Do your homework - know the job/organisation

Make sure that this job/organisation is for you – read the Qualifications and Particulars of Office/Job Specification carefully before applying for the Job – it could save you time and expense attending for an interview. 

Application Forms are there for a reason – this is where the Interview Board will receive their first introduction to you. It’s your opportunity to market yourself. Write clearly and legibly, ideally, type into the application form. Also be thorough when filling in your ‘Job Description’, you want to make a good impression but be careful not to waffle – you may be caught out at the interview.

Focus on the keys skills you will need for the job and try to highlight these in the way you complete the application form
 

Prepare well

• Visit the website to find out about the organisation
• Familiarise yourself with the working of the organisation
• Make sure you read key documents – for example -  Annual Reports, Corporate Plans, Annual Budgets, County Development Plan and County Development Board Strategies, other key strategies and documents relating to the organisation – use the search facility on the net to find these
• Keep a close eye on national and local media for any relevant articles
• If possible, contact somebody you know who works in the organisation for information on developments
• Plan your journey – maybe even a trial run. Ensure you have clear directions & are clear of time and location of interview. If you are running late ensure you contact HR to notify them. Make sure you are contactable too.
• Preparing well by researching can indicate commitment and interest in the position/organisation.

Study Suggestions for Assistant Staff Officer, Staff Officer and Senior Staff Officer Interviews

The following is a list of topics and issues which are likely to be raised by interview boards, and which will serve as a guide to all candidates during forthcoming Grade 4, 5 and 6 interviews .

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any candidate presume that any topic or issue not on this list will not arise during the course of either the preliminary or the final interviews. However, the issues listed reflect the direction that local government in general (and South Dublin County Council in particular) is taking, and candidates should be aware of this.  

• Knowledge / awareness of Sustaining Progress *
• Customer Care *
• I.C.T. vision and Office Automation*
• E-business and E-Government *
• Corporate Plan *
• Business Process Improvement *
• Major issues / Challenges facing S.D.C.C.
• Issues facing local government in general
• Good working knowledge of the structure of the Council
• Thorough knowledge of your own career history
• Current Budget *
• Partnership in the Workplace *
• South Dublin County Development Board and Strategy *
• Service Indicators in Local Authorities (Delivering Value for People)*
• Performance Management Development System*
• Social Inclusion
• National Anti Poverty Strategy

Information on those issues shown with an asterisk are available on the Council's website.

The Department of the Environment and Local Government website, is also a useful source of information on the issues affecting local government in  www.environ.ie

Prepare Examples

• Always have examples (at least 2) of where you showed your initiative/leadership/skills/customer care etc. Relate the examples to the work experience as outlined in your application form.
• Practice your examples: - It may sound stupid, but practice out loud and/or in front of a mirror, it does help to hear yourself.
• You should put yourself in the interviewers position – so prepare a list of anticipated questions and answers. Rehearse them – again and again.
• Preparing well will fill you with confidence – and this will show at interview
• Don’t forget the most important person at the interview – you. Go through your work experience – highlight achievements, be able to speak about your best qualities by referring to examples.
  

Consider the following

• Dress smartly and professionally – this is part of presenting yourself positively
• Maintain regular eye contact with all Interview Board Members
• Speak slowly, confidently and clearly, think before you answer - don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on any question you do not understand – its better than giving a totally wrong answer
• Focus on communicating the main points of what you want to say in your answer. Avoid meandering answers. Remember to sell yourself so use real examples in your answers where possible.
• Try to avoid folding your arms or fidgeting – it can affect your speech and distract from what you want to say.
• Try to ask some questions that display interest in the organisation
• Avoid yes or no answers – always elaborate on your “yes” or “no”
• If you hit a blank wall while in your interview don’t panic – take a  drink of water, it will give you time to compose yourself.
• The interview board appreciate that you will naturally be nervous and they will take that into account
• Don’t criticise former or current employers during the interview
• Don’t forget to switch off your mobile
  

After the interview

• Do not discuss terms and conditions with the Board.
• It is usually advisable to ask a basic question such as “When do you anticipate that results will be issued?”
• It is useful to consider your interview performance and identify where you think you underperformed, this can help focus your attention on weaknesses for the next time – for example speaking too fast, not giving relevant answers etc.
• Always request your interview marks and feedback.
  

For more information

Further general information & advice on Interview Preparation is available at the www.publicjobs.ie

(Permission to provide this link is granted courtesy of the Public Appointments Service & some information contained may not be relevant to South Dublin County Council)