they seem to have taken down the original ad.

tiger_cub · 02-03-2012 2:02pm

Lockstep wrote: »

Does anyone have the minimum requirements list? My friend is interested in applying for the future and see what they're looking for but they seem to have taken down the original ad.

I only know for the legal positions you had to be be either a qualified barrister or solicitor, or have a law degree( I think it may have had some requirement like a 3yr full time degree/4 yr part time but I can't say for certain).

Also applied for the tax positions, but can't remember the exact requirements. I just know I qualified for it with my BCL.

hopefully someone will have saved a screenshot so you get a more accurate account, and one for the other positions.

Pawwed Rig · 02-03-2012 2:53pm

Lockstep wrote: »

Does anyone have the minimum requirements list? My friend is interested in applying for the future and see what they're looking for but they seem to have taken down the original ad.

Apologies if this is huge. Never loaded a pic before

Ok I am failing miserably here. Anyone any suggestion on how to load an image?

Pawwed Rig · 02-03-2012 3:09pm

Ahhh there you go

02-03-2012 11:16pm

Does anyone know if this competition is civil service wide or just for the depts of Finance and public expenditure & reform?

Just I'm still sitting on a panel for the DFA and if AOs from this comp will fill vacancies in the DFA I'll sit the exams but if not I don't think its worth the flight from london.

JohnMearsheimer · 02-03-2012 11:22pm

1082229 wrote: »

Does anyone know if this competition is civil service wide or just for the depts of Finance and public expenditure & reform?

Just I'm still sitting on a panel for the DFA and if AOs from this comp will fill vacancies in the DFA I'll sit the exams but if not I don't think its worth the flight from london.

Are you on the 3rd sec panel for the DFA? I doubt people from this competition would be used to fill 3rd sec vacancies.....if that's what you're getting at.

Pawwed Rig · 04-03-2012 10:38pm

Just an FYI for anyone who may not get to read the practise literature

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Before you arrive at your test centre, please ensure that you have the following items with you:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Student ID, passport or driving licence.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] (This photographic ID is essential for admission to the test)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A silent, cordless, non-programmable calculator. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Calculators will not be supplied.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Two soft pencils.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1 [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]white[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] eraser.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1 sharpener.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Your glasses, contact lenses or hearing aid, if required.[/FONT]

macfhinn · 05-03-2012 11:07pm

Why isnt the numerical part added to the overall score?

Denerick · 05-03-2012 11:20pm

Hi,

Just keeping on open mind for next year. What is the average age of applicants for these graduate roles? Does it matter if you got your degree a couple of years ago? Is a masters degree a requisite?

Pawwed Rig · 05-03-2012 11:22pm

Denerick wrote: »

Hi,

Just keeping on open mind for next year. What is the average age of applicants for these graduate roles? Does it matter if you got your degree a couple of years ago? Is a masters degree a requisite?

No a masters isn't a prerequisite.

Not sure on the average age but it is illegal to discrimininate based on age and to be fair the civil service doesn't

cornerforward13 · 06-03-2012 9:29am

It seems to be more comfortable dress than formal, what are people wearing?

Aglomerado · 06-03-2012 9:43am

cornerforward13 wrote: »

It seems to be more comfortable dress than formal, what are people wearing?

There's no dress code. I wore jeans and a tshirt to the EO exam a few years ago, and I got the job! (I dressed formal for the interview later though...)

barrybones_wx · 06-03-2012 11:03am

macfhinn wrote: »

Why isnt the numerical part added to the overall score?

Seems a bit strange for the economics positions I thought, but they are just checking for a minimum level of competency in maths.

And definitely just wear normal clothes - have seen people arrive at these exams in suits and stuff and it's a total waste of time, the invigilators are just running the tests and have nothing to do with the rest of the process. There's absolutely no point in trying to impress them with your new threads

Pawwed Rig · 06-03-2012 3:02pm

barrybones_wx wrote: »

Seems a bit strange for the economics positions I thought, but they are just checking for a minimum level of competency in maths.

The subject has nothing to do with it. I have seen people with honours degrees fail these apptitude tests. They are a measure of inteeligence rather than academic performance.

Who_8_Paul? · 06-03-2012 3:36pm

I've done a few of these tests before, succcessful in some, not in others, but honestly I don't think they've that much to do with inteeligence either. I doubt they get the best x number of people for the job by simply interviewing the first y from the aptitude tests. A better way would be to ask all applicants who score a specified minimum score, albeit fairly high score, on the aptitude test to submit a full application form and then invite the most suitable to interview. Basically this whole exercise is a cost effective crude way of cutting the large number of applicants down.

noelle · 06-03-2012 4:02pm

I assume that there won't be a secure place to leave bags so will we be able to bring them and phone etc into the test center?

Pawwed Rig · 06-03-2012 4:52pm

Who_8_Paul? wrote: »

I've done a few of these tests before, succcessful in some, not in others, but honestly I don't think they've that much to do with inteeligence either. I doubt they get the best x number of people for the job by simply interviewing the first y from the aptitude tests. A better way would be to ask all applicants who score a specified minimum score, albeit fairly high score, on the aptitude test to submit a full application form and then invite the most suitable to interview. Basically this whole exercise is a cost effective crude way of cutting the large number of applicants down.

It is a high stress timed test of analysing and dealing with information. Alot of companies use it so there must be some scientific merit behind it. The sample questions are fairly similar to tests I have done before outside the public sector.
you may not get the best x number of people but you definitely won't get the worst x number of people.

Yeah I noticed I spelt intelligence wrong thanks:D

oran12 · 06-03-2012 5:25pm

Do they give you all 3 sections together or are they given out one at a time? If so is their a gap between each section & Do we get reading time?

Awfull Lawfull · 06-03-2012 6:04pm

I contacted Public Jobs to check the location, of the jobs and there all in Dublin.But may expand country wide in the future.Just so people who are not in Dublin and not able to relocate are aware.

Graciefacey · 06-03-2012 6:31pm

Awfull Lawfull wrote: »

I contacted Public Jobs to check the location, of the jobs and there all in Dublin.But may expand country wide in the future.Just so people who are not in Dublin and not able to relocate are aware.

Dislike! Relocating not an option. Bit disheartened now going into the assessment tomorrow

delricyo · 07-03-2012 12:39am

oran12 wrote: »

Do they give you all 3 sections together or are they given out one at a time? If so is their a gap between each section & Do we get reading time?

Usually the verbal and numerical are in the same booklet. But you are not allowed to look at the numerical until the verbal time is up. And you cant go back to the verbal once that time is up
Job sim are usually in a separate booklet

Barely breathing time between tests. A couple of minutes only. Thats the killer
As for reading time ? Not sure what you mean. You get the allocated time from book open until pencils down. And not a second longer. There is somebody at the top with a stopwatch - and a large group of supervisors making sure you put down your pencils on time !

Good luck !

Graduate jobs in the civil service (AO)

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