Preparing for AO recruitment?

Government jobs are popular, and Administrative Officer (AO) is among the most popular ones.

You may have some questions or even feel puzzled while preparing for the written examination and the interview of AO.

No worries, here are the tips.

01 | Keep abreast of current affairs

AO Mickey Wai advised, “To become an AO, candidates have to keep abreast of current affairs.” AOs are subject to regular postings to different bureaux and departments to assist in policy making.  In order to formulate suitable and practical policies for different bureaux and departments, AOs are required to develop a thorough understanding of current affairs, and be aware of the viewpoints of different stakeholders in the society, as well as the rationale behind their viewpoints.


02 | Form your own standpoint

It is important to form your own standpoint after reading news. Mickey Wai suggested candidates to discuss with family and friends about current affairs to develop one’s own standpoint. Conflicting ideas are not necessarily bad; communication helps build mutual understanding.

03 | Organise your ideas systematically

For an AO, being able to organise and express one’s ideas systematically is a quality as important as forming one’s own standpoint.  Another AO Bernadette Lam reminded the candidates, “Stay calm when the interviewers challenge your standpoints.” It is natural to be nervous during interviews, but do remember to keep your presentation clear and concise. There are no model answers for interview questions. What the interviewers would like to know is your own standpoints and your ability to present them in a well-organised manner.

Let’s recap: keep abreast of current affairs; form your own standpoint and express them in a systematic manner.  Most importantly, show the interviewers that you possess the qualities they look for in an AO and have the passion to serve the society.

Good luck!

Contributing Editor: Sophie