Attending a job interview at Wakefield Council

How to Prepare for Your Interview

Interviews come in a variety of formats, and being aware of what to expect can make a huge difference.

Here are the common types of interviews:

• Competency-based interviews: Focus on your skills and personal qualities
• Technical interviews: Assess your technical knowledge, often through tests or exercises
• Face-to-face interviews: In-person discussions about your role and experience
• Panel interviews: Conducted by at least three interviewers who ask a series of questions
• Telephone or online interviews: Often the first stage of the interview process
• Assessment days: Half or full-day sessions with multiple interview panels and exercises

You will be told the format of the interview in advance to help you prepare.

Preparing for Your Interview

Effective preparation is essential for success. Here's what to consider:

• Anticipate questions: Think about possible questions and prepare responses
• Documents: Gather all required documents for the interview
• Logistics: Plan your journey to the venue and your attire
• Professional behaviour: Consider how you’ll present yourself professionally

Helpful Tips

Before your interview, you should consider doing the following:

• revisit your application and review the job specification to understand the role's key tasks and required skills
• research the organisation and the service area you’re applying for
• prepare answers with specific examples to support your responses
• think of questions to ask the interviewer

Remember, an interview is also your chance to learn more about the job and organisation to make an informed decision if offered the role.

Succeeding in the Interview

When in the interview, you should do the following:

• Take your time: Think carefully before answering
• Ask for clarification: If you’re unsure about a question, ask for clarification
• Make yourself stand out: Highlight your unique skills, experience, and creativity
• Avoid one-word answers: Provide detailed responses, using examples where possible
• Use the STAR technique: Address questions with this structure:
  
  • Situation
  • Task
  • Action
  • Result
• Stay positive: Keep your spirits up, even if you stumble on a question, focus on the next one
• Ask the interviewers questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview.

We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming interview!