What is a PQA Based Interview?
The PQA based Interview is used as the final part of the assessment process to select trainees. The Interview focuses on gathering evidence which is relevant to the PQAs. Any evidence you present which is not relevant to how well you demonstrate the PQAs will be disregarded.
Use our Workbook to make sure your Interview answers present your evidence in the right way.
You may be suprised to learn that many of our customers approach us believing that their answers are pretty good, but they just want a final review to be sure. A huge majority are astounded just how much improvement we can help them make. Can you be certain your answers are hitting the right mark?
Structure
The PQA Interview is very structured; this greatly improves its effectiveness, as it makes it much more reliable to score. Imagine if different candidates were asked different questions- how could you be sure you had been given the same opportunities as the next person? How could you be sure that you were being scored in the same way?
Interviewers are trained to use the PQA Interview technique as it is quite different from a more traditional style Interview. The interviewers ask pre-determined questions exactly as they appear on their question sheet, and if they need to ask additional questions to gain more details, these will also follow a very specific format.
The danger of interviewers moving away from this format of questioning is that they may ask you things that they want to hear, and not questions which will guide you to give evidence that is relevant to the PQAs. The structure of the Interview also means that you will have a set time allocated for each question. The interviewers will tell you how long you have, but will interrupt you if you run over.
* Tip *
Take a watch in and put it in front of you on the desk, so you can monitor your time.
Questions
Similar to the application form, the PQA Interview questions will ask for examples of when you demonstrated particular behaviours. E.g. ‘Can you describe a time when you effectively developed yourself or others?’
It is important to listen carefully to the question. Many candidates will prepare answers prior to attending Interview, and will want to use their example for that PQA irrespective of the question! The interviewers will be looking for how well you listen, and your ability to adapt your answer accordingly.
E.g. If you have prepared an answer about a time when you formed a plan, as part of the Planning & Implementing PQA, make sure that this is what the question is asking. You may get a question on Planning & Implementing that asks, ‘Can you describe when you have had to adapt your initial plan based on new information?’ Your answer about forming a plan may not necessarily fit with this question, so be careful!
Do you need some help getting your Interview answers right?
Assessing
The interviewers will assess you with the same method as Assessment Centre assessors. They will record evidence of what you are saying, they will consider how it fits with the different elements of the PQA, and they will evaluate how closely your example matches what they are looking for. You are not measured against other candidates; you are scored against set criteria. For instance, if you were measured against other candidates you could be disadvantaged by following a very strong candidate, as you would have so much to live up to! Measuring your answers against the PQAs happens like this:
Example Question:
Can you tell us about a time when you have actively supported a member of your team?
Example Scoring criteria:
- Is sensitive and empathetic to others
- Is considerate to the needs of others
- Takes clear action to be helpful and supportive
Once you have left the room the interviewers will decide if your answer adequately demonstrated each of these elements. They will discuss their impressions and refer to their notes for evidence ie look for direct quotes which seem to support that you either have or have not shown this type of behaviour. The interviewers will agree to give each point either a tick or a cross. It is the number of ticks you receive in total which will determine if you have been sucessful or not, and if so, where on the list you will be ranked.
So as you can see, it’s very important not just to get it right, but to perform exceptionally well.
Understandably, the number of points on the scoring criteria and details of the elements have to remain confidential. But by becoming familar with what is expected of you by using our step by step review and feedback coaching service you will have a much better chance of showing your PQAs, and automatically hitting the key criteria through the examples you provide.
* Tip *
Keep you response at an even pace. You may talk more quickly when you are nervous. The interviewers have to record what you are saying, and may miss things if you talk too fast.
