Clerical assistant interview with council

LisaB85

I have an interview Thursday with my local council in the housing department it is for 18hours a week clerical assistant to cover maternity.

I know I am being interviewed by 2 people but still lacking confidence.

Any idea of what to expect from a local gov interview and what they will be looking for?

LondonDiva

When I recruit for admin, I ask the usual questions about why you want the job etc and also set tests that cover:

In tray exercises that may involve a typing test, the use of Word (spelling, typing speed, ability to use IT, MailMerge); Excel - same as Word and also something about prioritisation.

Good luck

LisaB85

LondonDiva wrote: »

When I recruit for admin, I ask the usual questions about why you want the job etc and also set tests that cover:

In tray exercises that may involve a typing test, the use of Word (spelling, typing speed, ability to use IT, MailMerge); Excel - same as Word and also something about prioritisation.

Good luck

I might go over some of my old clait stuff, it doesn't mention any exercises but I will make sure I'm prepared.

Wondering if they will be looking for any buzz words.

Going to see if I can get a lift there as I know I have to do a bus transfer but not sure where I need to get off the bus the other end

scoobs078

Lisa, really really good luck for your interview :-) I find I am a lot more confident when I have a pen in my hand for some reason so I take a small note pad and pen in with me - even if I dont write anything on it it still gives me that bit of confidence and saves me fiddelling with my clothes :-D Also, I have to remind myself when there is more than one person to answer the person who asked the question, its difficult when there are two :-) I think they like to hear words like - 'motivated to provide excellent administration support' and 'commitment to employer policies and proceedures' - most of all though be yourself and I wish you the best of luck, update this post with how it went :-D

bunty109

Look at the job description and person spec and see what competencies are required and think of examples of how you fit these e.g team working. Don't necessarily think they need to be work related examples: could be that you've been involved in a society , Scouts etc.

I've done a fair bit of interviewing for local government and we look for examples, examples, examples. Don't just use buzzwords, show how you have excelled at X, Y or Z. And you'll get all the tests and in-tray exercises too!

Vejovis

i had an interview for the housing benefit section, they had an aptitude test first, with questions about how you'd deal with stroppy customers, how you'd word a letter asking for xxxx info, and maths questions working out entitlement as per different scenarios.

they also asked what i knew about current and proposed legislation, what i knew about confidentiality and inclusion