Offer from a senior manager to help prepare for an interview, what could I ask?

[StealthPolarBear]

She's interviewed me before, I didn't get it and she gave helpful feedback.
She offered this time to help me prepare, she isn't interviewing. Obviously this is an offer too good to pass up. I've already asked some specifics but how could I best use her time. Anythinh we do will be email or phone or Skype.

[StealthPolarBear]

Bump

[Runbikeswim]

What kind of interview will it be - task based, competency etc?

[StealthPolarBear]

Example of experience mostly. Relatibg back to the person spec which I'll cover. My issue is always been thrown off track by a question which my answer doesnt fit. In general I'm good at thinking fast but in these interviews my nerves got the better of me.

[thesandwich]

I’d suggest use Skype and ask her to try some challenging questions and see how you handle it, and give you ideas on how to answer.
If she’s senior she’ll know some of the nasty ones....

[StealthPolarBear]

I think I will do that thank you

[thesandwich]

Also have a look at the STAR technique. A great way to structure answers to questions. Good luck!

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

Ask her to give you a list of questions they may ask you, so you can come up with answers in anticipation of the interview.

My experience is most women almost talk themselves out of a role, when asked difficult questions by making apologies for their lack of experience, etc

View the interview as a due diligence discovery process for both parties. Would YOU want to work with them? Does the role suit your skills, and have prepared questions to ask, with this in mind at the end

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

I will add, i work in finance in a front office position, with very few women, so when a good female candidate gets to interview stage, we desperately want to hire her!

[StealthPolarBear]

I've asked for a list of questions they used last time.
I'm aware of star but the problem I seem to have is that I'm asked a question on a topic I've prepared for but in such a way (with a twist) that the answer I've prepared can no longer apply.

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

Stealth, also ask if she can find out how many people are being interviewed, how many internal vs external candidates.

Ask yourself what advice you would give to your children in the same scenario and follow it.

The very fact you have been asked to interview means the selection committee have seen you have the skills and competence to fulfill the brief. They want you to do well, so are keen to see if it works positively for both sides.

Have confidence and faith in yourself, and make them believe it too

[StealthPolarBear]

I haven't actually got the interview yet :). But as I say I've been for this job before and always got an interview, it's the interview that lets me down :(
I don't think she'd know or share that level of detail, I'd certainly feel uncomfortable if I was asked for that info. But I will think if there's anything specific I can ask before I set up ac call.

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

Good Luck, at least you know what to expect?

During the interview highlight and align your skills and knowledge to the job spec, and highlight specific examples of performance In order to best sell yourself.

As women we always underplay our achievements, in order not to be seen as bragging or boastful.
Personally its what I struggle with, my desire to be humble is overwhelming!

So keep the discussion factual - highlight successes you have had at work, much like making a list of ingredients for a well rounded dish.

Whereby each component in itself is fine, but much better when combined.

I am keeping my fingers crossed you get asked to interview 🤞🏼

[StealthPolarBear]

I'm very good at highlighting my achievements on paper. I don't like it when it comes out of my mouth I'll work on that. Factual.

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

Practice saying it outloud to the dogs? 😬

I too find it excruciatingly uncomfortable, verbalising my knowledge and experience, but realise in order to progress, and rival men (who seem to excel at self promotion) I have to pull my big girl pants up and do it.

[WipsGlitter]

I think you can over prepare sometimes and if you're struggling to be nimble with your answers then that might be the case.

When I was struggling to get a new job I sat down and wrote a list of the big projects I'd ever worked on and what skills I'd got from that. So I had a "bank" of situations i could use for a range of questions.

[StealthPolarBear]

I do do that and I try to map them to the skills on the person spec. Last time I was not well prepared enough (mentally, I'd done lots of preparation) as I had my meeting during a workshop I was helping to run so was stressed. This time it'll be my sole focus

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

@StealthPolarBear I have been thinking about you (overinvested) did you get offered an interview?

[StealthPolarBear]

Ahh thank you. Not yet but I am still hopeful, they're always slow (and I know from experience of using the system to recruit that everyone gets put into an interview or reject section, and I've not been rejected).

[FrankUnderwoodsWife]

@stealthpolarbear then in your case no news is definitely good news!
Keep us posted