Preparing for the interview

Interviews can be a nerve wracking experience for some, so to help you prepare we have put together some hints and tips. The more comfortable you feel, the better you will perform. 

Remember, you have been shortlisted for a reason.

Interviews at Blackpool Sixth consist of various tasks based around the role you have applied for. The person specification for each role explains how each criteria will be assessed through the application, interview of task. The formal interviews will consist of competency and motivational based questions and questions on how you will "live" our core values.

Motivational questions

Motivational questions are designed to see how you will fit in with us and to see if the role suits your career path and aspirations.

Typical motivational questions could include;

• How do you feel the morning tasks went? 
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What do you find frustrating in your current role?
• What are your personal and professional goals?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
• Tell me about a colleague that has inspired you, what did you learn from them?

Being prepared

You can practise before you come for your interview by thinking of specific examples of where you have been challenged or demonstrated relevant skills. This may give you an idea of what examples to use when questioned. A few things that you could consider:

• Your passion and motivation.
• What interests you in the position.
• Career aspirations, what is your goal.
• Organising and prioritising ability.
• Honesty and reliability.
• Communication skills.

Competency based questions

Experiences are perhaps the best indicator of whether a person can do a job, and the best way of exploring these experiences is by using the STAR model. Interviewers will be looking for you to give examples of what your responsibilities were in the situation you are describing. Link the examples to your experiences, even if this is your first role think of something that can demonstrate the point. 

S - Situation

T - Task

A - Action

R - Result

For example: 'Can you give me an example from your most recent role when you had to deal with a difficult situation?'

Interviewers may probe for further detail to ensure they get enough information from your answer:

S - What was the difficulty you faced?

T - What part did you play in the task?

A - What did you do to combat the situation?

R - What was the final resolution?

General tips

Make sure you read both the job description and the person specification fully and make sure the role is right for you. Read through the college website and see what we do and what we have done. Make a list of questions regarding the role and the college, this your opportunity to find out more about the position and so you can make an informed decision if we offer you the role.