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Prison Officer interview

5 replies

RS1987 · 17/04/2026 15:21

My good friend has been unemployed for a long time and has had the great news she has an interview for a prison officer position next month! Does anyone have any insight into what she can expect at interview? Thanks!

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Friendlygingercat · 17/04/2026 15:34

A family member applied to the prison service but eventually decided it was not for her,

Besed on my relative's interview she is likely to face a mix of general, experience‑based, and scenario‑based questions. The panel are looking for someone who is calm under pressure, has respect for diversity and vulnerable individuals, understands fairness and integrity, is able to follow procedures and communicate clearly with inmates.

She may be asked questions which probe her understanding of the difference between security and rehabilitation. For example, w

hat do you think are he main causes of crime?
Describe a time when you made a difficult decision

They will want to assess whether she understands the job and has transferable skills. They will probe her experience of working in a team. She may be asked about her understanding of how prisoner behaviour is managed.

They will also ask questions designed to check her understanding of rules, procedures and professional boundaries.

Augustus40 · 17/04/2026 15:38

I would look up Career Vidz guy on youtube for interview questions and answers for prison work.

I expect he does prison officer interviews. He covers other jobs.

msmillicentcat · 17/04/2026 15:56

It's likely to be an assessment centre, which will involve an interview, and other tests and assessments. The following links will be helpful:

https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/01/spotlight-the-prison-officer-online-assessment-centre/

https://www.prison-officer-online-ac.co.uk/home.html

https://www.prison-officer-online-ac.co.uk/preparing.html

With regards to the interview it is likely to be based on behaviours and strengths and the questions will ask for examples of when you have shown this or that.

Your friend should read on up on all the info there is (there is a lot out there online if you look on google) especially on how to prepare because a lot of people do drop off during the process as they haven't prepared properly. It's quite a long process as well but I believe the roll is pretty rewarding for the right person.

Spotlight: the prison officer online assessment centre – Working in the Prison and Probation Service

Applying to be a prison officer? Read this handy guide to our online assessment centre process so you know what to expect. The online assessment centre (OAC) is a key stage of the application process to be a prison officer.

https://prisonjobs.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/01/spotlight-the-prison-officer-online-assessment-centre

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Idstillratherbepaddleboarding · 17/04/2026 16:01

My only advice would be run, don’t walk, away sorry!

RS1987 · 17/04/2026 17:35

Thanks so much everyone! She has already completed and did really well in 2 tests, I will pass on this information for her interview preparation.

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