Clerical positions

No specific entry requirements other than a "good general education." There are qualifying tests to assess abilities required for clerical work. Upper age limit: 50 years.

Special competitions are held for people with disabilities but people with disabilities are not restricted to these special competitions. As Gaeilge: Extra credit is given for effective communication in both Irish and English The job: clerical staff may be engaged in drafting letters, asking for or giving factual information, making and checking calculations, analysing reports, preparing, scrutinising and verifying documents, statistics, etc...They may also use office equipment such as computers, photocopiers and faxes.

Executive officer

This is the entry level to junior management. An increasing number of graduates enter the civil service at this grade.

Entry requirements: A recognised degree or a satisfactory standard in the Leaving Cert or equivalent exam in Leaving Cert maths, and Irish and/or English and any of the following: a pass in the first-year exam of a degree course; an NCEA certificate or equivalent; the professional exam I or equivalent of a recognised accountancy body

a pass or Grade D in maths and Irish and/or English in the Leaving Cert or equivalent, with a minimum of grade C in higher-level papers in at least five subjects.

The job: EOs are engaged in "critical analysis" of proposals and reports and in examining the more complex, non-routine cases on which decisions are made. They may be involved in researching and drafting proposals relating to policy issues and legislations or they could act as junior managers in Government departments or they may deal directly with the public. There are opportunities in specialist areas for graduates with the required relevant knowledge of areas such as accountancy, economics, law, marketing and public relations.

Third secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs

This is the recruitment level for the Irish diplomatic service and is the first step towards more senior posts. A first or second-class honours degree or a solicitor/barrister qualification is the minimum academic standard.