Interview

 

A Professional Approach to Judicial & Silk Interviews 

For over 20 years I have worked with dozens of candidates helping them to prepare for the following competitions: Deputy District Judges (Crime & Civil); Mental Health Review Tribunal Panel Members; General Medical Council – Complaint Panel Members: Recorders; District Judges (Civil & Crime); Court of Protection; King’s Counsel Silk, Summary Sheriffs, Circuit Judges, Senators and High Court Judges.

I tailor my approach based on your interview experience, knowledge and skills. I break my coaching down into bite size chunks and we ideally need to schedule our session(s) in the run up to your selection day. If you are well prepared and experienced we may simply need an hour or less to sharpen your answers and build your confidence. For others we need a few sessions it all depends on your needs.

Sessions can be held: face to face; by Zoom, MS Teams, Skype, FaceTime or by phone.

There is a wealth of very useful information (videos, FAQs + helpful guidance) on the JAC website, the KC selection, and numerous interview guidance websites. I recommend you exploit these fully. Additionally, talk to and get advice from both successful and unsuccessful candidates. Ask people who you know have been on selection panels for advice. If possible volunteer to be on an interview panel and gain experience and insights from the other side of the table. Finally, encourage your colleagues, friends and family to ask you interview questions – you may well receive some invaluable and surprising feedback.

The more time you invest in preparing for our sessions the less time we will need together.

What you can expect:

1. I will review the Self-Assessment section of your application form together with any references or appraisals you may have.

2. If I haven’t worked with you on preparing your form I will discuss its strengths and weaknesses if requested.

3. We will discuss a typical judicial, tribunal selection day or Silk interview and I will focus on preparing you for the panel interview.

4. I will give you tips and advice about how to manage your interview and give you real examples of both great and poor answers.

5. I will then ask questions to explore your ability to demonstrate evidence of the selection competencies. In addition, I will probe your answers and if necessary pose questions from the information you have sent to me.

6. I typically ask questions in batches – then we break and I give you feedback on your answers. We discuss how they could be improved and I will give you examples of good answers that candidates have successfully used.

7. It is simply impossible to estimate the time required at this stage. It can be intense and demanding. Sometimes it is better to halt a session and regroup once a candidate has appreciated how they need to change their approach.  This can allow you the necessary space and time to prepare stronger answers.

8.  My objective is that you will approach the interview with confidence and have a pool of answers that can demonstrate you are an excellent candidate.

9. I can also offer advice and options on how to answer difficult questions that you may be concerned about. These can often be done in 5 minute phone conversations. How much time and how we use time in this phase is dictated by you. I am only a phone call or e-mail away.

10. Following your selection day – I will offer you a follow up meeting or discussion to ensure you have gained the maximum from this process.

“I am writing this letter on judicial headed notepaper because without you and your expertise I would never have been in a position to do so.” Circuit Judge

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Find out more or have an informal yet confidential conversation: 0796 999 7335  or any queries: tim@asktim.org

The best interviewees are able to engage people and tell their stories: my interview tips.