OMG I’ve got a job interview!

[ColinsVeryJolly]

After 16 years of working in retail doing rubbish hours I’ve finally got a job interview working in an office based role Mon-Fri 8-5.

I honestly didn’t think I’d get an interview and now I’m petrified, I’ve never had an official interview in my life!

What the hell do I wear? I’ve only got ballet flats or some heeled ankle boots that I only really wear on nights out, are they suitable do you think? I don’t own anything smart except some plain black cigarette pants and a blue blouse. Or maybe a black floral dress?

Oh god oh god!!

Congratulations :-) What type of role is it?

The pants you have, plus a smart top/blouse and boots/ballet pumps is fine :)

Take a few copies of your CV with you. Read about the job role in advance and try to recall similar experiences you have had incase they ask you

Good luck
I work in a office they ask on interviews
If you know about the company so try to look online
Example of questions they ask are to give examples of teamwork, dealing with a difficult customer and using your initiative?
The trousers and blouse sound fine x

Research the company too.

Thanks everybody! 😊

The job is for an outsourcing company who specialise in waste, plant hire and things like portaloos, basically anything a company needs, they source them for them.

Just tried on my blue blouse with the trousers and pulled a bloody great snag through it! Great start.

I’ve found an old white blouse I have, I put it away when I saw Sally from Corrie wearing the same one but think it might be ok.

I’ll post photos if that’s ok for your outfit advice.

Floral Tshirt type blouse. Not sure on this one as it is a bit long to tuck in comfortable.

Sally’s blouse 😄

Please excuse the creases, like I say it’s been in hiding!

Think I like this one, but do the hold back sleeves look too dated?

Or, do these mini check, paper bag waist trousers look better? They’re super comfy but I’ve put loads of weight on recently and I worry I look too big in the belly.

I like the check trousers and blouse - with a black jacket? And simple black heels?

I like the check trousers and white shirt best!

The second trousers look great with Sally's blouse.

Good luck!

Oh and yes. Good luck.

Check trousers white shirt.

Looks good!

Good luck 🤞

Third outfit is great. They always ask the same question I find - why did you apply for this role? The questions after that usually to do with your experience. Have you still got a copy of the job description and person specification? Just keep reading through it. Retail is hard work so you’ve got plenty of experience working in a stressful, busy environment and you’ll have lots of customer service experince. I guess all you’ll need to assure them of are your IT and admin skills. Good luck

Good luck!

Have you still got a copy of the job description and person specification?

^

Good point. And if it's online, look for it quick as they sometimes remove them.

No fashion help, but good luck!

When being interviewed, don’t be afraid of silence; give yourself time to think about your answers and don’t panic.

Think about examples where you have used skills such as teamwork, tenacity, organisation, problem solving, etc. They don’t have to be from work roles, but make sure they’re things you did (and say that you did), and not things that ‘the team’ did.

Hahahha Sally's blouse is a winner! That blouse is going to get you this job! I like the check pants with it too, and ballet flats if you don't have any sensible heals. Wouldn't wear boots.

Ideally with a black jacket if you have one!

When is the interview?

STARR examples for potential questions.

Research the company and competitors.

Rehearse the standard questions before (what’s your understanding of the company, why do you want the job, what attracted you to the role, what could you bring to team, what’s your weaknesses, give us an example of teamwork etc google will have loads of examples) being prepared is the best thing.

Breathe and take your time.

Third outfit for sure! Best of luck, I have an interview next week after years of similar in retail and I'm shitting myself!

Grey pants white top look fab :)

All of those outfits look lovely. Good luck with the interview!

You sound really enthusiastic and excited. If that comes through at interview, you'll be part way to an offer. Good luck!

PS I like the Sally outfit

Thanks so much everybody my interview is on Monday.

@FuckedItAgain Good luck for your interview!!

I now have another conundrum. I’ve been asked to go in for an informal chat tomorrow with a manager at a supermarket where I applied for a job.
The hours wouldn’t be the best but I’m looking at it as a foot in the door to a large place with more opportunities for better hours/overtime/promotions.
If the office job doesn’t come off for me I’d like to take the supermarket job.

What should I say tomorrow about my interview on Monday? 😬

But of course the office job would be first choice due to better hours, better pay and the chance to get away from retail working Christmas Eve/Boxing Day/New Years/Easter/bank holidays/weekends