Driving testers RSA 2021

IP freely · 22-12-2020 6:20pm #1

The RSA, through a recruitment firm, have advertised for Driving testers on a temp 22month contract nationwide (so could be anywhere really). Interestingly in the T&C it stats 5 of any 7 days ie not Monday to Friday and must be available to work weekends and BH's.

https://www.collinsmcnicholas.ie/drivertesters/

job seeker · 31-12-2020 5:48pm

I think I will apply for the experience. It's a pity you couldn't secure a permanent job from the recruitment drive.. Unless you're out of work for whatever reason, I couldn't see any reason taking a temp contract..

Nala112 · 19-01-2021 9:53pm

Hi guys, I got through to the interview stage. I have read previous posts about the last recruitment campaign. All the comments are negative and stating the 22 month contract is too uncertain and the people who got offered declined. I would like to hear from someone who did accept the job are they happy and is there a good chance you will be kept on? I can't see a reason to spend so much training someone to cut them loose after 22months. I can see the point of offering a 22 month contract makes it easier to cut someone loose if they aren't preforming and I think is fair enough.

Forthebuzz · 19-01-2021 11:30pm

Nala112 wrote: »

Hi guys, I got through to the interview stage. I have read previous posts about the last recruitment campaign. All the comments are negative and stating the 22 month contract is too uncertain and the people who got offered declined. I would like to hear from someone who did accept the job are they happy and is there a good chance you will be kept on? I can't see a reason to spend so much training someone to cut them loose after 22months. I can see the point of offering a 22 month contract makes it easier to cut someone loose if they aren't preforming and I think is fair enough.

Did you see any link to the technical test that had been referenced in the original document for campaign? OH also through to interview but said that there is no reference to technical test in correspondence

IP freely · 19-01-2021 11:36pm

I believe the technical test will be an advanced driving test, in line with previous recruitments.

Forthebuzz · 20-01-2021 12:15am

IP freely wrote: »

I believe the technical test will be an advanced driving test, in line with previous recruitments.

I don't think so? That is the driving test which is mentioned as a later stage. I have copied the section below that I am referencing from the booklet

Online Technical Test
Successful candidates at online aptitude test stage will be invited to complete the Online Technical Test. A link to access this test will be provided in the Invitation to Competency Based Interview email. Candidates must complete this test prior to the online interview. When candidates click on the link, the Survey Monkey platform will open. This test is similar to the RSA Driver Theory Test and will take the form of multiple-choice questions. This is an untimed test however, it is imperative that candidates keep track of their time and complete the test within 40 minutes of opening the link.

patrickc · 20-01-2021 12:26am

I also got invited to the interview stage, no mention of the other stage at all.

Ish66 · 20-01-2021 12:29am

patrickc wrote: »

I also got invited to the interview stage, no mention of the other stage at all.

Salary ?

patrickc · 20-01-2021 12:36am

39k starting

patrickc · 20-01-2021 3:38pm

I got an email saying I've to do the online technical test before the interview

Forthebuzz · 20-01-2021 3:53pm

Same, email just came through for it a little while ago

Blackeyemac · 20-01-2021 4:44pm

I wonder will they run this campaign similar to the last one, in as when someone is offered a position regardless of location it's a matter of acceptance or leave the process. Many people that got through previously could not up sticks and move to the other side of the country.
No option was given, if you're next in line you had to take the next appointment in line, surely some kind of commute distance could be established and offers would be made within that?

Flymonkey · 20-01-2021 5:50pm

Hi

Just wondering if the people who got invited to interview, is this your first time entering such a campaign?
I entered in 2018 and got offered a job over a 100 miles away so I left it. Entered this time and havent heard anything yet.

Congratulations on getting straight to interview. Nice job if you can get it close to home

Jamp 123 · 20-01-2021 9:31pm

Just reading the previous campaign thread regarding interviews, driving testing, training etc and placements even if you did manage to get through all of the above, is it really worth it to be placed miles from home and for only a 2 year contract? Any thoughts

job seeker · 20-01-2021 10:03pm

Jamp 123 wrote: »

Just reading the previous campaign thread regarding interviews, driving testing, training etc and placements even if you did manage to get through all of the above, is it really worth it to be placed miles from home and for only a 2 year contract? Any thoughts

I guess it depends on your personal circumstances.. For some, it would be a fantastic experience. However, If you have a family, mortgage etc. that complicates things.

Padman225 · 20-01-2021 11:26pm

Forthebuzz wrote: »

Same, email just came through for it a little while ago

Hi the technical test is like the theory test. I also got invited to the interview but really for a 22 month contract im not so sure.....

jethrothe2nd · 22-01-2021 2:55pm

Did the theory test piece the other day. 53 questions but it doesn't tell you at the end whether you passed it or not. Interview next week, but I have to say, reading the thread on the last campaign kind of makes me wonder is it worth it.

Above all though, I find it absolutely astounding that geographical location isn't taken into account when offering successful candidates a position. It just defies logic.

Blackeyemac · 22-01-2021 5:05pm

Absolutely fully agree with you on that one.. apparently they lost a lot of people last time who were not able to take up any offered positions. Doesn't make sense to go to all the trouble of interviews and driving tests only to be offered somewhere the other end of the country. The HSE ran a much better (IMO) system in that a position was offered to everyone on the panel, anyone that wanted could express an interest and then out of that the highest placement on panel to express interest gets the spot but nobody else leaves the panel. Maybe this time around they might try a different approach.

Padman225 · 22-01-2021 8:34pm

It's hard to believe that area's aren't taken into consideration. I'm really between two minds but time will tell if I have a decision to make

BinxFace · 26-01-2021 6:17pm

Hi Everyone - interested to hear how the interviews went? Any have theirs done yet?

jethrothe2nd · 26-01-2021 8:38pm

BinxFace wrote: »

Hi Everyone - interested to hear how the interviews went? Any have theirs done yet?

I had mine today and it was just as outlined in the FAQ pack. 2 interviewers, one from the RSA and one from the agency. Questions were competency based and again as outlined in the info pack - teamwork, problem solving, customer service, and communication. They asked a couple of follow on questions for each.

My interview lasted around 20 mins - I was surprised it was over so quickly. Not sure if that is because they had heard enough and made their mind up or that was all there was.Other than that, pretty standard. My recommendation is to make sure that the examples you give are directly relatable to the role. Also, make sure that the examples you give specify what you did, or what your contribution was.

mickdw · 26-01-2021 8:44pm

Do they still have the role play days in this recruitment process? I went through the online stuff previously but didnt bother attending that type of event.

BinxFace · 27-01-2021 9:27am

jethrothe2nd wrote: »

I had mine today and it was just as outlined in the FAQ pack. 2 interviewers, one from the RSA and one from the agency. Questions were competency based and again as outlined in the info pack - teamwork, problem solving, customer service, and communication. They asked a couple of follow on questions for each.

My interview lasted around 20 mins - I was surprised it was over so quickly. Not sure if that is because they had heard enough and made their mind up or that was all there was.Other than that, pretty standard. My recommendation is to make sure that the examples you give are directly relatable to the role. Also, make sure that the examples you give specify what you did, or what your contribution was.

Thanks for all that Jethrothe2nd... my OH has an interview next week and he hasn't done an interview in over 20 years. That was very helpful. He is a bag of nerves.

My last question is regarding the Microsoft Teams element. Did you just click the link they sent and waited until they answered / let you in or did you download the Teams app on your laptop?? We are not very Tech savvy so unsure as to how to approach this part?? Don't wanna cause any unnecessary extra pressure interview nerves on the day?

jethrothe2nd · 27-01-2021 2:58pm

BinxFace wrote: »

Thanks for all that Jethrothe2nd... my OH has an interview next week and he hasn't done an interview in over 20 years. That was very helpful. He is a bag of nerves.

My last question is regarding the Microsoft Teams element. Did you just click the link they sent and waited until they answered / let you in or did you download the Teams app on your laptop?? We are not very Tech savvy so unsure as to how to approach this part?? Don't wanna cause any unnecessary extra pressure interview nerves on the day?

I think you can access it just by clicking the link but I had Teams installed already so I can't categorically say. Once open, it places you in a lobby until the interviewers open the meeting.

It might be better to download Teams directly on to your device. (https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software) That way you can check everything out beforehand and make sure things like the sound and video are set up properly. If you need any help with that let me know

EDIT - that link doesn;t work for some reason but just google Microsoft teams and it comes up

patrickc · 27-01-2021 5:00pm

I had the interview today too, again they focused on 3 competencies. customer service, problem solving and teamwork.

Teams will work with or without it downloaded.

BinxFace · 27-01-2021 9:31pm

Thanks a million guys for the tips. Ye are very kind for sharing.

I will get him to revise those areas over the next few days.

Best of luck to you all. Hopefully the geographical issues of past posts from the panel don't become an issue this time round for people.

ayzeb123 · 01-02-2021 4:25pm

My DH had his interview for this and the same as the other poster said. He was asked 3 competencies. Customer Service, Teamwork and problem solving. And asked further questions with regard to the answers he gave. Interview was also about 20 mins. Hopefully he will get to the next stage but also that they take location into account as it doesn't make sense to take someone off the panel if they refuse the first location offered due to distance. That's a waste of their time and his. They will lose their top choices of suitable candidates if they do it like that. I understand you cannot work in your own area but an hour driving to work should be enough. He currently has a permanent job that he is happy in but would like to do this as a new challenge. I'll keep you posted.

Does anyone know if they pay expenses for travel or for a B&B if they do offer a position far from home? in the booklet it says No Expenses but the wording is a bit ambiguous. No expenses for the training but not sure about if they are placed far from home.
.

BinxFace · 02-02-2021 7:28pm

My DH was wondering the exact same as you about being placed far from home. Interview was exactly as everyone described above.

Does anyone know if they are going to do the role play aspect over the Teams app? Or due to covid and being unable to go to a hotel venue is this section being skipped and the next stage is a driving test??

It's a waiting game now for everyone to see who is through to next stage. Best of luck everyone.

Forthebuzz · 02-02-2021 9:32pm

BinxFace wrote: »

My DH was wondering the exact same as you about being placed far from home. Interview was exactly as everyone described above.

Does anyone know if they are going to do the role play aspect over the Teams app? Or due to covid and being unable to go to a hotel venue is this section being skipped and the next stage is a driving test??

It's a waiting game now for everyone to see who is through to next stage. Best of luck everyone.

Oh had interview today and next stage is still the assessment centre which will be done online (presume over teams). They said interview results should be out early next week with next stage starting on 15th

As regards travel/subsistence, from my reading you will only be entitled to T&S if you are working away from the HQ you are assigned to and it will be based on distance from the HQ, not your home.

patrickc · 08-02-2021 8:28pm

I got the email this evening I am through to the next round. I wasn't expecting it tbh

furrylegs · 08-02-2021 9:14pm

Hi all I got an email this evening that I am through to the next round. Has anyone got any advice on the role play...possible scenario and answers have never done anything like this before..

Nala112 · 09-02-2021 4:45pm

I got through also to the next round not sure what to expect, the only thing I would be worried about would be the rsa test, I have a rigid licence and done my test 5 years ago. I know I would pass the normal driving test now if I was to do it but they say its a higher standard than the normal car, has anyone done this before that isn't an instructor?

BinxFace · 09-02-2021 8:21pm

I was wondering the same thing about the Role Play sessions coming up? Has anyone done this before ( pre covid I believe this was done in hotels somewhere presumably in bigger groups )

I wonder how many it has been whittled down to now at this point?

I would assume the driving test would be very tough for the next stage. Surely an extremely high standard would be expected. Which would be difficult enough for people considering a lot of people have their licences for many many years I'm sure.

Interested to hear anyone's previous experiences.

jethrothe2nd · 10-02-2021 10:33am

Not sure what the role play will be like.

I guess it's a case of thinking of what possible scenarios they could give you (e.g. having to tell someone they failed and them being difficult about it) and preparing for it that way.

Driving test - that's the bit that worries me as well. I'm sure I have picked up a billion bad habits over the years. Under normal circumstances I would go out and get myself a few lessons but obviously that is not an option.

fergiec · 10-02-2021 12:42pm

Nala112 wrote: »

I got through also to the next round not sure what to expect, the only thing I would be worried about would be the rsa test, I have a rigid licence and done my test 5 years ago. I know I would pass the normal driving test now if I was to do it but they say its a higher standard than the normal car, has anyone done this before that isn't an instructor?

They are not looking for Rigid testers just car testers. I also have a Rigid licence and a coach ( full D) licence and I specifically asked about this at the end of the interview as I thought it may put me ahead of other candidates but the man from the RSA said something like you have to be there for 5 years or more before being trained to test for Rigid/bus.

Through to the next stage anyway have the assessment as others have mentioned next week.

Blackeyemac · 11-02-2021 1:32pm

Last time the interview and role play / scenario assessment was on the same day so everyone that had an interview had assessment too.
Wondering this time around, if the first part (interview) is a knockout stage by itself or is everyone interviewed going to assessment stage?

BinxFace · 11-02-2021 3:22pm

Blackeyemac wrote: »

Last time the interview and role play / scenario assessment was on the same day so everyone that had an interview had assessment too.
Wondering this time around, if the first part (interview) is a knockout stage by itself or is everyone interviewed going to assessment stage?

A friend of mine got a PFO e mail and is definitely not proceeding to the Role Play round so I guess they have used the interviews as knock outs this time round based on your experience.

What's involved with the Role play aspect? Is it the candidate and 2 RSA people playing the clients? Or is it a group of candidates on the screen at the same time perhaps??

Blackeyemac · 11-02-2021 4:31pm

BinxFace wrote: »

A friend of mine got a PFO e mail and is definitely not proceeding to the Role Play round so I guess they have used the interviews as knock outs this time round based on your experience.

What's involved with the Role play aspect? Is it the candidate and 2 RSA people playing the clients? Or is it a group of candidates on the screen at the same time perhaps??

Only know how it went down in the face to face situation.. there was group exercises, about 6 or 8 brought in together, RSA guy held up his pen (Bic biro) and asked us all to discuss it. (Yeah I know ðŸ¥´)
Then individually into another room, two RSA and an actor. Mine was pretending to be foreign and not understanding properly but I was told to be suspicious that it was a ploy. Hard part was that actor was to my left and when looking at him I couldn't see the RSA guys. Couldn't sense their reaction.

Blackeyemac · 11-02-2021 4:32pm

BinxFace wrote: »

A friend of mine got a PFO e mail and is definitely not proceeding to the Role Play round so I guess they have used the interviews as knock outs this time round based on your experience.

What's involved with the Role play aspect? Is it the candidate and 2 RSA people playing the clients? Or is it a group of candidates on the screen at the same time perhaps??

Only know how it went down in the face to face situation.. there was group exercises, about 6 or 8 brought in together, RSA guy held up his pen (Bic biro) and asked us all to discuss it. (Yeah I know ðŸ¥´)
Then individually into another room, two RSA and an actor. Mine was pretending to be foreign and not understanding properly but I was told to be suspicious that it was a ploy. Hard part was that actor was to my left and when looking at him I couldn't see the RSA guys. Couldn't sense their reaction.

BinxFace · 11-02-2021 7:10pm

Blackeyemac wrote: »

Only know how it went down in the face to face situation.. there was group exercises, about 6 or 8 brought in together, RSA guy held up his pen (Bic biro) and asked us all to discuss it. (Yeah I know ðŸ¥´)
Then individually into another room, two RSA and an actor. Mine was pretending to be foreign and not understanding properly but I was told to be suspicious that it was a ploy. Hard part was that actor was to my left and when looking at him I couldn't see the RSA guys. Couldn't sense their reaction.

Wow that sounds tough enough now alright! Did you proceed past that stage and onto the driving test stage? Do you know anyone who was successful and became a driving tester?

kerryjack · 11-02-2021 7:50pm

Jesus that sounds like a lot of trouble for a job, is this a permanent position, I thought it was only a temporary thing. it probably would be a cushy enough job alright I would say they would have great stories to tell. Don't think I would be great at it, don't think i could fail anyone.

Blackeyemac · 11-02-2021 8:15pm

BinxFace wrote: »

Wow that sounds tough enough now alright! Did you proceed past that stage and onto the driving test stage? Do you know anyone who was successful and became a driving tester?

Haa yeah, was tricky alright, yer man's pen got a great talking about.. ðŸ˜႒ðŸ˜႒
I did get through alright yo the driving test stage thats where I went down unfortunately although they say nobody fails just some do better.. At the time there was snow piled high from snow ploughs (2018) , reduced lanes and hard to see road markings. Couldn't get any lessons before hand either.
Format of it was everyone was assigned two examiners, started with a series of questions (theory test type) and then out to carpark for car check, then off for a drive. Make the mistake of hitting a speed bump too hard. Everything else was ok as far as I noticed but didn't get a panel place.

Nala112 · 15-02-2021 12:29pm

Did anyone have there role play yet? How did you find it?

bonesaw · 15-02-2021 12:39pm

I have the role play on Wednesday eve. Would appreciate a heads up from anyone that has it over the next couple of days. It's a pretty long process for a panel position. The RSA guy told me at the interview that positions were offered according to final position. So the panel is ranked, if the position is in Cavan, it is offered to the highest ranking panel member in that area.

BinxFace · 15-02-2021 10:44pm

bonesaw wrote: »

I have the role play on Wednesday eve. Would appreciate a heads up from anyone that has it over the next couple of days. It's a pretty long process for a panel position. The RSA guy told me at the interview that positions were offered according to final position. So the panel is ranked, if the position is in Cavan, it is offered to the highest ranking panel member in that area.

That's good to know though.. at least it will be offered to highest ranked person close to the test center as opposed to a random panel person from Louth for example being offered a position in Sligo etc. The old process made no sense.

BinxFace · 15-02-2021 10:46pm

I would be interested to hear how the next round goes for people. It sure does seem like a very long process for people to end up on a panel with no guarantee of a job.

Very best of luck to everyone with their Role Play tasks.

BinxFace · 17-02-2021 8:20pm

bonesaw wrote: »

I have the role play on Wednesday eve. Would appreciate a heads up from anyone that has it over the next couple of days. It's a pretty long process for a panel position. The RSA guy told me at the interview that positions were offered according to final position. So the panel is ranked, if the position is in Cavan, it is offered to the highest ranking panel member in that area.

Hi Bonesaw - how did your role play thing go this evening? Was it tough?

SueEllen80 · 21-02-2021 10:47pm

BinxFace wrote: »

Hi Bonesaw - how did your role play thing go this evening? Was it tough?

How did the roleplay go? ðŸ€—ðŸ™ˆ

BinxFace · 22-02-2021 10:09am

SueEllen80 wrote: »

How did the roleplay go? ðŸ€—ðŸ™ˆ

Hi Sue Ellen I didn't advance to the role play stage. I was just curious to know how the rest of the candidates got on? And how the rest of the process went.

Did you have your role play?

furrylegs · 23-02-2021 1:27pm

Hi Guys just wondering if anyone did the role play and how it went?

patrickc · 24-02-2021 10:02pm

I had the roleplay today.

I found it grand. I had an anxious driver who was nervous to do her test, then in the second part she failed and wasn't happy she had done so.

I had three situations I was asked about then and what would I do as a tester?

all in all it was about 20 minutes.

Driving testers RSA 2021

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