Second Interviews - Local Authority

Second Interviews - Local Authority

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Hi All

I have a second interview for a local authority which can only be a good sign? It will consist of the same panel as before but now with the Finance Director chairing the interview.

What can I expect at a second interview for a local authority?

Cheers

Dave

Replies (20)

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By bernard michael
12th Jun 2015 11:10

Further questions on your experience and whether/how you will be able to fit into the LG systems,experience and team bonding whilst serving the common good (you'll soon learn to talk like that)

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Replying to akhalid2019:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
12th Jun 2015 11:50

Is that.....

bernard michael wrote:

Further questions on your experience and whether/how you will be able to fit into the LG systems,experience and team bonding whilst serving the common good (you'll soon learn to talk like that)

Is that during the programming, sorry, induction week? My wife works for our Council and I have noticed that the Newspeak is modifying her vocabulary!!!!!!

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By andrew.hyde
12th Jun 2015 11:14

Competence based?

If it's a competence-based process then there will be a pen picture of the person they want somewhere in the job description - defining that person's competences in terms of how they behave.

Try to find examples from your experience of when you've exhibited those behaviours and competences, and be ready to talk about them.

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By SouthernDave
12th Jun 2015 11:28

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

 

The first interview consisted of a test followed by an interview that was asking competency based questions.

The time allocated for second interview is not as long as the first.

 

There are two positions available and I expect there will only be a handful of candidates attending second interviews?

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By bernard michael
12th Jun 2015 11:27

Good luck !!! Let us know how you got on

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By andrew.hyde
12th Jun 2015 11:30

Break a leg

 Fingers crossed you get the job but if you don't

maybe it wouldn't have suited you anywayyou've gained valuable experience.  Ask for feedback if they don't give it to you anyway. The worst that can happen is they say no.

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By neileg
12th Jun 2015 11:55

In my experience working in Local Government

The first interview should have been competency based as you say it was. The second interview usually occurs when there is a surplus of good candidates. It can take almost any format so is difficult to prepare for. I suggest you get up to date on current issues in public sector finance.

Try  www.publicfinance.co.uk

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By SouthernDave
12th Jun 2015 12:03

Thanks again.

 

The second interview was always on the cards so I don't know if that is a true indication of how many candidates are in the running.

 

Thank you for the link Neileg. The job is for a housing association so I have been familiarising myself with HA issues too.

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By neileg
12th Jun 2015 13:34

Confused

Housing Associations are quite different from local authorities. Their regulatory and legal regimes are different. Do you mean an ALMO Housing Company?

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By SouthernDave
12th Jun 2015 14:35

Sorry definitely a housing association but their pension is a local government pension scheme. Apologies for the incorrect phrasing.

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By neileg
12th Jun 2015 13:49

Well then...

Their procedures may be completely different from local authorities. Being an admitted body to an LGPS has no impact on their accounting or legal position. I recommend you forget all about local authorities and bone up on housing associations.

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By JCresswellTax
12th Jun 2015 14:17

Not being cheeky

But also brush up on your spelling of definitely.

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By SouthernDave
12th Jun 2015 14:27

Thanks again Neileg. ACCA and ICAEW have lots of useful information on HA's so I've been doing a lot of revision already so should stand me in good stead.

 

JCresswell: Thank you for your concern. It was just a typo and I'm not concerned about my spelling. If my spelling was careless it would have already been picked up on the comprehensive application forms I had to complete before interview stages.

 

Thanks again to all. I'm not too concerned about the competency based questions, I just didn't know what format the 2nd interview would be because competency questions had already been asked at interview 1.

 

My interview is on Wednesday so I will let you know the outcome.

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By JCresswellTax
12th Jun 2015 14:34

OK Dave

It was just because it appears you had typed it twice which seemed like more than a typo.

Maybe not then...

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By SouthernDave
12th Jun 2015 14:36

It was typed once in the comment box and that automatically places it in the subject box.

 

For your peace of mind I have amended it.

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By hje
12th Jun 2015 14:40

Perhaps the following may be of interest

Housing Finance Corporation information: http://www.thfcorp.com/investing/investing-in-social-housing.pdf

I spent a few years working as a Capital Finance Officer for a HA, and the majority of my day to day work was administrating the large loan portfolios, and their teatment in the accounts.

 

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By JCresswellTax
12th Jun 2015 14:56

Thanks Dave

That definately keeps the thread tidier.

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By SouthernDave
19th Jun 2015 16:56

Thanks you everyone - I can say that I have been offered the job and I've taken it.

J Cresswell - I definitely got the job!

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By JCresswellTax
19th Jun 2015 17:06

Great news dave
And you will now never make a typo spelling definitely again :)

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By andrew.hyde
22nd Jun 2015 08:35

congratulations

Usual fee in the post please.  Brown envelope and cash (but no euros or drachmas).

Seriously, well done.  Asking AW for advice was either a brilliant piece of initiative or a reckless gamble.  Only you will ever know.

 

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