Jobs

If you’ve been invited for an interview, you’ll have a better chance of getting the job if you’re prepared.

Before your interview

• Find out how long the interview is likely to be. This will give you an idea of how detailed it might be. 
• Think about the people who may be interviewing you. It might give you an idea about the types of questions they could ask.
• Visit us before to see how long your journey will take. You'll be able to find out how far you have to walk from the station, or where you can park.
• Tell us if you need anything to support you in this process, such as:
  • a car parking space near to the interview location
  • someone to meet you at the entrance
  • a sign language interpreter to be present
  • a support person to be present
  • specialist seating to be available
  • an induction loop 
  • written information in a different format
  • specialist equipment for any tests or exercises (eg a screen magnifier)
• We’ll tell you if you need to prepare for a test or a presentation.

During the interview

The interview panel will usually have two or more people. They'll work in the area that you've applied to join. During the interview they’ll ask you:

• a standard set of questions relating to the essential criteria of the role
• specific questions about your responses on the job application form
• questions relating to breaks in employment (if relevant)

Depending on the criteria, you may be asked to complete specific tasks as part of the interview process. These are designed to give us a better insight into your abilities and skills. These could include:

• a presentation
• written exercises
• numerical or verbal reasoning aptitude exercises
• keyboard skills

We’ll tell you in advance of your interview if this is the case.

Tips to help you make a good impression

• Give as much detail as you can in your answers without straying from the point. Include examples to prove your skills and achievements. Think about how you can use your expertise to fulfil the role.
• If you don't understand any of the questions or need them repeating, just ask.
• Think about what the job is likely to involve so you can think of questions to ask the panel.
• If you think it will help, bring a printed copy of your application form to refer to. Make sure you include brief notes.
• Remember to bring any ID we've requested, such as your driving licence or certificates for your qualifications.

After the interview

If you’re successful at interview, we'll make you a conditional offer of appointment. This will be based on clearance of any checks we need to make and receipt of certain documents. These may include:

• two satisfactory references. One must be from your current or most recent employer. For certain posts, three references may be needed.
• satisfactory medical clearance.
• a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, where needed. There's a confidential checking service for transgender applicants who don't wish to have details of their previous identity revealed on their DBS report. For overseas criminal record checks you'll need to contact the relevant foreign embassy for advice.  
• original certificates of your qualifications. This is if you've not already given these to the panel at your interview.
• documents to meet our obligations under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. This applies if you've not already given these to the panel at your interview.
• original driving licence (a paper version if you don't have a photo licence) if your job involves driving for work reasons.
• compliance with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). This includes a satisfactory basic check of unspent criminal convictions through Disclosure Scotland. This is applicable where the post uses the council’s computer network.
• a satisfactory disqualification by association self declaration, for those posts working with children under the age of eight.

Your conditional offer email will confirm what documents we need from you. It's vital that you return these straight away. This is so that we can arrange your start date once all checks have been completed.

If you're unsuccessful, we’ll tell you by email. We'll also offer you the chance to call for feedback.