Temporary Clerical Officer in Civil Service Interview

I am me123 · 20-01-2020 11:44pm #1

Hi all

So as the title suggests, I have been called for the Interview stage (Stage 2) for the 2020 TCO in the civil service.

While I am delighted to have gotten to this stage, I am very apprehensive. I currently work two jobs, one is a voluntary receptionist in a voluntary organisation, and the other is an Administrative Assistant in a community development organisation (on a Community Employment Scheme).

I am third level educated with a Level 8 honours degree in Childcare Management. ( I have obviously moved from working in child care to another sector). I have recently completed a QQI Level 5 course in Reception & Frontline Office Skills (results currently pending).

Just wondering, for anyone who has attended an Interview for a T.C.O in the Civil Service, what are the questions generally like? What can I expect?

All help appreciated!

Icbaby · 20-01-2020 11:51pm

I am me123 wrote: »

Hi all

So as the title suggests, I have been called for the Interview stage (Stage 2) for the 2020 TCO in the civil service.

While I am delighted to have gotten to this stage, I am very apprehensive. I currently work two jobs, one is a voluntary receptionist in a voluntary organisation, and the other is an Administrative Assistant in a community development organisation (on a Community Employment Scheme).

I am third level educated with a Level 8 honours degree in Childcare Management. ( I have obviously moved from working in child care to another sector). I have recently completed a QQI Level 5 course in Reception & Frontline Office Skills (results currently pending).

Just wondering, for anyone who has attended an Interview for a T.C.O in the Civil Service, what are the questions generally like? What can I expect?

All help appreciated!

They are usually 2 interviewers, 1 talks and the other takes notes and then they swap. It’s very easy going, professional but doesn’t feel like they are waiting for you to trip up. Google STAR technique and follow that. They will ask you of examples of workplace procedures you’ve had to follow, situations you’ve been in. Normal interview questions but I found the STAR techniques brilliant. Best of luck.

Caroleia · 21-01-2020 9:17am

You could also google competencies for clerical officers in the civil service as it is the one and same job. From your op you’ll be well qualified and from my memory of the interview they are really trying to put you at ease Best of luck

I am me123 · 21-01-2020 5:49pm

Icbaby wrote: »

They are usually 2 interviewers, 1 talks and the other takes notes and then they swap. It’s very easy going, professional but doesn’t feel like they are waiting for you to trip up. Google STAR technique and folloisw that. They will ask you of examples of workplace procedures you’ve had to follow, situations you’ve been in. Normal interview questions but I found the STAR techniques brilliant. Best of luck.

Thank you so much!

What kind of 'workplace procedures' could I be asked about, ( in my case working in secretarial & admin. jobs), sorry if this is a silly question, but just so I can have an example question?

Augme · 21-01-2020 8:27pm

You'll be asked questions based in the competencies so just read up what the competencies are you'll figure it out from there.

Icbaby · 21-01-2020 9:45pm

I am me123 wrote: »

Thank you so much!

What kind of 'workplace procedures' could I be asked about, ( in my case working in secretarial & admin. jobs), sorry if this is a silly question, but just so I can have an example question?

https://www.morganmckinley.ie/article/interview-questions-and-answers-0
I used this for common questions and tailored the answers to my job and experiences and it helped. You’ll be well able no need to be nervous.

Augme · 21-01-2020 10:51pm

Icbaby wrote: »

https://www.morganmckinley.ie/article/interview-questions-and-answers-0
I used this for common questions and tailored the answers to my job and experiences and it helped. You’ll be well able no need to be nervous.

You'll never be asked questions like those in a competency based interview.

Icbaby · 21-01-2020 11:30pm

Augme wrote: »

You'll never be asked questions like those in a competency based interview.

I just meant for the general interview questions. Tell me about you, your experiences, tell me of situations etc

MrsMiller · 22-01-2020 2:26pm

Hi,

I have an interview for TCO next week and was wondering what type of questions I might be asked I understand that they are competency based but eg if asked about team work what type of question would they ask.

Also I only have one work reference as up until a few months ago I was worked for the same company for 20 years do you think this will be enough.

Conall Cernach · 22-01-2020 3:29pm

MrsMiller wrote: »

Hi,

I have an interview for TCO next week and was wondering what type of questions I might be asked I understand that they are competency based but eg if asked about team work what type of question would they ask.

Also I only have one work reference as up until a few months ago I was worked for the same company for 20 years do you think this will be enough.

"Tell us about a time you worked with someone you didn't get on with. How did you manage that situation?"

"Tell us about a time you had a difficult customer."

That kind of thing. They will pull you on only having 1 reference so you'll have to get a non work related one. They give you 5 days after the interview to get it sorted.

fivesixtwo · 23-01-2020 1:40pm

I am me123 · 23-01-2020 10:50pm

Thank you.

One question -

As part of the requested documentation I am asked to provide a completed copy of a Health & Declaration form (included in my documentation) & a copy of the provided Garda Vetting form.

It specifies that that they are looking for a 'completed' copy of the Health Declaration form, but don't specify if the Garda Vetting form is to be completed before the interview.

Should I leave the Garda Vetting form blank until the interview or does anyone have any experience of this in a T.C.O interview?

The Black Oil · 24-01-2020 11:04am

I am me123 wrote: »

Should I leave the Garda Vetting form blank until the interview or does anyone have any experience of this in a T.C.O interview?

iirc, it says 'to be completed by applicant' on some boxes/sections. I've filled those in anyway. Left the PAS ones for them.

MrsMiller · 24-01-2020 12:33pm

I’d fill everything in it’s pretty explanatory what to fill in on the forms.

I’m only worried about the interview questions I’m not good at thinking on the sort and the fact they will be looking for examples. Anyone been to an interview lately and what was it like.

SMDT2020 · 24-01-2020 2:58pm

MrsMiller wrote: »

I’d fill everything in it’s pretty explanatory what to fill in on the forms.

I’m only worried about the interview questions I’m not good at thinking on the sort and the fact they will be looking for examples. Anyone been to an interview lately and what was it like.

The questions will be based on the TCO competencies - these are listed in appendix 1 in the familiarisation booklet. I have an interview next week. I am preparing answers for questions around teamwork, customer service, my I.T skills, dealing with difficult people etc. the interview is supposedly timed, its only 20 minutes long, so keep your answers to the point. There is a thread on here called TCO 2020 (I think), you will get a lot of info from reading it.

I am me123 · 24-01-2020 9:37pm

Anyone with any sample questions ( for those who have done the TCO interview in the past?

MrsMiller · 28-01-2020 8:57am

Anyone done the TCO interview yet would a bit of feedback on what type of questions being asked. This my first time and am very nervous.

Deep Thought · 28-01-2020 9:02am

Read up on the current news. I was asked about a Rembrandt painting that was sold , how much etc. also in the news was stuff about asbo and they wanted to know my thoughts

MrsMiller · 28-01-2020 9:09am

Was your interview lately.

SMDT2020 · 28-01-2020 10:28pm

Deep Thought wrote: »

Read up on the current news. I was asked about a Rembrandt painting that was sold , how much etc. also in the news was stuff about asbo and they wanted to know my thoughts

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiqpIWpnqfnAhWbQkEAHafPAyIQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fme.me%2Fi%2F6-25-pm-100-if-my-calculations-are-correct-thats-bull****-74abaa0a83234f0e93b7fd3ac6a76f5e&psig=AOvVaw1E-zkU9DJVrJN5otw3nebr&ust=1580333260918423

cvb03 · 28-01-2020 10:35pm

I had my interview for TCO last Friday and was asked questions such as tell me a time you went out of your way to help someone, a time with a difficult customer and questions about teamwork.

The interview is all competency based so it's good to look over the interview familirisation material that was sent with the interview invitation. The two interviewers have your online application form in front of you whilst interviewing you, so that forms the questions too.

Best of luck with it.

https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2058034083/16/#post112381776

This thread may also be useful for interview tips and hints.

I am me123 · 29-01-2020 8:26pm

Thanks everyone!

Interview went great today, your tips really helped.
Just wondering (im not sure if this is correct),
Is the interview graded on a 'Pass' 'or 'Fail' or an order of merit like the questionnaire?

Ollie321 · 29-01-2020 8:56pm

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks everyone!

Interview went great today, your tips really helped.
Just wondering (im not sure if this is correct),
Is the interview graded on a 'Pass' 'or 'Fail' or an order of merit like the questionnaire?

On this occasion it is Pass/Fail. You will retain your OOM from previously

I am me123 · 29-01-2020 9:00pm

Ollie321 wrote: »

On this occasion it is Pass/Fail. You will retain your OOM from previously

Do you recieve the outcome of the interview through the PublicJobs.ie messageboard?
If so how long after the interview do you usually know how you got on?

Daz_ · 29-01-2020 9:07pm

There is a guy based in Cork does gives excellent interview training for public service jobs . Does video calls doing interview practice , helps prepare examples etc . My wife got brilliant OOM results in some recent competitions and a big part of that was the training she did . It was a great investment and if anyone wants the details just PM me.

I am me123 · 29-01-2020 9:30pm

Anyone know approx. when I should get the result of the interview?
Do we get the result through the PublicJobs.ie messageboard?

SMDT2020 · 29-01-2020 10:18pm

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks everyone!

Interview went great today, your tips really helped.
Just wondering (im not sure if this is correct),
Is the interview graded on a 'Pass' 'or 'Fail' or an order of merit like the questionnaire?

Congrats on the interview, glad it went well. Are you willing to share the topics you were questioned on?

I am me123 · 29-01-2020 11:01pm

Thank you.

Generally the same as those mentioned above, I was asked why I changed my career area ( I used to work in childcare for a few years, and my degree was in child care management), also about data protection procedure examples from my experience in an office environment.

Anyone know how I will receive my interview result?

MrsMiller · 14-02-2020 10:48am

Hi,
Did anyone get the results of the TCO interviews yet.

NomadicGray · 14-02-2020 12:55pm

the other thread reckons it is going to be another two weeks

I am me123 · 14-02-2020 9:15pm

MrsMiller wrote: »

Hi,
Did anyone get the results of the TCO interviews yet.

Nothing yet ðŸ˜¢

Urethral Buttercup · 15-02-2020 3:44pm

They will ask you about competencies. That is the big thing in civil service interviews right now. Have at least three prepared. They will also ask you general questions about the role of the council in Ireland.

I am me123 · 15-02-2020 5:26pm

Attended interview for 2020 TCO on January 29th last. No result yet. Anyone else in the same boat?

Conall Cernach · 15-02-2020 5:31pm

MrsMiller wrote: »

Hi,
Did anyone get the results of the TCO interviews yet.

I got mine yesterday and I did the interview on Jan 20th.

I am me123 · 15-02-2020 5:39pm

Hi all,

Interviewed for the TCO in the Civil & Public Service 2020 competition on January 29th last.

Yesterday, I got a notification from Public Jobs.ie about the TCO 2019 campaign which I was previously informed I had been placed 230 on the order of merit for my county in this competition. (Informed October 2019).

Yesterday, I received a further notification about the 2019 competition which read:

Dear (My name) ,

Please be advised that the (my county) panel for the Temporary Clerical Officer 2019 (Competition ID: 19207904) competition has now closed. No further appointments will be made from this panel. We would like to thank you for your interest in this competition and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Kind regards

Orla Coughlan
Competition Manager
Public Appointments Service"

Am I correct in thinking that this has nothing to do with the 2020 TCO competition that I attended interview for on January 29th, last?

Getting worried that everyone seems to have gotten results of recent interviews ðŸ˜¢ Nothing for me.

Hurdig · 15-02-2020 11:20pm

That was just informing you that 2019 panel is now closed nothing to do with 2020 panel.

I wonder was it just Dublin TCO's that got their interview results?

I am me123 · 16-02-2020 10:27am

Hurdig wrote: »

That was just informing you that 2019 panel is now closed nothing to do with 2020 panel.

I wonder was it just Dublin TCO's that got their interview results?

Not sure Hurdig, no result of interview for me yet anyway. Are you waiting on interview result?

Hurdig · 16-02-2020 10:23pm

Received my result, I'm in Dublin & got through interview stage. When you look at other thread it seems that those outside of Dublin area have not received their results.

I am me123 · 17-02-2020 8:42pm

Hurdig wrote: »

Received my result, I'm in Dublin & got through interview stage. When you look at other thread it seems that those outside of Dublin area have not received their results.

Ok thanks Hurdig, I interviewed for the Longford area & no result yet for me

I am me123 · 18-02-2020 8:12pm

Passed the interview!

When should I expect to recieve the link for the Garda Vetting?

How long after being notified of passing the interview should one expect to recieve the link for the Garda Vetting?

Thanks ðŸ˜Š

Alan306 · 14-04-2020 3:50pm

Hi just wondering can you turn down a department and be placed somewhere else??

beenhad · 14-04-2020 6:19pm

Hi
They asked me re; GDPR in relation to emails ect.
Also asked how you would ensure a customer understood the information you were giving them. Otherwise it's just generally common sense.
Good luck

tirara · 09-11-2023 4:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/112552576#Comment_112552576

May I inquire about a matter regarding my application for the TCO programme for the year 2024? Having completed the initial assessment phase, I am currently awaiting the scheduling of my interview. Regrettably, my mobile phone screen has been damaged, rendering me unable to answer calls. I observed that I had received two calls from an unrecognised number. Could these calls possibly be related to a telephonic interview? Or is it customary for the interview details to be communicated via email or SMS?

I am me123 · 09-11-2023 5:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121346791#Comment_121346791

All communication regarding details of interview are communicated via Public Jobs Message Board.

Temporary Clerical Officer in Civil Service Interview

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