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Tip 1 - The interview process is not a traditional competitive one as at a job interview - Advisory Committees are positively looking to involve as many appropriate people as possible as magistrates and from a range of backgrounds. So, try to relax and just give the best account of yourself that you can.
What is likely to impress the Advisory Committee most is the 'real you' and whether that person possesses certain qualities. It is important that your own qualities come through rather than some polished 'performance' geared to the occasion, or worse trying to 'beat the system' by second guessing what you think that the Advisory Committee would like to hear! Remember that Advisory Committees are trained and experienced in dealing with people and sensing the genuine article. Even experienced magistrates learn something new every day. Don't feel the need to present as virtually the 'ready made article', having researched all the technical aspects of becoming a magistrate; the Advisory Committees will essentially just be looking for how well you demonstrate the Six Key Qualities.
Tip 2 - If an applicant is not obviously ineligible a first interview will often be offered as a matter of course. So, do spend some time on making sure that you have read all the accompanying notes to the application form and have completed it fully and as required. We will look later at some of the specific questions on the application form. Pay particular attention to the need to have observed a court sitting before submitting your application and the advice about 'Checking Out the Territory' above (and see also Tip 9 below)
Tip 3 - Have ready for interview examples from your own life experiences to help to demonstrate the Six Key Qualities.
Tip 4 - You need to be aware of how the Six Key Qualities are assessed. 'Good Character' and 'Commitment' will be assessed as either 'demonstrated' or 'not demonstrated'. So, with no shades of grey, you need give these two direct consideration. The other four Qualities are 'scored' and assessed as:
Level 0 = not demonstrated: little or no positive evidence
Level 1 = demonstrated: generally positive
Level 2 = well demonstrated: positive evidence
Level 3 = very well demonstrated: very strong evidence
There is no higher or minimum overall 'score' required in respect of each of these four Qualities just as long as you demonstrate at least Level 1 in each of them. You will then be eligible for appointment, on the basis that your attributes can be developed/enhanced later through training, mentoring and appraisal. However: you are somewhat vulnerable if the best you aim to score is Level 1 in all four Qualities as you may not then be 'held over' as described below; should there be many more candidates actual vacancies then generally those with the highest overall 'scores' will usually be selected (although those with lower scores will usually be held over against any future need).
Tip 5 - Advisory Committees usually work in annual recruitment cycles (although some very large areas may recruit more often and some very small areas less often). If you enquire of the Advisory Committee(s) in respect of the areas where you live and work (see 'Getting Started and Submitting Your Application') you should be able to discover which is recruiting when and also where the greatest number of vacancies might be. This may help you to decide where to apply and how to time your application (i.e. speed it up if necessary or perhaps hold it back for a time and submit it on the basis of known, up-to-date recruitment requirements).
Decide which area it might be better for you to carry out your sittings as a magistrate - near to home or near to work (assuming they are in different areas). List the pros and cons of each, based on factors such as ease of attending court, training and meetings, effect on home and social life, which area might be recruiting earlier or have more vacancies etc. If you are willing to sit at either location, then mention this on your application form and submit your application to whichever area you feel is most appropriate in your particular circumstances.
If you follow the above tips your chances of success will literally skyrocket!
