Practical pointers - interviews in person

Currently due to the pandemic most HEE interviews are being held virtually, on video calling platforms like Teams, Zoom or FaceTime. However, if you are asked to attend an in-person interview, here are some practical tips to consider:

• Scout the location of the interview ahead of the interview day.
• It’s a good idea to do a “dry run” – a few days before, make sure you can find the right office, work out where you can park, or public transport links, factor in contingency time for traffic, roadworks, bad weather, a flat tire etc
• Take some essential supplies with you: e.g., a drink of water, a copy of your application, information about the job, change for parking machine, and a pen and paper, some tissues etc.
• Most interviewers will expect you to be in smart business attire. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to wear a suit and tie, but think at least smart casual
• Make sure everything is clean, well pressed and that it still fits you
• Check for small things like clean shoes, loose hems, and clean fingernails –things the interviewer may notice.
• Take the time to get in the right head space- don’t work right up to the interview, ideally take the morning or afternoon off, and use the spare time to review your application and remind yourself of your STAR examples.
• If it helps you feel prepared and confident, the use of cue cards or other memory joggers/notes is generally fine – most interviewers will not mark you down for this. However, don’t just read off your notes, try to speak fluidly by rehearsing your answers in advance.
• Avoid shuffling papers or fiddling with anything that is distracting - being nervous is OK but fidgeting is not
• Mobile phones should be on silent
• If you are asked to do a presentation, email it to the panel in advance so it can be loaded onto the HEE network. Don’t leave it to the last minute. You won’t be able to plug in a USB stick on the day because of HEE IT network security.
• Have a “Plan B” for presentations - if IT can go wrong, it will. It’s a good idea to have a paper copy or back up copy that you can speak to if the worst happens.
• Ensure any software you use is compatible – establish if the HEE network will support the version of your software.
• If you are asked to do any exercises e.g., role play, in-tray, written scenarios, ensure you read or listen to the instructions very carefully and ask questions if you are unsure of anything, before the timed exercise starts.
• Pay attention to any time limits for exercises. It can be useful to take a watch or phone, so you have access to a timer. Try to give yourself a few minutes at the end to read through and check your answers