Do I apply for this job? I am scared.

[PyongyangKipperbang]

Sounds dramatic but I am.

Potted history, made redundant (hospitality) at the end of the first lockdown from a management position. Took a supermarket job "for the duration" but ended up staying until Feb last year. In that period my parents (70's) developed serious health issues which led to me being their carer.

Now......doing 2/3 shifts a week in hospitality again and parents health issues are controlled. The only issue they have is that neither of them are able to drive anymore so sometimes they need lifts to appointments. They hated using taxis but have got used to it now and use them all the time so I am needed less.

I have been contacted about a job, via a friend, that I would love to do and I know I would be good at. Office hours so no more late finishes and weekends. But it is full time, and at times will involve a significant commute timewise.

I am a single parent to a 13 year old who is HF with autism. She wants me to apply. My parents want me to apply. I desperately need the money, it would be a MASSIVE boost financially.

But I am scared. I have been out of FT work for so long. I worry about DD even though she manages perfectly well when I have to work and she lets herself in, cooks for herself when she needs to and is very aware of personal safety. My parents live literally around the corner and she knows to go there or call them if anything happens.

But I am still scared. To the point where it is making me a bit tearful at times.

I have emailed the guy back asking to talk more about the position and suggested a time for a call and waiting to hear back.

But part of me (a BIG part of me) is thinking "We manage, why rock the boat? Ma and Pa might need me, DD might need me. What if, what if....." its like my brain keeps coming up with reasons why I shouldnt do it. Then sensible brain "Stop being a fucking excuse making coward and just do it".

I know I need to apply, but I am scared. Help me not be please.

Teams interview, you wear smart shirt on the top half and your joggers on the bottom. But yes, just treat it like an interview. Have a teams practice with someone if you can.

I would dress as you would for a real interview in person.

Oh I definitely would dress and act like it was a face to face interview, its more the using it side of things but thank you.

Go for it. When you are established and doing a good job, family emergencies will be tolerated if you are transparent in managing them the best way you can to minimise impact.

Teams is very easy. You click the link to join the meeting, but before you properly "join" it takes you to your screen settings and how you will appear to others. Once in the meeting you will see (and hopefully hear!) your interviewers. You can mute yourself or turn off your camera once in (but obviously don't unless you really have to!)

Have a practise with a friend?

Thanks for all the info, will let you know how (if) it goes!

Stick post its behind your screen of key things you want to say.
good luck

Ooh good call, thank you!

Make sure you blur your background or consider your background- so neat and tidy and nothing offensive.

sit facing a good source of light. Have pen and paper ready. Have your device plugged in. Teams drains the battery.

have a glass of water on hand.

have some questions prepared- think of some that would reflect that you’ve done your homework and your interest - “I saw that you ran some Christmas stay promotions, I loved the free bottlw
of Prosecco idea, I did something similar on my last post…., what was the conversion rate of people clicking on the promo to booking a stay?” Or something pertinent to that role?!

Congratulations on getting the interview.

6 months is standard probation across all roles in the last few places I've worked, so not unusual. I'd say about month 3-4 is when people demonstrate whether they can really do the job.

Teams is pretty straightforward, so don't panic. Keep calm and as others have suggested, dress professionally (not just too half!). Log in at least 10 minutes before, so you can get a feel for it and see how you look on screen. Definitely blur your background, and you could have a few bullet points stuck on the side of your screen to help you remember key points that you want to get across.

Good luck, I really hope all goes well.

When I was growing up, DM used to say "feel the fear, and do it anyway". As a teen and young adult those words washed over me. A few years ago, I applied for a "grown up" job- a reasonable step up in expertise, responsibility and pay. DC were 10 and 13. The next day DM got a cancer diagnosis., I wavered about withdrawing my application. DM told me to "feel the fear and do it anyway" - that is what my advice to you is.

You will work out the details. It sounds like your dependants can accommodate you doing the job, don't hide behind them.

Oh yes. Treat a Teams interview as if it were f2f. Hair, make up, clothes - but with the bonus of prompt Post Its around.