Interview process
If you are invited to interview, you will receive further information about the interview panel, the format of the interview and the timing of the assessment.
Interviews will normally take place at Thistle House in Edinburgh, although some competitions may be held at alternative locations. JABS will seek to accommodate reasonable preferences and requirements where possible, although this may not always be feasible.
The interview stage provides an opportunity for you to expand on the information contained in your application and demonstrate your suitability for appointment. The assessment will focus on the requirements of the role and the criteria for appointment.
Depending on the role, the interview process may include:
- a legal case study exercise (for court appointments)
- questions designed to assess your personal and judicial skills, knowledge and experience
- a presentation (for certain roles)
- specialist questions relating to the relevant tribunal chamber (for non-legal Tribunal roles)
- an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role or the process
Preparing for your Interview
There are a number of steps you can take to prepare for interview:
You may find it helpful to:
- reread your application form and familiarise yourself with the evidence you provided
- review the role profile and assessment criteria
- identify examples from your experience that demonstrate the skills, qualities and competencies required for the role
- consider how your broader professional experience demonstrates your potential to perform effectively in judicial office
- think about the types of questions you may be asked and how you would respond
- practise explaining your experience clearly, concisely and with supporting examples
To help you perform at your best, you should remember that:
- you are welcome to bring a copy of your application form to the interview
- you may bring a pen and blank paper for note-taking
- it can be helpful to make a brief note of each question before answering, particularly where multiple issues are raised
- you do not need to respond immediately to every question. Taking a moment to consider your answer is entirely appropriate
- when answering competency-based questions, focus on providing specific examples that demonstrate the skills, judgement and qualities being assessed
Remember that the panel's role is to assess the evidence you provide against the requirements of the role. The interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your experience, skills and suitability for judicial office.