During a period of Civil Service recruitment, you may go straight into the Civil Service after you leave school as either a Clerical Officer or Executive Officer provided that you have passed the recruitment process through an open campaign and possess the relevant qualifications.

You will need a good general standard of education (e.g. Junior Cert, Leaving Cert Applied etc.) and a customer focused attitude to enter as a Clerical Officer. You will need a successful Leaving Certificate (or equivalent examination) in Maths and Irish or English with a minimum of grade C in five Honours subjects to enter as an Executive Officer. 

You may avail of a scheme that supports employees to study part-time, by refunding fees for courses seen as relevant to the job, and giving exam and study leave giving you the opportunity to continue your education while you work.

If you decide to enter into third level education and do not possess five honours in your Leaving Certificate you may apply for the position of the Executive Officer through an open competition provided you have:

1) Recognised degree

Or  

2) Successful Leaving Certificate (or equivalent examination) result in Maths and Irish and/or English and one of the following:

• Have passed the 1st year examinations of a course leading to a recognised degree
• A certificate/diploma or other qualification obtained following a NCEA recognised course that lasted at least two years
• Professional Examination 1, or equivalent of a recognised accountancy body

The Public Appointments Service also recruits for an Garda Siochana, the Fire Brigade and a number of other public services which you may apply to once you have satisfied the necessary requirements.

To apply for any of the above positions or to register your interest log on to www.publicjobs.ie

If you achieve a first class or second class honours degree you may apply for the following graduate positions (during a period of Civil Service recruitment - log on to www.publicjobs.ie for further information):

The Administrative role is the level above Executive Officer. Administrative Officers play a crucial role in policy formulation (through critical analysis, research and policy drafting) for a wide range of governmental areas. Administrative Officers can also be involved in drafting briefing materials for Ministers. This role is an excellent opportunity for honours graduates to begin working in the Public Sector. 

Another attractive position for graduates is the Third Secretary/Junior Diplomat in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the recruitment grade for the Irish diplomatic service.  Third Secretaries initially work in the Department of Foreign Affairs before travelling to an Irish embassy or consulate where they will work for a number of years. There are many different projects and areas of work within Foreign Affairs, from dealing with Irish tourists' issues abroad to acting as an Irish Representative in various formal functions.

Professional and specialist roles exist within the Public Service for both graduates and non-graduates. These include:

• Engineers
• Planners
• Architects
• Accountants/Auditors
• Medical Consultants
• Psychologists
• Nursing Staff
• Legal Staff – Solicitors, Barristers, Law Clerks
• Paramedical Staff – Dental Surgeons, Environmental Health Officers, Pharmacists, Community Welfare Officers.
• Scientists 

The Public Appointments Service also recruits for an Garda Siochana, the Fire Brigade and a number of other public services which you may apply to once you have satisfied the necessary requirements.

To apply for any of the above positions or to register your interest log on to www.publicjobs.ie

Appointees to positions in the public service frequently remain within the public service because of the broad range of job opportunities and promotion available during times of economic growth and/or public service recruitment. The public service also affords jobholders the opportunity to transfer across public service organisations and thus expand their skill base and enjoy new experiences and challenges. 

Any skill/experience that enables an officer to serve the public better in his/her official duties is valued - a strong customer orientated focus being an obvious example. Ask yourself what you think you could bring to the public service. The public service offers staff the oportunity to broaden their skills and expertise. Staff are encouraged to gain relevant qualifications - and opportunities to do so may be made available. 

Clearly professional and technical positions will require officers to have the appropriate qualifications and/or experience.

Older workers are welcome in the public service. There is normally no upper age-limit. During periods of Civil Service recruitment, vacancies are advertised on the Public Appointments Service website www.publicjobs.ie  and in some cases in newspapers and /or magazines/periodicals.

The skills/qualities/experience required varies depending on the positions involved. Applicants should clearly have a commitment to the public service and  be a person of good character.