Preparing for a job interview at the Council

You found a job you liked, sent your application and were invited to interview with us. Congratulations! Being invited to interview at the Council is an important opportunity.

Here's what to expect and how to prepare to make the best impression:

Think about your introduction

Remember that you will be asked to briefly introduce yourself, so prepare a compelling and concise introduction that highlights your motivation for the role.

Understand the job requirements

Start by reading the job description carefully. Focus on the skills and qualifications listed as these will guide the questions you may be asked. Think of examples from your past experience that demonstrate these skills.

Prepare your examples

The Council uses competency-based interviews, using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to assess candidates. Prepare detailed examples of your achievements that match the required skills.

What is the STAR method?

Situation: describe the context in which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work.

Task: describe the actual task or challenge.

Action: describe the specific action you took to address the task or challenge.

Result: share the results of your action, ideally quantifying your impact and reflecting on what you learned.

By structuring your answers using the STAR method, you will be able to provide clear and concise answers that effectively showcase your skills.

6 Tips for a successful interview

To make a strong impression, remember these key points:

1. Listen actively: don't interrupt the interviewer. Let them finish their questions and provide information.
2. Ask for clarification: if a question is unclear, politely ask for more details before answering. This shows attentiveness and ensures that your answer is relevant.
3. Remain professional: maintain a professional attitude and avoid becoming too familiar with the interviewer.
4. Be concise: long answers can be detrimental. Keep your answers focused and supported by relevant anecdotes.
5. Be honest about weaknesses: when asked about your weaknesses, be honest and share an area of your work where you've made improvements, explaining the steps you've taken.
6. Avoid over-rehearsing: although preparation is crucial, avoid memorising answers. You should sound authentic.