Lancaster University interview questions

disappointing and unprofessional experience: I applied for a PMO Analyst role in the ISS department at Lancaster University via a recruiter. The first-stage interview itself was quite straightforward: two pre-shared questions about what a PMO is and an example of where I had made a difference. When I was finally told I had not been shortlisted, the reasons given were: • that my example was “not sufficient” or not satisfying for them, • and that I supposedly did not maintain enough “eye contact” and was “looking around” during the interview. I found this feedback surprising and, frankly, quite discouraging. The situation I described was a genuine PMO achievement, clearly structured and very relevant to the role. As for “eye contact”: this was a Teams interview. I looked at the screen (panel window and camera area) the entire time and did not consult any notes; any brief glances away were simply moments of recalling phrasing from memory, not reading anything. Even I had turned off my cell phone before the meeting! I later sent a polite email to the panel asking for clarification on this feedback and explaining my perspective, but I did not receive any response. This left me with the impression that the process was not particularly reflective, transparent, or respectful toward candidates. I'm going to share questions with my answers to them in the interview so everybody could judge.

It started with a written application which was pretty easy. You were then invited to an assessment centre where we had to complete different activities in groups and were assessed.