LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITERSECTION APlease ensure that all sections of this form are completed in full, it will be copied for use by the Interview Board. You should also be aware that any shortlisting conducted as part of this selection process will be based on the information in your application form. Therefore, accuracy and clarity are essential.

Name in Full:

Email address for notification of results.)

____________________________________________________________________________

Do you currently hold a valid work permit? Yes No Not Applicable(See Appendix 1 of Candidate Information Booklet for details)

1. ACADEMIC, PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Full title of Degree(s)/ Qualification(s) held

Grade obtained (e.g. Pass; 2.2; 2.1; 1; etc.)

Please give results for each subject taken in final exam.

University, College or Examining

Authority.

Year in which Degree/Qualification

was obtained.

Full address at which you resided.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

2. EMPLOYMENT RECORD:

(a) Employment within OSI / Civil ServiceGive below, in date order full particulars of all posts held by you within OSi/ the Civil Service between your date of entry to OSi or the Civil Service, whichever is the earlier and the current date.

DatesTitle of post held, description of duties, etc. Department / OfficePeriod in

months From To

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

2. a) Employment within OSi / Civil Service continued.

DatesTitle of post held, description of duties, etc. Department / OfficePeriod in

months From To

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

2. EMPLOYMENT RECORD (Cont):

b) Employment Outside OSi / the Civil ServiceGive below, in date order (starting with the most recent), full particulars of all employment other than that included under 2 a) above (and also any periods of unemployment) between the date of leaving school or college and the present date. No period between these dates should be unaccounted for.

DatesTitle of post held, description

of duties, salary, etc.Name and address of

Employer

Address at which you resided during all periods of

employment, self-employment or unemployment

Period in months From To

Reason for leaving:

Reason for leaving:

Reason for leaving:

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITERSECTION B: COMPETENCIES - SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE

Information notes for completing the competency question overleaf

In the following section, you are required to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain necessary skills and qualities required for this position. The skills and qualities are outlined in the headings of Question 4(i) to (v) on the following pages.

For each area, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality. It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

The information will form part of the shortlisting process, where necessary, and will also be used to help structure your interview, if you are invited to one. Therefore, compose your replies carefully and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done.

Try not to exceed the space allowed in the boxes.

For each of your examples, please include the following:

(a) the nature of the task, problem or objective;

(b) what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it);

(c) the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

Please do not use the same example to illustrate your answer to more than two questions. Please note the board may look for additional examples under the competencies during interview.

Notes:

You may use a word processor to reproduce these pages and type your replies.

All questions must be answered.

It is recommended that you keep a copy of this section of the application form.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

In the spaces below, briefly describe what you consider to be a good example of demonstrating your ability in each of the areas below, providing the information requested at (a), (b), and (c) above.

1. Analysis & Decision MakingGathers and analyses information from relevant sources, weighing up a range of critical factors. Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions. Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions. Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these. Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

2. Planning and OrganisationPlans, organizes and manages work tasks and schedules to ensure efficient delivery of programmes to the required standard and in accordance with deadlines. Prioritises and plans work, identifying possible problem areas and developing contingency plans where necessary. Monitors how work is progressing in accordance with plans.

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

3. People & Leadership Skills Needs to interact effectively with a range of people. Listens to and understands the needs / concerns of different individuals / parties, and adapts his/her approach accordingly. Plays a key role in motivating and encouraging team members and in resolving team conflicts.

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

4. Interpersonal & Communication SkillsBuilds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing own role. Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management. Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues. Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits. Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect , even in challenging circumstances. Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing. Openness to Change

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

5. Drive and CommitmentStrives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives. Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands. Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon. Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided. Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

6. Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self DevelopmentHas a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department and effectively communicates this to others. Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work. Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

Candidates Name:

7. Technical ExpertiseUnderstand and demonstrate a clear knowledge of the following; Strong experience in technical writing in GIS, technology or related field. Developing wiki sites or similar online documentation, Technical Policy writing, Producing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and/or Manuals, Familiarity with Data Visualisation techniques, Collating and verifying information from diverse sources, Knowledge of Geospatial industry, Business Analysis techniques, Agile project management processes, Familiarity with producing documentation in line with standards such as ISO 9001:2008, DAMA or similar.

Please describe an experience which demonstrates your ability in this skill area.

Please remember to structure your answer as per a, b, and c in the notes section.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

SECTION C: SHORTLISTING IF NECESSARYPlease provide a 1 page résume outlining your experience relevant to the role (this should be of a minimum of 2 years duration)

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

SECTION D: INTERVIEW PREPARATION SECTION

The InterviewTHE FOLLOWING SECTIONS WILL HELP YOU TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH, AND TO PREPARE FOR

THE INTERVIEW.

What is a structured interview?

Ordnance Survey Ireland is committed to the principles of good recruiting practice. These principles involve the fair and impartial selection of the best candidate for the job.

Building on our implementation of the Competency Framework, a list of skills and qualities required for effective performance in this role has been established. The list is made up of a number of skill areas (or competencies), all of which are listed in the supplementary questions section (B) of the application form.

The structured interview requires you to provide specific and detailed examples of past or current experiences where you have demonstrated the skills and qualities that are required for that job. All of the skills areas, listed in the supplementary questions section of the application form will be thoroughly and systematically explored during the interview in order to build up a picture of candidates’ suitability for the job. The same skill areas will be explored with all candidates but not necessarily in the same order.

There will be three people on the Structured Interview Board. Each Board member will be trained in the structured interview technique.

At the start of the interview you will be introduced to each member of the Board and the Chairperson will explain the structured format to you. At this point he/she may also ask you to clarify any outstanding issues relating to your application form.

Once this has been completed, one of the skill areas will be clearly introduced to you and one Board Member will ask you questions relating to your experiences of demonstrating that skill. The other two Board Members will have an opportunity to ask you questions at the end of that skill area. You will be told when the questioning for that particular skill area has ended. The interview will follow this pattern of events until the range of skill areas has been covered. Throughout the interview, one Board Member will be taking notes. This is to provide the Board with a fair and accurate account of the examples you give, and it is used during the assessment which follows directly after the interview.

At the end of the interview you will be given an opportunity to add any additional comments in support of your application.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITER

How do I prepare for the structured interview?These guidelines, compiled by the Civil Service Commission, are intended to help candidates prepare for the interview and to do their best throughout the interview.

The structured interview involves the Interview Board assessing your ability in a number of skill areas by exploring specific examples of when you feel you have shown/used these skills in your life to date. In order to prepare for the interview, you should think of several situations where you have demonstrated the skills listed in the supplementary application form.

The Board may ask you about the examples that you have described in the supplementary application form or they may ask for another example. It is important that you think carefully about the skill areas in relation to your experiences to date, as you may find it difficult to come up with suitable examples on the spur of the moment, in the interview.

In considering the suitability of different situations from your experiences to date, you may find it useful to list out each individual step that you took and the reasons why. Consider the options that you were faced with at each step and why you chose to do what you did.

The Interview Board will not make assumptions about your ability based solely on the result or the outcome of the situation. Instead, they will be interested in exploring in detail how you demonstrated a particular skill and exactly what you did to achieve the outcome.

How do I maximise my performance during the Interview?

It may seem quite obvious, but during the structured interview it is vital that you listen extremely carefully to the questions that the Board Members ask. There is a limited time to examine each of the skill areas so it is best to spend the time focusing on your particular role in the example provided. The questions that are used during this interview are typically more specific than in interview formats that you may be used to, and will refer to a specific skill.

E.G. “How did you go about organising that task ?”As opposed to a less specific question;E.G. “Tell me how you went about that task – from start to finish?”

This means that you must give specific answers to questions. If you are asked a question such as “How did you go about organising that task?”

It is advisable to give a specific answer that demonstrates your organisational skills. Other details, such as the way you dealt with a particular person during the example, may be interesting, but are not directly relevant to the question and will not necessarily merit marks under that particular skill area in the assessment.

MARCH 2019

LEVEL 3B –TECHNICAL WRITERTips to help you do your best at the interview?

DO use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in a particular area. (E.G. I had to work as part of a team of five to complete an interim report for the Senior Management Group).

DO NOT generalise (E.G. I tend to be a good team player).

DO give sufficient detail to ensure that the Board Members know exactly what steps you took and why (E.G. I identified the key tasks to be completed over the assigned time period. I prioritised the tasks to be dealt with immediately, and allocated work to other individuals in the group in order to ensure that the work was completed to a high standard).

DO NOT rely on the Board Members to assume that you behaved in a certain way or for certain reasons. (E.G. I organised my work in order to get a good result)

MARCH 2019