Framework-aligned
Examples and answers mapped to the published capability framework for your competition.
Civil service prep from a former diplomat who knows how the system works
Application forms, online tests, and competency interviews for Irish public competitions. Run by Sarah Keane, a former First Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who entered as a Third Secretary.
Form review
Line-by-line feedback on application forms before you submit.
Test preparation
Guidance and practice plans for online assessments that screen large pools.
Stage-by-stage
Support through application, tests, video interview, and final panel.
Support through the full competition
Review
Application form feedback against the capability framework.
Prepare
Example bank and test practice plan tailored to your grade.
Mock
Interviews using framework-style probes and follow-up questions.
Rehearse
Final run under competition conditions close to your date.
Coaching for public competitions
Application
Before you submit.
- Form review with written feedback
- Example selection guidance
- Motivation statement tightening
- Framework mapping check
Assessment
Tests and interviews.
- Online test preparation plan
- Mock competency interviews
- Video stage coaching
- Follow-up probe practice
Materials
What you keep.
- Written feedback archive
- Example bank document
- Stage-by-stage checklist
Why choose DEDICO?
Sarah has coached candidates through Irish public sector competitions since 2024, after a civil service career that took her from Third Secretary to First Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs. She came through competitive interviews as a candidate herself, and conducted many as an interviewer during her years in the private sector, so she knows both sides of the table. That matters if you're moving between sectors: she knows how to draw out the whole of your experience, not just the half the panel expects. In session she hears quickly where an answer is losing marks and tells you plainly. The feedback is specific, direct and warm, and you will leave each session knowing exactly what to change.
What clients say
Sarah was an invaluable sounding board and interview coach for my senior civil service leadership competition. Her mix of experience in the civil service and the private sector was of great benefit, helping me make sure my interview style was incisive, pitched at the right level, and jargon free. I've worked with three different coaches over recent years and Sarah was by far the most helpful.
Sarah's guidance was invaluable throughout the Third Secretary recruitment process. She provided incredibly helpful feedback, helping me to hone my private sector experience into meaningful examples for my application form. Completing multiple competency-based mock interviews with Sarah allowed me to feel confident and prepared when the time came for the real thing.
Guides and articles
See all guidesFrequently asked questions
Which civil service competitions do you cover?
Most Irish public sector competitions: Third Secretary, Administrative Officer, Higher Executive Officer, Assistant Principal, Principal Officer, and Director-level roles, along with departmental and agency competitions. If you're applying for something else, ask, the process is usually similar. For county and city council competitions, see the local authority coaching page.
I'm not from the civil service. Can you still help?
Yes. A large share of clients come from the private sector or have a mixed background, and most of the work is translating that experience into the structure and language the marking scheme rewards.
How much does it cost?
Interview preparation sessions are from €175 for 1.5 hours, including a written guidance note and resources tailored to your competition. Multi-session packages are available, agreed at the first call so the work fits your deadline.
How many sessions do most people take?
Three to six over four to six weeks, depending on what stage of the competition you're at and how much time you have. If your deadline is tight, we'll concentrate the work.
Do you do mock interviews online or in person?
Online, over video call. Mocks can be recorded for your own review where you'd like.
What is the SAR method?
Situation, Action, Result. A structured way to answer competency questions that boards are explicitly trained to listen for. There's a guide to it on the blog.
My deadline is in two weeks. Is it too late to start?
Probably not. Most short-window prep is one focused application review and one or two mock interviews, with written feedback in between. Email and we'll tell you honestly if there's time to make a difference.
Will you tell me if I'm not a strong candidate?
Yes. The first call is where we say if the gap between where you are and what the competition needs is something coaching can close. There's no point taking your money to confirm an outcome that was already clear.
Ready to get started?
Book a short call. We will tell you honestly if this is the right fit.
Interview coaching
Competency-based and panel interviews, with mock sessions and a usable example bank.
See how it worksPublic speaking
Strengthen communication for assessment centres and presentations.
See how it works