NICS aptitude test - what to wear?

Hairdo

Hi,

Sorry for using this old thread, i was just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes HR connect to offer you a place in the NICS after you have sent them your access NI form?

Thanks

one2escape

How long is a piece of string. Could be weeks it could be months. HR Connect are hopeless.

Hairdo

Hey,

Got a letter today from HR Connect saying that my name is being held on the merit list.

Can someone tell me what this means?

Thanks

Golden_Anemone

A merit list is often drawn up in the NICS when more people apply for a post than there are places available. Basically after they have been assessed everyone who meets the standard to do the job are placed on a list, normally in rank order, to fill any subsequent vacancies that become available.

highrisklowreturn

And indeed you may be recruited. DFP are looking to fill positions in the LPS. Personally I'm looking out of the NICS as there is no job satisfaction whatsoever, most of the staff and management are shysters who are only there for the pay cheque and morale is low. There is also no recognition for the more complex work agendas you may be given or sufficient remuneration for such, which is wonderful if you get an easy post but no so good if you have a difficult one. For example, I have worked in places in the NICS where my daily routine involved removing staples for 8 hours a day, every day, 7 days a week, and others where I have required complex training to perform important task re benefits, tax, welfare etc. Despite the differences in complexity, generic grading means I earnt the same in each circumstance (excepting pay rises and overtime etc), and, when it comes to promotion, could theoretically be pipped at the post, despite experience, knowledge of law and complexity of my job, by someone whose knowledge of such, and its application to the advantage of the department, could be rehashed on the rear-end of a 2p stamp. Such are the absurdities of NICS life.

Trust me, get good training in a manual job, work like an ant, pay as little tax as possible, and don't waste 40+ years working under an idiot, obsessing about getting the next promotion board, dealing with office politics, listening to the sexually/materially deprived losers in NIPSA, attending contrived and practicably-ignored diversity seminars, and thinking 'why' everyday.

bingo_bango

So why are you still in highrisk?

If it's that bad, just leave and let people like hairdo have a chance of getting a post.

Have you ever considered that with an attitude like yours, you may be the reason why morale is low in your area?

highrisklowreturn

bingo_bango wrote: »

So why are you still in highrisk?

If it's that bad, just leave and let people like hairdo have a chance of getting a post.

Have you ever considered that with an attitude like yours, you may be the reason why morale is low in your area?

LOL

Don't know where to start in responding to that.

1) I don't discuss such things on an office floor, only either in private or in the anonymity of a forum where others are looking for advice. Therefore my 'attitude' could not affect morale;

2) my 'attitude' is fine. My comments are a reflection of the NICS, and not merely held by me, but by a substantive contigent of internal personnel and management. They are also the independent conclusion of separate leaked reports by the internal Civil Services of both the ROI and the UK;

3) morale is low in my area through under-recognition and insufficient remuneration for complex work and processing of endless backlogs which have existed and have been mismanaged for the better part of six years, not the opinions expressed in redacted format on a public money-saving website.

abaka

Hey guys. Sorry to bump an old thread.

I've heard rumblings of a new AA or AO or possibly both competition coming up this summer with NICS. (My source is as good as you can get to confirming that it's going to happen). This will be my first time applying for this area of work in a public sector capacity. I've been working in admin officer and assistant roles for the last 4 years but the thing about me is, I don't test very well. Especially not with the questions you can find on aptitude tests such as verbal and numerical reasoning which I know is assessed with the Civil Service.

I'm just wondering if anybody has any good sources of material to research and practice in preparation for the competition coming up so that I can give myself the best chance of getting in to the service. Either online or paper based sources are welcome. I'm hoping to invest time, effort and money into this as I strongly believe getting into the service would finally set my life and career on track which as I edge closer towards my late 20's and 30th year more rapidly than I'd like, finally finding a career plan would soften the blow somewhat!!

abaka

I'm sorry but I do kinda find that reply disrespectful, especially towards the end.

I know I'm qualified and experienced to perform in the role I'll be applying for. My reason for posting here was to get advice on what material to study/brush up on in preparation of the test. I've never actually done any of these tests in my life and I'm looking for advice on material that may give me an insight on what to expect at the assessment.

waltsalt

I agree. Wee bit harsh there highrisklowreturn.

Also, you're sounding a bit bitter toward the Civil Service. It may not be all quite the way you depict it. I know some people that very much enjoy their jobs there.