Mmmm - what not to say at a job interview

[speedymama]

I've recently applied for an internal post and the interview will be in two stages. I went for the first part last week and was asked why I was applying. I said that one of the things that appealed to me was that the post was part-time and that it would fit in with my current part-time hours. I also said other things about it being useful for my career and personal develpment etc.

I had feedback yesterday from one of the interviewers and they said that I have made it to the second stage but he warned me not to mention the part-time aspect because it came across as being more important than the post itself.

I thought that I was being honest and the fact that I work 3 days a week anyway would mean that it would not be an issue. I was obviously mistaken. So much for openess and an honest commitment to flexibility in the workplace.

[powder28]

I always talk loads of crap at interviews just becasue I thibnk it is what they want to hear.
If you mention that you have researched a bit about the company and ask about progression that normally indicates you are interested in the job rather than just the hours etc.
Obviously you can do the job or they wouldnt even bother asking you to a second interview. I think a lot of it comes down to whether you will 'fit in'
Good luck

[justaphase]

A friend was asked at a job interview what her greatest achievement was and she answered "Raising my son". She is convinced this is why she did not get the job, she said it all went pear-shaped from there.

Honesty is not the best policy at job interviews I also find.

[powder28]

I once went to a group interview and everyone else looked really smart! Then I just sat there and didnt speak! I just froze, and made myself look a right dumbass. Then I had to go back into the building afterwards to ask them to lift the barrier so i could drive out!
So mortifying, don't know why I clammed up, probably becasue I didnt expect the group thing. It was for the child benefit helpline.

[joash]

Speedymama - sorry to hear you didn't get the job. I think its not only about what you say, but who the interviewers are (personality, etc).

I once accidentally swore in a job interview (nothing major, but I did say that something was 'shit'{blush}). I realised what I'd said and apoligised, saying that it had slipped out because I felt so strongly about what I was saying. It was a panel interview 2 men and one woman. One of the men grinned and said "Hang on I just need to make a note of that...interviewee swore during the interview" MAJOR {blush}. I walked out thinking I'd never hear from them again. Got a call the following morning - I got the job and was told that it was very close between me and another woman, but that one of the things that stood out was my honesty and clear passion about the job (the woman actually said that meant they all appreciated the swearing slip-up).

[Sunyshineymummy]

You really need to use the job spec whenever you're answering interview questions. So if they ask you why you're applying you say something along the lines of 'this role appeals to me because it plays to my strengths in areas xyz, and it also gives me the opportunity to develop abc'. Hope this helps. My boyf coached me how to do interviews a few years ago and it really helped. Prior to that I was once asked if I'd ever disagreed with something someone had requested of me. I said 'yes my dad when he wouldn't let me go out'. They said 'what did you do?' I said 'I climbed out of the window and went anyway'. I didn't get the job surprisingly.

[joash]

Sorry speedymama - read it wrong - congrats on getting to the second stage. My brain is not functioning today - too much stress

[speedymama]

Thanks for the tips. I won't mention the part-time aspect even though it is part-time post and will focus on impressing them with my technical expertise and business skills. I know that the other candidates are all men in full time posts so I really have to raise my game and do myself justice.

Will let you know how I get on.