Executive Officer positions in the Civil Service

Fizzgig Fozzywig

BabysCoffee wrote: »

I have no idea what this is. Are they referring to the Job Information Booklet?

Sometime before noon on Thursday you'll get an email with a link to both the Familiarisation Material and the Assessment Questionnaire. It's important to read the former before you do the latter. It'll explain everything you need to do. It was the same drill for AO.

Fizzgig Fozzywig

Fizzgig Fozzywig wrote: »

Sometime before noon on Thursday you'll get an email with a link to both the Familiarisation Material and the Assessment Questionnaire. It's important to read the former before you do the latter. It'll explain everything you need to do. It was the same drill for AO.

Oh, I just realised there's a link to download the Familiarisation Material in the message we got today. Just click on the words.

Calmcookie84

I still haven't got any email :-(

Halpenny

Not holding out too much hope for this competition but will give it my best shot. Considering how many serving civil servants have been waiting years to get a chance at a promotion, I expect they've all applied for this. They've a heck of a lot more knowledge of the system and understanding of the EO role and responsibilities than me. Anyway - better stop getting ahead of myself - concentrate on Stage 1 test first.

BTW got my message 6:15pm.

yabadabado

Halpenny wrote: »

Not holding out too much hope for this competition but will give it my best shot. Considering how many serving civil servants have been waiting years to get a chance at a promotion, I expect they've all applied for this. They've a heck of a lot more knowledge of the system and understanding of the EO role and responsibilities than me. Anyway - better stop getting ahead of myself - concentrate on Stage 1 test first.

BTW got my message 6:15pm.

that has nothing to do with passing the exam.

eroc79

Calmcookie84 wrote: »

I still haven't got any email :-(

Might be a stupid question but have you checked your public jobs account. I normally get notification in my regular email telling me to check but I never received this today even though the information was in my public jobs account.

Gongoozler

Ok so, part 1 is the assessment questionnaire - no prep needed - and part 2 is the aptitude test. Sounds good. Must get me a mouse. they have me paranoid about the mouse situation. :pac:

Tarzana2

Urgh, is it the same dratted questionnaire as from the TCO and CO competitions? I never did well at those. Has anyone got any kind of insight into them? Thanks!

Going to do my tests on a desktop this time, doing them on the laptop of the CO competition really slowed me down. It cost me badly, especially for the error checking test. You really do need a mouse to perform optimally.

Halpenny

Before I go on I want to say: I appreciate there are individuals who have never worked in the CS and have done very well in the job scenario tests (fair play to yee!) and alternatively those who are currently in the CS but have not fared too well in the tests.

yabadabado wrote: »

that has nothing to do with passing the exam.

Can't really understand how you can dismiss the idea that if you work in a particular setting (in this case the CS) that you can't learn from the environment you're in and how to deal with certain situations based on how you see others dealing with it. I understand they are targeting a particular "mental aptitude" and Yes it can be basic common sense but a lot of the questions in the AO test would have benefited from job specific knowledge. Personally speaking I learn from my environment and how others deal with problems/events; if I worked with EOs/AOs/APs etc I'd certainly pick-up on what was best-practice.

Questions in the scenario test are based around situations which may arise within the job context. If you have prior experience of similar situations and how best to deal with them do you not have a better chance of selecting the most appropriate answer? Obviously there would be individuals who may be in such an environment but still may not learn from it.

As The Conductor said in another thread speaking with someone already in the role you're applying for or a higher grade officer would be helpful. I can't say I know any civil servants personally so can't pick their brains.

Anyway - I accept there are a LOAD of people who disagree with me - but hey, we're both entitled to our opinions.

Calmcookie84

I actually got my email at around 9pm. It was sent at 5:30pm. For some reason it didn't come through until later.

eroc79 wrote: »

Might be a stupid question but have you checked your public jobs account. I normally get notification in my regular email telling me to check but I never received this today even though the information was in my public jobs account.

yabadabado

Halpenny wrote: »

Before I go on I want to say: I appreciate there are individuals who have never worked in the CS and have done very well in the job scenario tests (fair play to yee!) and alternatively those who are currently in the CS but have not fared too well in the tests.



Can't really understand how you can dismiss the idea that if you work in a particular setting (in this case the CS) that you can't learn from the environment you're in and how to deal with certain situations based on how you see others dealing with it. I understand they are targeting a particular "mental aptitude" and Yes it can be basic common sense but a lot of the questions in the AO test would have benefited from job specific knowledge. Personally speaking I learn from my environment and how others deal with problems/events; if I worked with EOs/AOs/APs etc I'd certainly pick-up on what was best-practice.

Questions in the scenario test are based around situations which may arise within the job context. If you have prior experience of similar situations and how best to deal with them do you not have a better chance of selecting the most appropriate answer? Obviously there would be individuals who may be in such an environment but still may not learn from it.

As The Conductor said in another thread speaking with someone already in the role you're applying for or a higher grade officer would be helpful. I can't say I know any civil servants personally so can't pick their brains.

Anyway - I accept there are a LOAD of people who disagree with me - but hey, we're both entitled to our opinions.

I really don't think you would have any advantage by being a civil servant when doing these tests.I have seen numerous exams for these and none have struck me that there is any advantage. Its all common sense .IMO speed is the main attribute.

2ndcoming

Anyone know what exactly the assessment questionnaire entails?

I clicked on the 'familiarisation material' link on the mail but it doesn't really give you any further information about the questionnaire than the e-mail, that I could see anyway.

Gongoozler

2ndcoming wrote: »

Anyone know what exactly the assessment questionnaire entails?

I clicked on the 'familiarisation material' link on the mail but it doesn't really give you any further information about the questionnaire than the e-mail, that I could see anyway.

If you read the booklet provided, you'll see they say you can't prepare for the assessment as it's an individual questionnaire.

eroc79

yabadabado wrote: »

I really don't think you would have any advantage by being a civil servant when doing these tests.I have seen numerous exams for these and none have struck me that there is any advantage. Its all common sense .IMO speed is the main attribute.

Common sense isn't as common as people say.

2ndcoming

Gongoozler wrote: »

If you read the booklet provided, you'll see they say you can't prepare for the assessment as it's an individual questionnaire.

Alright then, could I go so far as to ask has anyone any experience of doing these type of questionnaires before? What kind of questions do they usually entail?

I've never done anything like it that I can think of, so I'd like to have some idea what to expect before I take it.

maccydoodies

I have a question. So I have my window for the assessment questionnaire. Say I do this Friday, will I then receive my aptitude test link to be completed before my window ends, 29th January or will I get another window for the aptitude test part?

I should definitely be promoted on that basis alone, understaing how this whole palaver works!

I can see a balls being made of this

Halpenny

yabadabado wrote: »

IMO speed is the main attribute.

The AO scenario questionnaire wasn't timed nor will this EO Part A be timed. Subsequent Part B which is an aptitude test will be timed but then I was only ever talking about the scenario/job sim type questions. I've no issue with numeracy/verbal etc tests.

The_Conductor

Halpenny wrote: »

The AO scenario questionnaire wasn't timed nor will this EO Part A be timed. Subsequent Part B which is an aptitude test will be timed but then I was only ever talking about the scenario/job sim type questions. I've no issue with numeracy/verbal etc tests.

Consider the structure of the organisation you're working in, line management, the checks and balances that occur- and apply this to the situations you're presented with. Have an idea of what leeway an EO might typically have in a section, whether they have staff, how work might be done at the different levels, and how the reporting structure works- and picture the scenarios in this context.

yabadabado

Halpenny wrote: »

The AO scenario questionnaire wasn't timed nor will this EO Part A be timed. Subsequent Part B which is an aptitude test will be timed but then I was only ever talking about the scenario/job sim type questions. I've no issue with numeracy/verbal etc tests.

Well you didn't make that clear in your OP .

Halpenny

2ndcoming wrote: »

Alright then, could I go so far as to ask has anyone any experience of doing these type of questionnaires before? What kind of questions do they usually entail?

I've never done anything like it that I can think of, so I'd like to have some idea what to expect before I take it.

I did the AO tests. Stage 2 was a "Questionnaire" and I'd imagine for this EO competition it will be something along similar lines although the booklet doesn't really give much away. Because the AO questionnaire was not timed I took screen prints of all the questions - call me mad but I thought it might come in handy to look over this EO comp and seeing as the PAS website didn't have sample material which was similar to the new Questionnaire format I thought it worthwhile.

I recall the questionnaire contained sections on: rating statements which best describe you; what you want from your job; how well you'd rate yourself performing different tasks and skills; and finally the job scenario section where you're given a paragraph and you select the best response to resolve it. Obviously I don't know what will come up in this EO Stage 1 Part 1 test/questionnaire but if may be something like that.

For people who expected typical verbal/numeracy tests first I'm sure there's a bit of confusion about what to expect.

Halpenny

yabadabado wrote: »

Well you didn't make that clear in your OP .

Did I not? I added the title "In relation to Scenario Questionnaires" and when I said

Halpenny wrote: »

They've a heck of a lot more knowledge of the system and understanding of the EO role and responsibilities than me.

I assumed it was clear I wasn't relating to basic verbal/numeracy test but the more specific job sim/scenario test. Anyway - doesn't matter.

BC-KK

Hi folks most info needed including some sample material is available on publicjobs itself... Advice Centre -> Test Advice... good luck!

yabadabado

Halpenny wrote: »

Did I not? I added the title "In relation to Scenario Questionnaires" and when I said I assumed it was clear I wasn't relating to basic verbal/numeracy test but the more specific job sim/scenario test. Anyway - doesn't matter.

Don't worry about .Its was clear after the edit alright.

BlondeBomb

Any reason they emphasise not to use tablets etc when completing tests?

I've used my IPad for the sample tests for the EO level on the website without problem?

Don't have a desktop.

eroc79

BlondeBomb wrote: »

Any reason they emphasise not to use tablets etc when completing tests?

I've used my IPad for the sample tests for the EO level on the website without problem?

Don't have a desktop.

I think sometimes the screen might not be wide enough and so you end up wasting time scrolling back and forth

Tarzana2

BlondeBomb wrote: »

Any reason they emphasise not to use tablets etc when completing tests?

It'll cost you valuable time. Using a laptop with no mouse really cost me for the CO comp, especially in the error checking section. It can really make a difference to where you rank, and with so much competition, why impede yourself even further?

Meathlass

Tarzana2 wrote: »

It'll cost you valuable time. Using a laptop with no mouse really cost me for the CO comp, especially in the error checking section. It can really make a difference to where you rank, and with so much competition, why impede yourself even further?

Yes agree with this. It's the lack of a mouse that slows you down so I'd advise doing it on a desktop with a big screen if possible. Also the faster internet connection you have the better.

During the CO comp home aptitude phase my housemate decided to download Dumb and Dumber 2 right in the middle of my test. I lost valuable seconds waiting for pages to load.

Don't impede yourself if you have any other option.

eroc79

Assessment link came

EB_2013

Any idea of what the assessment questionnaire involves?

Divisadero

Well if it turns out like the recent CO and also a TCO one I did about two years ago for many of us it could be mega frustrating due to IT issues. Screen freezing and answers moving down a place etc. That was if you could get in at all. Some on the CO thread were really stressed as you can't go back and check your answers. There will be less applicants for EO but if you have a problem try logging on during off peak hours.

Rant over! In general it is pretty straightforward and is mainly questions on your previous experience, likes and dislikes. The tricky bit is the work scenarios at the end where you have to rate the best course of action in a given scenario. In my opinion you can't really prepare for this it is down to common sense and life experience by trying to 'guess' what course of action they might expect from an EO.

Good luck.

Calmcookie84

On the email sent out today it says that you only need to do this assessment once. Your score will carry across to all positions you apply for. Does this mean that because I already did an assessment for the CO positions I do not need too do it again?

Monife

Calmcookie84 wrote: »

On the email sent out today it says that you only need to do this assessment once. Your score will carry across to all positions you apply for. Does this mean that because I already did an assessment for the CO positions I do not need too do it again?

Doubt it. I assume they mean if you applied for EO interdepartmental, EO Irish Stream and EO Open, you only have to do the questionnaire once.

Idjit

Just completed my questionnaire. Really ambiguous questions so I took the advice from the start of it and just answered without thinking too long about them.

wilddarts

Whats the story with them advising to use a mouse? Are there problems using a laptop's touchpad?

Gongoozler

Jesus, people can't read the booklet and now can't even be bothered to read the last page of the thread they're posting in.

eimaj18

Jade182 wrote: »

Just completed my questionnaire. Really ambiguous questions so I took the advice from the start of it and just answered without thinking too long about them.

Thanks Jade. Hope you did well. Can I ask, is it quite similar to the AO sample questionnaire on publicjobs.ie in the way it's structured eg you strongly agree, agree, etc with statements like I work well in teams etc? Also, is the job scenario part at the end??

zefer

eimaj18 wrote: »

Can I ask, is it quite similar to the AO sample questionnaire on publicjobs.ie in the way it's structured eg you strongly agree, agree, etc with statements like I work well in teams etc? Also, is the job scenario part at the end??

Yes it is like the above. I quite enjoyed it, haven't done anything like that in years

2ndcoming

Was it all just strongly agree/agree/disagree/strongly disagree type questions, gonna give it a bash later on.

Someone was saying that you can do it all in one go or open and keep it for the week before you submit it if necessary?

EB_2013

Divisadero wrote: »

Rant over! In general it is pretty straightforward and is mainly questions on your previous experience, likes and dislikes. The tricky bit is the work scenarios at the end where you have to rate the best course of action in a given scenario. In my opinion you can't really prepare for this it is down to common sense and life experience by trying to 'guess' what course of action they might expect from an EO.

Good luck.

Cheers, I just panicked when I saw assessment and 45 mins. I thought it was going to be the online aptitude first. I'll give it a go at the weekend.

Idjit

eimaj18 wrote: »

Thanks Jade. Hope you did well. Can I ask, is it quite similar to the AO sample questionnaire on publicjobs.ie in the way it's structured eg you strongly agree, agree, etc with statements like I work well in teams etc? Also, is the job scenario part at the end??

Yes it's just like that. The job scenerio is at the end.

eimaj18

Jade182 wrote: »

Yes it's just like that. The job scenerio is at the end.

Cool. Thanks a mil. Is the job scenario quite like the ones in the sample EO test? Is there many questions in that part? Questions questions!!

ahnowbrowncow

That was very tough, I'm glad I brushed up on my calculus beforehand.

cowsfriend

Hey, before I contact PAS just thought I'd check if anyone knows the rough timeline for the whole process? I will be out of the country for 4 weeks in March/April. I'll have no problem getting access to a computer to do online tests but do you think there may be interviews or group tests during that time?

Scrappychimow

ahnowbrowncow wrote: »

That was very tough, I'm glad I brushed up on my calculus beforehand.

What maths questions did they ask?

yabadabado

Scrappychimow wrote: »

What maths questions did they ask?

:eek:

FloatingVoter

Scrappychimow wrote: »

What maths questions did they ask?

Nothing that would cause Stephen Hawking any bother.

Seriously, no maths at this point.

Divisadero

ahnowbrowncow wrote: »

That was very tough, I'm glad I brushed up on my calculus beforehand.

The genetics and quantum physics sections would be a little tricky for most applicants too. I found them easy though.

Don't worry ahnowbrowncow is trying to wind us up! No calculus or any aptitude tests. I did mine earlier and it was as described in my previous post.

Idjit

eimaj18 wrote: »

Cool. Thanks a mil. Is the job scenario quite like the ones in the sample EO test? Is there many questions in that part? Questions questions!!

I'm not sure, I didn't read the sample EO test. Honestly the best thing to do is sit down and do it rather than worrying like this. It's not even timed

Ciaran

Divisadero wrote: »

The genetics and quantum physics sections would be a little tricky for most applicants too. I found them easy though.

Don't worry ahnowbrowncow is trying to wind us up! No calculus or any aptitude tests. I did mine earlier and it was as described in my previous post.

Once you have some experience of tensor analysis, you'll be fine.

Calmcookie84

That was all fairly straight forward