building supervisor interview

piglet74

Hi all

I asked the same Q on the jobseeking board, and got some good answers, but was wondering if anyone in NI had any 1st hand experience

My hubby has an upcoming interview for the above post in a local school

I was wondering if anyone had any idea of what questions he may be asked, anyone been in for anything similiar recently, caretaker etc?

Tia

natasha8642

If it is a local school then he will likely be interviewed by some members of the board of governors.

Tell him to take his time answering the questions, if he goes of track then it is ok to ask to be reminded.

A caretaker's job involves knowing how to use and store chemicals as well as keeping the environment safe for the staff and children. It is amazing how often these basic things are not mentioned when they are utterly vital to the job.

Its also good to mention hobbies that would be useful to the school (I just love painting and I am really good or I like gardening and can see opportunity for using these skills or I am really good at BBQ - in case they have fund-raising events or such).

This may sound mental but try to get him to wear something distinctive. There will likely have been many applicants before him and if he has something distinctive then he will be easily remembered and referenced.

If he has the job description then make sure he can show how he fulfils the requirements. If possible get him to show his experience in a story telling way "I remember when I worked at xxx, the year that it was snowy/wet, goodness but it took some time to shovel that snow. It is a good thing I am fit".

A board of governor's selection committee are often made up of ordinary people rather than a typical HR panel so its important to make them like you.

Hope that is of some use.
Natasha

piglet74

Very helpful, thanking you,

jjd

I'm sure he has read the spec in detail but might be useful to read into any areas he isn't confident with.
Some areas that might be useful to think about
Does he have a good understanding of COSHH guidelines,
Safeguarding children policies,
Working at height policies to replace lights etc,
Willing to work out of hours and be a responsible key holder,
Look after school hall bookings,
Health and safety policies
Auditing and ordering experience, security marking and keeping record of school possessions etc

He might find relevant policies on ELB website, if not on the one he is applying for look at the others as they are all much the same in NI.

piglet74

Yes indeed, must have a look for some policies, I have also advised him to call into the school and speak with the current post holder as sometimes in my work (health service) the question is asked at interview "how did you prepare for today" and the ideal response is noted as speaking with the postholder.

OH would know all the answers, its just the way he might say things, and he would not be used to being interviewed by a panel either, he won't be nervous, but he may not say the right thing,

Cough_Potato

Check with school if it is criteria based or what?

piglet74

i am also guessing a child protection question of some sort will come up...

eg maybe...what would you do if you saw a child crying? something like that,

PS It is for a primary school,

jjd

http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/support-and-development-2/child-protection-safeguarding/publications-and-guidance-for-schools.htm