Community Warden Roles

[TheMacDonaldMan]

I have an interview for an apprenticeship as a Community Warden. The council website outlines the roles expected of a CW but I was wondering what types of questions might be asked in the interview? I want to better prepare myself because I seriously want this position

[Buenchico]

I'd be prepared to take a bet that you'll be asked about your ability to cope with conflict situations. (Sooner or later, every Community Warden is going to come up against someone who is behaving in an anti-social way, possibly while under the influence of intoxicating substances).

So you should try to think of examples of situations where you've encountered hostility and conflict and be ready to use them as examples of your ability to cope under such stressful situations.

I was asked whether I could deal with drunk and aggressive customers when applying for a job as a part-time bar manager. I was asked a similar question when I applied for a full-time post running a railway station. In both cases I made references to having previously dealt with drunks in bars, refereed local football matches between teams with a grudge against each other, and teaching teenagers in an inner-city school. I stressed my ability to keep calm under the greatest of stress and provocation, while still being firm in ensuring that the relevant rules were complied with. (I got both jobs, BTW).

So be ready for some questions about what you'd do (apart from radioing for some police backup!) when you encountered a couple of highly-intoxicated guys squaring up to each other.

Also remember that your general demeanour during the interview is likely to be just as important as any specific answers that you might give. Community Wardens need to be pleasant people who normally smile at those around them, rather than either shy, nervous people or authoritarian 'jobsworths'. Show that you're enjoying the pleasure of meeting the interviewer by smiling and relaxing, rather than looking tense and deadly serious throughout the interview.

Also think of what skills a Community Warden might need and be ready to show that you've either already got them or that you'd welcome the chance to acquire them. For example, Community Wardens usually have at least some basic First Aid training. If you're asked if you've got any first aid certificates (and you haven't), don't just answer 'No'. Add that you really regret that your school didn't include First Aid on the curriculum and that you'd love to go on a First Aid course.

Further, try to think about what Community Wardens do and how they go about it. A simple question from the interviewer could tell him/her a great deal about the way that you think. For instance you might be asked this: "If someone asked you for directions, what would you do?". The obvious answer to that question ("I'd give them to him") doesn't tell the interviewer much.

However this tells the interviewer much more; "Well, first I'd ask him if he was hoping to get there on foot or in his car. Then, remembering the one-way system if he's in his car, I'd try to give him directions as clearly as possible, referring to landmarks along his route. Of course, if I didn't actually know where the place he wanted was, I'd get the directions from an app on my phone or radio in for help".