Garda Trainee September 2016

Recruitment Campaign

Stage 3- Familiarisation Material

This is an important document so please set some time aside

to read it in advance of attending Stage 3

The Garda Trainee competition is comprised of multiple stages. In addition to qualifying at each element within each stage of the selection process, candidates must also fulfil the eligibility requirements set out in the ‘NOTES FOR APPLICANTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE’booklet, published in conjunction with the competition. This is available to view by clicking this LINK. This document provides candidates with important information and it is advised that you read it carefully and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility criteria, including the educational requirements.

Stage 3 of the selection process comprises a competitive interview. As previously indicated to you, on the day of the interview you will be required to bring the following documentation with you:

  • Educational Certification

On arrival, candidates mustpresent their qualification documentation andregister for interview at the Reception desk. Documentation presented by candidates will then be checked by a staff member from PAS, who will inform you if any additional documents/ Information is required.

  • Form B

Before attending Stage 3 you will receive a link to ‘Form B’. This will be sent to your Public Jobs Message Board. You should fully complete this form before you attend. A member of staff from the Garda Appointments Office will meet you and will take you through your already completed Form B. This form should not be signed until you meet with the staff member.

It is essential that youreducational qualifications and your Form B are assessed on the day of your interview. If not, your progress in the campaign may be impeded.

Those who do not fulfil the language requirement as set out in NOTES FOR APPLICANTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, Section 3, paragraph (vi)(d) (see link above)may have their English or Irish assessedseparately. These language assessments will not be held on the day of the interview but at a later date, and will only be offered to those who qualify at Stage 3.

The Interview
The Interview Board will have a copy of your Application Formand may refer to it during your interview. The interview is based on the key skill areas which have been identified as necessary for effective performance in the Garda Trainee role.

At interview you will be assessed onthe following skill/competency areas:

  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Resilience
  • Motivation to be a Garda
  • Judgement and Decision Making
  • Delivery of Results

It is important to think about your experiences and skills,and how you would apply these in each of the areas listed.Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying standard in each of the skill/ competency areas.

There will be three members on the Interview Board. The interview will last approximately 40 minutes.

Remember……

  • Make sure you know the exact time and location of your interview.
  • Ensure that you arrive at least 20 minutes in advance of your scheduled interview time to facilitate the qualification checks and completion of Form B.
  • During the interview, listen carefully and ask for clarification if you are unsure of the question being asked.
  • Do not generalise when answering, e.g. ‘I tend to be very organised’.
  • Give sufficient detail to ensure that the Board Members know exactly what steps you took and why.
  • Do not rely on the Board Members to assume that you behaved in a certain way or for certain reasons.
  • Try and relax during the interview.

Further information on preparing for interviews is available on

What to bring with you to your interview:

The link below gives additional details of the documentation you must bring with you to Stage 3

Documentation required for Stage 3

What happens if I’m invited to the next Stage?

Candidates successful at Stage 3 will be forwarded to An Garda Siochana for future consideration. This will include undergoing Garda Vetting, a Medical Exam and Physical Competency Test. For further details, refer to ‘NOTES FOR APPLICANTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE’(link above).