Interview tomorrow - any advice welcome.

[ChazzaGirl]

I have an interview tomorrow morning and I’m getting really nervous about it. I’ve not had a formal ‘external’ interview for over 20 years and, whilst I feel I’ve prepped as much as I can, I can’t help but feel worried that I’ll make a prat of myself at the interview.

The job is in my area of expertise, I know I can do it, and I should be feeling confident but the doubts are creeping in. I hate myself for feeling like this - I’m wondering if it’s an age thing, as I’m middle aged and perimenopausal. I feel a bit invisible at the moment (yeah, I know I’m being self-pitying!).

If you have any advice/words of comfort/similar experiences, it would be greatly appreciated. Normally I’d reach for a large vodka but I think I need to keep a clear head tonight!

I had an interview a couple of weeks ago. Whilst I’m not perimenopausal I am on maternity leave so lots of thoughts about not using my brain for 6 months, lack of sleep. I seem to spend my life at the minute muttering “oh shit” as I realise I’ve forgotten yet another thing, so trying to impress at an interview seemed like a big ask. I was pretty sure I’d make a complete tit of myself. The first question was awful, the little voice inside my screaming “answer better, give more detail. Oh crap, no, you went completely off-topic. Stop talking, stop talking now”. It did get better over the course of the interview but I wasn’t convinced I’d got it. I walked out of the interview and texted DH to say that was a waste of diesel. They surprised me by offering the job.

Nerves at the beginning are to be expected so even if your first answer makes you look like an idiot, like mine did, you can recover it. This is your area of expertise and they’d be lucky to have your knowledge.

Thank you @InTheNightWeWillWish , that’s really encouraging to hear. I do have a tendency to gabble when I’m nervous so hopefully I’ll get that out of the way at the beginning of the interview! Pleased to hear they offered you the job.

I had an interview at the beginning of the year for the first time in over a decade. I’m mid 50s so was feeling like a has been and was absolutely terrified but I somehow got through it and admitted to my nervousness at the time.
Ultimately I wasn’t offered the job because there were certain key skills that I wasn’t as proficient at as the person they offered the post to. However, I had a follow up call for feedback which was really constructive and was told that I interviewed really well. Just smile, be yourself and remember that they want you and already believe you are a good enough candidate otherwise they wouldn’t be wasting time interviewing you!
Good luck, come back and tell us how you get on 🤞🏽

Remember that (most of the time!) they are rooting for you - they want you to do well and to be able to hire you.

Thanks @marriednotdead , I’ll let you know how it goes!

I’m being interviewed by 3 people, which is scary - I’m hoping that at least one of them will be the ‘good cop’! 😀

Interviewing is horrible for both sides of the table, I reckon. I just remind myself that they are really hoping I'll be a good fit and assume a feeling of goodwill from the start. It helps me to stay calm.

Give this a watch .. I found it interesting.. although it's quite long

I hate myself for feeling like this - I’m wondering if it’s an age thing, as I’m middle aged and perimenopausal.

Make that work in your favour. You are a mature and experienced woman who can handle stuff. Concentrate on getting that across. Right from the start: don’t jump up nervously when your interviewer arrives, for example, keep your movements graceful and calm.

Have you sorted your outfit? Go a bit smarter than the business’s dress code.

Smile (you are friendly). If you can hear yourself waffling, just stop and say 'I think that summed it up' rather than carrying on waffling (brevity is a great skill). If you accept a drink of water or an hot drink, make sure you pick up the glass/cup at the end of your interview and ask them where you should put it (team player). Don't worry if you need a slight pause to think about an answer; being considered isn't a crime (sensible).

I always ask at the end if there’s any questions I didn’t answer properly or fully. Nerves can get the better of everyone and this I think offers the chance to fix something before you leave the room and think ‘fuck!’

Pause before you answer and make sure you do answer the question. I have interviewed many times and if candidates were struggling we would chat gently to each other to give candidates a chance to think.
Speak slowly, it gives authority to what you say.
Good luck.

Thank you all so much! You’ve helped me feel a bit more in control already.

The interview is via Teams so at least I’ll be at home, but I’ve got an interview outfit ready (well, at least from the waist up!). I’ve got my list of questions, examples of relevant experiences, and a potted history of their company all written down. If all else fails I’ll give ‘em a song!

Thanks again, really appreciated. x

Best of luck for tomorrow OP you've got this just remember you are good enough x

Good luck 🤞

I had lots of interviews earlier in the year. I would just bear in mind that sometimes things are just not meant to be. I was offered a few that I turned down, or that the HR process was just taking so long that I couldn't hang around for. I felt gutted that I didn't get others, especially when treated badly and they didn't even bother to let me know etc. Ultimately though things worked out for the best. I have a new job although temporary, they are a lovely team and I have only been there a month but feel like I'm totally where I should be. I would just say that don't feel despondent if you don't get it, there will be something else out there for you.

I get so nervous at interviews but the best advice for you I can give is-- they chose you to be interviewed... know the job and talk from the heart, include real life experiences! Be yourself

My best advice is

1. always accept the glass of water- it will buy you two seconds to think while you sip
2. don't hesitate to ask "could you repeat the question please" if you feel you've gone off in a tangent, or need a thinking minute.
3. practice calm slow breathing, if you breathe very deep and slow for a few minutes you will actually create a calmer physiological response in your body Good luck

Say to yourself 'I am a strong competent women I can do this' a few times en route - I try that with many things in my life as I get anxious.

Make sure you have something lined up for the "Where do you see yourself in 5 years time" and "Is there anything you want to ask us" bollocks.

I interview people a lot so my advice is:

1. Smile and look them in the eye when responding (particularly difficult on Teams to make that 'connection')
2. Have some questions prepared to ask them about their company, strategy, future plans/ growth, future career prospects etc - there is nothing worse than a candidate not having done any research into our company and not being interested enough to ask questions; remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!!

Good luck!

Have a bottle of water ready. Take a sip when you need a second or 2 to think through your answer.

Put a sticky note on the wall just above the camera that says 'I have experience, I know what I'm doing' or something and look at it every so often. It's a positive message and if you place it right, it'll have you looking at the camera regularly.

Read the 'room' - if there's chance for a little humour / light hearted mention of your nerves, take it.

Give yourself a few minutes before the start time to check your wifi, camera angle, notes etc.

^^ These we're the tips that helped me for my most recent interview. I hope they help - good luck OP!

The silly thing is I’ve interviewed loads of people in my time, so you’d think I’d know how to handle myself. It’s just been so long since I’ve been on the other side of the table!

Thanks again, you wonderful lot! There’s been some great advice on here, and I’m very grateful. I’m off for a nice soak in the bath and an early night.

Will let you know how I get on. x

How did it go?

It went pretty well, I think. Interview lasted longer than they indicated, so I’m hoping that’s a good sign. I don’t think I embarrassed myself!

Thank you for asking 😊