I need a pep talk - job interview

[smileyplant]

I'm having a major imposter syndrome moment about a job interview I have next week. I'm so nervous I'm going to turn up and either be shit or they will laugh me out the building like "haha why would YOU be qualified for this job!"

I came back from Mat leave last year and quickly realised I'm not going to get a promotion in my current organisation. Lots of well you have a child so don't want to try anything to taxing/new/challenging etc conversations which is infuriating because I do want that - I want to be challenged and progress and that hasn't changed since having my baby. Or assumptions I will be pregnant again and therefore it's pointless to promote me as I won't be in the company long before another mat leave (I can't actually have anymore children - not that that is anyone at works business!)

This interview is wayyy more money and more senior position. I fit the job spec but I can shake the feeling I'm not good enough.

Any advice?

You meet the spec and they want to interview you, you'll be grand!
Nothing ventured nothing gained

They want to interview you - they must think you are great.

Read the person spec carefully. Write out a list of likely questions they might ask. Prepare answers so that you go into the interview feeling fully ready.

and read this to prep some really great questions that you can ask when you have the chance

www.askamanager.org/2013/12/what-are-the-best-questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview-as-either-the-interviewer-or-the-candidate.html

Practise giving answers out loud to the obvious questions such as, "Why do you want this job?" and "What do you think you will bring to the role?" Ideally, get a friend or family member to give you a mock interview. You can prime them with questions if they've no idea what to ask.

I have interviewed 100’s and 100’s of people for v senior roles. If you’re good enough to interview and take up their time they already think you could do it. Practice your answers as suggested above so you give the best version of you and that will make you more comfortable/confident as the interview progresses.

I can tell v quickly who is a BS-itter and who is not. Anyone I know will take someone competent, personable and ambitious any day of the week. If you tick every box you’re interviewing for the wrong job; every decent organisation/interviewer knows this and wants to hire someone like you - already a ton of skills but also the aptitude to learn more and progress. They’re hiring for potential not just what you can do now.

Good luck OP. I love a woman getting on and putting herself out there. Be confident 💪

Thanks for all the helpful advice - I've got a second interview next week so fingers crossed!