NEW 2022 Assistant Principal Competition - Open and Interdepartmental

TheGoreyDetail

Thank you busher07, much appreciated 🙂

Hollowstarz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121787338#Comment_121787338

Is this correct in terms of numbers? I am between 995-1111 and have heard nothing at all from PAS?

busher07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121798364#Comment_121798364

Yes Hollowstarz that is correct I am between those numbers too and hope to hear from PAS over the next month but depends what numbers they decide to call and when they reach those numbers they do a shortlisting so we would need to make the cut on that too.

delricyo

Got the results of shortlisting today. Extremely disappointed that I failed on all areas except one.

I already was getting myself in the mindset for the analysis exercise and interview so I am gutted. This is the first time in over ten years that I haven't been shortlisted for a competition (AO/HEO/AP - several of each)

Ciaran1239

Received an email today to tell me that after a year of hearing nothing, I am not among the candidates being selected for stage 3 interview process on the basis that my initial application form, submitted over a year ago, did not meet the required criteria as per the review of shortlisting board. Can I ask, has anyone else who proceeded to stage 3 interviews, been asked to submit a new application form? I have been a part of panels previously and while I was successful, I know people were asked to submit new application forms if enough time had passed (obvious enough because they would need to update their experience). I though that would have been standard, considering I filled out that form initially in late 2022, and I've moved on considerably in terms of experience since then. Just seems annoyign that I'll have to potentially wait another year to even apply.

757TFFIU

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121802516#Comment_121802516

Been there before with a HEO competition. It's not a nice feeling to go down on such a small margin. I'd almost prefer to fail spectacularly than go down on one competency.

What I would say is stick in an informal appeal. Worst they'll do is say no. If it's what you want to do though, be quick. I think you've only 5 days to submit an informal appeal.

delricyo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121802574#Comment_121802574

Yeah, I know a guy who applied for HEO when he was just promoted from CO to EO. His form was poor - in his own words. Luckily they didn't shortlist for that competition and he was able to use the interview to show how well he did.

I agree with you above. Since I submitted my form, we got a new PO in our section who is approaching things in a new way. New projects to be done and new ways of doing all our work. It is a shame that I wont get a chance to show off my 2023 experiences...

delricyo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121802581#Comment_121802581

Thanks for the advice - I will definitely consider doing this.

Just to point out, I failed on all areas except one. The one I passed, I only got the pass score!

I can understand it if it were my first AP application, but with nearly 9 years as HEO and about 5 AP competitions under my belt - it gets more frustrating

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121802574#Comment_121802574

Hi no I wasn't. Applied for the 2022 comp, stage 3 completed Dec 2023 & I was asked for no updated info

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121802673#Comment_121802673

I'm so sorry to hear this. How frustrating. Go again. Best of luck

cyrils foxpit

I got an email saying I am through to the next stage of interview and exercise. I am just settled into a new role a grade below so this was a bit of a shock.

Does anyone already appointed know the set up with remote working, I know it differs from Dept to Dept but would it be common place and what would the normal pattern be (2 days in office ??).

I am 100 miles from Dublin, hence the question :)

Disney2003

Hi, I just got the email to say I may be called for interview. I had totally written this off. Can someone please advise what is involved at the next stage and any advise on how to prepare ?

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121803989#Comment_121803989

I started this week straight into 2 days in office, 3 days wfh. The Dept & section I left doesn't allow wfh for a year for new staff. It really varies from place to place.

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121804488#Comment_121804488

You will have a strategic analysis exercise & interview all on the same day. Topics given maybe 2 weeks before. Check out Programme for Government. You will get 4 topics from this. Choose one. Analyse the policy, 2 page report & 4 slide PowerPoint. I used the SWOT method. 10 mins of questions on your presentation things like why you chose it, how Ireland compares to other countries, & probing your findings. Break it down, its not as bad as it sounds. Include the competencies & key skills. For interview just know your examples inside out. The Board will guide you.

Vologda69

Im in DSP and all new staff, including internally promoted APs are expected in the office full time for at least a year...other departments may differ

Onion87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121803989#Comment_121803989

I'm the same, I live 100km from Dublin. This is the first I'm hearing of that rule for certain depts and that wouldn't be feasible for me. I think if I was offered a position in such a dept, I would have to turn it down ☹️ Do they tell you the WFH arrangements when they first offer you a position? Also, I'm assuming if you turn down your first offer (open stream), you are then completely out of the competition? They hardly offer you a second position on open stream? Or can you turn down the first location offer and wait for an offer on the second location choice, if it arises?

koneill2020

Hi All,

first time poster here! Currently on open panel for this competition and am new to the civil service. Can anyone advise if PAS skills match you to the department you’re assigned? Or if you can request a department to be assigned to? Not sure how any of this works.

thanks!

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121806598#Comment_121806598

I got a provisional offer from PAS by email. They asked if I'd like to contact the new Dept directly for further info before deciding. Of course I said yes. Took about a week for someone to call me. I was told 2 days in the office and so i accepted.

Perhaps we could share on here our knowledge of Depts blended working policies? I don't know if that's allowed. I find HR don't always know & that its down to different business areas and business needs.

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121807524#Comment_121807524

Hi I stand to be corrected but no, I dont think they do. We are just a candidate filling the next vacancy.

eroc79

I think an organisation can state specific skills they might like a candidate to have but at the end of the day they have to take next on the panel. There might be some wriggle room if there is a batch being assigned at the same time. Probably more chance on a Dublin panel but for the smaller counties I think the chance of skills matching is slim.

Piglet85

Did anyone else receive an email confirming that they passed shortlisting but no further info regarding whether the score is high enough to be called for interview? It's for a region outside Dublin so I imagine there may only be one batch. I'm not sure if everyone who passes shortlisting gets kept in the loop regarding interviews or if you only find out you haven't made the cutoff by dint of radio silence...

res1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121804488#Comment_121804488

Hi for preparation I have previously advised others to go to Brian McIvor on Youtube plus you can order a brilliant free book on his website "Be Interview-Wise" brilliantly concise and very useful book for everyone getting to interview stage and also particularly those with no experience of CS interviews. (PS. I have no affiliation whatsoever with Brian McIvor other than I found his material excellent !). Best of luck if you want to pm for further advice happy to help.

Bringitonn

Hi, has anyone been appointed or worked in DCEDIY? Hearing mixed reports on working there.

markyp1988

For those who have been appointed so far, where have you ended up? It seems predominantly DSP or DCEDIY? Any ended up anywhere else?

Tony29

I too was offered Dept of Children

the HR rep tried hard to dress it up

HR can’t or won’t guarantee you a role until you land at their door

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121815681#Comment_121815681

I got DFHERIS

CZ 453

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121814978#Comment_121814978

Would be interested on hearing the negatives. I have only heard good things so far.

OnwardsandUpwards

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121805202#Comment_121805202

Thanks so much for the info. Did you know about these conditions before you accepted the offer?

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121819576#Comment_121819576

I did. HR told me. I wondered would that actually be the case when I started and thankfully it was.

OnwardsandUpwards

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121816473#Comment_121816473

Do you mind me asking what their WFH/flexi policies are?

Msrule

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121808115#Comment_121808115

I was high on the initial OOM, but had applied for Cork / Limerick so heard nothing until last week when notified of success in stage 2 shortlisting, now called for stage 3 interview late March, though frustratingly after a year of radio silence, on a day I definitely cannot attend!

Piglet85

Same here, confirmation of interview yesterday. I'm in two minds whether to go ahead or not to be honest, I like my current HEO post and would have to go back to a longer commute if I were to get offered a position. Plus with all the uncertainty around differing WFH policies across departments, it feels like a risk. Having said that, I know I should really go for it and see what happens...

Get in touch with PAS if you haven't already, they will probably accommodate you. I have hear of that happening a couple of times previously. Good luck!

Msrule

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121823813#Comment_121823813

Thanks, I have emailed - we will see what happens. I like the (none CS) job I am currently in, so if not, sure nothing lost, we'll go again!

Swilly22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121822026#Comment_121822026

In 2 days, set anchor days and wfh 3 days.

littleb

Hi folks,

I got an email late last week to say I’ve passed the shortlisting didn’t meet the scoring for immediately interview but will be called forward in due course. Can I ask what is the process as in how far in advance will PAS send on an exercise to be completed before an interview? Trying to get my ducks in a row where/if possible.

Sakura009

Did I read it correctly it was a year if radio silence? 😬

I placed first in the open HEO last December with Limerick as my preference but gave me a Dublin job in Department of Children!

I wanted to reject it considering the long wait and they cant still give me a timeline or details as to WFH policy even when I am done with garda vetting etc 🥲

elliebeegoode

I just got an offer today for Dept of Justice - no details yet. Does anyone know what their WFH policy is like or does it vary a lot?

Re: DCEDIY, I know two people working there who say they're very happy. But a recent vacancy in my current dept had fewer than 12 applicants and more than half were from DCEDIY so that feels to me like there's a lot of people looking to get out.

Bringitonn

Was the vacancy in your current dept at AP level?

elliebeegoode

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121830160#Comment_121830160

Yes

Wood

The amount of people trying to get out is due to the fact that a lot of staff who requested to go to the Ukraine response divisions are at the end of their 2 year positions and are probably trying to avoid being shoehorned into another position in a similar are. Also it seems like a lot of people use DCEDIY as a stepping stone for promotion due the the insane amount of internal competitions they hold.

There are a lot of happy staff in DCEDIY, the WFH policy kicks in on day one, the free gym and subsidised canteen are handy too. I'm happy here, but i'm not in that long.

markyp1988

Anyone know where PAS are at in terms of clearance for the Dublin open panel? I believe they’ve nearly finished clearing batch 3.3 internal but no idea if they’ve started batch 3.2 or 3.3 for open.

littleb

great to hear a positive review, I’ve been in my Dept a long time so if I’m successful in an upcoming interview good to know about other positive experiences

Onion87

Two weeks ago they were still on 3.2 in open and hadn't started 3.3, they had about 7 to go in 3.2 (I think) before starting 3.3

Onion87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121831768#Comment_121831768

What's the WFH policy in DCEDIY?

markyp1988

@Onion87 most units are 2 days in office and 3 days WFH.

PBR

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121835153#Comment_121835153

Thanks this is useful to know. As I’m on the fence regarding my InterD assignment

HydroTendonMan

Just to give people some further info on timescales for interD placements:

- Interview/presentation on 25th January

- Results came on 13th February, started clearance within a day or two

- Spoke to my HR and agree to take an internal post, start on 18th March.

Best of luck to all those going through this process.

littleb

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121843222#Comment_121843222

HydroTendonMan

Congrats on your success, fast turnaround for interD side of things.

Can I ask how far in advance did you get notice and preparation of the presentation before the interview. I’m through the shortlisting but told they will be in contact in due course.

Twinstogether2015

Congratulations all who have gone through this process. Has anyone been successful who applied for Cavan or Meath?

countyireland12345

Does anyone know if a Cork panel has been/will be formed?