PTD interview July 2013.

There is another round of call to interview Pegawai Tadbir Diplomatik M41: I was one of the luckiest one to be called upon (two weeks in advance of the date via sms and email). 

As it was my second invitation by the Public Service Commission, I had learned a lot from the previous and harsh experience so I was quite composed on that day. 

Investing in a PADINI blazer priced at RM159 also boosted my confidence, though. 

In addition to my previous notes which are available here. part I, part II and part III. Below are other things for future candidates to look for as one of the tips. Additional for the updated Malaysian cabinet lisdt.

**of course, with the hot topic being debated on Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement. A well-prepared interviewee should have rough idea and of course own opinion on that. (I am glad my session was over as the topic is not as easy to understand as a whole).

There were two interviewees-  One of them is the Public Service Commission deputy president Dato Segarajah Ratnalingam. 

As I entered the "war-room", he was browsing through my well-arranged folder with attached pictorial resume.

Initially, the man commended on my good grade obtained at a prestigious local university.  But later was a little pissed when he found out that the certificate cumulative points did not match with what I'd put in the commission database. 

It is a reminder for applicants to always update their personal details at SPA's website. 

He was mostly speaking in English throughout the session. Asked on PTD's main specialisations which he gave out the answers being the "Human Resources, ICT, and etc". Yes, I had never come across of that kind of question. Like most candidates, I thought that PTD could work in any ministries available in the cabinet for administrative works. 

Other expected questions include whether I would want to work within or outside the country, which ministry, and of course have to provide supporting statements for every answers given. Both panels are also interested to know candidate's current job and thought on government's newly introduced policies, initiatives and etc.    

Prior to ending the session, Segarajah finally tested me on government existing policy which is the Government Transformation Plan and Economic Transformation Plan in Bahasa Malaysia. It will be a bonus if candidate knows these things on their fingertips. Be prepared to answer the difference of both plans, and its subtopics, as well as total projects introduced under it. 

As for that session, there was 15 of us. Chatted with others and found out some of them did not go through the second phase, which is the assessment stage.