Victorian Program Interviews

Congratulations on progressing to the Initial Interview stage.

I am delighted to inform you that you have been selected for an initial interview for the 2026 Observership Program.

Interviews with the Program Director will be conducted throughout September and early October.

 

Preparation

In preparation for this interview, you are required to watch the “Preparation for Interview” video, review all the participating not-for-profit boards on the website and in the 2025 Victorian Program Handbook and review ALL the FAQs on our website:

1. Watch the full ‘Preparation for Interview’ video (below),
2. Review the participating Victorian not-for-profit boards
3. Read the 2025 Victorian Program Handbook 
4. Read the FAQs on the website.
5. Read the CV guide, if you have not already.
6. Please ensure to email your responses to the two questions below to info@observership.com.au at least 24hrs before your interview date:

Q1 – As you did not specify on your application form which sectors you would prefer NOT to be placed with, please email any you are not interested in. This will save time during interviews and assist with a focused discussion around sector and board preferences. [Please include all that apply]

• Arts and Culture
• Agribusiness
• Business, Professional Associations and Unions
• Disability
• Education and Research
• Employment, Development and Housing
• Environment and Animal Welfare
• Health
• Indigenous
• International Development
• JCA Organisations – For Sydney Program ONLY
• Law, Advocacy and Politics
• Philanthropic Bodies
• Religion
• Social and Community Services
• Sport and Recreation
• Other (Please specify other sector )

Q2 – Are there any organisations that might present a conflict of interest?

 

The interviewer will:

• Ask why you want to participate in the Program,
• Ask what you want to learn and what contribution you think you could make by participating in the Program,
• Want a clear understanding of which boards you are interested in and examples of any that might be emblematic of a successful placement,
• Review with you your application, CV and sector and board preferences.

 

 

Location: 

Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams. A Microsoft Teams meeting link will be included in your calendar invite. Please ensure to add the booking to your calendar via the link provided in the email confirmation.

 

 

Length and format:

15 minutes is allocated for each interview.

As interviews are short, please be prompt, but also schedule some extra time. 

Sometimes interviews run over time, you will be held in the virtual waiting room until the previous interview is complete. Please be patient and don’t worry if you aren’t let in at exactly the allotted time – the interviewer is aware you are in the waiting room and will let you in once they are finished. Some interviewees require adjustments and might need more time.

Please note if you have not reviewed ALL the material identified above and watched the video – we will need to reschedule your interview.

 

 

The interview panel:

• Catherine Reiser, Director, The Observership Program, Victoria
• An additional interviewer may also be in attendance.

In the event of a conflict of interest the relevant panel member will recuse themselves from that interview.

 

Adjustments:

Please advise if you require any adjustments we need to be aware of in advance of the interviewing process. We are happy to discuss this further, in advance of the interview and to answer any of your questions. Please contact Jeena Fernando on jeena.fernando@observership.com.au or 0435716808

 

Interview dates and times:

The Program will release availability in the Bookings platform specifically for your stream, if you are NOT able to attend an interview on the scheduled dates, due to extenuating circumstances, please let us know and we will endeavour to arrange another interview time.

 

Contact details:

If you are unable to attend your interview on the day due to illness or unexpected, non-negotiable work commitments:

• Before 4pm – please contact Jeena Fernando on jeena.fernando@observership.com.au or 0435716808
• After 4pm – please text Catherine Reiser on 0400454250

No shows may result in being excluded from the selection process.

 

Next steps:

All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their interview and if they have progressed to the next stage no later than Wednesday, 5 November 2025.

 

Preparation for Interview Video

Please watch the full ‘Preparation for Interview’ video below, once the video finishes a Bookings page will appear allowing you to book in a time.