Holding an interview: your step-by-step guide

Know the rules and best practice for organising and holding interviews for any role in your school. Learn about safer recruitment practice, how to prepare your questions and how to stay compliant with discrimination law.

Last reviewed on 2 May 2025See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 36665
Contents
  1. 1. Arrange the interviews
  2. 2. Decide who to have on the panel
  3. 3. Chose your questions and interview tasks
  4. 4. Carry out the interview
  5. 5. Conduct any interview tasks
  6. 6. Let the candidates know the outcome

1. Arrange the interviews

Set a date and time that best suits your school

Get in touch with shortlisted candidates to arrange an interview at a time and date that best suits your school.

Try to be flexible about interview arrangements when you can. For example, rearrange timings to allow candidates to carry out childcare responsibilities or take part in religious festivals, or to fit around their current working hours.

For candidates who live far away:

  • If you want to meet them in person, arrange the interview for later in the day so they won't have to pay for an overnight stay
  • If they live too far away to meet in person, you can conduct an interview remotely through a video call

If you're using interview tasks as