OH MY GOSH, HELP!!!

[Arrowfanatic]

Applied for a job on a whim after being a sahm for almost a decade. I've only gone & gotten an interview!

The last interview i did was in 2005, and this one says it includes roll play & a written portion.

So I'm freaking out about the interview & doubly freaking out about how we'll sort out all the childcare crazy for 3 children (admitedly one already goes to & from school on her own so she will be alright).

Help me!! I dont want to make a fool of myself but i would love this job. I have a week to prepare.

congratulations on landing an interview OP! what type of job are you interviewing for? look up typical interview questions for that job type and get someone to run them through with you. also, in terms of childcare, where are you based and what is your budget? would would you need them to do? someone might be able to recommend childcare near you x

Congratulations OP!

I think the key to interviews is enthusiasm and being yourself. I've interviewed quite a few people who didn't have all the skills we were hoping for but were enthusiastic and came across easy to get along with and a lot of those got offers. Sometimes super skilled people come in but seem arrogant or a bad fit for the team and those are the ones we tell to jog on.

You're gonna do great! Try not to get too nervous! Just remember even if you don't get it there will be other opportunities so you have nothing to worry about :)

Congratulations again 🎉

Congratulations! I have also been a SAHM for nearly ten years and I too applied for a job on a whim during the summer holidays. I was shocked when I got an interview and was incredibly nervous.

Before the interview I made sure that I went through the job description thoroughly and brainstormed how I had experience in those areas and thought of examples when I demonstrated the qualities they were looking for. I only went and got the job! I start on Monday and I'm feeling quite anxious about it! Good luck with your interview!

@sleepismysuperpower1 the job is in the social housing sector. I did the same role for 6 years before so i know that i know how to do the job, i just need to brush up on changes in legislation and things like universal credit.

Childcare wise, my husband is emergency services so all crazy shifts. My kids are all primary, but my eldest is a very mature almost 11 year old. I then have an 8 & 7 year old. The elder two already go to school on their own (we live literally round the corner) as parents arent allowed into their school so they can continue that no problem. My youngest would need breakfast club. Then after school my eldest comes home on her own already (often heads out to friends houses & things) so potentially she would be ok till i got home later but the other two would need after school club. Unless my husband is on his days off, he usually gets between 2 & 4 days off mid week twice in 5 weeks. If hes on late shift he could also do the school run.

Holidays scare me. I'd get 25 days, he gets around 27 days. I have no family to help so would have to cover it all ourselves. Our joint salary would be under £100k if i get this job so hopefully we can get some tax free childcare to save for holidays.

Crikey, i dont even own "work" clothes anymore.

@MissTicPizza congratulations on your job!

The details for the interview are quite detailed so I'll have to read them over a good few times to make sure I am doing what I'm meant to.

Just google online for common questions and prepare. Being able to explain why this is the right job for you at this time and why you're right for them is crucial. Think through a few past examples for typical situations like problem solving, dealing with difficult people etc that show you handling things well.

We find holidays fairly easy, there's a lot of clubs where we are - sports, outdoors, arts and crafts, mixed activities.... which cover 8-6. not cheap but doable.

A sick child is more tricky but my workplace is quite understanding.

Good luck!

Congratulations! You’ve done really well to get an interview so your application must have been good, be sure to reread it so you have a good idea of what they know about you already and can go into more detail.
Do lots of research about the company too - website, LinkedIn page, Social media are all good to learn about them and their priorities.
Don’t forget, the question “tell me about yourself “ isn’t looking for a life story, prepare a 30 second-1 minute “speech “ about why you’re a good fit for them and the role

Describe yourself in three words was one of the questions my daughter had in a recent interview. Good luck, hope you are successful!

in the holidays, sainsburys run active kids camps which you can pay for with nectar points, or in cash (they are inexpensive compared to other camps), so it might be worth looking to see if they run camps near you x

The geatest concern is that your 11 year old already goes off to friends' after school and you have presumably no idea where she is. That needs to stop.

If they are all still at primary they ALL need breakfast club and after school club. OR you need an au-pair or childminder in place.

It may take the rump of your money but you will be gaining experience and contributing to a pension.

The geatest concern is that your 11 year old already goes off to friends' after school and you have presumably no idea where she is. That needs to stop.If they are all still at primary they ALL need breakfast club and after school club. OR you need an au-pair or childminder in place.

And back in the real world
Junior school age children regularly take themselves to and from school
The almost 11 will be at secondary school next year.
Lots of schools don't have breakfast club at all and some not for older pupils.

@OhTheRoses thank you for assuming that i have no idea where my daughter is, thats a mighty huge leap you just did. She has a phone, which also has a tracker on it & always rings me to tell me where she is going & that wont change.

Well done on the interview and bringing up children with independance! You know your children and what they need. Regarding childcare speak to other parents with kids of an age. Could be childminding or could be clubs. Regarding cost you will probably (in that sector) be able to put some of it directly into a child care account to pay for it and get a tax break on it. Your husband should be able to do the same.
As for the interview - just prepare as you've said and dont forget that bringing up 3kids means you are multi tasker extraordinaire!