Civil Service Job Simulation Test

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Now_and_Then

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Hi all,

I am sitting the Administrative Officer test in the next week or two. I sat a previous Civil Service exam and did very well in the numerical and verbal reasoning tests. I did rubbish in the job simulation. Really bad. I'm not sure why.

Are there any hints, websites, books etc available to help me out/ give me a hand?

I know some people will say you can't prepare for this sort of test (just have the right attitude or experience) but experience has taught me that lots of test can be prepared for and results improved.

Any ideas?
 
As a general rule, if you answer as you believe rather than choose the options you think are being sought you'll probably do well enough.

A common mistake that people make on these tests is that these answers are designed to create some sort of psychological profile. They're not. They're deassigned to determine how you'd react in certain circumstances. There's no hidden agenda. Select your option honestly on the basis of what YOU believe would be the right thing to do.

The familiarisation booklets given in advance of these tests give a good indication of what these tests are likely to involve.

AOs occupy junior/middle management roles so bear this in mind when choosing an option. You need to choose an option that you believe would be appropriate to someone working at this level.
 
They is no "correct" answer, just one that is deemed more correct that the others! Also remember that the benchmark is set by the candidates sitting the exam. I don't know of any "practice" that can be done, or hints that can be got other than what Staples has outlined. I find the more of these tests you do, the better the results seem to be. I've done a few (at a high enough level) and my results improved with experience. A technique I used was to read the options first before reading the simulation, then flicking back a forth between the two before picking one (if that makes sense!)
 
I will be writting the same exam next weekend, my grades in the numerical and job simulation has been impressive but the problem was the verbal reasoning, I was always 2marks short of the required. I dont really mind doing exams once there is something to read but in this case I ve been finding it very difficult, to be honest I ve done quite a lot and the problem has been the same, I m just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction because I will really love to pass.
Thanks,
 
Hey!

As an AO in the civil service I would concur with what the other posters have said re: job simulation exercise. The main skill to apply in this test is Common Sense! Dont fall into the trap of picking the one that you think the examiners are looking for eventhough it is tempting to do this, look at the question, look at all the options and pick the one that TO YOU seems to be the most sensible/logical/practical.

I find that the verbal reasoning is a difficult one and the only piece of advice I would give you is to read the paragraph very carefully.

Dont forget that there is no negative marking on these exams so if you are running out of time and still have some questions to answer, tick the boxes! You have as much of a chance of getting it right as wrong!

I had a previous post where there were some links to similar tests on the web which may be of use! Have a search and best of luck!

B
 
Thanks for the advice.

Maybe I was being too smart (stupid) in the last simulation test and should just take it a bit easier this time and follow my instincts.

Oakrise: as to the verbal reasoning I find that reading the passage reasonably slowly and attempting to understand it before going on to the questions builds a firm foundation. Then for the specific questions I return and concentrate on that section of the passage relevant to the question. It is worth keeping an eye on little twists like double negatives etc that will test your understanding. All the time keeping an eye on the time and remembering as Bradfield said that there is no negative marking. I think it is best to get the the bulk of the questions out of the way, skipping those questions that are too difficult. That might sound like the bleedin obvious but it has served me well in exams... eh, except for the job simulation test.

And maybe you've practised already but there are books out there which will help you practice your verbal reasoning and learn some of the tricks of the trade. I have used them and they've helped.
 
Hi, I am sitting the Civil Service AO test on 21/06/08 in Dublin. I have found the following website http://www.aptitudeonline.co.uk usefull for anybody looking to practice the verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning sections of the test. In my case, I find the job simulation exercises most challenging part of the test;i was wondering if anybody knows of any resource where one could source, old tests, or practice questions of this nature. Jmdola
 
It appears from the information booklet that this year they are splitting the Job Simulation tests for AO and Third Sec so if you are applying for both you will have to sit two Job Simulation tests. Last year I only sat one but got two different results for it.

Of course... last year I also made it through all four stages of Third Sec and all the way to the Panel and a lot of fat good it did me, since I'm starting all over again. :( I'd give an arm and a leg to get the Third Secretary job.
 
No seriously. If they had a box for the option of mortgaging your first born I'd tick that too.

I'd I moved to Ireland only four years ago, but I've been studying for this kind of job for nearly 8 or 9 years now. I've an undergrad degree in foreign affairs and an LLM in international law. This is the one and only job in Ireland I am truly interested in as a career job for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, none of this appears relevant to the type of recruitment process the PAC runs. Last year they didn't even appear interested in any foreign languages you spoke (despite this being very important to diplomats)!

But whatever happens, I intend on applying until they get tired of turning me away.
 
Hi there, you all get the results? I'm in the mid fifties for AO. IS that enough to get to stage 2? I fear it's not as 2005 info on publicjobs says only 42 called...
 
JellyBelly said:
Hi there, you all get the results? I'm in the mid fifties for AO. IS that enough to get to stage 2? I fear it's not as 2005 info on publicjobs says only 42 called...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about AO but they are calling the first 190 for the Third Sec role.
 
The whole thing feels more like a lottery than serious recruitment practice. You can't ever know what you did wrong and therefore don't know how to improve. Or you can do brilliantly the first time (which is what I did) and badly the next time. I made it through all four stages to the the panel in the 2007 competition but I didn't make it out of Stage 1 in 2008. Third sec is such a specialised position but the psychometric tests just make a mockery of it.

I've been through the whole grinder all the way to the top. If you want tips for the subsequent 3 stages just ask me. I'll be doing it again next time....
 
lightup said:
I'm not sure about AO but they are calling the first 190 for the Third Sec role.
Click to expand...


Is thism info. pre-Recession adjustment plan reagrding 3% reduction in payroll costs? If so, that number of appointments may be far less as vacancies are not filled...
 
Welfarite said:
Is thism info. pre-Recession adjustment plan reagrding 3% reduction in payroll costs? If so, that number of appointments may be far less as vacancies are not filled...
Click to expand...

Info from email received from public appointments service on Monday.

JellyBelly had asked how many people will be called to round 2. This may or may not have any bearing on how many eventually get appointed.
 
Third Sec is independent from the General AO as the Dept of Foreign Affairs will decide how many people they need. If they are calling the top 190, they will pick the best from that bunch. This number is normally decided in advance i.e. maybe 20 people.

Intake from the general AO panel may be restricted because appointments will be limited. The panels normally run for 18 months so the top 50 will probably be called for interview and may get placed. Depending on demand and how many people pass the interview, maybe the top 100.
 
roseofskye said:
Unfortunately, none of this appears relevant to the type of recruitment process the PAC runs. Last year they didn't even appear interested in any foreign languages you spoke (despite this being very important to diplomats)!
Click to expand...

The public service recruitment process in Ireland is designed to give everyone a fair shot at it, particularily at the Stage 1 Aptitude Tests.

At Stage 2 for the 3rd Sec, you are required to demonstrate group skills and also have an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of foreign affairs. So it does get more specific the closer you get to being placed.
 
Does anyone know what the written test in the second round for Third Sec will entail? Will you asked to write on a topic specified by them on the day out of the list given or are you given a choice and so should prepare one of the topics in advance?
 
You're usually given a document on some issue (a country's political , economic and social background for example) and asked to prepare a briefing note based on that for a Minister/Ass. Sec/Someone more important than you basically.

It's just reading and summarising a topic, they give you a word limit for your note. There's not a lot you can do by means of preperation I would have thought
 
Hi
Can anyone tell me where to apply for a civil servent position ,is it advertised just on public jobs .ie .I would love to seek employment as a civil servent esp in the current economic climite i dont have any third level education so ideally would be applying for a clerical officer position
thank you for any replies
 
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