Calls for Administrative Assistant 2023: Navarra and Other Communities

The increase in people seeking job stability, especially in an uncertain economic context, has led to the rise of public examinations, among which those of Administrative AssistantIn this article, we will analyze in depth the characteristics of these oppositions, with a special focus on the Navarra call, which in its latest edition broke registration records.

The rise of opposition: the keys to this trend

Many reasons lead many people to choose this path as a solution to their work problems. Some of the most common arguments among those who oppose it are:

• Employment stability: The idea of ​​having a job for life is perhaps one of the most powerful incentives for those who decide to prepare for these tests.
• Unemployment: Given the lack of job opportunities in the private sector, many people see taking public exams as a long-term solution.
• Job improvement: Even those who are already civil servants can choose to run again to improve their employment situation.
• Work-life balance: A civil servant's schedule allows for more free time compared to other jobs.
• Less working hours: In the private sector, working hours tend to be longer, while in public administration, more stable schedules are common.

Government of Navarra call for applications: record number of registrations

In the last public employment call of the Government of Navarre, were offered 164 administrative assistant positions distributed in different departments, which attracted thousands of applicants. To be more specific, a total of 1,000 applicants were registered 7059 registrations, a record number that has rarely been seen before. The growing demand for public employment shows that more and more people are attracted by the benefits that such a position represents.

It is important to note that, in general, this type of competition tends to have a high number of applicants. However, the Government of Navarra has witnessed a notable increase in the number of applications. Although historically there is usually a percentage of applicants who do not take the tests, this ratio has decreased in the most recent calls.

Distribution of places and phases of the exam

The offer of 164 places was distributed as follows:

• 76 free access places: These positions are open to anyone who meets the established requirements.
• 76 internal promotion positions: These vacancies are intended for civil servants who already work in the administration and wish to improve their professional category.
• 12 places for people with a disability greater than 33%: A special quota is allocated to people with a recognized disability.

Administrative Assistant Exam Structure

The exam to access the administrative assistant positions consists of four tests, which are detailed below:

1. Psychotechnical tests: These tests are usually the first and assess various cognitive abilities, such as verbal ability, mental agility and problem solving in a given time.
2. Theoric exam: The theoretical exam includes questions related to topics such as the Spanish Constitution, the Statute of Autonomy, rights and duties of civil servants, as well as the legislation applied in each autonomous community.
3. Computer test: In this phase, applicants must demonstrate their skills in using software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and other programs commonly used in public administration.
4. Typing Test: Candidates must demonstrate a minimum speed of 160 beats per minute to meet the required typing standards.

These tests will be carried out sequentially, with the psychotechnical tests and the theoretical exam being the first (both are carried out together), followed by the practical and computer tests.

Specific details about the computer and typing test

The computer test is particularly relevant in this opposition, since candidates must demonstrate their ability to perform tasks in Microsoft Windows 10 y Office 365It is crucial for candidates to become familiar with these tools, due to the importance they have in the daily functioning of any public administration.

As for the typing test, although many of the administrative tasks have changed over time, typing speed and accuracy continue to be a valued skill. Those who do not reach the minimum required typing speed may be eliminated from the competition.

Comparison with other calls in Spain

It is not only Navarra that has seen a growing interest in this type of competition. At a national level, numerous positions are offered each year in different communities and municipalities. For example, in the call for the General Auxiliary Corps of the State Administration, the exam is structured in two parts:

• Theoretical and psychotechnical block: It includes questions on administrative topics and aptitude assessments, similar to the tests we have detailed so far.
• Practical block on office tools: As in Navarra, knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Office (mainly Word and Excel) is assessed.

It is interesting to note that the requirements for computer and typing skills remain fairly uniform across the different calls, reflecting the importance of these skills.

Tips for preparing for the exam

For those who are considering applying for administrative assistant positions, it is advisable to follow a series of tips:

• Consistency in study: Dedicating yourself daily to preparing the syllabus is essential to obtain good results.
• Psychotechnical preparation: Since many of the initial exams for competitive examinations include psychotechnical tests, it is advisable to constantly practice these types of exercises.
• Familiarization with office tools: To dominate Microsoft Word, Excel and other tools are key to passing the computer test.
• Typing speed: Practicing assisted typing can be a great help in achieving the speed required for typing tests.

Although the competitive examinations are demanding, with good planning and dedication, it is possible to pass them and access a stable job within the public administration.