Competency Interview Preparation

The Garda Síochána applicant interview is a competency-based assessment designed to evaluate key skills essential for effective service as a member of An Garda Síochána. You will be interviewed online by a Garda Selection Board where you will be questioned and assessed across five competencies to determine if have the ability and skill sets to be an effective member of An Garda Siochana.

These competencies will include the following:

Interpersonal Skills and Service Ethos
Is motivated to serve others / the public, is helpful and engages with others in a positive and constructive way that facilitates relationship building, underpinned by respect and a sensitivity to others’ needs.  Possesses sound social skills such as sensitivity to the situation, the ability to listen and understand a range of perspectives and needs and respond with appropriate language and actions.

Exercising Authority
Demonstrates the ability and willingness to take a clear and credible lead, having the self-assurance to make rapid, well-judged and potentially unpopular decisions, executing them and standing by them.

Conscientiousness
Operates diligently, honourably and proactively, getting work done to the required standards and putting in effort.  Demonstrates professionalism and persistence, being motivated to do the right thing and seeing tasks through to the end, despite adversity.

Resilience
The ability to cope with a demanding workload and to deal calmly and objectively with difficult situations, crises and trauma. Demonstrates a desire for continual learning and self-development, seeking and accepting feedback from others.

Using Information & Problem Solving
Demonstrates strong problem solving skills with an ability to effectively assimilate and evaluate information from a range of sources to support good quality decision-making and generate solutions that meet the needs of a given situation or wider objective.

During the interview, you will be asked to provide specific examples from your work experience, education, voluntary activities, or other relevant areas that demonstrate these competencies or set of skills. The interview panel will probe further into these examples to assess your experience and competence for the role.