3 - Shortlist and Interview

The criteria detailed in the person specification is the only criteria you can use to shortlist, interview, assess and appoint against.

Shortlisting involves slimming down the applications received to a shortlist of candidates that meet the essential criteria.

Shortlisting is a very important part of the recruitment process.  Although it can be time-consuming it is worth conducting it with care and consideration. You don't want to miss an excellent candidate or waste your time with someone who doesn't meet your requirements.

It's possible that you will only receive a small number of applications for a job, but the same process should take place regardless of the number of applications you receive.

All Interview and Assessment events are a two way process; an opportunity for the manager to select the best candidate for the role, and also an opportunity for a candidate to determine whether your school is the right place for them. Remember, a candidate is highly unlikely to have only applied for one opportunity and so are likely to be interviewing at other organisations and drawing comparisons. 

A scoring matrix is available in the Interview Pack for your completion, please note it is important that you only assess skills/behaviours essential to the role with appear in the job description / person specification. 

Useful Documents

How to Complete a Candidate Online Search

Candidate Online Search Form

Shortlisting Guidance

Interview and Assessment Policy Guidance

Individual Shortlisting Grid

Group Shortlisting Grid (Collation of All Candidates)

Interview Questions Template

Example Interview Marking Grid

Letter Template- Invite to Interview

Selection Interviewing: Guidance and Question Bank

Recruitment and Selection Services (Interview and Assessment)

Equalities Act 2010: Implications for Recruitment- FAQs

Final Scoring Grid for All Candidates

Final Scoring Grid for Individual Candidate

Testing Guidance

Mandatory Questions for Interview Candidates

Prevention of Illegal Working: Manager's Guide