Interview questions for two very different roles. Please help.

Bettyboop

:A Morning all,

I have two interviews next week. One for a Secretarial position within the NHS and the other is as an Administrative Assistant in a school.

I like both and would hope that I will be fortunate enough to be offered either. I want to be fully prepared for both but was just wondering what sort of questions could I ask to generate an interest within these prospective employers?

Both positions are part time. The one at the school is term time only which solves my problem with the childcare issues I have been having.

I would appreciate your thoughts. If there are any NHS or school employees please give me some information of what the interview may be like.

Thanks.

firesidemaid

having worked in the nhs for years, i would say that working for them has lots of benefits - pension, good annual leave, paid sick leave etc.

make sure you have re-checked the person and job spec details, as sometimes questions may be asked about these.

if they have asked for anything specific for the post ie. flexibility, audiotyping etc etc they may ask about these also for confirmation. everyone has to be asked the same questions though.

have you got any questions you would also like to ask eg. what options are there for futher training/in-house courses.

what dept is it in? make you you have read up a little about it etc.

now, that we have agenda-for-change, there is a scale to go up - but if you eventually want to go on futher you would have to apply for a different post on a different scale.

wishing you all the best - let us know how you get on.

Oldernotwiser

Bettyboop wrote: »

:A Morning all,

I have two interviews next week. One for a Secretarial position within the NHS and the other is as an Administrative Assistant in a school.

I like both and would hope that I will be fortunate enough to be offered either. I want to be fully prepared for both but was just wondering what sort of questions could I ask to generate an interest in the company and position?

Both positions are part time. The one at the school is term time only which solves my problem with the childcare issues I have been having.

I would appreciate your thoughts. If there are any NHS or school employees please give me some information of what the interview may be like.

Thanks.

First of all, don't talk about the NHS or a school as a company! Make sure you've read through the information you've been sent and refresh your mind about what you've said on your application form. Be prepared for questions about your strong points and your weak points, particularly having something suitable to say for the latter. Be aware of any current local issues regarding the NHS and schools.

Bettyboop

Oldernotwiser, I didn't exactly mean to use the term company...

Oldernotwiser

Bettyboop wrote: »

Oldernotwiser, I didn't exactly mean to use the term company...

Sorry, you never know these days!

jobbingmusician

I always find that a good question to ask at interview is 'what do YOU think are the greatest challenges facing the successful candidate?' As well as telling you more about the job when they answer it, if you can think on your feet or are well prepared it gives you an extra chance to sell yourself!

Would work equally well for either job.......

lynzpower

Ive done admin in hospitals before, and theres plenty on the news at the mo about changes to the IT systems. do a google

Id ask in both situations, "Ive read and heard a lot about changing IT systems in the public sector, how would these changes affect the successful candidate"

Bettyboop

Hi all,

The questions you have suggested asking are very good. sazzacat, I am applying to work as a Medical Secretary. Do you have any good tips or advice about this post?

Thanks all and if you can think of anything else to ask at the school that would be great.

Busy getting ready and filling in a mountain of forms ready for Tuesday.

Cheers.