Job interview today and been up most the night with ill dc!

[IceScreamDream]

I'm so tired.
Been up most of the night with dc. They will be off school today so I need to arrange last minute childcare whilst I go to the interview.
Poor dc is tired to from being up so it's all extra stress I really could do without. Also, if they want immediate start I will have to say I need to wait for dc to get better first. Not the best start to a potential new job.

Anyone have any coping strategies of getting through an interview on barely any sleep and worrying about an unwell dc?

The night before the interview for my current job 15yo Dd had an end of Summer sleep over, v. little sleep. Adrenaline and coffee are your friends. Least impactful childcare might be someone drives you there with DC and stays in the car with hopefully sleeping DC whilst you do the 20 minute interview. Do you have a partner ?

The interview is nearer to 2 hours long so I wouldn't want them to be stuck in the car for that time. Just feel like a zombie. Seeing every hour of the night made me feel like just cancelling the interview, but I know realistically I need the job.
I'll remind myself to never get a job interview after the first few weeks of school opening!

I did a full day interview after having a 2 days sickness bug in the days leading up to it. It was hard and I didn't get the job but thank goodness because I hated the place!

They are unlikely to want you to start immediately on a Thursday. They may ask when you are available to start and you just say the end of next week or something like that

You can do this! Once you're dressed and ready adrenaline will carry you through.
Don't doubt yourself, go for it!
You don't need to mention the children, if they ask, you can say you have prior commitments and would be ready to start on x day. Good luck!

Most people can’t start work the next day. They’d expect you to have an induction/ onboarding sessions normally and that seems to need planning with HR. I personally wouldn’t mention ill children as they might be concerned about you needed time off in the future. Just a I can start on x with a cheery smile.

Just coffee really. This happened to my DH recently. Sorry to say he didn’t get the job.

Most people would have to give 1-3 months notice to their current employer so it's not an issue at all about not being able to start immediately.

Presumably your child will be left with someone capable of looking after them so no need to worry about them for a 2 hour interview. Eat a good breakfast and drink some coffee and you'll be fine. Good luck with the interview and hopefully you'll get a better nights sleep tomorrow.

We always have millions of forms that have to be filled in, and right to work checks to be processed and references/qualifications to be checked. It never seems to take less an a month absolute best case scenario.

Coffee, adrenaline and I would add plenty of carbohydrates to that. Your brain basically runs off carbohydrates so give it a good supply of them today.

What time is your interview? I would avoid drinking too much coffee in case the caffeine wears off mid interview and you crash. Make sure you have a decent breakfast for sustaining energy, cool shower and lots of fresh air. Good luck!

Coffee and adrenaline should do it. Then a big glass of wine later.

If they ask about start date just say you are available to start on X date . Don't make excuses. Just give a date you can start that's suitable for you.

Oh I’ve been there…and got the job! Be sure to park your “mum head” long enough before the interview that you can gather your thoughts/re-read your notes, and thereby put your professional face on. Deep breath (some fresh air en route will definitely help!) and big smile and you’re ready to go. Best of luck, you can do this!!

Why is this always the way!!

I assume you are unemployed so they may ask you to start straight away but that doesn’t usually mean the next day.

As @autienotnaughty said, don’t make excuses and say about your child being poorly, just say you can start on Monday.

Good luck for the interview 💐

Let us know how you get on 😁

Get some cheap pizza and ice cream to celebrate this evening (even if you don’t get it) and then have an early night.

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how it goes.

@Choochoo21 it's typical isn't it!
My younger dc has just woken up also seeming poorly. I'm more worried about dc now rather than the interview.

You can absolutely do this, pull your big girl pants up and crack on! (Meant in a supportive way!)

I had this when I went for a new job (step into management) whilst on maternity, my DD was poorly all week so my sleep had been crap and then the night before she was pretty much up all night, as was I. I also don't do caffeine! Lots of water so you don't get jittery and I had a chocolate bar just before I went in. I had prepared well and the adrenaline absolutely carried me through the interview and I was contacted before I even got home and offered the job! Deep breaths you can do this!

Did you go op? Hope it went ok if so!

Hi everyone.
The interview went really well. Definitely ran off adrenaline.
Just have to wait now to see the outcome.
Thanks for the support.

Glad you got there and that it went ok. Would you like the job if you get an offer?