At the interview

.Good manners and social confidence are important
.Shake hands with the interviewers
.Make yourself comfortable
.Speak up and look at the person who asked the questions whilst you are answering it
.Make sure you know roughly when you'll be informed of the result of the interview
.If you are unsure about any aspect of the job, take the opportunity given to you at the end of the interview to ask the panel questions, e.g. questions about training or career development opportunities, who you will be working with, etc.




Coping with questions

Try and avoid 'yes' and 'no' answers
Be honest
If you are not asked about something that seems relevant and important to you, make sure you find an opportunity to say what you want to.


Examples of interview questions

The panel will use probing questions to help you provide evidence that you have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience 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" questions. Here are some example questions:
This job will involve typing reports and letters. What have you done in the past that will help you do this?
What is your experience of dealing with people over the telephone (broad). How did you deal with any difficult people (specific)?
Can you tell me when you have had to answer queries from the public (broad). What sorts of information did you provide (specific)?
What factors would you take into account when providing a service for the elderly?
After the Interview
At the conclusion of you interview you will be told roughly when to expect to be told the outcome.
If you are the successful candidate you will be contacted, usually by telephone, and offered the position. The offer of employment will be subject to suitable references, a medical assessment and sometimes, the satisfactory outcome to a Disclosure Application made to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
If you are not successful, they will write and let you know this.

Feedback
If you would like feedback on your interview performance, you may request this by contacting the relevant Supervisor/Manager who formed part of the interview panel by phone or e-mail.