Candidate journey

How to do a cracking interview

So you have secured an interview - Congratulations!

A good interview involves more than just how you answer the interview questions. First impressions matter and it is important that you’re able to present yourself appropriately, so:

Do your research

You’ll almost certainly be asked specific questions about The Donkey Sanctuary, so make sure you’ve done your homework by browsing our website for more information.

Practice your answers

There are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up at interview. You should prepare answers about your personal strengths, qualities and skills, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job. Take time to review the job description and your application.

Be in control

Plan your route, and allow extra time for any unexpected delays, ensure you have everything you need to take with you ready the night before, and bring evidence of your right to work in the UK.

Be positive

Understandably you may be nervous, however first impressions count. Focus on the positives to help you relax, you have been invited to the interview for a reason, we believe from your application you have the required skills. Let your personality shine through and demonstrate you are genuinely interested in the role by being attentive and listening to the interviewer. This will also help you compose your answers, and remember to breathe!

Be clear

Answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant qualifications, skills, experiences and achievements. It is perfectly acceptable to pause before answering a question to give yourself thinking time, or to seek clarification if, at first, you are unsure what the question means. When answering, don’t speak too quickly.

Ask questions

At the end of your interview, you will be invited to ask any questions you may have. You should prepare some questions for your interviewer that will demonstrate your interest in the position and your understanding of the role.

The selection process

The way in which we conduct interviews may vary depending on the level of the role, and where you might be based. Usually interviews are conducted face-to-face, but potentially could be held via Skype. dependant on location. The interviewing panel will be looking to measure each candidate against the criteria set out in the job profile.

Assessment methods

As part of the recruitment process you may also be asked to undertake a practical exercise, or deliver a presentation. You will always be told in advance if you are asked to complete any form of assessment. These assessments are designed to give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experiences in relation to the position.

References

As part of the application process we normally ask you to identify two referees of which one should be your current or most recent line manager. For each reference, a contact name, telephone and email are mandatory. You should also indicate whether your referees can be contacted before interview. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references.

Our commitment to equality and diversity

The Donkey Sanctuary commitment to equality and diversity applies to everything we do.

We view Diversity as a description of the visible and invisible differences that exist between people, such as, gender, race, ethnic origin, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, age, economic class, language, religion, nationality, education, and family/marital status. We recognise that these visible and non-visible differences between people can also lead to differences in experiences, values, attitudes, ways of thinking, behaving, communicating and working.

In order to implement and monitor our commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity, we kindly ask applicants to fill in our Equal Opportunities Form. Note that some questions are mandatory, and others are voluntary. All (except date of birth) contain the option 'I do not wish to disclose'.
If you have any further questions, please email applications@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Good luck with your application.

Benefits

We value our employees, and firmly believe that our people should work in an environment where their hard work and dedication is recognised and rewarded. As an employee of The Donkey Sanctuary in the UK, you will enjoy:

• 31 days holiday per year, inclusive of the eight statutory public holidays. This increases by one day each year until a maximum of 34 days (pro rata for part-time employees) is reached.
• A pension scheme which exceeds the Government’s recommended rate.
• The benefits of a Healthshield plan, helping you look after your health and wellbeing. You can claim cashback on dentistry, optical appointments, glasses, contact lenses, and physiotherapy costs, to name but a few.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave.
• Life Assurance Scheme — All employees are covered for a death-in-service benefit equal to twice their annual salary at the date of their death, unless they have a higher entitlement as part of their conditions of employment.
• Free staff parking.
• For some roles, full uniform, PPE and footwear will be provided.
• Staff discount in The Kitchen Restaurant*, Gift Shop* and mini gift shops within Donkey Assisted Therapy Centres.

* Located at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth.

FAQs