Our interview process
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most of our interviews are currently done remotely using MS Teams.
The interview is an opportunity for you to show us why you are right for the role. It will be held by a diverse panel including members of your future profession to give you an idea of what it’s like to work here.
Be prepared to answer questions on the range of topics covered in the job ad. We will ask open-ended questions, giving you the chance to include evidence of essential skills, experience and success profiles behaviours.
If you’re applying for one of our technical roles (Developer/QA), you will also be asked to take a short technical challenge/assessment, either via pair-programming or an online assessment.
Video interviews
You’ll access your interview link via the application centre (this is the system you used to book the slot). It should be available a few days before the interview, and we recommend testing it so you feel confident of the process on the day. When you test it in advance, you’ll see a message telling you to come back at the scheduled time and date of your interview.
On the day:
■ Log into the call a couple of minutes before it is due to start.
■ Hear and be heard – make sure that you have the volume and microphone set properly so the interviewers can hear you and you can hear them.
■ Dress appropriately – dress as you would for a face to face interview.
■ Consider your environment. Is it quiet and distraction free? Is the lighting good and visibility clear? What will the interviewers see behind you? Make sure you are the main focus with nothing distracting behind you.
■ Make sure that you won’t be distracted. Shut down other programmes on your device. Make sure there aren’t any notifications that will make a noise. Switch off your phone.
■ Don’t be disturbed. If there are other people about let them know that you are being interviewed and don’t want disruptions. Ensure that you won’t be disturbed by pets.
■ Using notes. You may use notes but make sure that they are short reminders so that you can keep your focus on your interviewers, this avoids them looking at the top of your head whilst you read.
■ When the interviewers are speaking, make sure that you focus on the camera and show that you are listening to the questions. Avoid looking at yourself on the screen as this means that you aren’t making good eye contact with your interviewers. Pause and check during your answers that the panel are still engaged and listening.
■ Think about your body language. In a virtual interview, we lose some cues of communication that we all subconsciously rely on. A little extra effort may be needed. Start the interview with a confident greeting, sit comfortably and try to relax, don’t sit too rigidly. Remember to smile when appropriate as this can all convey a more positive and confident interview.
■ Practise. It’s a good idea to practise with someone beforehand and get feedback on the environment, lighting, your posture and tone.
■ If you’re interviewing for a technical role, be prepared to share screens as there will be a technical challenge.
HMCTS Digital and Technology Services Recruitment Process
