Anyone work in recruitment/HR and involved in interviews?

steelframedhouse

[SIZE=-1]I was hoping for some input from those involved in the HR/interview process...

I currently work for the Police in a civilian role, due to cutbacks our department staffing levels are being halved - 10 of us are required to interview for the 5 roles that are to remain (same role, no change in job description etc).

We have been told people will be selected based on interviews alone, no previous work history eg development reviews, sickness history etc will be taken into account meaning interview performance on the day is make or break! In order to 'stand out' I have considered asking senior colleagues in other departments for a 'reference' basically saying that I'm good at my job etc!

How would you feel about this as HR? Is there a danger that you may feel I have ignored the instruction that interview is the only selection criteria by producing unsolicited 'references' or do you think it shows initiative and would be seen as a positive? [/SIZE]

SeduLOUs

The whole concept of the statement that previous work history plays no part is a nonsense.

The whole point of an interview is to demonstrate your relevant experience, and I would use it as an opportunity to explain in vast detail just how valuable you are to the company, giving as many examples as you can of your relevant experience and how you have 'stood out' in the existing role.

Providing what you feel are appropriate 'character references' shows initiative, motivation, and that you actually care about getting the job, and something many would ordinarily do when interviewing for a new role. I would guess that the worst case scenario is that the interviewers don't actually bother to read or dwell on the contents of said references. I certainly can't imagine it would be seen as a negative, but you know your manager's characters and how they are likely to react much better than I do...

NewShadow

I think the idea that your previous work history won't be taken into account will be a little misleading.

Your previous work history will form the basis for your interview answers.

While I would not suggest submitting a formal 'reference' from a colleague, if your answers follow the standard STAR format (situation, task, action, result), the feedback you've received from colleagues could be naturally included and taken into account as part of the result

EG:

this happened (other candidates - mentioning no names - were off sick ),

so I need to do this (pick up their work :cool:),

i achieved this by doing this (planning, collaboration, flexibility, initiative :j),

and the result was this (everything got done and the chief poobear gave me his personal thanks for a job well done:beer:)

jobbingmusician

If they have said that interview performance on the day is make or break then I would take this at face value, and I would feel you have ignored the instruction that interview is the only selection criterion if you produced references. However, there is nothing to stop you saying at interview how highly regarded you are by your current senior colleagues and inviting them (i.e. the interview team) to follow up your statement by asking these people.

I've added '(i.e. the interview team)' and 'these' in case tomtontom's comment was directed at me - re-reading it, I thought perhaps it might be read as 'inviting senior managers to follow up the statement' which wasn't at all what I meant.

tomtontom

What you are suggesting could be deemed as canvassing, which rather than getting you the job could get you dismissed. Please do not do this!

I would also warn against being critical of your colleagues, even indirectly. This is an opportunity to sell yourself, not demean others.

KiKi

Having done a lot of work in the public sector, I'd say don't do it. They have a process, and they will follow it. The fact is, one of two things will happen:
* They make a decision purely on interview, as they've said
* They'll know your work history and reputation already; they'll recruit the people they want in the end anyway

They certainly won't make a decision between you and someone else on the basis of a statement, as they will have to be seen to be fair on everyone regardless. Plus, despite saying "on the basis of interview only", the people making the decision will know you, and they very likely will know your history and sickness etc - I'd be gobsmacked if they didn't.

Getting a statement really wouldn't be the 'thing' to do in this situation - but if you feel you need to, you can say in interview that you have excellent relationships with x, y and z who could provide further information if they need it. But I'd put money on the fact that they won't!

KiKi

Kynthia

You are going to be scored on your interview and the top scorers will keep their job. The marks will be moderated to ensure consistency and will be kept incase of an appeal. There will be no room for any statements to have an affect and could be seen as you not understanding the process as described or even as trying to unfairly influence the process which is trying to appear fair and transparent.

I'm not HR but I'm familiar with public sector. You need to focus your attention on interview practice and examples of your good work in STAR format that meet the behaviours in the Performance Framework. Write down these examples and study them so that you will recall them and get as many mock interviews as you can.

CCFC_80

Are the cuts still going ahead in your police roles. I thought the decision this week by George Osborne meant there will be no cuts in police budgets.

steelframedhouse

Thanks all, I'm glad I asked as sounds like it's a resounding No... I'll just have to focus on interview technique and hope for the best!

KiKi

Yes - do your best to show yourself off in the interview and make sure you have some great examples of the stuff you've done and sell yourself!
Best of luck.
KiKi

Latazza

No way in the world I would do that OP and I think others are poor for saying you should