Stepping into a Local Authority as an interim worker can feel very different from a permanent or private sector worker, so knowing what to expect at interview stage can make all the difference.
Our Executive Consultant, Alicia Gristwood, has supported hundreds of interim professionals through the recruitment process. She has pulled together practical advice on what hiring managers are looking for; drawing on her own experience as a recruiter, alongside direct feedback from Local Authority clients, and the key do’s and don’ts to help you explain your experience, demonstrate your value, and succeed in securing an interim role.
Understanding the interview process:
Local Authority interim interviews typically consist of a first-stage, 30–45-minute slot, with decisions often made shortly after. Hiring managers want candidates who can step in, adapt quickly and deliver results from day one.
The Do’s
Highlight public sector awareness:
Local Authorities operate under significant scrutiny, so it’s important to show you understand how this impacts your role on a day-to-day basis and what you have done before to combat this.
Examples could relate to budget constraints, political scrutiny, balancing process with pace, and working with different systems.
Focus on delivery:
With interim vacancies, our clients want to know how you can create an immediate impact and what you can do to increase their service performance.
They’re less interested in long-term career plans and more focused on what you can do short-term to decrease the pressure on their existing team.
Use the STAR method:
When giving examples of previous relevant experience, use this method to keep your response clear and succinct, while avoiding repetition and over-explaining.
- Situation – what problem or challenge were you facing?
- Task – what were you briefed to do?
- Action – what were your processes and next steps?
- Result – what outcome did you get, what were the primary and secondary achievements?
Preparation and research:
No two Local Authorities are the same. Demonstrating you’ve researched the organisation and hiring managers will instantly improve your position.
This can include:
- Looking at the council’s caseloads/portfolios, political makeup and recent public announcements to give you an initial understanding of what to expect.
- Using LinkedIn or the organisational website to find out about the hiring managers, what their role is and what their previous experience is. Our markets are often small worlds; you may have mutual connections to reference!
The Don’ts
Disregard stakeholder engagement:
Engaging with team members, other departments, residents and external organisations is a key part of your role.
Explaining how you’ve worked collaboratively with other people, and outlining your achievements will help your interviewer understand what you could achieve for them.
Align your experience:
Interim professionals bring a wealth of experience to the roles they interview for. It’s important to keep in mind the focus of the role you’re interviewing for.
If you’ve worked in management roles before but are now interviewing for an Officer-level position, mention this background where it’s relevant. The key is to keep the emphasis on the skills that will help you succeed in the role at hand.
Overlook the tone of the interview:
Most interim interviews are fairly informal and conversational. The hiring manager has read your responsibilities and achievements on your CV. They’re wanting to learn more about you.
However, if the interviewer adopts a more formal tone, make sure you match this in your responses. Adapting your communication style is key.
Ignore equal opportunities and inclusive practices:
Local Authorities have a legal duty to promote equality and eliminate discrimination. Making assumptions or inappropriate remarks, even casually, will be taken into consideration.
Being mindful and professional is essential.
TOP TIPS FROM ALICIA
Prepare for questions such as:
- “What would your priorities be in the first 4 weeks?”
- “How have you previously communicated with stakeholders?”
- “Having discussed our pressures, what would a successful first 3 months look like to you?”
Dress appropriately – a smart shirt or blouse immediately presents you as professional.
Honesty is the best policy. If there’s something you haven’t done before, be open about it. This allows managers to allocate work effectively and builds trust.
Finally, people are naturally drawn to optimistic outlooks and solutions-focused professionals. Focus on the positives from each role you’ve held, smile and make a strong first impression!
If you’re preparing for a Local Authority interim interview, we’re currently working on a range of live interim opportunities across local authorities and housing associations nationwide. You can view and apply for our latest roles here, or register your interest to speak with one of our consultants about upcoming opportunities that match your experience here.
