PSNI Recruitment - Stage 2 - The Assessment Centre

Momc82

We all seem to have real mixed feeling about this stage of the game.
As said before, confidence counts for a lot.

Good luck everyone.

Timetravel

Have my AC done and dusted now. Felt like it went better than last time but not sure if ill get past it or not. This bit always gets me.

letsdoit2013

Have mine done too, first time doing it and I have to say I really enjoyed it! Came out drained! Good luck to everyone still to do ac just be yourself!

swl33t

Have the big day coming up soon! Looking forward to getting it over and done with.

Momc82

So how's everyone feeling?
Releaved the AC is over?
Excited / nervous if you still have to do it?

RedmondHR

Bitta both tbh. Dont really know what to expect, but at the same time I have an idea of what to expect. Yourself?

Momc82

I'm nervous. I've practiced with my partner and think I can do it. But I'm nervous about how I will keep my cool and head clear on the day.
I am a confident person but I also get easily put off!!!

WannabePC

Momc82 wrote: »

I'm nervous. I've practiced with my partner and think I can do it. But I'm nervous about how I will keep my cool and head clear on the day.
I am a confident person but I also get easily put off!!!

Your first one will be the worst until you get it out of the way then you'll settle yourself down and think a bit more clearly. Just slow down and don't talk to fast.

Homer01

Mine is soon. Actually looking forward to it as this will probably be my last if I don't get through.

However, I am totally aiming for one of these earlier calls

WannabePC

Homer01 wrote: »

Mine is soon. Actually looking forward to it as this will probably be my last if I don't get through.

However, I am totally aiming for one of these earlier calls

Fingers crossed for you buddy. Don't give up on your dream though. I've had more than a couple of goes at it shall we say and my persistence has paid off.

.S.

Persistence will pay off alright. Good tip about not speaking too fast, that's my trick when I'm nervous too. There's nothing wrong with taking a breath and gathering your thoughts for a moment. Good luck!

swl33t

Job done today, was tough enough!

shanevendrell

Same on both accounts.

roboturnip

Have my AC very soon. Just a question regarding dress code?

I seem to remember the last time i went there where some people dressed more casual (Jeans, shirt). What are people's opinion on that? Think I would feel more comfortable, yet don't want to make a bad impression!

Ryan561

roboturnip wrote: »

Have my AC very soon. Just a question regarding dress code?

I seem to remember the last time i went there where some people dressed more casual (Jeans, shirt). What are people's opinion on that? Think I would feel more comfortable, yet don't want to make a bad impression!

Last time I went I wore jeans and a hoodie, because I was comfortable in it plus it said no dress code lol. But I heard somewhere that it is now got a dress code

Timetravel

I don't think there is any dress code for the AC. Everyone at mine was wearing a suit but I wore a trousers, jumper shirt & tie. Makes me feel more professional and it's also a bit more comfortable than a suit. It's probably better to feel overdressed than under dressed but I would say wear whatever you feel comfortable with.

StingrayGC

roboturnip wrote:

Have my AC very soon. Just a question regarding dress code?

Put yourself in the place of an employer, which one would you take more seriously? jeans or suit, I wore a suit, it can't hurt and you feel more professional while conducting the scenarios.

WannabePC

Most people wear a full suit or the equivalent for the ladies. I wouldn't rock up with anything less than smart trousers, shoes and an open neck shirt. You'll not get marked down for what you wear, but I would say that it looks better to all the other candidates in the room and to the assessors if you've made an effort and shows that you're taking the day seriously. Remember that should you be successful in your application, you'll be expected to have a neat, tidy and professional appearance for your entire policing career, so why not start from now. I wore casual clothes to an AC before time and I felt like a right knob after looking around and seeing what everyone else was wearing.

Johannes_Cabal

There is still no dress code for the AC but they do hint at what would be appropriate in the email invitation.

At my AC this year there were a guy and girl both in casual clothing and the rest of us in business dress.

Like others have said, it makes a better impression and to be honest it puts you in a more professional frame of mind, which is ideal for the AC.

roboturnip

Thanks for the replies folks! Business attire it is.

Good luck to all.

Queenie34

Did my AC last week. It was tough as I knew it would be!!! The part that really amazed me was the lady at the end came to take our folders and said we might be called for PCA from 1 March onwards and it doesn't mean we've passed AC she said the aim is for everyone who has attended the AC to go through PCA. I just think that's mental going through PCA not knowing if you've passed AC. Anyone else told this?

iamveryhopeful

Queenie34 wrote: »

Did my AC last week. It was tough as I knew it would be!!! The part that really amazed me was the lady at the end came to take our folders and said we might be called for PCA from 1 March onwards and it doesn't mean we've passed AC she said the aim is for everyone who has attended the AC to go through PCA. I just think that's mental going through PCA not knowing if you've passed AC. Anyone else told this?

not asking for specifics here but for anyone who has just done the assessment centre on this open campaign is it the same sort of idea as the 1405 campaign or is it completely different.

again, I stress I am not asking for what the different scenarios are etc. just if it is the same sort of thing just so I know how to prepare mentally.

In other words they don't now have you out on the street mock arresting people? haha

Queenie34

iamveryhopeful wrote: »

not asking for specifics here but for anyone who has just done the assessment centre on this open campaign is it the same sort of idea as the 1405 campaign or is it completely different.

again, I stress I am not asking for what the different scenarios are etc. just if it is the same sort of thing just so I know how to prepare mentally.

In other words they don't now have you out on the street mock arresting people? haha

No you def won't have to go out in the street and arrest people!! Keep it calm you've been there before, you know what to expect!!! Good luck

iamveryhopeful

Queenie34 wrote: »

No you def won't have to go out in the street and arrest people!! Keep it calm you've been there before, you know what to expect!!! Good luck

haha thanks for that

Life_On_Mars

Queenie34 wrote: »

Did my AC last week. It was tough as I knew it would be!!! The part that really amazed me was the lady at the end came to take our folders and said we might be called for PCA from 1 March onwards and it doesn't mean we've passed AC she said the aim is for everyone who has attended the AC to go through PCA. I just think that's mental going through PCA not knowing if you've passed AC. Anyone else told this?

I won't have even done my AC by then.. Wonder if they'll carry forward PCA from C2 as they're merging into 1. No wonder the PSNI need more cash, the recruitment must be wiping them out!

Queenie34

Life_On_Mars wrote: »

I won't have even done my AC by then.. Wonder if they'll carry forward PCA from C2 as they're merging into 1. No wonder the PSNI need more cash, the recruitment must be wiping them out!

Not sure if PCA can be carried forward but I know that if a year lapses it has to be repeated again. It's crazy to think the money it's going to take to put everyone through PCA, id say they're desperate for officers and this campaign might push through quicker than previous campaigns. Who knows, only time will tell!

Homer01

Had a few short on my AC today and one actually left halfway through.
I can definitely see how the AC has evolved over the last few campaigns.
All new Deloitte staff as well lol.

Timetravel

It would have to go seriously bad to leave half way through!

Mop a top

Queenie34 wrote: »

Not sure if PCA can be carried forward but I know that if a year lapses it has to be repeated again. It's crazy to think the money it's going to take to put everyone through PCA, id say they're desperate for officers and this campaign might push through quicker than previous campaigns. Who knows, only time will tell!

It's 6 MONTHS!! The PCA expires after 6 months. Happened in C1 and it states it on the bottom of the pass letter for C2. As does the medical

iamveryhopeful

Homer01 wrote: »

Had a few short on my AC today and one actually left halfway through.
I can definitely see how the AC has evolved over the last few campaigns.
All new Deloitte staff as well lol.

Maybe they got their call for G.V......:D

StingrayGC

Queenie34 wrote:

Not sure if PCA can be carried forward but I know that if a year lapses it has to be repeated again. It's crazy to think the money it's going to take to put everyone through PCA, id say they're desperate for officers and this campaign might push through quicker than previous campaigns. Who knows, only time will tell!

I am afraid to say that the PCA only lasts for 6 month, I will have to redo mine next month.

swl33t

Is it April yet?

DanJ2020

Hi guys! I am due my assessment centre at the end of this month and was wondering if you are permitted to bring revision notes etc with you to read between exercises?
First time for me so want to make sure I am properly prepared!

Thanks in advance

Homer01

DanJ2020 wrote: »

Hi guys! I am due my assessment centre at the end of this month and was wondering if you are permitted to bring revision notes etc with you to read between exercises?
First time for me so want to make sure I am properly prepared!

Thanks in advance

Sorry but no. They actually specifically said this at mine. I guess it has been a problem.

You do get a rough work notebook to scribble away on.

Best of luck!!

Goonerdee

My AC is still weeks away. ��

Goonerdee

My AC is still weeks away. 😟

stm1

Hi everyone, been lurking for a while but this is my first post.

So at my AC recently I was told to be ready for call ups for PCA from 1st March. Assuming they would need to give at least a couple weeks notice today is 3 weeks until the 1st. Has anyone heard anything?

Homer01

stm1 wrote: »

Hi everyone, been lurking for a while but this is my first post.

So at my AC recently I was told to be ready for call ups for PCA from 1st March. Assuming they would need to give at least a couple weeks notice today is 3 weeks until the 1st. Has anyone heard anything?

Welcome!
I personally have not gotten further than the AC but this is my understanding of how it will work.

If you're a clear super high scoring candidate then it is possible you could get an email from March onwards. My understanding is that they will offer you a date for your PCA and yes they will give you sufficient notice to get it off work etc.
As to how much notice I'm sure someone else will be better placed to answer.

The bit I don't get is why they don't start the vetting process first as it appears to be longest. Unless of course they start the PCA and vetting together.

swl33t

stm1 wrote: »

Hi everyone, been lurking for a while but this is my first post.

So at my AC recently I was told to be ready for call ups for PCA from 1st March. Assuming they would need to give at least a couple weeks notice today is 3 weeks until the 1st. Has anyone heard anything?

Nothing for me! Who knows how it went though. Have you been training?

Airborne2PARA

Had a missed call from a "NO CALLER ID" number. Without jumping the gun seen that some people from 1405 campaign have had phone calls recently. So just wondering if anyone else has had one?

It could be work or advertising agency's but just in case.

stm1

swl33t wrote: »

Nothing for me! Who knows how it went though. Have you been training?

Not much. I run a bit. A couple of weeks notice would be enough time to get up to scratch though.

April can't come soon enough.

Johannes_Cabal

Airborne2PARA wrote: »

Had a missed call from a "NO CALLER ID" number. Without jumping the gun seen that some people from 1405 campaign have had phone calls recently. So just wondering if anyone else has had one?

It could be work or advertising agency's but just in case.

Anything at this stage comes through email so I wouldn't worry too much.

I imagine we still have a bit of waiting to do and that the march date indicated for possible progression through the next stages will be when they start sending invites for PCA (or whatever they are planning to start with) and not when they actually start, so we will still have time to prep, if fortunate enough to get an early shout.

Although your nerves will be wrecked when you get to the 'wait' stage and the unknown/withheld numbers keep ringing haha.

WannabePC

Airborne2PARA wrote: »

Had a missed call from a "NO CALLER ID" number. Without jumping the gun seen that some people from 1405 campaign have had phone calls recently. So just wondering if anyone else has had one?

It could be work or advertising agency's but just in case.

If you've a missed call from recruitment they will leave an answer phone message telling you to call them back. This happened to me so if there's no message chances are it's not the po po.

WannabePC

Johannes_Cabal wrote: »

Anything at this stage comes through email so I wouldn't worry too much.

I imagine we still have a bit of waiting to do and that the march date indicated for possible progression through the next stages will be when they start sending invites for PCA (or whatever they are planning to start with) and not when they actually start, so we will still have time to prep, if fortunate enough to get an early shout.

Although your nerves will be wrecked when you get to the 'wait' stage and the unknown/withheld numbers keep ringing haha.

Once your being progressed after the AC stage, all correspondence will be directly from the PSNI and will be done by the post except for the online learning details.

Bustermoon

WannabePC wrote: »

Once your being progressed after the AC stage, all correspondence will be directly from the PSNI and will be done by the post except for the online learning details.

The good old unmarked, sellotaped envelope that feels like your life could change on opening - more waiting or deep despair!

WannabePC

Bustermoon wrote: »

The good old unmarked, sellotaped envelope that feels like your life could change on opening - more waiting or deep despair!

You know what it is as soon as you see it!

D4z

stm1 wrote: »

Hi everyone, been lurking for a while but this is my first post.

So at my AC recently I was told to be ready for call ups for PCA from 1st March. Assuming they would need to give at least a couple weeks notice today is 3 weeks until the 1st. Has anyone heard anything?

My AC date is over a week after that date :eek:

Johannes_Cabal

WannabePC wrote: »

Once your being progressed after the AC stage, all correspondence will be directly from the PSNI and will be done by the post except for the online learning details.

Oh yeah, I forgot it was snail mail, seems like a lifetime ago I went through the latter stages in C1. Cheers for the correction, don't want to be giving out false info

WannabePC

Johannes_Cabal wrote: »

Oh yeah, I forgot it was snail mail, seems like a lifetime ago I went through the latter stages in C1. Cheers for the correction, don't want to be giving out false info

No worries buddy. To be fair anything I ever got was either the next day or within 2 at most and that's with a late afternoon appointments in the day!

Johannes_Cabal

WannabePC wrote: »

No worries buddy. To be fair anything I ever got was either the next day or within 2 at most and that's with a late afternoon appointments in the day!

In C1 I had fairly long gaps between stages, other than the medical pass letter, which was a day or so later.