Preparing for your interview
So, you’ve been invited to an interview – congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare.
Being prepared for an interview can help you feel calm and confident on the day and ensure you can answer the questions you’ll likely be asked. Follow our steps to help set yourself up for success in your interview with YHA.
Firstly, don’t worry
Interviews are our way of finding out a bit more about you, your skills or experience for the role, your interest in YHA and your personality. It also gives you the chance to find out more about us.
Interview methods
We use a variety of interview methods, depending on the role. We’ll always let you know which to expect in advance.
Online interview
Microsoft Teams is our preferred video platform, but we may use Zoom or Skype. Whichever platform it will be held on, we’ll let you know right away.
In person interview
This will be face-to-face at an agreed location, which could be one of our hostels or at our National Office in Matlock, Derbyshire.
Video interview
We’ll set you a few questions to answer – you’ll need to record yourself on your own device in your own time and submit your recording via our recruitment system.
Task-based interview
We may set you a short task during the interview. For some roles, you may need to prepare something – such as creating a presentation or sending your research findings to the panel.
Recruitment event
Events are usually (but not always) for our temporary roles. We tend to hold them in regional groups, so you can meet different managers from that region, learn a little about each hostel, get involved in some activities and complete your interview.
Phone interview
This method is not used regularly as we prefer to face-to-face interviews (in person or online), but we may call you to complete an initial screening of your application.
Interview panel
At YHA we operate a safer recruitment policy and ensure we have a balanced view of all applicants. Whenever possible, we will have a panel of interviewers. This is likely to be two people but could vary depending on the role and staff availability.
Stages of interview
Many of our roles have just one stage of interview, but others might have two or three. This depends on the role, but the hiring manager will keep you informed throughout the interview process.
What to bring with you
All candidates are required to show identification at the interview, regardless of whether this is in person or online. We need to see valid form(s) of identification for proof of your right to work in the UK and for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you are offered a job with YHA, we will require a copy of this ID to process the checks.
Unless you have been asked to bring a task to your interview, we will not request any further documents. If you would like to bring anything along to support the information you will go through in your interview (such as a portfolio or other examples of your work) please feel free to do so, though these items are brought at your own risk.
Interview checklist
- Valid form(s) of ID for Right to Work and DBS checks
- Interview task (if applicable)
- Printed copy of your CV (optional, but you may find this helpful)
- Portfolio or other examples of your work (optional)
Preparing for your interview or task
1. Read the job description
If you haven’t had a copy of the job description, it’s always a good idea to request this. This document can provide you with more information about the role you have applied for.
The full details may not have all been included in the job advert and can also prompt some questions that you may wish to ask.
2. Consider what you may be asked
We’ll generally ask a series of questions about your previous experience and why you want to work for YHA. Have a good think about why the role is suitable for you and make sure you come prepared.
Some other questions may be based around:
- competency
- technical ability
- strengths and weaknesses
- situational judgement
- values
- motivations
3. Review your CV and application
Make sure you are clear on the CV and application you submitted and how it aligns with the role you are interviewing for.
4. Prepare your task
If you have been asked to prepare a presentation or interview task, be sure to answer the question(s) you have been set.
You could also test yourself delivering the presentation to a friend or family member – ensure you keep to the allocated time.
5. Do some research
Having a general understanding of YHA and the role you have applied for is useful.
It will allow you to better determine how you’ll fit in with the employees, management and overall company culture, which you may be asked about.
6. Plan ahead
If your interview is online, you may wish to test the video platform beforehand.
Travelling to a location? Make sure you know the route and leave plenty of time to get there.
Top interview tips
- Arrive on time, whether online or in person.
- Some delays are unavoidable so, if that happens, have contact details ready.
- Avoid any distractions: find an appropriate place for online interviews, turn off your phone and plan for childcare.
- Use breathing techniques to calm yourself – try to remember, feeling nervous is normal!
- Smile and greet your interviewer with confidence.
- Ask for some water if you need it or have a drink with you if your interview is online.
- Don’t be afraid to have some short bullet points to keep you focused during the interview, but try not to refer to them too often.
- If you can, take a printed copy of your CV with you in case you need to refer to specific dates.
YHA values and behaviours
Our HEART values are woven throughout the organisation in the ways we show respect at work to others, the way in which our personal development reviews and regular 121 meetings are conducted, and throughout our interview packs.
It is always helpful to have a look at our company HEART values and to see how these align to your own values. This may help guide you on the behaviours we are looking for during our recruitment process.
Discover more about YHA
If you come across information about YHA that you want to know more about, you can contact our Jobs team or bring it up during your interview. The interviewer may be impressed that you thought to ask, which can demonstrate your interest in YHA.
About YHA
Our history
Strategy and mission
The Journey magazine
Check out our social media channels
Take a look at our social media channels for an idea of what YHA offers.