Application forms, competency interviews, and competition prep for Irish public sector roles.
Assistant Principal Officer 2026: Competitions Explained
The 2026 Assistant Principal Officer competitions close 18 June. A clear guide to the open and interdepartmental routes, salary, stages and how to prepare.
Read article Guides for civil service candidatesThird Secretary Application 2026: Expert Guide
How to apply for Third Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2026: form, tests, interview, by a former Third Secretary in Dublin.
Read article Guides for civil service candidatesBuild an Example Bank for Competency Interviews
Stop starting from scratch for every interview. Learn how to build an example bank that maps your career to common competency areas, using SAR.
Read article Guides for civil service candidatesI-Centred Language in Interviews: Show Agency
Why I-centred language in interviews helps candidates show ownership, judgment and results. Includes practical examples and active phrases to memorise.
Read article Guides for civil service candidatesWhat to Expect at a DEDICO Interview Prep Session
DEDICO interview prep: 90-minute sessions, mock practice, real-time feedback, hardest questions first. Civil Service and private sector.
Read article Guides for civil service candidatesSAR Method: How to Answer Competency Interview Questions
Use the SAR method (Situation, Action, Result) to answer behavioural interview questions clearly. Most marks sit in Action, here is how to weight your answer.
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