Getting there
Be sure you know the time, date and location of the Interview. Check out how you will get to the location if it is unfamiliar, and when you need to set off to be there in good time - do a dummy run if necessary. Plan to get there about half an hour before the Interview time, so any delays don’t have too much of an impact.
Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary. Switch off your phone. Take any correspondance you have been sent regarding the Interview in case you need to double check any details. On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there. Find out where the toilets are.
If you are well organised and have planned for the day you have less to worry about. Ideally, the only thing you will need to be focused on is presenting your examples as clearly and fully as you can.
Presenting yourself at the Interview
In terms of how to present yourself at interview, the standard rules apply:
Wear smart, clean, tidy clothes. Make sure your hair is neat and you aren’t too casual, a suit is often expected at an Interview unless you are guided otherwise by the Service you have applied to.
Although you are not marked on appearance, first impressions do count, and if you haven’t made an effort, interviewers may make assumptions about what this might mean in terms of attitude. They are trained not to judge on this, but it’s difficult to move away from strongly held beliefs that untidy appearance shows a lack of commitment or discipline. In a uniformed organisation appearance and discipline are important, so you should reflect that in how you present yourself.
At the beginning of the Interview there will be a short exchange of pleasantries and ice-breaking. This is designed to put you at ease, not catch you out! At this stage you will be asked some general questions such as ‘why do you want to join the Fire & Rescue Service’ or ‘what qualities do you think you will bring to the Service?’ Be prepared with answers to this type of question, so you aren’t thrown by not knowing what to say. Don’t worry too much about this section, as it is really designed to make you feel comfortable, and get you used to answering your interviewers.
Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, lean slightly towards the interviewer. Try not to fidget, rest your hands in your lap.
Do take a glass of water when it is offered, you will be doing a lot of talking and may need it!
If the room seems warm, politely ask if it’s ok to take off your jacket. It’s better to ensure you won’t have any distractions. Your Interview will last nearly an hour which can seem even longer if you are uncomfortable.
Do nod and make simple sounds such as, ‘Mmm’, to show you’re listening. Communication is two-way so even when you are not speaking you should try to indicate that you are listening closely, and understanding what is being said to you.
Above all, try to be yourself. Relax, smile, try to enjoy it. It’s not often that you get to talk about yourself for nearly an hour!
At the end of the Interview
The Interview is not the time to find out about the FRS, there will be other occasions to do this, so don’t expect to have many questions answered. There will be a tight time schedule for the day and the interviewers main priority is gathering evidence from you about how well you meet the PQA criteria.
Thank the interviewers for their time when you leave, and once you have left the room try not to worry about what you did or didn’t say. There is nothing else you can do now, so you are best to just put it behind you and wait and see.
