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First graduate/professional job interview nerves

11 replies

labtechinterview · 14/03/2022 01:08

Hi, sorry if this is a bit rambly. I am a long standing poster but have NC. I graduated with a 1st in a (heavily lab based) science degree at the end of last year and I have a job interview for a part time lab analyst job on Tuesday afternoon. I originally applied for the same job but a full time position, but this was filled quickly and when I followed up they asked if I’d be interested in a part time role instead. Part time is actually better for me for childcare reasons, that listing had closed earlier and I’d missed it, I probably would have applied for the PT over FT if I’d seen that one originally, so I feel confident that it’s the right position for me. I’m just really nervous. Owing to covid we didn’t really get the ‘going out into the professional world’ support from uni we were expecting, mock interviews, job searching support, job fairs at uni. We were told companies looking for graduates with our specific degree always come and give talks in final year but due to covid they couldn’t. We didn’t receive any advice, after our final lab session contact was all online and ended just like that on a random Tuesday. I didn’t even get a graduation ceremony (I digress). So I don’t know what to expect at all. I worked part time whilst studying but the interviews were always more about checking documents and availability than asking questions about suitability for the role. This position actually only requires science a-levels/no lab experience so I do feel positive in that I do actually have more knowledge and at least some lab experience compared to what the job listing asked for. The application was a cover letter which I spent a few hours on and made sure I fit the job description perfectly and hit every point, I know I have done and can do everything they are looking for and can describe examples too. I am not great at thinking on my feet though! Since they asked me to interview last week I’ve constantly been worrying about what they will ask and don’t know to calm my nerves. I feel like all of a sudden I know nothing even though that’s obviously not true. I think I’m so worried because know this job will massively improve mine and DCs lives, both financially and mental health wise for me, but also put me on track to have a real career that I’ve worked so hard for. I had DC very young and was told so many times I should quit, I’d never be able to carry on and get my GCSEs/a-levels/degree, as well as many health issues both of us have suffered with, I’ve done it I’ve fought all of it and now I worry could mess this up just by being nervous. Does anyone have any calming words or really good interview tips? Thanks in advance

OP posts:
CakesOfVersailles · 14/03/2022 01:18

Hey! First of all don't panic. It's great that you've got a job interview lined up.

I went to a university that didn't provide mock interviews or careers services at all so my whole cohort went into the professional world a bit blind. We all got hired eventually!

Is your interview face to face or online? If it's face to face is there a practical component that they mentioned?

You sound perfectly qualified for this job. It sounds very entry level which is wonderful, your lab experience should give you an edge.

Look up some common job interview questions and practice your answers. Things like:

  • what is a big challenge you have overcome?
  • what sort of environment do you prefer?
  • why do you want to work here?
  • why do you suit this job?
  • talk about a time you worked in a team to solve a problem.

I'm sure you'll do well. But even if they have a lot of good candidates and so choose someone else, you will still get other opportunities. Don't hang everything on this one interview. Worst case, it's still good practice.

labtechinterview · 14/03/2022 01:26

Thank you so much for answering! It’s face to face - the person I spoke to only asked me to bring my ID/right to work documents and said it won’t be longer than an hour so I don’t think there’s a practical component. I’ll be taking my qualification certificates too just in case. Thank you yes, I am going to spend tomorrow sort of planning out answers to questions that could come up, those are great ones! I’ve had a look as the company info on glassdoor and there are also some questions on there from people who have had interviews but it obviously will differ by role and country as they are global, I don’t want to stress myself out more by doing too much preparation (if that makes any sense?)

OP posts:
CakesOfVersailles · 14/03/2022 02:00

Makes sense, don't build it up in to too big a thing.

Look up STAR response techniques for interviewing, it's a guide to structuring your interview replies.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Kanaloa · 14/03/2022 02:21

I think it’s a great idea to look up the company and practice some questions - going in blind is like wandering into an exam without revising, you haven’t given yourself the best chance.

Maybe a bit daft but I always lay all my clothes out and try them on and get all papers and certificates ready the morning before. That way when you inevitably discover your one nice blouse doesn’t fit properly etc you can sort it. It alleviates stress on the day too!

Another thing I would say is if you can try to take it lightly. I know you really want the job but I always think no matter what happens if they give you the job you did okay and if they don’t well you won’t see them again anyway, on to the next interview! The more interviews I’ve done the less nervous I am to be honest, I always just think if I do my best then what else is there.

labtechinterview · 14/03/2022 18:14

Sorry my replies number didn’t change so I didn’t see these. Thank you both! I have seen STAR technique mentioned when looking for questions/tips today so have tried to plan examples based on that. I have also looked up the company and know quite a lot about progression opportunities and what they do so hopefully I get the chance to mention that so they know I am interested in their company specifically and actually care about this job. I will try on my outfit tonight to make sure it’s okay. I’m glad it’s in the afternoon - will have chance to get DC to school and then get back and get ready properly rather than rushing about like we normally do in the mornings Grin

OP posts:
AnotherNC22 · 14/03/2022 18:29

Have a question ready for if at the end they say "do you have any questions for us?" I tend to go for either a question about learning and development opportunities or a question about what does the interviewer like most about working at XXX. As an interviewer, I'm always a bit disappointed if a candidate just says no or just wants to know when they will find out the results (both perfectly valid but if it's a competitive interview process, you risk not standing out).

Kanaloa · 14/03/2022 22:01

Oh that’s a good idea. Sometimes if an interview runs quite long I used to get stumped, thinking ‘but what can I ask? You already told me everything!’ Trying to think of some failsafe questions now. Mine won’t match with anything from your field though - I can easily ask something like how to you support staff to support children with sen or similar! But harder with a field I don’t know.

labtechinterview · 14/03/2022 22:25

Great tips thank you :) Whilst searching I saw a manager in a similar role to my interviewer say they’re always impressed if someone asks to actually see the lab during their interview, so I thought about asking that but I’m not sure if it’s even allowed especially with covid Confused

OP posts:
labtechinterview · 15/03/2022 15:59

I GOT THE JOB!! Thank you everyone Grin

OP posts:
CakesOfVersailles · 15/03/2022 20:37

Congratulations! I'm happy for you!

Star Star Star Star Star Star Star Star Star Star

Kanaloa · 16/03/2022 00:03

Congrats! Hope you’re about to treat yourself to something nice as a reward.

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