Our Social Work Roles: Interview Tips

​If you have applied for one of our social work roles here in Guernsey, you might be wondering what to expect and what you’ll need to prepare. Look no further!

This blog will aim to provide some useful information on what our interview panel are looking for in a successful candidate, and ways in which you can showcase your competence, confidence, and skillset.

What the interview will include

An interview with us will typically consist of two stages – the first stage being an informal video interview, and the second a face-to-face interview on the island. The first stage interview provides a really good opportunity for you to ask any questions about us as an employer, plus the relocation support we provide, and the island in general (it’s the best time to ask questions that aren’t practice-based).

Who will be on the panel?

Typically, your interview will be conducted by the Team Manager or Service Manager of the team you’re looking to join, plus a few other members of staff. This is a good chance to find out what they enjoy most about working in that particular team, but also what it’s like to work for us here in Guernsey, more generally.

Understanding Guernsey’s legal system

Despite Guernsey being part of the British Isles, we have our own legal system. Although it’s very similar to the UK, there are some slight differences, so it’s best to make sure you take time to research into the legal system before attending your interview.

Second stage interview

If you make it through to the second stage interview, well done! At this point, you’ll be invited in for a face-to-face interview on the island. Instead of just coming to see us for the interview, and then heading straight back to the UK (if this is where you’re based), several candidates will come to visit for a few days and spend time getting to know Guernsey - seeing and experiencing all that we have to offer. We will pay for your flights (to us, and then home again) and we are happy to be flexible regarding home flight dates.

STAR method

During your second stage interview, our interview panel will need to apply the STAR method to the questions we ask. Simply put, you’ll need to give evidence-based answers to the questions (mentioning a specific situation, task, action, and result) and relate them back to a time, within your own practice, where you had to navigate a similar situation. Find out more about STAR method interviewing here.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. But please be rest assured, you’ll be interviewed by a panel of experienced, passionate, warm, and friendly people who just want to ensure that you’re the right person for the job. If you have any further questions about what interviewing with us at Guernsey is like, please get in touch with Keir Turnbull, who’s leading on the recruitment process for our social work roles: k.turnbull@sanctuarypersonnel.com