As the deadline for applications to join the Force approaches, Eddie Nealon has some timely advice
GOOD news for people who have been waiting for a chance to join An Garda Síochána. The Public Appointments Service is currently accepting applications on their website www.publicjobs.ie for An Garda Síochána.
Applications will continue to be accepted until Tuesday 5th of January 2016. Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has announced that up to 600 new Garda trainees will be recruited in 2016.
However, getting a career with An Garda Síochána is not as easy as one might think. Once applicants have successfully applied, they must pass a rigorous selection of tests before starting their training in the Garda College in Templemore.
The initial stages consist of the aptitude tests. These tests consists of a series of online and written assessments which can include personality assessments, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, job simulation exercises and report writing exercises.
A candidate’s performance in these tests is very important for two reasons.
Firstly, only those that meet the required standard will be called to the remaining stages of the recruitment process. Secondly, successful candidates will be placed into a number of Bands. The highest scoring candidates will be placed into Band 1 and the remaining candidates will be place into Band 2 and 3 depending on their performance in the Stage 1 tests. The candidates placed in Band 1 will be the first group of people who will be asked to complete the remaining stages, followed by the remaining Bands.
A competency based interview follows the aptitude tests. The competencies, which are predefined by the interview board, are key skills deemed necessary to serve effectively as a member of An Garda Síochána. Examples of the competencies could include ‘Problem Solving’, ‘Resilience’, ‘Motivation for the Role’ etc.
Candidates are asked to give an example of an instance when they displayed the relevant competency effectively. Most people pick examples from their previous work experience, voluntary experience, educational experience or a hobby that they enjoy.
Obviously how well candidates prepare in advance will dictate how well they will perform in the interview.’
The final stages of the recruitment process will include a number of physical tests and a medical before successful candidates begin the B.A in Applied Policing in the Garda College in Templemore.
Eddie Nealon is a Course
Director with Career Services. See careerservices.ie for more details.
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