Our interview process
Preparing for your upcoming interview with Advance
Preparing for your interview
If you've been invited to interview, or are simply looking for more information about our interview process before you apply to one of our roles - you're in the right place!
Whilst each of our interview processes differ for our wide range of roles, we have identified our key interview styles along with some tips in order to guide you to showcase your best self and feel confident in this process!
-
Online application
So, you've identified a job you're interested in or know you'd be good at? Making sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills, begin by submitting your resume and personalised cover letter through our online application portal.
-
Review stage
CV's are based off of experience whereas cover letters are about expressing interest. This is your chance to shine and share your knowledge, experience and why you're passionate about this opportunity. Here's a great chance to shine!
Once CV's are reviewed and selected if you catch our eye, we'll reach out for an interview. -
Virtual / In-person interview
You'll be invited to our office for an in-person interview! Meet our team, explore our culture, and let us get to know you better. During the interview stages you may be asked to complete an assessment (in-tray exercises/role play) or a project relating to the role. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your talents and show us what you're truly capable of! Best of luck!
-
2nd stage Interview
In some cases, such as management roles, or roles which have received a large amount of qualified candidates who have all aced the interviews, we will invite you for a second stage interview. This will be with another interviewer, as to give the hiring manager a broader opinion and a chance for you to expand on previous answers or include anything you may have left out in the initial interview.
Interview FAQ's
-
Our interview process typically consists of reviewing CVs, followed by one or two interviews, depending on the role and the candidate's experience. This structured approach allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of your suitability for the position.
-
Our interview process typically involves two interviewers: your prospective line manager and either their line manager or a manager from another area. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your suitability for the role.
-
We encourage the use of the STAR Method in your responses. This approach helps you structure your answers by outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness. Additionally, practice active listening during the interview to understand questions fully before responding. Remember to highlight your unique skills and experiences while maintaining a professional and confident demeanor. Lastly, prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
-
For behaviour based questions, the method we encourage you both learn and implement in your interview answers is the STAR method which is a structured and ideal way to answer each question, and allows you to fully represent the star in you!
STAR stands for:
Situation: Set the stage and give the interviewer context to the situation you were involved in.
Task: Let the interviewer know what tasks were needed to complete the objective.
Action: Describe the actions that you actually took.
Result: Share the result of those actions. We are a very data-driven company, so it’s always great to speak to your impact as you describe your results. -
Questions which are designed to assess your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, leadership potential, and alignment with the company's culture and values. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for the role, along with your adaptabilty.
-
To make a lasting impression in your interview, emphasize your unique skills and experiences that directly relate to the role. Show a deep understanding of Advance and what your prospective new role does through research beforehand. Provide concrete examples of your achievements and how they have positively impacted previous roles, and ow your skills can be tailored and transferable skills. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the position by asking insightful questions that show your genuine interest. Remember, it's not always about experience alone; employers value passion, dedication to the cause, and the ability to make a positive impact within the team and organisation. Show us that side of you also!
-
- Be yourself: It's always nice to meet in person, but sometimes life has other ideas, sometimes it's a reasonable adjustment or sometimes it's simply a necessity! Being your best self, and bringing an appropriate level your personality and professional demeanor goes a long way.
- Technical Readiness: Test your equipment (computer, webcam, microphone) and familiarise yourself with the video conferencing software. We use Microsoft TEAMS.
- Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a tidy and professional background (or virtual background) to minimise distractions.
- Communication Skills: Practice maintaining eye contact with the camera, speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and use natural gestures.
- Appearance: Dress professionally and avoid distracting attire or backgrounds.
- Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview to express appreciation and reiterate your interest.
