Interview tips
Who you will be meeting
Our interview panel typically consists of members from relevant departments, including representatives from the hiring team and other key stakeholders closely associated with the role or the department you'll be joining. Each panel member brings a unique perspective and expertise to the interview process, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your suitability for the role.
While the specific composition of the panel may vary depending on the role and the stage of the recruitment process, rest assured that every panel member is committed to conducting a fair, thorough, and professional interview. They will ask questions designed to assess your skills, experiences, and fit for the role, and they will carefully consider your responses in relation to the job requirements.
Interview questions
At Blue Cross, we're committed to creating a positive and informative interview experience that allows us to get to know you better. Our competency based interviews are designed to not only assess your skills and experiences but also provide you with valuable insights into the role and our charity.
You'll be asked a series of thoughtfully crafted questions directly relevant to the job, each aimed at uncovering specific skills and qualities. Your responses will be carefully evaluated against pre-determined criteria to ensure the best match for both you and our team.
If you would like to know more about Blue Cross values and competencies, visit What we stand for on our website. This can provide you with valuable insights to help you prepare for the interview and understand what we value as an organisation.
Note
The skills and behaviours required for a role are in the job description. Make sure you read them carefully before you submit your application.
Before attending the interview
Preparation:
Before your interview, take some time to thoroughly review the job description and advert, pay close attention to the essential and desirable skills, qualities, and experiences outlined.
Consider how your own experiences align with the requirements of the role and prepare specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.
Virtual interview setup:
If your interview is virtual, it will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. We can arrange a test session ahead of the interview if you'd like, to ensure you're familiar with the platform and comfortable with the technology.
Please ensure you're logged into Microsoft Teams and ready to join the meeting at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
Location and directions:
For in person interviews, familiarise yourself with the location and how to get there. If you need assistance with directions, feel free to reach out to our team.
Arrival time:
Plan to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time, whether it's in person or virtual.
Dress code:
While there's no strict dress code, we recommend dressing smartly and professionally for both in-person and virtual interviews. This will help you make a positive impression and feel confident during the interview.
Right to work in the UK verification:
In the UK, employers are required by law to check that their employees have the legal right to work in the country, this is to prevent illegal working and ensure compliance with immigration laws. Examples of right to work documentation can be found here on the gov.uk website.
For the interview, please bring documentation that provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.
Please note that we will need to verify your right to work in person in accordance with UK regulations. For virtual interviews, we will need to do a likeness check on screen and then an in-person check. If you have any questions about this process or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the Resourcing team.
Contact information:
Ensure we have your correct contact information, including your phone number and email address, in case of any last-minute changes or updates regarding the interview.
Animal handling & behaviour assessments:
If your interview incorporates an animal handling and/or behaviour assessment, please ensure you wear appropriate clothing that you won't mind getting dirty or wet. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease during this assessment.
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments:
At Blue Cross, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible interview experience for all candidates, regardless of any additional requirements you may have.
If you require reasonable adjustments or have any questions or concerns about accessibility or accommodations for the interview, whether it's in person or virtual, please don't hesitate to contact us in advance so that we can assist you.
How to contact us:
You can reach us via email at [email protected] or via telephone on 01993 825515 or if you would prefer a video call, then we can arrange this using Microsoft Teams.
We wish you all the best with your interview!
