A greater percentage of applicants fail at the interview stage, than any other part of the Special Constable recruitment process. The purpose of these pages is to help applicants prepare and know what to expect.

ABOUT THE INTERVIEW

Before

• Approach the whole recruitment process as if it were for a salaried position i.e. be prepared and be professional!
• Research the role of Special Constable thoroughly and how it links into community policing. If the PIRT is on the same day, prepare beforehand on the assumption that you will pass the test
• Ensure you are aware and content to commit to the time needed to be a Special Constable, particularly whilst in training
• Research and understand the competences for the role of Special Constable and think of examples where you have successfully demonstrated them
• Remember the old saying 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail'.
• Arrive in good time and plan your route
• Note that the interview will last up to 45 minutes

The Location

• The interview is likely to be conducted in an office by two interviewers, at least one being a member of the Wiltshire Police Special Constabulary

The Interview

• The Chairperson will introduce the panel and explain what is going to happen. The panel will try to put you at ease as they will want you to do well
• At first you will be asked about your current role, to enable you to settle down into the interview and get used to the surroundings
• All applicants are asked the same opening questions, which test the competences for the role of Special Constable. It is rare that an interviewer does not probe further to check understanding-so do not be surprised if they ask you some supplementary questions - this is quite normal.
• Before answering a question, make sure you understand it - an interviewer will not mind rephrasing or clarifying what they have said
• The interview can seem a little strange at first because the interviewers will be reading questions and writing down your answers.
• Interviewers will want you to give specific examples of the things you have done against the competencies for the role
• Keep your answers reasonably concise and avoid using jargon
• If you are unsure as to whether you are responding to questioning in a manner that the interviewer wants, it is perfectly reasonable to ask
• When answering a question apply the STAR acronym - Situation, Task, Action, Result. In other words, tell the interviewers what the situation was and what you had to do, what you (and specifically you) actually did in the given situation and what the outcome was
• At the end of the interview the Chairperson will ask you whether you wish to add anything or clarify anything that you may have said

After the interview

• You will receive the result within a few days. If successful you will be offered a provisional position, dependent upon a variety of supplementary checks
• If you fail, do not worry, as you can apply again within six months. It is recommended that you ask for feedback, so that you can learn for next time

Nerves

• Remember that it is perfectly natural to feel a little nervous before any interview, even one where there is no salary at stake. Having nerves simply means you care
• If you fail, will the world stop turning, and will your family and friends think anything differently about you?
• Around 70% of communication is non-verbal. So try to make your body language reasonably relaxed
• Try to breath deeply, as this is a well known technique for calming anxiety
• Perhaps arrange for a nice treat for yourself just after the interview. This way as the interview draws closer so does the treat!