Did you hear that 54% have been ghosted by employers during the selection process? I should know—I was ghosted thrice before I finally got to work for the government before! Public sector interviews can be nerve-racking so I believe you should know the game to gain the upper hand. More specifically, you want to boost your confidence by nailing your communication skills. How? You hire an expert to give you personalized tips and prep with you—even until the last minute! Check out these top coaches for your next public sector interview in Ireland.
How much does a coach for public sector interviews charge in Ireland?
Coaches for public sector interviews in Ireland can set you back between €100 and €300 per hour. This depends on the type of session, the coach’s level of experience, and other extra services you need.
How I Chose
1. Terry O’Brien Career Consultancy
Terry O’Brien has been helping professionals succeed in their careers since 1999, when he founded his recruitment consultancy and worked with big companies like Intel, Microsoft, and Kerry Group.
These early experiences gave him deep insight into what employers look for in top candidates. In the early 2000s, he realised his true passion—guiding others to their ideal career. In 2008, he got certified as a career consultant and established Terry O’Brien Career Consultancy.
In 2012, O’Brien became an Assistant Professor of Careers at Dublin City University. He mentored numerous students in the Masters in Business Management and Strategic Management programs. This got him several recognitions, like Winner of the Best New Individual Lecturer Award in 2014.
Today Terry is a leading expert in competency-based interviews, specialising in public sector and senior level interviews. He helps clients identify their strengths and create competency answers that are clear and impactful and show their value.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, transitioning into a new role, or stepping into senior leadership, Terry’s personalised approach helps you build confidence and develop the strategies you need to succeed.
Reliable & Great Help
“Terry has been a great help to me the last few months. Wether it was my email or phone, any query I had in relation to my future studies for the career I want to pursue, he was able to answer and guide me in what he thought was the right direction. He is reliable and very good at what he does, thanks again Terry!”
-Mr. Ciaran Finnegan, Google Review
Strategic & Insightful
“I recently worked with Terry when I was looking to find a new role, and his support was great. His approach to revamping my CV and LinkedIn profile was strategic and insightful, highlighting strengths for a change into a new career direction. His knowledge and insights of the market gave me a fresh perspective to navigate the job market.”
-Mr. Mark Alfred, Google Review
2. Interview Techniques – Laura McGrath
Before launching Interview Techniques in 2008, Laura McGrath studied Business and Economics at Trinity College Dublin and has a postgraduate diploma in Executive Coaching from the Irish Management Institute. She has also spent over 20 years running her recruitment business in Dublin and London.
Now, McGrath mainly provides expert coaching for private and public sector interviews. Her goal has always been to empower people to perform at their best. She pinpoints the clients’ unique value from their former employers and guides them to showcase their strengths effectively.
Following the success of Interview Techniques, McGrath also established iSOAR Executive Coaching. Here, she works with clients on a 1-on-1 basis, typically when they’re going through a stressful period in their work.
Comprehensive & Detailed
“I found Laura’s session very comprehensive and detailed. I was doing HSE occupational therapy interviews which are competency based which I struggled with before working with Laura. I got the job after her crash course. It was one of the best investments in my career and achieving my goals. I strongly recommend Laura’s eye to detail and help to hone in your preparation and answers.”
-Mr. Niall Brennan, Google Review
Got Me Scoring Over 90%
“Really great experience with Laura from Interview techniques. I went from not doing well in interviews to scoring over 90% on interviews. I would recommend Laura, to finely focus or tune your answers to hit the points and get that job!”
-Ms. Julieann Mccaldin, Google Review
3. H-Suite (formerly H-Training)
Helen Hourican launched H-Training in 1989. She was a pioneer of learning and development at the time, as Ireland modernized and got many foreign investments. She grew her team significantly and opened offices in Cork City and Glanmire. She also serviced major government departments and mentored senior leaders on strategic initiatives.
Hourican oversaw many changes as Managing Director and moved to a remote working arrangement in 2006, being well ahead of the curve. She eventually retired in 2020, but her team continues her legacy into the digital age and beyond.
H-Training was soon rebranded to H-Suite and is managed by her son, Ciáran Hourican. As a triple threat, he operates as an executive coach, corporate trainer, and strategic consultant. He’s skilled in leadership and coaching interventions too. Plus, he’s active across Ireland with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as in tech, manufacturing, and digital marketing.
So Helpful at the Last Minute
“Liz was very professional and thorough and was so helpful in preparing me for my interview. Even took a phone call the night before the interview. Highly recommend H training. O yea I passed my interview and got the Job I applied for. Rob”
-Mr. Robert O Brien, Google Review
Great for Nervous Interviewees
“I met with Margaret from H Training to prepare for a public service interview. I has zero formal competency based interview experience and I was very nervous. Margaret gave me great tips and guidance and I am happy to say that I passed my interview thanks to her. I would highly recommend this service especially if you are like me and very nervous at the thought of an interview. It really did help me and, although I was still nervous on the lead up to the interview, once it started I was fine as I had done the preparation and mock interview with Margaret. Thanks again Margaret for all your help”
-Ms. Fiona Barry, Google Review
4. Interview Solutions
In 2009, Paul Mulan kicked off Interview Solutions. He’s been an interview coach for over 20 years and has an online and media presence, like with The Irish Independent and RecruitIreland. He’s also been a guest speaker at Career Zoo, Monster Career Fair, and Grad Ireland Career Fair.
But before all that, Mulan co-founded Eden Recruitment Ltd in 1999. After 6 years, he worked with SHL Ireland, helping organizations design recruitment processes. And in 2006, he formed Measurability, a leading career and outplacement consultancy. This firm then housed Interview Solutions, providing bespoke interview coaching to all job seeker levels (graduate to executive) across all industries. This includes the Health Service Executive (HSE), civil service, and public sector competency-based interviews.
Overall, Mulan’s been a business owner, recruitment manager, and career coach. He carries on using his extensive knowledge in recruitment and career interviews to help job seekers succeed.
Couldn’t Be Happier
“Paul is amazing at what he does. Got the job I interviewed for and could not be happier with the service provided.”
-Mr. Shane Casserly, Google Review
Secured a New Job
“Paul worked with me in May 23. I secured a new job in July. Paul gave me the toolkit I needed to be successful in interviews. I’ve recommended him to other friends who have also gotten jobs after meeting with him.”
-Ms. Leanne Young, Google Review
5. Ciara Stewart Consulting
Ciara Stewart started her namesake consulting firm because of her dream to be in a people-focused position. She graduated with a Psychology and Psychoanalysis degree at the University College Dublin and completed a Master’s in Career Guidance and Counseling at Dublin City University. Soon, she worked in human resources and recruitment across industries like insurance, banking, consulting, and entertainment.
Not long after, she became an expert in assessing candidates through interviews, psychometric testing, and assessment centers. She also became qualified in administering psychometric testing, aptitude, and personality testing, as well as facilitating Myers Briggs. Then in 2016, she completed an Executive and Leadership Coach diploma.
Now, she’s an experienced career guidance counselor and career coach, working with both private clients and organizations. She wants to keep supporting individuals and organizations in making positive career improvements.
Excellent Guidance & Support
“Ciara provided excellent guidance and support around interview preparation, and I would highly recommend her.”
-Ms. Paula Madden, Google Review
Felt Incredibly Prepared
“Ciara is an excellent interview coach, providing me with just the right balance of challenge and encouragement. She doesn’t use a ‘text book’ approach, and I felt each session was tailored to me. As a result felt incredibly prepared for the inevitable tricky interview questions.”
-Ms. Jennifer Murphy, Google Review