Second interview decision

[Mumtofour1]

It's been a long time since I've interviewed for jobs but here is a scenario I'm not sure what to do so wanting advice please.

Situation is I went for an interview this morning for a peer support worker in mental health social care. I only have 2.5 years previous experience in this field but lots of other experience, not wholly relevant to the role but marginally relevant. I had a phone call this afternoon to say that want to do a second interview with myself and one other to make it fair as we were both strong candidates but it will be based on scenarios of the role, so not skill etc specific, just questions like 'What would you do in this scenario...'

My gut instinct, wrongly or rightly is this other candidate has more role specific experience they want to offer it to them but as I have 20 years experience in local government they feel obliged because of my other experience and skills, and because I guess I scored well on the other questions in interview (that were not all specific to the role), they may want to make it look fair but I think they know they may have already chosen the other candidate but need to make it fair on paper. What do you all think? second round of interviews are next Wednesday.

Why did they have to tell you there's another candidate! Jesus they make you jump through hoops. All you can do is prepare as best you can and hope you say what they need to hear

I know @MollysBrolly , why not just make a decision based on the interview? surely to do a 2nd interview based purely on scenarios (which I don't have much of!) means there's only one winner here and it isn't me! That sounds very negative but...?

Not necessarily, you can apply knowledge you have to answer their questions.

Google competency based interview questions and prepare some answers, most examples that answer the most common can be applied to lots of the questions if that makes sense.

I wouldn’t assume that at all, and if you go in with that thought you’re likely not to get it.

Too true @Newusernameaug .I'll get looking @WTFAreYouForReal . Thanks!

I'm not sure they would waste time money and effort if they'd already made their mind up.

We’ve had to do this at work before. No ulterior motive just two candidates scored exactly the same at the competency based interview. Nothing to separate them on. We then did second interview with both but more what would you do in this scenario type. It was close but one candidate stood out more (other one said a few things that made us question whether their professional boundaries would be strong enough).
so not necessarily a done deal. Good luck!

@TotheletterofthelawTHELETTER thanks for sharing your experience. I completely understand the rationale now, I think but the answers are going to be very subjective. Assuming the majority will be safeguarding, confidentiality etc. of course there will be things you need to adhere to I.e. escalating up, documentation etc. but all depends on how its worded I guess. Need to get studying I think!