After applying online, I was invited to an online assessment skills test (this involved data input, typing, basic arithmetic etc.) which was fine. I was then shortlisted for interview. I'd like to share my experience with you. I hope Queen's see this and I hope that other candidates have a better experience than I did. So, the interview. I met all of the criteria on the person spec. and had experience in every element of the job description. I was well prepared, having enlisted in the help of a family friend, a top HR lady who knows her stuff and, as an interviewer herself, knows what makes a good candidate and what a panel look for. I really wanted this role at Queen's, so I did everything possible to prepare as best I could. While waiting in the lobby with a couple of other candidates, one of them was called into a room by a lovely lady; smiling, welcoming and friendly. I really wish I'd had her on my panel - I honestly think the experience, and the outcome, would have been very different. I was called by another lady who didn't have the same characteristics. I was interviewed by a panel of 3 - one man and two women - one of which was the above who brought me into the room. The old cliches were true here; the man on the interview panel was warm and friendly, obviously wanting his interviewees to feel at ease, while the two women - well, I just got the impression from the offset that they did not take to me at all. Through the interview, they were looking at me in a strange sort of way, like they didn't believe what I was saying, which was pretty unsettling when I already felt nervous. Now I don't expect interviewers to be pally, but they actually came across as almost hostile here. I was told there were immediate vacancies for both grades, as well as a reserve list being compiled. This reserve list was not capped, and to be honest I don't understand why I wasn't even given a place on this. To not get a place on an uncapped list would suggest I performed abysmally at interview, which was absolutely not the case. I definitely feel this was totally unjust - I am well experienced, answered all questions and provided plenty of relevant examples. The family friend who helped me advised they were excellent and I was an exceptional candidate; I think she would know better than the Personnel Officer on the panel who gave me the feedback I asked for post-rejection. The feedback I received was simply untrue and irrelevant nonsense. I was very upset by it as I felt optimistic that I would have at least got a place on the list, but I know of someone who (unhappily) works there who describes the working environment as very clique-y and uppity, and I think I got a real feel for this through my interview. I truly don't think I would have received an offer or a place on the list no matter what I would have said or did, for whatever reason, I would love to know (the actual truth that is, not the nonsense 'feedback' they tried to fob me off with). I feel discriminated. A very disappointing experience and treatment from what is supposed to be an "exceptional" university and workplace.