Understanding interviews and the selection process

The selection element of the jobsearch process can feel critical. Often it is the first time you will meet your prospective employer and it is almost certainly the most nerve-wracking phase. However, if you have got to this point, it is a sign that the employer is interested in you. They are giving up some of their precious time to get to know you. This should give you confidence.

The interview is the most common form of candidate selection – you can ask about an alternative as a Reasonable Adjustment

Some experts say that employers only interview candidates who they know can do the job and that the interview process is to help them decide which of the candidates to appoint.

Interviews are the most common way of selecting people for longer work placements, internships and jobs. Some employers use other methods to select candidates, such as assessments or work trials. You may be able to request an alternative as a reasonable adjustment.

The main challenge that I faced was communicating with people that I don’t really know, so it made me really shy. Therefore for me it made the interview process very hard.

Luke – Civil Service intern

An interview is a competitive process where the company or employer meets with you, either over the phone, by video call or in person to decide whether to offer you a job. Interviews tend to involve someone from Human Resources and/or your prospective manager asking you a series of questions to find the best person for the job. Interviews try to find out if:

  • You have relevant experience
  • You have the skills to do the job
  • Y