What to Expect in a Social Care Tender Interview (And How to Prepare)
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The written submission isn’t the end of the tender process — it’s often just the beginning of scrutiny. If you’re invited to an interview or clarification meeting, treat it as a formal presentation, not an informal chat.
🎯 What Commissioners Are Looking For
Interview panels are assessing:
- Your understanding of the specification and local context
- Whether your leadership team aligns with the values they expect
- If your service is truly ready to mobilise — and if risks have been thought through
🧠 Common Interview Formats
- Panel Interviews — Often with 3–5 representatives from the commissioning team
- Clarification Meetings — More informal but still evaluative, especially on financials and risk
- Presentation and Q&A — You may be asked to present on key elements of your offer
📋 How to Prepare Effectively
- Know your bid inside out — Don’t contradict the written submission
- Anticipate difficult questions — Gaps, mobilisation risks, TUPE issues, or financials
- Send the right team — Not just managers, but those with operational or specialist insight
You only get one chance. Rehearse it like you would a pitch to an investor.