The Interview
Your interview will normally be before a panel of three comprising a Chairperson from Human Resources (HR), the line manager of the post being advertised and an independent line manager from another area of the business.
The interview normally lasts around 45 minutes to an hour and is designed to assess the candidate's ability to fulfil the actual role on offer and also their suitability at a general level for the grading of the particular post. 
There will be questions from all three panel members in turn and an opportunity for you to ask any questions which you may have at the end.
In addition to a formal interview, depending on the post, there may be a requirement to prepare and deliver a presentation on a particular topic, undertake a psychometric test or participate in an assessment centre. If this is the case, you will be advised at the time when you are invited to attend an interview.
It is worth remembering that an interview is a two-way process and is as much for you to find out whether the job is appropriate for you as it is for the organisation to decide whether you are suitable for the role.
The chance of any individual candidate being successful at interview is clearly enhanced if they can impress the panel with their understanding of the requirements of the post they are applying for and their ability to demonstrate the qualities and attributes which are needed to succeed in the role.
Interview Tips
An independent study has estimated that adopting the SUCCEED approach can increase your chances of being offered the job by 50%.
SELECT
- your journey and route time
- a smart & business-like outfit
- any questions you might have about the post or the organisation
UNDERSTAND
- who you are going to see
- what the organisation does
- what the job involves
CONFIDENCE
- smile
- maintain eye contact with the interviewer
- shake hands
- relax
COMMUNICATE
- speak clearly
- sound alert & interested
- ask questions
- listen attentively
ENTHUSIASM
- show interest in the organisation
- project your personality
- respond to the interviewer
EXPLAIN
- your previous relevant experience in detail
- why you are interested in the job
- where your strengths are (using specific examples where possible)
- what sort of person you are
DEMONSTRATE
- your interest
- your commitment
- your determination
- your desire for the job
