HOW TO PASS THE INTERVIEW

Short Description
In your second language you may be asked questions on work and personal topics, such as favourite sports and hobbies, or you may be asked the same type of question as in English. Occasionally questions in other languages may be interspersed with questions in English, though it is more usual for all the second (and other) language questions to be grouped together. The board will not expect you to be fluent, but they will expect you to be able to construct an answer and communicate it in another language. The most important thing is to demonstrate a willingness to speak and an ability to get your point across in your second language; perfect grammar is less important. Just go for it! You will score higher marks for making a number of good, adequately expressed points than for a couple of perfectly phrased sentences of little substance. If your second language is rusty, explain that it will soon come back up to scratch with practice. If you have indicated knowledge of further languages, you may also be tested on these.

Website: www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk | Filesize: 298kb
No of Page(s): 35

Content
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Some Advice
First impressions do count. Always look smart and leave plenty of time to get to your interview. Arriving late looks unprofessional and may ruin your chances before you start.
You may be asked to begin by introducing yourself. Prepare for this in advance by re-reading your application form and trying to spot possible questions. Has anything happened since your application that the interviewers should know about? Memorise your academic and career history, so that you can give a fluent and succinct account of it.
Be prepared for a provocative question designed to throw you. If this happens, be prepared to “think on your feet” and demonstrate that you can react well under pressure or in a difficult situation.
Be ready for purely factual questions. If you do not know the answer, say so and do not panic. Even if there are a number of factual questions do not try to evade them and do not invent.
Present a positive, friendly image. Think about body language and avoid fidgeting and sitting awkwardly; make eye contact with your questioner and with other panel members.
Keep your energy levels up and be responsive. This is your big selling pitch, so look interested, stay focused and maintain a positive body language i.e. do not slouch in the chair.
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