Interview preparation advice

[ZackaryQuack]

Hi, so as the title suggests I'm looking for preparation advice please. The role is for an office administrator in an infant school.

I've had an email this evening informing me that I have been shortlisted for interview and they will be in touch in due course with an invitation to interview. I am assuming this means they will be contacting my references first?

I know I need to know about their policies and procedures, especially surrounding safeguarding and health and safety, I'm going to spend some time tomorrow looking at the school website to educate myself further about the school as a whole.

Can anyone please advise what other sorts of questions I would need to be prepared to answer?

I really want to get this job as is it a major stepping stone in my career aspirations as well as being something I already do, so would be just as happy finding myself settled in the role for the long term.

Please help me, I want to be as prepared as possible as interviews really are not my strong point.

Thank you!!!

There is a big emphasis nowadays on "diversity" so be sure to look into this and demonstrate that you understand its not just about the classic ethnicity/disability/sexual preference etc. Nowadays it also includes things like responsibility for dependents or discrimination on any grounds which cannot be seen to be justified. It depends upon the organization and just how "woke" they are but in many respects nowadays you can really put your foot in in by using the wrong word or phrase. Its happened so many times with people in public life. Acceptable terminology changes so fast. You can take a cue from the language on their website.

Is it a competency based interview?

Have a few good things up your sleeve

It's
What was the problem
What I did to address it
What the result was

Off the top of my head.

Also make sure to have a question to ask them at the end. I always forget that bit!

Plus. If they give anything away in the course of the thing eg about interests or areas they want to improve, then work that in if you can.

Good luck!

Most, actually all interviews I've been on closely follow the Job Description and essential particulars of the role.

For example if they ask for someone who has good customer service. They will definitely ask a question along the lines of "Give me an example when you've delivered good customer service"

I would therefore prepare an answer along the lines of STAR. Google if you don't know what that is.

I would prepare answers for each of the the essential qualities of the role. The good thing about interviews at the moment is if they are Zoom interviews you can have the answers to your questions near you to refer to.

You can even use your prepared STAR answers for other questions.

Never say we did this or the team did that. Always say you. You have to blow your own trumpet.

They may ask why you applied for the position. You can shine here by showing you know about the organisation. That you actually know about the company. I've even been asked what I know about the company.

Interviews are all about preparation.

If you are caught on the hop and can't think of an answer to a question, ask if you can come back to it later.

Good luck.

Morning everyone, thank you so much for this. You've definitely given me a lot to work with and to help me prepare.

And thank you for the good luck wishes, I'm nervous/excited.

The interview is scheduled for tomorrow, I've been considering all of your points and have made plenty of notes around the job spec including examples that I'm hoping will help me answer their questions sufficiently.

I keep telling myself the job is mine, I've got it until they tell me otherwise. I'm putting that positivity out there.

Wish me luck (please!!!!)

Hi, as someone who works in a school office be prepared for questions regarding First Aid, managing and prioritising workload, how quickly you learn new systems and processes and how well you work in a team.

There's a lot to school admin, ensuring data is kept up to date, processing new admissions and leavers and running reports. Booking school transport, preparing comms to parents as well as receiving payments/consent for school trips etc.
Think of examples where you've had to prioritise, dealt with an emergency and worked in a team to achieve a goal.
Good luck!

What about preparing an 'elevator pitch' (loads online about it abs I found it really helpful) for when they say tell us a bit about yourself.

Why do you want to work here?
What are your three or four key strengths and how can you evidence each of them.

Areas for development (aka weaknesses)

I suggest mind mapping these areas rather than leaning rote answers. STAR technique as pp suggested.

Safeguarding question should be asked so have a look at answers to this (basically the only answer is to take notes and refer to the designated safeguarding lead or Their deputy but just check the latest regulations).

Good luck!

How did it go?

Hi @PresentingPercy it went ok, I came away feeling positive that I had answered the questions and given them the information needed. Although I have had a moment of self doubt around the "3 words others would use to describe you"

They said I should hear back by the end of the day so I keep telling myself the job is mine until they say it isn't. I really really want it and I really hope that came across.

Thank you for checking in x

I have been a school governor and interviewed for these posts a few times. I saw your post too late to comment!

The 3 things about how others describe you is a bit of a cop out. Who is going to say “always late, disorganised, lazy”?! You would probably like to hear “trustworthy, collaborative, accurate” or similar praiseworthy attributes. I’m sure you were fine.

I thought some ideas earlier were more for teachers. You really won’t need to know all the school policies. Except possibly financial ones! There’s always someone to show you the ropes and I’m assuming this job wasn’t the main finance role. Good luck anyway.

Thank you, I've just had a call and I unfortunately didn't get the job. I'm slightly heartbroken, but hey ho.

The feedback was that I didn't explain myself clearly in how my experience would support the school.

I find my problem is that my strength is in writing, so I'm not bad at getting myself to interview, it's getting through the interview successfully where I struggle, my nerves get the best of me.

I think that although I had examples prepared, rereading them, they may not have been strong enough to be relevant to the school setting.

Oh dear. I’m sure you will get something.

I would say for that role it’s more skills led. What do you bring to the job description via your skills. What’s the added value of having you?

The phrase “supporting the school” is slightly pompous. I’ve always felt that doing a job well, efficiently and effectively supports the school. What else would they want?

Maybe the best thing to do is look very closely at the JD and the person spec and write your skills down against each item. Then add in something extra special! That’s the bonus point! Then you can list your competences that clearly match the JD. It’s a bit clinical and requires memory but it might help.

We all look for slightly different things at interview and sometimes small margins differentiate candidates. Good luck next time.

These type of jobs are really really hard fought OP

Don't let it knock you. You've had feedback on the interview, so consider that and keep trying