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About the interview

Additional guidance for candidates:

Understanding our selection process
Here at West Oxfordshire, our aim is to select people who share our values/ core behaviours and can fit the requirements of the job. We consider behaviours/attitudes; skills and experience that demonstrate successful job performance.

To measure these, we use interviews, tests and other relevant assessment tools. However, some selection methods are better at measuring particular things. For example, an application form gathers information on your qualifications and work experience, but it wouldn't be the ideal method to use to demonstrate how you might communicate with customers. A role-play exercise or even a structured interview is much more appropriate.

Depending on the role, our selection process may involve several stages. Every stage of the process is designed to clearly assess your suitability for the job which you are applying for. There may be a number of different assessments to complete, however, it is your overall performance which is important.

We understand applying for jobs and going through any recruitment and selection process can be daunting, but there are several actions you can take to give yourself the best chance of success.

We need to assess you against the job requirements but remember that you need to make a choice here too so take the opportunity to ask questions and be sure that if you are offered a role in West Oxfordshire, it is the kind of place you want to work.

Take a look at our hints and tips of the recruitment process and good luck!

Before your interview
Spend some time thinking about whether the job is really suitable for you. For instance, ask yourself whether you feel comfortable with our core behaviours and skills areas and whether the job interests you.

Read through your application form and the relevant job documentation again. You may want to research the subject area or service you are applying for. The West Oxfordshire website has lots of useful information and links.
Assess yourself against the job requirements.
For the interview, try to anticipate what questions may be asked. The interviewers will usually ask questions related to the requirements of the job and the Core Behaviours and Skill Areas.
Have extra examples prepared. Consider the job you are applying for and think about the issues and responsibilities that might be related to that job. Practice some interviewing with your colleagues, friends or even family members.
Make sure all practical arrangements are clear so that you do not arrive feeling flustered or unprepared.
Make sure you bring with you anything you might need during the assessment, such as reading glasses.

If you have any special requirements or if you are still unsure about the selection process and need further clarification, please contact Human Resources in advance to discuss the best ways to meet your needs.

During your interview
When using examples in the interview, ask yourself:

What did I do?
What was my role?
How did I do it?
Were there any potential barriers or pitfalls?
What was the outcome?
Is there anything I would have done differently?
What did I learn?

You may not be asked these particular questions during interview, but they will prepare you for possible questions and encourage you to think about these areas.

Listen carefully to the questions asked or test instructions, and if you are unsure about anything, don't be afraid to ask.

Don't make assumptions about the way you should respond. If you try and guess what the selection panel is looking for, you may be wrong. It is usually best to be yourself, and respond honestly. Remember that it is not in your interest to get a job to which you are not well suited.

After the interview
Regardless of whether or not you have been successful in the recruitment process, you will be able to request feedback on your assessment performance. This may give you a clearer insight into your strengths and area of improvement as well as your future development areas.

There are many ways in which you can improve your performance, however it is your responsibility to find out more about these ways so that next time when you apply for a job in West Oxfordshire or else where, you will be in a better position to demonstrate your skills and behaviours.