Oxford University Press Interview Questions & Answers

I was invited via email to attend a 1st interview after applying for the position through the company website (Over the moon!). I arrived half an hour early due to train times but was grateful for this time as it allowed me to collect my thoughts, take in the surroundings, the atmosphere and gave me an insight into the mundane activities at the headquarters (Pretty nosy but useful when deciding if this is a place you'd like to work). The Recruitment Adviser who had emailed me the invitation came to collect me and escorted me to an interview room where he and two senior members of the marketing team sat across a table ready to interview me. A little daunting- but that's the way it is I'm afraid!

They gave me the opportunity to briefly introduce myself, my employment history and why I was interested in this role. This was the easiest part as I was pretty sure of the answers! (I had to use all my efforts to keep them concise as rambling is a weakness of mine). They then went on to competency questions- these were more tricky but nothing I hadn't seen on practice questions online and examples were required for every one pretty much.

Luckily the atmosphere was relaxed and they were a very friendly panel.

The 2nd interview was a more in-depth repeat of the first interview and involved a task which I needed to prepare beforehand. They asked me to discuss my thought process when carrying out the task and asked a few questions. They were happy with the result and 3 days later I was offered the job! (I had to do a silent dance outside my office so as not to give anything away)

Why did you apply for this particular department as opposed to our other departments because it seems you have skills and experience more suited to some of the others? This question took me by surprise because, if I'm completely honest, I didn't really mind which department I worked for as they were all of interest to me!

I answered that I had used my skills in previous jobs and was keen to explore new and different areas, it seemed to go down well- lots of nodding.

-Arrive earlier than early (20-30 mins) to take in the working environment. This allows you to consider whether this it's a place you'd be happy to work. (It's not just about what they want but it's about what you want for your professional career!)

-When preparing answers to questions, always think of examples. Saying you are good at something is not good enough for them, you need to prove that you are

-Exaggerating the truth when it comes to experiences is okay but lying about skills is not. If you got the job on these grounds prepare to panic when they expect you to do things you've never done before!

-Lastly, try and find common ground with the interviewers, laugh at their jokes and always show a keen interest in what they're saying

I did not attend an assessment centre.