Garda Recruitment Stage 4 (2018 Campaign)

Carles Puyol

Time for a new thread for stage 4! I just got the email for the open day in Templemore where they'll walk through all the different tasks with us.



This thread is specifically for those of us from the 2018 recruitment campaign. Stage 4 involves the medical, physical competency test, vetting and meeting with the local super.


Feel free to share any advice on what your are doing to get in shape for it.


This is a link to the general stage 4 thread, there's plenty of information in there on the specifics of the various tasks.



This is the info on the medical and physical from the Garda information booklet:

9. Physical Competence Test (PCT)


Applicants are expected to be aerobically fit in order to safely undergo training and to subsequently carry out the duties assigned to them. There is strictly no deviation from the format of the test. Failure to maintain the levels of fitness required during all phases of training will be a breach of their contract and constitute a termination of contract.
Applicants will be required to undergo a Physical Competence Test. A demonstration video and detailed information regarding the Physical Competence Test are available on the Garda website https://www.garda.ie/en/Careers/Why-should-I-join-An-Garda-Siochana-/What-are-the-physical-requirements-.html.
An Garda Sh has a derogation under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005.


10. Medical Examination
Subject to undergoing a comprehensive screening process by the Public Appointments Service to establish their general suitability and successfully completing the Physical Competence Test (PCT), applicants shall also be required to undergo a detailed medical examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Sh.
Where candidates are aware of suffering from any current or pre-existing health condition(s), it would be NECESSARY to have available relevant clinical reports from your treating doctor(s) on the day. This shall expedite the medical assessment process and hence the progress of your application. Candidates shall be required to provide contact details for their doctors on the day to facilitate communications as necessary.
General medical requirements are as follows:


 A good standard of general mental and physical health (full disclosure of medical history is necessary and shall be reviewed as part of the medical examination).
 Weight within normal (non-underweight and non-obese) limits (ideal BMI is 18.5 to less than 25). Underweight (BMI <18.5) and overweight (BMI >25 and <30) shall be considered with other measures to exclude significant weight abnormalities.
 Eyesight - good levels of vision (minimum distance vision of 6/18 on both eyes that can be corrected to 6/9 and 6/12 with glasses or contact lenses if necessary).
 Hearing - good level of hearing without a hearing aid.
The following tests shall also be carried out on the day:
 Eyesight test – An unaided eyesight test will be carried out on the day (glasses/lenses to be removed one hour prior to testing)
 Hearing test – air conduction audiogram (unaided i.e. testing without hearing aid)
 Urine testing for routine clinical screen
 Manual peak flow reading
 Blood pressure and pulse check


No blood tests will be taken on the day.


Current, pre-existing and previous medical and mental health conditions may be a bar to meeting the required medical fitness standards but this shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the examining doctor; this may require provision of additional reports or clarifications from the applicant‟s treating doctors.

Carles Puyol

Really hoping myself that the physical at least is done by December. Wouldn't mind being able to enjoy the Christmas season properly!

Anyone else going to this open day on the 24th? Will more than likely head down myself so I know what to do for the actual test, although the drive down (from Galway) is a pain! Hopefully there will be other information provided, very curious to see what the eyesight test is also.

Vital Work

Hey, I'm also heading to the open day on the 24th!
I met with my local sergeant and Super this week and the Sergeant thinks we'll have the medical and physical done by Christmas.
Hopefully we will and we can enjoy the holidays.

Uweir32

I was told down in PAS that the fitness test would be after Christmas January time.
I’m no where near ready so I honestly hope that it is. They could have one group in before Christmas but I honestly don’t see it.
In regards to meeting your local sergeant I’m based in the north so I wonder what happens there with me not having a local station so to speak.

Mrletsdothis

Out of interest is the meeting with the local Sup a test? As in can you fail at that stage somehow

Elliot192

Mrletsdothis wrote: »

Out of interest is the meeting with the local Sup a test? As in can you fail at that stage somehow

It's not a test per se, it's part of the vetting process and they can recommend that you are not admitted to AGS, so yeah you can 'fail' or fall at this stage, too.

Edit: Last time I read up on it, which was so long ago now, there'd only been 10 generally unsuitable letters issued so you are probably grand.

mrfender

Hello. I was just wondering is anyone going down from Galway on the day? Looking to carpool or maybe even organize a mini van if there's a big enough group.

Carles Puyol

mrfender wrote: »

Hello. I was just wondering is anyone going down from Galway on the day? Looking to carpool or maybe even organize a mini van if there's a big enough group.

Will be driving myself but I'm out the country so probably no good to ya.

Stuky69

Hi lads, waiting on interview results.

Quick question, is this an open day for all or is it invite only?

RabbitHeart18

Stuky69 wrote: »

Hi lads, waiting on interview results.

Quick question, is this an open day for all or is it invite only?

As far as I know, invite only. If/when you are successful at interview, you'll presumably get an email in a few weeks. It's been over a month for us, between results to now.

Carles Puyol

Stuky69 wrote: »

Hi lads, waiting on interview results.

Quick question, is this an open day for all or is it invite only?

Looks like it's an invite only for the first, 2nd and possibly 3rd batch of those interviewed.

For security reasons you will be required to sign in at the Guard Room in the Garda College on arrival. Photographic ID and your invitation to the Information Day must also be produced on the day.

RabbitHeart18

Is anyone else unsure about going? I'd love to get a go at it all, but I'm coming from Donegal.

arainagusime

mrfender wrote: »

Hello. I was just wondering is anyone going down from Galway on the day? Looking to carpool or maybe even organize a mini van if there's a big enough group.

I'm interested! Heading from Galway and was going to hire a car because public transit takes 4 hours lol

Irishman87545

Yeah I wouldn't recommend if it's anyway of a trek ,it's a straight forward enough phase .look online for the run through it will save the effort

Carles Puyol

Just looking at the directions from Galway, it's actually only an extra 10 mins going via Limerick (M18/M7). There's a €2 toll but I think it might be worth it to avoid all the towns and country roads. Have always gone via Portumna (on the way to thurles) and its a brutal drive.

FIVE.0

Irishman87545 wrote: »

Yeah I wouldn't recommend if it's anyway of a trek ,it's a straight forward enough phase .look online for the run through it will save the effort

I also wouldn't recommend it if you have far to travel. 5 hours for me, price of a hotel, waste of time. There's a YouTube video on the exact test.

TallGlass

FIVE.0 wrote: »

I also wouldn't recommend it if you have far to travel. 5 hours for me, price of a hotel, waste of time. There's a YouTube video on the exact test.

It's a waste of time, if people are thinking it gives them some advantage over other who don't go, it doesn't. They don't even record you went. The video explains the entire thing. Plus on the physical day it's conducted completely different.

RabbitHeart18

I wouldn't mind having a go at the push and pull etc, but it's hard to justify a 9 hour round trip for that like!

Witcher

They won't let you try the push pull or obstacle course anyway bar 3/4 levels of the beep and demonstrating a few push ups etc.

FIVE.0

RabbitHeart18 wrote: »

I wouldn't mind having a go at the push and pull etc, but it's hard to justify a 9 hour round trip for that like!

No one in my open day got to try the push/pull. And that's the reason I went too. We got to WALK around the obstacle. So again the video will show you all that.

RabbitHeart18

Strider wrote: »

They won't let you try the push pull or obstacle course anyway bar 3/4 levels of the beep and demonstrating a few push ups etc.

That seals the deal for me so!

RabbitHeart18

Just reread the email and it does indeed say that a staff member will demonstrate the push and pull machine.

That's what I get for skimming the email in the first place! Grand saves me at least 50 yoyos in diesel!

Hannah73

Hi, i found out last week that I passed the interveiw but have not heard anything since. Should I have heard about this open day I wonder? How long between you guys passing stage 3 and hearing about stage 4?

Uweir32

Think they heard about 3 weeks before us, I only heard last week too and from what I gather some have had a call to meet their local super and some invited to the open day

Vital Work

Hannah73 wrote: »

Hi, i found out last week that I passed the interveiw but have not heard anything since. Should I have heard about this open day I wonder? How long between you guys passing stage 3 and hearing about stage 4?

Hi, I heard about passing the interview over a month ago so I'd say the open day is just for everyone who passed that day!

You'll probably hear in the next few weeks.

User2206

Hey all just have 2 questions as I know everyone on this thread will have passed interview! I have my interview in 2 weeks and I want to get cracking on preparing my examples for interview but haven’t received the competency’s yet from PAS! Would someone mind private messaging me them if possible?

Also, I don’t currently volunteer as I work full time and am in college in the evenings so would be very hard to fit it in at the moment. Will this go against me in the interview or can anyone on this thread confirm that they’ve passed interview stage without volunteering? Big congrats to everyone who has passed so far, thanks

bottar1

User2206 wrote: »

Hey all just have 2 questions as I know everyone on this thread will have passed interview! I have my interview in 2 weeks and I want to get cracking on preparing my examples for interview but haven’t received the competency’s yet from PAS! Would someone mind private messaging me them if possible?

Also, I don’t currently volunteer as I work full time and am in college in the evenings so would be very hard to fit it in at the moment. Will this go against me in the interview or can anyone on this thread confirm that they’ve passed interview stage without volunteering? Big congrats to everyone who has passed so far, thanks

It might not go against you, but it would be a plus to have volunteering, you know? I mean its common sense really, that it would be a benefit. I work & study and I can fit some time in for volunteering, you don't need to spend 10 hours a week you know, for example you could help out the local ISPCA, help out a few hours one day a week taking care of the animals, cleaning their cages, etc.

Or join a local order of malta, they usually meet one day a week for an hour or two for training/offering opportunities to do duties, and you don't have to do every duty.

User2206

bottar1 wrote: »

It might not go against you, but it would be a plus to have volunteering, you know? I mean its common sense really, that it would be a benefit. I work & study and I can fit some time in for volunteering, you don't need to spend 10 hours a week you know, for example you could help out the local ISPCA, help out a few hours one day a week taking care of the animals, cleaning their cages, etc.

Or join a local order of malta, they usually meet one day a week for an hour or two for training/offering opportunities to do duties, and you don't have to do every duty.

Thanks for the reply!

I’ve enquired the civil service and have had no response as of yet!

I have done volunteering with the DSPCA in the past but not in the last 2 years or so.. I understand that it’s a bonus! I also play football for the local woman’s team. I’m just wondering is there anyone on this thread that has advanced through to the next stage without currently volunteering.

FIVE.0

User2206 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply!

I’ve enquired the civil service and have had no response as of yet!

I have done volunteering with the DSPCA in the past but not in the last 2 years or so.. I understand that it’s a bonus! I also play football for the local woman’s team. I’m just wondering is there anyone on this thread that has advanced through to the next stage without currently volunteering.

I know plenty that passed the interview with no volunteer work. Just make sure your examples are solid, you will be fine.

User2206

FIVE.0 wrote: »

I know plenty that passed the interview with no volunteer work. Just make sure your examples are solid, you will be fine.

Perfect, thanks a mill for the reply!

Carles Puyol

Not too sure so if I'll bother with the open day so. Was primarily hoping we'd get a chance at the push-pull machine but if it's literally only a walk through there doesn't seem much point with the online videos. I'll probably decide on the day myself.

Hannah73

Uweir32 wrote: »

Think they heard about 3 weeks before us, I only heard last week too and from what I gather some have had a call to meet their local super and some invited to the open day

Ok, but you haven't heard Anything since your interveiw results? Just want to make sure I'm not missing anything

Uweir32

No I haven’t heard anything don’t think we will for a week or two

Hearns2017

Just got word I passed my interview on to stage 4 😊

Gadaves

Hearns2017 wrote: »

Just got word I passed my interview on to stage 4 😊

Congrats got my results today as well,wonder how long we will be waiting to meet the super.

Hearns2017

Gadaves wrote: »

Congrats got my results today as well,wonder how long we will be waiting to meet the super.

I suppose it depends on how quick the paper work goes through. More time to get fit though!!

Uweir32

Has anyone received their interview feedback yet? - I emailed a week ago and haven’t heard a thing

fmp3d26og54yi9

Uweir32 wrote: »

Has anyone received their interview feedback yet? - I emailed a week ago and haven’t heard a thing

Can you actually get interview feedback? I didn't know that was possible.

Just found this thread! But had my interview mid Sept - Results early Oct. Had my meeting with my local Sgt on sunday night and she got the paperwork and all my references contacted. Garda appointments got onto me yesterday for some additional info and I got it back to them within the hour. Rang them today to confirm receipt. I'm like a plague making sure nothing holds me up!

Also I am going to head up to Templemore on the 24th Nov. No harm having a look around to give me more motivation to hit the gym harder!

Mrletsdothis

Maggie Blue Starlet wrote: »

Can you actually get interview feedback? I didn't know that was possible.

Just found this thread! But had my interview 17th Sept - Results 2nd Oct. Had my meeting with my local Sgt on sunday night and she got the paperwork and all my references contacted. Garda appointments got onto me yesterday for some additional info and I got it back to them within the hour. Rang them today to confirm receipt. I'm like a plague making sure nothing holds me up!

Also I am going to head up to Templemore on the 24th Nov. No harm having a look around to give me more motivation to hit the gym harder!

Hey,

I just passed the interview and haven’t completed vetting yet , do you know if I can attend the open day or do you have to receive an invite?

Vital Work

Mrletsdothis wrote: »

Hey,

I just passed the interview and haven’t completed vetting yet , do you know if I can attend the open day or do you have to receive an invite?

I don't think you'd be allowed to attend yet. On our invitations it says you must present the invitation and ID before entering the Garda College. Hopefully ya won't be waiting too long to hear something!

fmp3d26og54yi9

Mrletsdothis wrote: »

Hey,

I just passed the interview and haven’t completed vetting yet , do you know if I can attend the open day or do you have to receive an invite?

It's only those who received the invite. It says so on the email unfortunately. But there will be another one soon I am sure.

leheaven

Maggie Blue Starlet wrote: »

Can you actually get interview feedback? I didn't know that was possible.

Just found this thread! But had my interview 17th Sept - Results 2nd Oct. Had my meeting with my local Sgt on sunday night and she got the paperwork and all my references contacted. Garda appointments got onto me yesterday for some additional info and I got it back to them within the hour. Rang them today to confirm receipt. I'm like a plague making sure nothing holds me up!

Also I am going to head up to Templemore on the 24th Nov. No harm having a look around to give me more motivation to hit the gym harder!

How long between getting your results and being called for your local interview?

fmp3d26og54yi9

leheaven wrote: »

How long between getting your results and being called for your local interview?

Results 2nd oct and local interview was last Sunday

Carles Puyol

leheaven wrote: »

How long between getting your results and being called for your local interview?

A lot of people haven't been called yet. I've a single-digit oom and haven't heard anything as of yet. I'd imagine it depends on your local station and how busy there. Considering traligurl was only waiting a month I'd be hoping to be seen this side of Christmas. Going by that I'd say the waiting time is 1-3 months, but just my opinion.

Mrletsdothis

The local interview is before any fitness test/medical right?

fmp3d26og54yi9

Mrletsdothis wrote: »

The local interview is before any fitness test/medical right?

Well it is in my case!...I haven't a date for PCT or medical yet and i've had my local interview with the Sgt.

Mrletsdothis

Maggie Blue Starlet wrote: »

Well it is in my case!...I haven't a date for PCT or medical yet and i've had my local interview with the Sgt.

Ah cool and is it an actual interview or more of an informal chat?

fmp3d26og54yi9

Mrletsdothis wrote: »

Ah cool and is it an actual interview or more of an informal chat?

More of an informal chat. But I would dress smart as they are deciding whether of not you are a suitable candidate and will check Pulse for any records and will be contacting all your referees.

Mrletsdothis

Maggie Blue Starlet wrote: »

More of an informal chat. But I would dress smart as they are deciding whether of not you are a suitable candidate and will check Pulse for any records and will be contacting all your referees.

Thanks for the info and one final thing do they call your references and check pulse whilst your in the station... or is this done before?

fmp3d26og54yi9

Mrletsdothis wrote: »

Thanks for the info and one final thing do they call your references and check pulse whilst your in the station... or is this done before?

They checked my references before I went to the station and she asked me when i was in the interview if I had anything that would show up on pulse, so based on that I am assuming she hadn't checked it already. But I knew there was nothing on it for me so.

leheaven

Maggie Blue Starlet wrote: »

They checked my references before I went to the station and she asked me when i was in the interview if I had anything that would show up on pulse, so based on that I am assuming she hadn't checked it already. But I knew there was nothing on it for me so.

One of my reference now doesn’t want to be a ref cause he’s a lot going on personally. Do you think I could change it since I haven’t been called for a local interview yet?