Guidance Notes for Candidates Appearing Before Interview Panels
Introduction
These notes describe what an interview board does when it interviews you and what part you should play. The intention is to assist you to prepare for the interview, so that you will know what to expect and therefore be able to present the best possible picture of yourself.
The Interview Panel
The interviewing panel will consist of a maximum of three members, the Chairperson, two independent members that may be taken from another division and/ or discipline. One member of the panel will have Employment Law and Equal Opportunities knowledge.
Documents Available to the Board
The Board will have copies of your application form.
The Interview Itself
Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, especially if you have a long journey (if you are not due to work that day or your even if your shift is due to commence later that day). It is worth remembering that your late arrival could upset the carefully planned timetable, causing delays for candidates scheduled to follow you.
If you arrive late, you may well be mentally and physically restless and this will not help you to give your best efforts during the interview itself. Should you be unavoidably delayed, explain the mitigating circumstances to the panel at the commencement of the interview who may consider this further when making a full assessment of your performance.
If you have the misfortune to be unwell, or other circumstances dictate that on the day of the interview you feel unable to present the best possible picture of yourself, make this known as early as possible, to the HR department who will ‘attempt’ to make arrangements for you to be interviewed at a later date (this may not always be possible). Telephone: Beth Melhuish on 01685 725340 direct.
The Interview panellists will be trying to find out what you are capable of under normal conditions. They will realise that many candidates have limited experience of interviews and will make allowances for nervousness and apprehension. They will want to see you at your best and will not be trying to catch you out, the interview board will merely testing the required competence against the documents you have submitted for consideration.
There can be occasions when it is helpful to both the panel and for the interviewees, if given advance warning of any special circumstances/needs that may be required. Any candidate who has a disability or needs special arrangements to be made for the interview, they are invited to contact the HR section to discuss this issue. It may be a question of timing, equipment or simply making the interview panel Chairperson aware of certain facts.
Any such candidates are requested to contact the HR Department at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of their interview time to ensure that you are comfortable and at ease during your interview.
You are not, of course obliged to disclose such information if you do not wish to do so, but you should bear in mind that the opportunity exists, and that anything you tell the HR department will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
During The Interview
When addressing the panel, do not worry about remembering interviewers names. They will not expect you to address them by name or use any special form of address.
Think carefully about what you want to say and try not to rush your responses. If there is a question that you do not understand ask the interviewer for clarification and they will repeat the question.
The Conclusion of the Interview
Towards the end of the interview, the Interview panel will probably ask if there is anything else that you would wish to say. If you think there is something that you think my have some bearing on your suitability and of which you feel the panel may be unaware, explain it to them. This also gives you the opportunity to modify or clarify anything you have not said previously. If you have nothing to say, do not talk because you feel you have to.
There will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Timing
The normal length of a typical interview is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Further Information
If you require any further details or guidance please contact Donna Perry in the HR department on (01685) 725216 (Although interview techniques advice or training will not be provided).