AIBU to ask for 2021 interview advice!

[Worrysaboutalot]

First interview in 21 years.
(6 years in last job followed by 15 years SAHM)

First interview in wheelchair.
(only been in chair a year) I have already checked that they have a step free access and a lift. A lot of their members are in chairs, so I expected them to have good access for the interview room.

I also have hearing difficulties (deaf on one side and partially hearing with aid on the other) would it be reasonable to ask for any masks to be removed? As I heavily rely on lip reading.

I really want this job, it is helping people manage big changes to their lives. It is exactly what I want to be doing, the money is good. It requires some travel but I am willing to do it.

I meet all of the essential criteria and most of the additional criteria.

Clearly I will arrive early, in clean clothes looking neat. I am wearing a dress and shoes which I am comfortable in.

It would be miraculous to get the first job I interview for, but I am both so excited and so nervous.

In one sense there is nothing to be done, either I am the best person for the job or I am not and I welcome the interview experience.

I just need to be direct, honest, positive and see how things go.

Is there anything I need to know about 2021 interviews styles? Common questions? etc?

I would make sure that you have fully researched the company to be able to demonstrate an understanding of what they do and what the role will involve. There might be some competency based questions around the key job skills so worth thinking of some examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in the past. Also have some questions prepared for them. There are the on obvious questions like why you want to work there but that’s also a chance to show why you would be a good fit. Have you any ‘work’ experience at all from last 15 years such as volunteering that kind of thing to draw some recent examples from?

Yes, I have done volunteer work in several positions over that time. I mentioned these more recent work experiences in my application form.

Yes, to the list of questions for them and do a lot of research on the company.

Competency-based interviews are pretty common now, have a google of the STAR technique for how to answer these. Basically, go through the person spec and try to think of an example of something you've done to demonstrate you meet each criteria. Focus on what YOU did and what the result of your actions was.

@SpamIAm

Competency-based interviews are pretty common now, have a google of the STAR technique for how to answer these. Basically, go through the person spec and try to think of an example of something you've done to demonstrate you meet each criteria. Focus on what YOU did and what the result of your actions was.

Scenario Task Action Result. I had a few NHS interviews (and got two jobs) with that standard point based format.

Good, I will look at my application form and make I have evidenced everything.

I’d definitely contact re reasonable adjustments prior to interview. Both my recent interviews the invite said to do this (local authority)
I’ve interviewed twice this year and was asked some technical questions. Some about managing workload. Some about work life balance especially if wfh. How would I fit in with team (again team are wfh) transferable skills. Good luck.

Is it all in person? Again 2021 I’d be prepared for someone via teams etc.

@Dixiechickonhols

Is it all in person? Again 2021 I’d be prepared for someone via teams etc.

Yes, in person panel of three.

Which is why I asked if it would be reasonable to ask them to remove masks, so I can lipread?

Work life balance is important to me and is one of my questions for them. They are currently working from home. I would like to know about their future plans. How much home work versus office based days.

Yes very reasonable to ask to remove mask.
I’d contact in advance so they can take hearing loss into account when choosing interview room and how to set up chairs etc.

A very common question at the moment, with a shift to home working in part or whole, is something along the lines of "how do/would you plan to build working relationships with the team when a percentage are home working?" (if applicable, of course).

When I interview I'm looking for candidates who can demonstrate they meet the criteria, preferably using specific examples as mentioned above, using STAR or similar, and also who can show they are capable of some self-reflection/insight, and who can see the bigger picture not just the narrow focus of their immediate role. So adding something like "with hindsight, I would have considered X as well as Y and Z because [reasons], but the outcome was positive" shows you can reflect and seek to improve. Showing that you're aware of the impact of your actions on other parts of a business, or its reputation, is good if you have the experience to be able to demonstrate that.

Good luck!

VeryLongBeeeeep
Remote team building
Self-reflection
Insight
Looking at the bigger picture beyond current role
Impact of my actions within and beyond the company.
Etc

Thank you.

So much to think about!

I got asked how I coped when things went wrong on a recent interview. I discussed what I did as well as what I did to avoid things going too far off track. Every question is a chance to sell your wider skills.

They always want to know that you'd ask for help and work as part of a team too. Questions about prioritisation/time management come up often.

GiveMeNovocain
Learning from mistakes.
Re-centring work which is drifting off course
Asking for help
Team Work
Prioritisation of workload
Time management

Great. Thank you for all points.