Administrative Officer (Specialist Streams) 2023

Given that there will be specialist questions related to knowledge of different streams, is anyone aware if similar questions came up in the 2022 interviews?

Would be very helpful if anyone here has some examples of what was asked, thanks. For reference I'm in the Business and Finance stream.

I’m interviewing this week for the HR stream. Regarding the presentation, from what I’ve seen they mainly ask you about the topic you chose, how you researched it, where you looked for information etc.

I have no clue what kind of specialist questions could be ask. But past posts basically just said to focus on the performance indicators for that competency. If I had to guess, I’d say it would be about a time you used your knowledge in the workplace.

Have been scheduled for an interview in May on the Finance Stream. Wondering if anyone has had an interview for the finance stream yet? And if they could share their experience, tips or just outline the structure of how things went.

Also I note that PAS used the same numerical/verbal/situational judgement test I took for another post(with DFA - Development Specialist Officer) in order to give me an OOM place for both posts. I was wondering if this interview presentation would have an impact on that stream like stage 1 did? Is anyone else in the same boat?

Has anyone heard back from the interview yet? I thought we’d have the results by now

results are out

I passed as well! did way better than I expected. Absolutely delighted!

Wonder when the panel will get moving? I'm in the top 10. No one has heard anything yet?

I’m also in the top 10 haha. I hope we hear something soon enough because I think they want people to start around September

I can’t remember if I actually saw it or not. But I’m just assuming it’s around September because the position is specifically targeted towards graduates.

Message from PAS about clearance just came in. This is quick.

Hi, I'm the Business stream only.

Would you be able to get a transcript external validation code system or something like that, like how it is in UCD? https://www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/documents/onlinedocuments/ something that shows the results aren't doctored? Also congrats! 10 days isnt much in the scheme of things anyway!

What kind of documents are they looking for if you don’t mind me asking

I sent in mine on Friday and they ackowledged that they received it yesterday but haven't had any further contact. The deadline was earlier today so maybe tomorrow.

Anyone hear back anything further regarding qualifications submitted last week? Ta

Thanks Bitty! We are both in the same boat patiently waiting.

They just got back to me asking for references. I’m surprised they responded quickly

Hi, I'm in Business/Finance top 10. Sent in the transcript the other week and they acknowledged it and said they would be in touch for further info if required. Haven't heard anything since.

I was contacted about vetting and reference the other day. Sent off my details so there is movement in the Business stream.

I've never done an AO competition before, so not sure particularly with this new specialist stream model what is allowed and what's not. I was always of the impression and then told by PAS that if you turn down an offer, you are gone. But that isn't always the case. I competed in an accountant grade II competition before and placed top 10, got offered Dept Justice and turned it down and was told that I would be removed, however 2 months later they offered me another role with AGS which I again turned down. I went for the same competition 2 years ago and the same thing happened, I turned down the original role offer in Dept of Defence and 2 months later was offered Dept of Children, which I also turned down for various reasons. Before anyone comments on how daft that sounds................I know it seems quite silly to turn down a role 4 times, but some strategic moves not of my making were at play in the dept I was in at the time and an opportunity developed for something quite different where I am now.

To answer your question specifically, I think it depends on the Competition, but in my experience as outlined above, a refusal does not always mean the end of the road.

I'm currently on this B/F panel aswell and have placed in the top 10. I was hoping things would take longer to be honest and that the panel would be in existence for a few years as I really enjoy what I'm at now but I have also received another job offer for a set period I want to pursue and then move into a Finance/Economics policy AO role (hopefully in an area I'm interested in) afterwards. It's a good place to be I guess, but I can see myself having a tough decision to make soon I would imagine considering how quick things have tipped along up to now.

I haven't heard anything back yet but I imagine Finance, DPER or DETE.