It’s always a good idea to do some research first. Find out as much as you can about Vectura, our business and the role you’re applying for. This will not only give you a good idea of whether we’re the kind of organisation you want to join, but it’s good preparation for the whole application process.

So, take a look at our corporate website, social media and our annual report, and try to find out about the role by talking to someone who’s in our industry.

The important thing is to give yourself plenty of time to do your research so that you’re primed for success when you apply.

Your application or CV are usually our first impression of what you’ve got to offer.

Try to keep it short – no more than two A4 pages. Start with an overview of your skills, achievements and what you’re looking for from a career. Then tell us about your work experience, starting with your most recent job and working back, giving all the relevant information.  

Next, give your education details, including any work-related courses. Give us the name of your university, college or school and your qualifications and grades, starting with the most recent and work backwards.

Interviews are an important part of the selection process within Vectura as they help us find answers to a number of important questions:

• Will you perform well in this position?
• Does your past experience align with the requirements of the role?
• Do you demonstrate the Vectura Values?
• Do you have the potential to develop, perhaps take the lead?
• Are you enthusiastic and motivated?
• Will you work well in a team?

Within Vectura, and many other companies, skills and competency based interviews are most frequently used.

Why do we use competency based interviews?

The methods we use ensure we facilitate a fair and valid selection process. Evidence shows that past behaviour predicts future performance, so discussing your past experience helps us to understand how you are likely to behave in the role, as well as how you fit with our values. Your responses to the interview questions give you the opportunity to present your achievements and experience to date. Providing us with reliable data about your ability in key areas.

If you get nervous about interviews, whether in person or by video, there are a few approaches you can try to settle your nerves.

Firstly, be where you need to be in plenty of time and if you’re held up, call to let us know. Have a printed copy of the details, too, in case your phone fails.

In the interview, just be yourself. You can help yourself to relax by sitting up straight and breathing steadily. Also, try to smile and look the interviewer in the eye when you’re giving answers.

If it’s a video interview, try to find somewhere quiet and well-lit where you won’t be disturbed.

• Peparation is key to succeeding at interview.
• Being well prepared enables you to feel more confident and perform better.
• The interview is a two way process, you should expect to find out more about the role and Vectura as a place to work.
• Read through your CV as you will certainly get questions on its content.
• Make sure that you have all the information you need prior to the interview date - if you have questions of us, just ask.

Situation - Task - Action - Result

Step 1 - Situation
Describe the sitation that you were in, setting the context for your response whilst trying to remain concise and informative.

Step 2 - Task
Describe the task that needed to be accomplished

Step 3 - Action
What did you do? How did you do it? Why did you do it that way?
Be personal - share what you did, provide a level of detail that will allow the interviewer to understand your decisions and thought process.

Step 4 - Result
Explain the outcome of your example. Use this opportunity to describe both what you accomplished and learned from the experience.