Interview Resources
Interview Resources
Interviews - Hints & Tips.
Do your homework - know the job / organisation
Make sure that this job / organisation is for you. Read the Qualifications and Particulars of Post / Job Specification carefully before applying for the Job because it could save you time and expense attending for an interview.
Application forms are there for a reason – this is where the Interview Board will receive their first introduction to you. It’s your opportunity to market yourself. Write clearly and legibly, ideally, type into the application form. Also be thorough when filling in your ‘Job Description’. You want to make a good impression but be careful not to waffle because you may be caught out at the interview.
Focus on the main skills you will need for the job and try to highlight these in the way you complete the application form.
Prepare Well.
- Visit the website to find out about the organisation and the working of the organisation.
- Make sure you read the most important documents – for example Annual Reports, Corporate Plans, Annual Budgets, County Development Plan and other key strategies and documents relating to the organisation.
- Keep a close eye on national and local media for any relevant articles.
- If possible, contact somebody you know who works in the organisation for information on developments.
- Always have and prepare examples (at least two), of where you showed your initiative / leadership / skills / customer care and so on. Relate the examples to the work experience as outlined in your application form.
The Interview.
- An interview is one of the most widely used techniques in the recruitment and selection process. It not only allows you to meet people from within Local Government and find out more about what they do, it is your opportunity to talk about yourself, describe your skills and convince the Interview Board that you are suitable for the job.
- Typically an interview can last for between 30 to 45 minutes and will be structured around your experience and knowledge to date regarding the skills and qualities required for the position.
- When attending an interview with us, you may be interviewed by a Board of between two and five people, depending on the position you are applying for, but three would be the most common.
- During our interviews, typically one interview board member will act as Chairperson and will be taking notes. These notes are used to help the interview board with their assessment at the end of the interview.
- At all stages the interview board will try to make sure you understand what is happening during the interview. You will be given a clear welcome and introductions at the beginning of the interview. Each area of questioning will also be introduced clearly. Believe it or not they are there to help you.
- Feedback is provided with the results of the interview.
- Cavan County Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the fair and impartial selection of the best candidate for the job.