Two of our Young Healthwatch volunteers, Bami & Jenifer, share their experience of being involved on an interview panel.

Working on the interview panel for an Assistant Educational Psychologist was an interesting and memorable experience. As someone who wants to pursue a career in psychology having an insight into the interview process gave me an understanding and exposure into the steps to become an Assistant Psychologist.

The interview process involved a group of candidates who were asked a series of questions in which they had to answer to the best of their ability; we were told that if we would like to ask questions we could. The interview began with a 5-minute introduction and an outline plan for the session and activity. The interview was followed with a 20-minute activity which included a scenario from a pupil’s experience. The candidates were given 2-minute reflection time to think about their answer; they were told to think about what psychological theories they could use and decide on one approach as a team.

The candidates gave a range of different answers that exhibited their understanding, there were no right or wrong answers. All of the candidates based their answer of having previous experience when working with young children. Although we watched the interview via Zoom we could tell the candidates were very nervous, which felt like we were in the room with them. At the end of the interviews, we were asked to rate their communication skills, clarity of thinking and openness to new ideas, knowledge of equal opportunities and principles and team skills. Furthermore, we were asked which candidate were our favourite and deserved the role.

It’s very pleasing to know that a young person’s opinion counts towards something as significant as a job role, especially a role that can help young people who may have mental health disorders.