Value Based Recruitment
You may have been told that your job interview will be value based, but what exactly does value based recruitment mean? A value based interview is a type of structured interview in which the employer aims to gain an understanding of the candidate’s values. The NHS and EY are one of the most high-profile users of value based interviews. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘values’ as ‘the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life, that control their behaviour. The rationale behind this type of interview is that it helps an organisation to recruit people who share its values; doing this should create a more successful and happier workforce. Value based interviewing is particularly prevalent in the healthcare industry, as it is believed that the values held by a health professional have a significant impact on the quality of care provided. For example, the NHS might want to know whether you are a person who has the compassion and patience required to spend time listening to patients’ needs.
At first glance, in an NHS interview, value based interview questions may not sound drastically different to NHS competency questions. However, in our coaches’ experience, people can require some guidance and practice when it comes to the probing follow-up questions which make this type of interview unique. After interviewers ask for an example of a time when you demonstrated a certain value, they then tend to ask for further detail, for example about why you acted in that way and what you learned. Most people are not used to this level of self-reflection, therefore, a lack of preparation can lead to mediocrity.
Also, it is important to note that you will sometimes be asked value based questions alongside competency or situational based questions, which instead focus on your skills or knowledge to do the job. However, in some cases, the organisation separates things out into multiple interviews. For example, the NHS also run competency based interviews, You can learn more about NHS interview questions. Additionally, Civil Service interviews include Strength based interview questions as part of the Success Profile assessments, but Strengths are not the same as Values. Ensure that you read the interview instructions carefully, or seek professional support if you are not sure.
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Value Based Interview NHS
If you have an NHS value based interview or an NHS interview which includes some value based questions, here are the key values to consider when preparing for the interview:
- Working together for patients – putting patients first
- Respect and dignity – respecting patients, families and colleagues, and seeking to understand their needs as individuals
- Commitment to quality of care – striving for safety, effectiveness and a positive patient experience
- Compassion – putting compassion at the heart of care
- Improving lives – improving people’s health and wellbeing and their perception of the NHS
- Everyone counts – leaving nobody behind
Value Based Interview EY
If you have an EY value based interview or an EY interview which includes some value based questions, here are the key values to consider when preparing for the interview:
- People who demonstrate integrity, respect, teaming and inclusiveness.
- People with energy, enthusiasm and the courage to lead.
- People who build relationships based on doing the right thing.
Value Based Interview Questions
Collaboration Interview Question
Our clients are often faced with a question about collaboration, as it closely relates to the NHS value of ‘working together for patients’ and for other organisations team work and the ability to build relationships.
Question: Describe a situation where it was important for you to establish or develop an effective relationship with someone who had a different perspective to you?
Probing questions:
- Why was this relationship significant?
- What did you learn from this experience?
- How did you feel about developing this relationship?
Integrity Interview Question
Unsurprisingly, integrity is important to most organisations. Integrity plays into the NHS value of ‘commitment to quality of care’ and doing the right thing at EY.
Question: Tell me about a time when you had to address a difficult situation with a colleague who was acting inappropriately with other colleagues?
Probing questions:
- Why was it important to address the situation?
- How did you perceive your colleague’s reaction?
- How did you feel about addressing the situation?
- What was the outcome and what did you learn?
Equality and Diversity Interview Question
In a value based interview you are likely to face a question about diversity, as for most organisations a core values is treating everyone as individuals and with respect and dignity.
Question: tell me about a time there was a challenge and you had to work collaboratively with another person who didn’t share your values, beliefs or ideas?
Probing questions:
- How did the situation impact your ability to get things done?
- How did the situation impact the other person’s ability to get things done?
- How did you react to this?
- What was the outcome, and what other approaches did you try?
Value based interview preparation
You may be familiar with the STAR framework for providing examples in competency interviews: Situation, Task, Action and Result. However, this is not sufficient for answering value based questions. With value based interview questions, you must demonstrate greater emotional intelligence behind your actions. You must articulate your feelings, your thought process and your interactions with others. It is important to be much more reflective when speaking about the outcome. What did you learn, and what could you have done differently? Our team of coaches have a wealth of experience providing coaching for value based interviews. We can help you to analyse the job specification, prepare examples and finetune delivery, amongst other things. Book a no-obligation Free Consultation today to discover how you can maximise your chance of success.