Interview Help

Amy240277 · 12 October 2015 at 12:12PM

Hi all,

I have a job interview next Thursday at the DWP as Administrative Officer I just need some advice. My problem is I worked for the same company for over 19 years till I was made redundant 3 years ago and I really struggle in interviews. I'm ok till the day and then I seem to forget everything.

Thanks

Claire

tomtontom · 12 October 2015 at 12:20PM

You seem to have forgotten what advice you are asking for?

AO interviews couldn't be simpler. They are competency based, so think of examples for each of the (four?) competencies. If you forget on the day give an example on what you would do in a given situation - that will still score you marks.

Are you really forgetting things or is it that panic takes over? If the latter, don't be afraid to take a few moments, have a drink of water and get your focus back.

engineer_amy · 12 October 2015 at 12:44PM

Practice with sample questions and a friend or family member asking the questions. The competencies should be in the job advert/description, or at least easy to anticipate so as tomtomtom says, think up examples that show how you meet the competencies, or have experience in dealing with a situation where the competency is tested.

Also people can get flustered if they are expecting a particular question and something different is asked, or asked in a different format, but is essentially looking for the same answer. Get your friends to ask the questions differently, or re-word it so you get used to it. Practising should stop you going blank if you panic.

Interviewers don't mind you taking a second to think of an answer, so if you do panic don't blurt out the first thing you think of. Take a breath and gain a bit of thinking time.

TELLIT01 · 12 October 2015 at 5:51PM

Working for DWP is no bed of roses, particularly if you've worked in the private sector previously. Poorly paid with max 1% pay rises for the next 4 years, unrealistic targets..... Is it better than being unemployed? Yes in the short term. Use it as a stepping stone to getting into the private sector.

Kynthia · 13 October 2015 at 1:12AM

Practice answering questions yourself out loud as doing them in your head is not the same. Memorise examples that show how you have a skill or demonstrate a behaviour you believe the employer is looking for. Ask if a professional friend will give you a mock interview, or get family members to randomly ask you questions as answering questions you haven't prepared for is a skill that you get better at with practice.