hi all
i would really appreciate some support and guidance on how i can prepare for my very first interview for a NQSW post at in the children's services department. the interview will be for 45 minutes followed by a 30 min assessment. the frustrating thing is that the application form did not make clear what areas they will be questioning at interview!! i have the interview in 2 weeks and would really appreciate some advice
many thanks
Hi NQSW2011 the first tip is,
be calm and think positively.
be clear about the children act 1989 i.e. what different sections actually mean for instance S.20 voluntary arrangement, unaccompanied and abandoned children.
be aware of current issues in social work i.e. munro review recommendations.
ensure your answers have relevance to anti discriminatory practice
Hope that helps, good luck with the interview.
rgds Rag1
Hi NQSW2011,
Is it a particular team you have applied for, or a generic Children's Services post? Just asking as there might be some specific legislation or other information people can direct you to.
Alongside the usual documentation to familiarise yourself with (CA1989, Working Together, LSCB Child Protection Procedures for the area etc), it might be useful to look up specific information about the local authority you've applied to, such as their Children and Young Person's Plan and their most recent OFSTED report. On my interview for my current post (I'm an NQSW too) they asked me why I was particularly interested in working for this local authority. Also, try and apply theories and suchlike when giving answers - easier said than done when you're a bit nervy! Remember to keep child-focussed when answering.
Other than that, like Rag1 said, stay calm and think positive, and be yourself!
Good luck.
Jellybean1
thank you for the advice, i have had my interview, it was for a generic role. i was asked 7 questions at the interview and had i not prepared i would have found it difficult to answer the questions asked. i am waiting to hear from them,
thank you once again
Hope you get some good news soon, if not ensure you gain some feedback.
Cheers Rag1
By chance, was this for Manchester?
Good luck! It's a tough time for NQ's trying to find posts!
thank you .. i did receive feedback, i was told that i should trust them that i had a very good interview .. and that i wasn't far off ... and it showed that i was child focused and had lots of experience ... next time i should consider having stronger examples ... i guess the search continues ...