Attending a job interview at Wakefield Council

Interviews can take place in a variety of different formats ranging from:

competency based interview – focusing on skills and personal qualities
technical interview – showing your technical knowledge usually in the form of a test/exercise
face to face interview – discussion in person with the employer about the role and your previous experience
panel interview – a minimum of three interviewers asking a series of questions
telephone or online – this is usually the first stage of an interview process
assessment day – half or full day session consisting of a range of interview panels and tests/exercises to complete

The format of an interview will be made known to you in advance.

Preparation

Preparing for an interview is very important. There are many different things you need to think about before attending an interview:

revisit your application form; review the job specification to recap on the main tasks and skills of the role
research Wakefield Council and the service area you are applying for. This will give you some insight into current headlines and key priorities
prepare answers to possible questions by ensuring you have an example to substantiate your response. Don’t forget to sell yourself and think carefully about what strengths you can bring to the role
the interview also provides you with the opportunity to find out more about the Council, the service and the role. Think about questions you may want to ask the interviewer

It's just as important for you to learn about the job and the company, as it is for the interviewer to learn about your skills and qualities.

when answering questions please take your time to think carefully about your answer
- make sure you really understand it
- if you are unclear, you may ask the interviewer to rephrase the question
think about how you can differentiate yourself from other candidates – Why should you be hired? What skills, experience, knowledge, and creativity can you bring to the role?
try to speak clearly and avoid giving ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers
- examples of when you have used a particular skill should be provided to help firm up your answer
make good use of the STAR technique – talk about the Situation, Task, what Action you took, and the Result
be honest and open with your responses
remain positive and enthusiastic throughout your interview
do not lose your spirits even if you cannot answer a question or feel you have done it badly
- it could be a tough question for any candidate
- it is more important to get your concentration back and focus on the next question
towards the end of an interview, you are usually asked whether you have any questions
- take the opportunity to ask questions you have prepared so you have all information needed to make a firm decision should you be successful at interview