Interview....very basic pointers please.
Discussion
Hi
Some of you guys were kind enough to offer me some advice regarding a recent job application. If you didn't read the thread I have my first interview in 18 years on Wednesday morning.
I have a book which I will get started later today, but trust me when I say I am very rusty on interviews. For example,
1. The interview panel consist of two females - both of whom I've met previously through work related functions. One of them took me on a tour of her department when I missed out on interviews years ago - I spent a few hours with her. When greeting her at interview can i greet with Hi Claire or should I be more formal? I know a very basic question - but I have to get it right from the off.
2. When is it right to use a bit of humour? Main reason for asking this is I work beside my wife - neither of us have found this difficult but I genuinely wouldn't have recommended to anyone that they work with their O/H's. This is a genuine reason for wanting to leave my current work place - but not the one of the main ones - however I could probably use a bit of humour here. I will probably try and just judge when to use any humour - if at all!
Any other very basic stuff you could share with me/key words and phrases to use would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Barry.
Some of you guys were kind enough to offer me some advice regarding a recent job application. If you didn't read the thread I have my first interview in 18 years on Wednesday morning.
I have a book which I will get started later today, but trust me when I say I am very rusty on interviews. For example,
1. The interview panel consist of two females - both of whom I've met previously through work related functions. One of them took me on a tour of her department when I missed out on interviews years ago - I spent a few hours with her. When greeting her at interview can i greet with Hi Claire or should I be more formal? I know a very basic question - but I have to get it right from the off.
2. When is it right to use a bit of humour? Main reason for asking this is I work beside my wife - neither of us have found this difficult but I genuinely wouldn't have recommended to anyone that they work with their O/H's. This is a genuine reason for wanting to leave my current work place - but not the one of the main ones - however I could probably use a bit of humour here. I will probably try and just judge when to use any humour - if at all!
Any other very basic stuff you could share with me/key words and phrases to use would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Barry.
Edited by Craphouserat on Sunday 27th April 13:46
I would concentrate on why you think you can contribute to the new job rather than personal reason for leaving the old one. They will want to judge you against other options, so being more eager to leave the old job that take the new one is not that strong. I would leave out any discussion about working alongside your wife as relevant to your new job.
Be prepared for the usual "strengths and weaknesses" type of question so you are ready.
Be prepared to talk about what you achieved in your old job. Not the job title but what meaningful contributions you made. How do you work with teams for instance?
Show enthusiasm for the new position, and show some knowledge of the company. Have you googled their latest news for instance?
In terms of greetings, depends on who goes first...if the interviewers first say" Hello OP, my name is XX, and this is YY", you could respond in kind..if they use first names you do too, and you could simply say to Claire : "nice to see you again, I recall having a tour of your office xx years ago " or something like that. Do not marginalize the other interviewer by being too familiar though.
Be prepared for the usual "strengths and weaknesses" type of question so you are ready.
Be prepared to talk about what you achieved in your old job. Not the job title but what meaningful contributions you made. How do you work with teams for instance?
Show enthusiasm for the new position, and show some knowledge of the company. Have you googled their latest news for instance?
In terms of greetings, depends on who goes first...if the interviewers first say" Hello OP, my name is XX, and this is YY", you could respond in kind..if they use first names you do too, and you could simply say to Claire : "nice to see you again, I recall having a tour of your office xx years ago " or something like that. Do not marginalize the other interviewer by being too familiar though.
RDMcG said:
I would concentrate on why you think you can contribute to the new job rather than personal reason for leaving the old one. They will want to judge you against other options, so being more eager to leave the old job that take the new one is not that strong. I would leave out any discussion about working alongside your wife as relevant to your new job.
Be prepared for the usual "strengths and weaknesses" type of question so you are ready.
Be prepared to talk about what you achieved in your old job. Not the job title but what meaningful contributions you made. How do you work with teams for instance?
Show enthusiasm for the new position, and show some knowledge of the company. Have you googled their latest news for instance?
In terms of greetings, depends on who goes first...if the interviewers first say" Hello OP, my name is XX, and this is YY", you could respond in kind..if they use first names you do too, and you could simply say to Claire : "nice to see you again, I recall having a tour of your office xx years ago " or something like that. Do not marginalize the other interviewer by being too familiar though.
Sorry - I should have mentioned that I work in Forensic's and the interview is for a Dispatcher's job within the Police service. Be prepared for the usual "strengths and weaknesses" type of question so you are ready.
Be prepared to talk about what you achieved in your old job. Not the job title but what meaningful contributions you made. How do you work with teams for instance?
Show enthusiasm for the new position, and show some knowledge of the company. Have you googled their latest news for instance?
In terms of greetings, depends on who goes first...if the interviewers first say" Hello OP, my name is XX, and this is YY", you could respond in kind..if they use first names you do too, and you could simply say to Claire : "nice to see you again, I recall having a tour of your office xx years ago " or something like that. Do not marginalize the other interviewer by being too familiar though.
I'm currently looking into their communication systems and other systems they currently use to support front line officers. Basically I will be the first point of contact for the public looking for Police Assistance. My current job is all lab based - I don't visit Scenes of Crime. I mainly profile DNA/Human Body ID/Paternity testing both civil and criminal.
I'm guessing the main research I can do is into their communication systems etc.
Craphouserat said:
Sorry - I should have mentioned that I work in Forensic's and the interview is for a Dispatcher's job within the Police service.
I'm currently looking into their communication systems and other systems they currently use to support front line officers. Basically I will be the first point of contact for the public looking for Police Assistance. My current job is all lab based - I don't visit Scenes of Crime. I mainly profile DNA/Human Body ID/Paternity testing both civil and criminal.
I'm guessing the main research I can do is into their communication systems etc.
Nope, that's not what you need to research! Police forces use Airwave radios, sort of a combination advanced two-way radio and mobile phone in one brick-like device, and the good old fashioned telephone. There you go, I doubt they will ask you about that - and if you can speak then you can use either. Forget that line of things immediately. I'm currently looking into their communication systems and other systems they currently use to support front line officers. Basically I will be the first point of contact for the public looking for Police Assistance. My current job is all lab based - I don't visit Scenes of Crime. I mainly profile DNA/Human Body ID/Paternity testing both civil and criminal.
I'm guessing the main research I can do is into their communication systems etc.
So the police do competency based interviews. There will be a list of 'core competencies' for the job you're going for. Probably Resilience, Customer Focus and Effective Communication. There are more, potentially like Resource Management or something, but they're probably going to be the main ones. You should have got paperwork detailing them.
The interview will be mainly a test of those attributes. Think about situations where you have used those skills: Tell me about a difficult conversation you have had; Tell me about a time when you had to change someone's mind; Tell me about a time when you stood by your convictions; Give an example of an occasion when you challenged another's behaviour; Give an example of a time when you had to deliver bad or difficult news. You know, that sort of thing.
Primarily it's a customer service job, a difficult one, but that's the focus. You need to concentrate on soft skills: interpersonal, rapport building, telephone manner and so on. There may be a degree of data entry and computers; but the police use their own systems. They won't expect you to know about that and will teach you.
It's a test of who you are, and how you are with people. What experience do you have in customer service positions? How do you relate to others? Do you converse with strangers? Are you an outgoing and happy person? What sort of emotional responses do you have to difficulty? Are you able to empathise? Put yourself in the service user's position.
Think about all of that!! And I write from experience, as I used to work for the Police, and have spent time with call takers and in control rooms. I have also been through, and passed, Police interviews.
They probably won't ask: "Do you know what a phone is?"
Thanks for the post Magic. i basically just meant I was looking into airwave when I posted that.
I am thinking about all the kinds of situations you listed - I'm just a bit rusty on the most basic of interview technique. I'll get there though - I pretty much have a story for most of the situations. Just not that easy putting it into words.
Hopefully I'll get it - having done volunteer work with victim support and dealing with Police for 18 years I have a lot of experience and I'm still only 38.
Only 38....still a pup !
Thanks for the post Magic.
I am thinking about all the kinds of situations you listed - I'm just a bit rusty on the most basic of interview technique. I'll get there though - I pretty much have a story for most of the situations. Just not that easy putting it into words.
Hopefully I'll get it - having done volunteer work with victim support and dealing with Police for 18 years I have a lot of experience and I'm still only 38.
Only 38....still a pup !
Thanks for the post Magic.
MagneticMeerkat got it spot on in terms of how a Competency based interview works. Typically questions will start with "Tell me about a time when..." and his examples are absolutely typical of what you should expect.
In terms of crafting your stories, the recommended approach is STAR; where you detail the situation, task, action & result. If you can mentally prepare some answers to the examples given, and think of another couple of situations which you could turn to useful advantage in a range of answers, try to think of your response in this format. It gives the required information and should help prevent you from rambling.
Oh, and really obvious I'd guess, but nice suit, plain shirt, smart non-nylon tie, shiny shoes.
Best of luck.
In terms of crafting your stories, the recommended approach is STAR; where you detail the situation, task, action & result. If you can mentally prepare some answers to the examples given, and think of another couple of situations which you could turn to useful advantage in a range of answers, try to think of your response in this format. It gives the required information and should help prevent you from rambling.
Oh, and really obvious I'd guess, but nice suit, plain shirt, smart non-nylon tie, shiny shoes.
Best of luck.
As the others have said, I interviewed Comms Officers for my old force, and nothing about Force Comms came up...It was about Diversity, Equal Ops and as said elsewhere "tell me when...." "give me an example of...."
Be decisive, if they ask you to evidence something, give them an example and stick to it...there aren't right or wrongs (within reason) they are looking if you can make a decision or evidence a decision and stand by it.
As for the greeting, if I was you I would remain professional, and if they invite you to do otherwise then fine, but if they're an Inspector for example I would start with "ma'am" not a first name.
Be decisive, if they ask you to evidence something, give them an example and stick to it...there aren't right or wrongs (within reason) they are looking if you can make a decision or evidence a decision and stand by it.
As for the greeting, if I was you I would remain professional, and if they invite you to do otherwise then fine, but if they're an Inspector for example I would start with "ma'am" not a first name.
Thanks for the replies all, some good advice - thank you all. I now have a few situations in my head and have planned them around the STAR format. Some don't sound that strong but I'll stick with them - others have said they sound fine.
The two ladies on the panel are both civvies - I'll play it by ear.
Just have to get weaknesses and strengths sorted and a few questions. Apparently it shouldn't last more than 30 minutes, I've to get there 10 minutes early and call a mobile.
Thanks for all the good wishes.
CHR
The two ladies on the panel are both civvies - I'll play it by ear.
Just have to get weaknesses and strengths sorted and a few questions. Apparently it shouldn't last more than 30 minutes, I've to get there 10 minutes early and call a mobile.
Thanks for all the good wishes.
CHR
1) Listen to the whole of the question and answer the question
2) Have a series of situations/answers planned and use your STAR response
3) always state the benefit to the company where possible
4) Relax as much as you can, they want to see the best of you. 99.9% of job interviews are not out to trick you
5) Ask questions and have a list prepared...... and ask for feedback
Well.....a very up up day rather than an up down day....but still with a down.
Let me explain....
I work for the Scottish Police Authority - the job interview today was with Police Scotland (all forces came together a year ago because of budget cuts/money saving etc) The post I applied for (Dispatcher) was first advertised to supernummerary staff - they never filled the posts. It then fell into the internal vacancy section..which is when I got to apply and started the two threads that you kind people have helped me out with.
The job itself is temporary for 12 months - I knew this but applied because I want to work in this department and was hoping I could get seconded for a year (my SPA HR department didn't see an issue) I also knew from hearing on the grapevine that these jobs were 99% certain to be made permanent. Currently I'm on a permanent contract and really hoped for a years secondment leading to a permanent posting.
I attended the interview - no nerves at all. With your advice and all my preparation I went in very good spirits. Why I ever worried about things like greetings is beyond me - both panel members very friendly. The interview itself went very very well. Was meant to be 30 min i was in 70 min...went very well. But when i got back to my office I didn't get carried away...just because I felt it went well didn't mean it actually did!
During the interview I was told they want people in place for training on May 27th - i have to contractually give 4 weeks notice - not really sure where I stand if they can organise a secondment with this. The timescales are tight because they had to advertise the post to at risk personnel first (Police Scotland are shutting a few control centers and going through a lot of reorganisation - with civvies bearing the brunt of budget cuts)
Anyway - I've explained a bit more of the background so hopefully you guys will understand where I'm coming from.
Attended interview at 11 - they called and offered me a job at 5.30 pm saying they were both very impressed and my interview went very,very well (her words). Despite trying to give me reassurances, all she could reiterate was 99% sure, I can't leave a permanent post for a temporary one - if goal posts change temporary staff will be the first out - I don't want that after 18 years service. At this point I should say that although my HR dept didn't see a problem with a secondment the HR person from Police Scotland seen things completely differently.
But...one possible
of light. Although I got offered the job I've been after for years and had to say no, her words on the phone were " i want you in this job and if I want that I will try everything to get you in it" - her HR person was working behind the scenes trying to sort something out.
Timescales are tight because my boss is now off till nest Tuesday meaning that even if they do get a secondment sorted between the two HR depts I'll only be able to give 3 weeks notice rather than my contractual 4 - so it still might be a no go.
Sorry if I've blabbed on a bit and apologies for spelling/grammar - I've been on the red grape juice..and I'm knackered. I just felt I owed you kind people who offered advice an update.
It went great and who knows...it might still work out. Still hurts knowing I had to turn it down...and maybe for no reason.
Thank you all so much for your words of advice...I am proud that I done so well - but yet disappointed.
Thank you.
Barry
Let me explain....
I work for the Scottish Police Authority - the job interview today was with Police Scotland (all forces came together a year ago because of budget cuts/money saving etc) The post I applied for (Dispatcher) was first advertised to supernummerary staff - they never filled the posts. It then fell into the internal vacancy section..which is when I got to apply and started the two threads that you kind people have helped me out with.
The job itself is temporary for 12 months - I knew this but applied because I want to work in this department and was hoping I could get seconded for a year (my SPA HR department didn't see an issue) I also knew from hearing on the grapevine that these jobs were 99% certain to be made permanent. Currently I'm on a permanent contract and really hoped for a years secondment leading to a permanent posting.
I attended the interview - no nerves at all. With your advice and all my preparation I went in very good spirits. Why I ever worried about things like greetings is beyond me - both panel members very friendly. The interview itself went very very well. Was meant to be 30 min i was in 70 min...went very well. But when i got back to my office I didn't get carried away...just because I felt it went well didn't mean it actually did!
During the interview I was told they want people in place for training on May 27th - i have to contractually give 4 weeks notice - not really sure where I stand if they can organise a secondment with this. The timescales are tight because they had to advertise the post to at risk personnel first (Police Scotland are shutting a few control centers and going through a lot of reorganisation - with civvies bearing the brunt of budget cuts)
Anyway - I've explained a bit more of the background so hopefully you guys will understand where I'm coming from.
Attended interview at 11 - they called and offered me a job at 5.30 pm saying they were both very impressed and my interview went very,very well (her words). Despite trying to give me reassurances, all she could reiterate was 99% sure, I can't leave a permanent post for a temporary one - if goal posts change temporary staff will be the first out - I don't want that after 18 years service. At this point I should say that although my HR dept didn't see a problem with a secondment the HR person from Police Scotland seen things completely differently.
But...one possible
of light. Although I got offered the job I've been after for years and had to say no, her words on the phone were " i want you in this job and if I want that I will try everything to get you in it" - her HR person was working behind the scenes trying to sort something out. Timescales are tight because my boss is now off till nest Tuesday meaning that even if they do get a secondment sorted between the two HR depts I'll only be able to give 3 weeks notice rather than my contractual 4 - so it still might be a no go.
Sorry if I've blabbed on a bit and apologies for spelling/grammar - I've been on the red grape juice..and I'm knackered. I just felt I owed you kind people who offered advice an update.
It went great and who knows...it might still work out. Still hurts knowing I had to turn it down...and maybe for no reason.
Thank you all so much for your words of advice...I am proud that I done so well - but yet disappointed.
Thank you.
Barry
Edited by Craphouserat on Wednesday 30th April 21:59
Congrats. If they really want you, but your dept says you have to give 4 weeks, you can either:
a. Ask the new dept to push the start date back by a week (what real difference does a week make?)
b. Ask the new dept if you can take the first week as holiday (if you really, really want the job)
No guarantee either of these will work, but just my thoughts.
a. Ask the new dept to push the start date back by a week (what real difference does a week make?)
b. Ask the new dept if you can take the first week as holiday (if you really, really want the job)
No guarantee either of these will work, but just my thoughts.
Thanks everyone. My line manager was off today and not back until Monday. Basically the two line managers now get together and if my line manager approves a start date then I get to go for the year - if she thinks the department can let me go. We are really busy - a lot of technical changes happening right now.
I know she's not keen on a secondment - but all I can do is be nice and appreciate that the timescales are very tight and she may not be allowed to let me go - people higher up may say no.
The Control Room needs people to start training on May 27th - that date is set. The interview went on so long I got side tracked and never asked why this wasn't a bit more fluid.
I think it's up to my line manager - I should no for definite on Tuesday. I wish I had the guts to just have packed in my job and taken a temp contract but like most I've a mortgage and 18 years pension within the Police Service.
Hopefully it'll go my way and I get the secondment - I'm more upbeat today than last night. It's nice that another manager is impressed with you and wants you in their department.
Thanks again for all the good wishes and the words of advice - really did help. Except for your's Nick.....!!!
Cheers
Barry
I know she's not keen on a secondment - but all I can do is be nice and appreciate that the timescales are very tight and she may not be allowed to let me go - people higher up may say no.
The Control Room needs people to start training on May 27th - that date is set. The interview went on so long I got side tracked and never asked why this wasn't a bit more fluid.
I think it's up to my line manager - I should no for definite on Tuesday. I wish I had the guts to just have packed in my job and taken a temp contract but like most I've a mortgage and 18 years pension within the Police Service.
Hopefully it'll go my way and I get the secondment - I'm more upbeat today than last night. It's nice that another manager is impressed with you and wants you in their department.
Thanks again for all the good wishes and the words of advice - really did help. Except for your's Nick.....!!!
Cheers
Barry
22s said:
Congrats. If they really want you, but your dept says you have to give 4 weeks, you can either:
a. Ask the new dept to push the start date back by a week (what real difference does a week make?)
b. Ask the new dept if you can take the first week as holiday (if you really, really want the job)
No guarantee either of these will work, but just my thoughts.
Had been thinking about something similar - hopefully I'll know more next week. A lot depends on my manager really - but I had thought something similar.a. Ask the new dept to push the start date back by a week (what real difference does a week make?)
b. Ask the new dept if you can take the first week as holiday (if you really, really want the job)
No guarantee either of these will work, but just my thoughts.
Cheers.
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