Administrative Officer 2023

plaidshirt · 16-10-2023 2:38pm #1

I didn't see a thread so starting one.

I applied for these a few years back and recall having passed but not being called so hoping for a better run around this year.

I think my main stumbling block is the Situational test. Do people actually know what it is they are looking for in this? In the example questions provided, I can see merit in any of the answers - but that would all depend on the existing culture. I think it's somewhat biased to existing CS to know what the culture within a place is, as there is no obvious objectively correct answers.

mrsdewinter · 16-10-2023 7:10pm

I applied earlier this month to a 2023 AO competition - have they opened a 2024 competition in the meantime?

plaidshirt · 16-10-2023 11:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121246978#Comment_121246978

I renamed the thread, I was referring to this year's competition, apologies.

mrsdewinter · 17-10-2023 12:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121248103#Comment_121248103

Grand!

This is my first attempt at the AO competition. I've tried to familiarise myself with the competencies and I'll look over the job spec once more. I'm quite old, so I'm hoping that hard-earned common sense helps me over the line.

I completed the ID verification process this afternoon, so I'm hoping to hear tomorrow whether that's passed muster.

CH13 · 18-10-2023 3:09pm

Anyone any advice for situational judgement test? Made a balls of it in another competition.

plaidshirt · 18-10-2023 11:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121255107#Comment_121255107

No, unfortunately.

I just don't know what their priorities are. If they favour deference to management, or consideration of others.

The example questions on the test portal are case in point - I think after one week of working there, or being told what is expected, I would act accordingly. Every decision is informed by a culture, knowing it intuitively from the outside isn't a given.

skidmarkoner · 19-10-2023 9:12am

Ye it really is hard to say but i imagine they expect answers that align with the competancy framework.

So study that a little and aim to align your answers as best you can with that.

CH13 · 19-10-2023 11:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121257066#Comment_121257066

Completely agree. Tough to approach the questions when unaware of the working culture in the civil service. Keep in mind the competency as was said, and hope for the best?! 😂 Going to need a lot of luck

CH13 · 19-10-2023 11:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121257727#Comment_121257727

Thanks for the reply. Will certainly keep that in mind when answering!

19-10-2023 1:19pm

Is this for a current competition that is at the filling form out stage or has that part passed?

plaidshirt · 19-10-2023 2:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121258660#Comment_121258660

Deadline has passed, online tests to take place over the weekend.

skidmarkoner · 19-10-2023 5:25pm

IGEES have an AO open on atm but that's for people with economic degrees only I think

BigElmo · 21-10-2023 10:20am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121259743#Comment_121259743

Social Science and Data Science degrees too. Lots of degrees fit into Social Science so give it a bash if you can argue this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_science

The following are problem areas, applied social sciences and discipline branches within the social sciences.

Anthropology

Area studies

Communication studies

Economics

Education

Environmental studies

Gender studies

Geography

History

Industrial relations

International relations

Law

Library science

Linguistics

Media studies

Political science

Psychology

Sociology

Sustainable development

skidmarkoner · 21-10-2023 11:34am

Worth a shot

dannyc31 · 21-10-2023 3:41pm

my partner just finished the last of the 3 exams today. keeping my fingers crossed for her. she feels ok about it but said the numerical reasoning was very tough in comparison to the recent EO campaign.

Grateful4 · 21-10-2023 10:50pm

Thank you for starting this thread I was looking for one!

I did my 3 online tests today, glad to have them over with. I always find the numerical reasoning tricky.

Best of luck to everyone ! 🤞🙏

Ali07 · 22-10-2023 7:38pm

Hi,

I am going to do the tests tomorrow. Is there anyway I can prepare a bit for the numerical test?

Grateful4 · 22-10-2023 10:48pm

You can practice with the familiarisation tests accessible through the same link as the actual tests and also on the main public jobs website, go to test advice. Hope this helps! Good luck

LifesgoodwithLG · 23-10-2023 12:09am

Does anyone.know if there is negative marking on Numerical and Verbal? Planking it ahead of the tests tomorrow

mrsdewinter · 23-10-2023 8:53am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121272787#Comment_121272787

No negative marking on numerical, I noticed yesterday.

skidmarkoner · 23-10-2023 5:01pm

Just did it now wasn't expecting those videos in the situational.

ROTENDSA · 24-10-2023 12:46pm

Would it be possible for somebody to upload a copy of the candidate information booklet for this campaign? That would be very much appreciated.

ihope · 24-10-2023 1:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121259743#Comment_121259743

Hi, if the deadline has not passes for IGEES can you post the application link please. Can't seem to find this one. Thanks a mil.

skidmarkoner · 24-10-2023 4:00pm

https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/?option=com_jobsearch&view=jobdetails&Itemid=263&cid=180177&campaignId=23411208

okbreakfast · 24-10-2023 8:09pm

Will they share the actual test results with us or only tell us whether we passed this stage? Also, I couldn't find any info in the booklet on what constitutes the 'qualifying standard'; only that we must reach it in all tests to be considered further... First-time applicant here😅

ihope · 25-10-2023 12:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121278060#Comment_121278060

opps I replied to my own post so deleting this

elfie123 · 25-10-2023 3:48pm

When you receive your results you will be told the qualifying score for each test and the score you received for each test. If you reach the qualifying score for each test, you will then also be given an OOM (order of merit) aka your place in the que to be called for interview against all the other applicants. each test is usually marked out of 800 and the qualifying score is usual 370/800. Good luck 😊

apat7 · 25-10-2023 5:54pm

Does anyone know when we'll be notified of test results/OOM? This is my first time going through the AO process..

ihope · 25-10-2023 7:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121278796#Comment_121278796

Thanks a mil, I'm unsure I'd be eligible with a pg dip in PR, as my graduation in commerce was a simple degree. I will try to get this out tonight....maybe. I wish they had stated what degrees / masters would be elligible within 'Social Science'

skidmarkoner · 26-10-2023 7:27am

End of November according to the booklet

apat7 · 26-10-2023 8:22am

Thank you, I didn't see that in there.

Grateful4 · 26-10-2023 10:53am

This is my first time in the AO process also. In the booklet it said that Stage 2 commences 27th Nov - 1st Dec.

I am confused about Stage 2 as it says ‘assessment centre’ and later it refers to Stage 2 being a ‘Presentation and Interview’

Anyone been through this process before and kind enough to explain what stage 2 is please ?

skidmarkoner · 26-10-2023 11:28am

They'll release your score between those days and then start calling people for interview / presentations

okbreakfast · 26-10-2023 12:19pm

Thanks for the info, guys! Does anyone know what the presentation expectations are like and why they advise to only study briefly for it? Are there going to be more instructions or is it just whatever was provided in the initial campaign booklet?

Fizzgig Fozzywig · 07-11-2023 1:52pm

Hi all. I'm going slightly mad with the wait for results. From checking past competitions I think there's usually about 2 weeks between the first round ending and round one results. Hopefully we'll hear something this week. I forgot how much I hate this process. It's so drawn out and stressful. Best of luck all.

Fizzgig Fozzywig · 07-11-2023 1:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285896#Comment_121285896

Btw, there was a link to a separate document regarding the presentation. It advised more info would be forthcoming before the presentation/interview.

skidmarkoner · 07-11-2023 4:25pm

I would say it'll middle of the month so next week on Friday

mrsdewinter · 14-11-2023 1:31pm

Results of AO online assessments are out.

My OOM is 500+ and I see that it's those with OOM up to 100 who will be called for Stage 2 at the end of the month.

So, I'll be waiting a while - but good luck everybody!

SalteeBiscuits · 14-11-2023 1:40pm

Out of interest anyone have any idea how high they reached in the OOM last time? Did it get into the 500s?

skidmarkoner · 14-11-2023 1:42pm

100 in the first batch isn't too bad alot of people might have taken up private sector roles by the time they call batch 2+

CH13 · 14-11-2023 1:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121366566#Comment_121366566

Same as, wasn't happy with the tests and placed over 900+. Id say my chances of interview are close to zero. Disappointing

Shar! · 14-11-2023 1:49pm

My daughter passed too but OOM +1000

Sges over the moon she got through but I feel a sense of dread if it was a waste of time for her.

what’s peoples views calling over 1000, she has the open EO comp too but again OOM is above 2000 for that one.

vatsie76 · 14-11-2023 2:08pm

i was on OOM 830 in the last year panel and wasn’t called for interview 🥲

Fizzgig Fozzywig · 14-11-2023 2:10pm

Omg. I got top 10. I can't believe it. It says interviews commence week of 27th November.

kb1234 · 14-11-2023 2:12pm

I was 227 last year and in the 600s this year.. not sure how that happened!

apat7 · 14-11-2023 2:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121366731#Comment_121366731

Nice one! Congrats!

I got 146...I wonder when I'll hear about Stage 2..

Good luck for the interview etc!

skidmarkoner · 14-11-2023 2:20pm

Keep us posted when do call stage 2

sunny247 · 14-11-2023 2:20pm

I’m kind of surprised the next stage isn’t the questions they issue and have you record, I thought that was becoming a standard. An internal comp in my department is doing that for HEO.

Do we think this will be final stage? I’d hate to think I’d go through a presentation and interview twice. Once is stressful enough as it is.

kb1234 · 14-11-2023 2:23pm

Last year the interview and presentation was the final stage, and then you go through clearance and offer you a department etc. :)

Grateful4 · 14-11-2023 2:59pm

Well done everyone , was happy to finally have the results so I can stop checking my phone constantly 😂

I am in the 160’s very happy with that (especially the numerical 😅) hopefully called in the New year but no guarantees.

vatsie76 · 14-11-2023 3:09pm

Just realised that they have reduced the minimum score in the test .

Administrative Officer 2023

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