Interview
The selection interview is the most common method employed to assist in determining which candidate best meets the selection criteria specified for a vacancy.
Pre-Interview
- Review your research findings so that you are equipped to demonstrate an understanding of the Department and the division/section you are interested in joining.
- Review the selection criteria and your claims against them, as the questions posed in the interview will be derived from the selection criteria specified for the position.
- Review the statement of duties (including the objective and primary tasks) and try and anticipate the type of information the selection committee may require from you.
Interview
- Make sure you arrive at the designated place at least five minutes prior to your nominated interview time.
- Interviews will generally be conducted by a selection committee of three persons
- Try to respond to questions in a concise manner
- Don’t be afraid to ask for the question to be repeated or rephrased
- Sometimes other selection methods are used in conjunction with an interview. For example, an applicant for a vacancy where good written skills are required may be requested to prepare a draft letter in response to a scenario posed by the selection committee, or, for a vacancy where good presentation skills are required, an applicant may be requested to demonstrate their skills by giving the selection committee a brief presentation about a selected topic.
Post-Interview
- As soon as possible after the interview, find somewhere quiet and note your perceptions of your experience. If you can identify areas where you performed well and/or areas where you could have performed better this will provide invaluable input into your next interview experience, regardless of whether you are successful in this instance.
