The interview

Help is at hand - read on below to find out what to expect and how you can prepare for the big day.

The Panel
With Council jobs you will be interviewed by a panel of normally three people. One of these will be the manager or supervisor of the section you have applied to join. Some interviews may include a short work-based test or sometimes even a short presentation.

The questions and the person specification
The questions you will be asked will be linked to the person specification, so read it again before you attend the interview. Try to work out the types of questions you will be asked and think about the answers you could give.

Relax
Remember, interviewers will understand if you are nervous as most people being interviewed usually are. They will take this into account and will want the interview to go well. Try to relax.

Everyone makes mistakes
Listen carefully to the questions being asked, if you do not understand then do not be afraid to ask them to repeat the question. Few people get through an interview without some mistakes. So don't get worried or lose heart.

Special arrangements
If you have a disability and need any arrangements let us know in plenty of time to help us organise this. There is space on the application form for this information.

We are a Two Ticks employer which means that if you are disabled and you meet the minimum criteria we will give you an interview. However, this does not mean that you will be the first person to be offered the job. It just guarantees you an interview, the person who answers the interview questions the best will always be offered the position.

Be confident
Try and feel confident about the situation. If you have been offered an interview, it means that you have already been successful at one stage of applying for jobs - your application form has impressed the employer enough for them to want to spend time talking to you. You've probably been shortlisted from dozens or hundreds of applicants, so you've every reason to be confident.

Before the interview
You will normally have a weeks notice before an interview. Use the time to prepare yourself and this will help prevent you feeling nervous.

Make certain you know:

• Where the interview is. If you're uncertain find out!
• Exactly where the interview is to be held.
• How you will get to the interview and how long the journey will take.

Also make sure that you:

• Find out as much as you can about the service and what they actually do.
• Re-read the job description and person specification.
• Remember the questions you will be asked will be based on the person specification so try to anticipate them.
• Prepare your interview clothes a few days before the interview. Some people say

On the day

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
• Make contingency plans for looking after children and so on.
• Take the letter inviting you to interview.
• Make sure you have the necessary money on your Oyster Card for buses, car parks and so on.
• Set off in plenty of time so that you arrive 15 minutes early.
• When you arrive give your name and why you are there to the receptionist.

At the interview

• Good manners and social confidence are important.
• Shake hands with the interviewers.
• Make yourself comfortable.
• Try not to fidget with your hands.
• Speak up and look at the person who asked the question whilst you are answering it.
• Make sure that you know roughly when you'll be informed of the result of the interview.
• Don't forget to thank the interviewers at the end.
• Try to ask the panel a question at the interview, to demonstrate enthusiasm for the job.

Coping with questions

• Try to avoid 'yes' and 'no' answers.
• Be honest.
• If you're not asked about something that seems relevant and important to you, make sure you find an opportunity to say what you want to.
• When you are given the chance to ask questions, you should first ask something which shows your enthusiasm and interest in the job itself, for instance:
• What training and career development opportunities are there?
• Who will I be working with?
• Also ask anything you're unsure about from the job description.
• If you remember something you could have said in response to a question asked, don't be afraid to return to that question before the end of the interview.

These types of questions obviously give a better impression than just focusing on pay, finishing times and holidays!

Examples of interview questions
The panel will use probing questions to help you provide evidence that you have the skills to do the job. This will normally involve firstly asking a broad question about the subject area and then asking questions that require more specific information. The panel may also ask you 'what would you do if…'

• This job will involve caring for older people 'What have you done in the past that will help you do this?'
• What factors would you take into account when providing a service for the elderly?
• What is your experience of dealing with people over the telephone? (broad) How did you deal with any 'difficult' customers (specific)
• How would you relate your knowledge of equal opportunities to providing a service? (broad) How would you deal with discrimination? (specific)
• This job requires that children are encouraged to learn through play. What skills do you have that would help you do this? (broad) What examples can you give of when and how you used these skills? (specific)
• Can you tell me when you have had to answer queries from the public?
  (broad) What sorts of information did you provide? (specific)
• If you attend an interview and are unsuccessful, we will happily give you feedback on your performance. This can be useful and may help you with your next interview. Try not to lose heart, use each interview as a learning opportunity and keep on trying until you are successful.

ALL THE BEST, AND GOOD LUCK!!