Interview next Monday after 17 years, any tips to help me prepare?

[Givemeausernamepls]

I have a job interview next Monday. I would really like this job as it would sit beautifully alongside my self employment work as a guaranteed income.

I was in my last role 15 years and have not had an interview for close to 17 years. I feel woefully un-prepared and would love some help to change that. Does anyone have any advice / top tips they can give me?

Look at your CV. Are there any areas you’d need reassurance on if you were the interviewer?
Google the STAR method of answering.
Evidence what you say with examples- ‘I’m good at x and here’s an example/ the impact for my team,/ client / employer’.
Know your CV, know about the company and role profile before you go. Have examples of using skills required ready to use so you don’t blank.
Know why you want the job - they may ask.
Ask questions if you’re unsure.
The part where they ask if you have questions: if they’ve covered already what you planned to ask: ‘what is your ideal candidate for this role’. Then if they say organised, experienced in x, you can add in more examples.
It’s normal to be nervous. They’ve invited you as you have potential so be kind to yourself and good luck!

Flip negatives into positives too:
I don’t YET have experience in x, but I saw it was required on the job description. I’ve used x which is similar so I’m confident I can transfer quickly- give an example when you’ve learned something in short time.

Leaving because of bad manager? I’ve exhausted all areas of learning in my current role.

Left a job in under a year? Was it temp or contract? If it’s not on your CV, how will they know? Everyone gets a blip. The role wasn’t as described when recruited/unexpected change in personal circumstances- now fully resolved.

For interviews after a long stint in one firm, I’d want to know how agile you were and you can explain any internal moves or new responsibilities you’ve acquired in your time with your current employer to reassure me.

thank you both for taking the time to reply. I will definitely take these on board!

I will defo look through my cv, and also the job description and get some examples. I work freelance in this area and have tailored some of my marketing materials to showcase my work.

My top tip is to remember you’re absolutely allowed to bring some notes with you in case your mind goes blank. I always do this, got my current role doing this, and have never had any comments on it. You might not even need to look at them, just having them in front of you and knowing they’re available can make you feel more confident. I think having notes also indicates to the interviewer that you’re committed and taking the process seriously. Good luck!

It’s a tough job market at the moment so well done for getting an interview.

Prepare an answer on how you’ll balance current self-employed work and this PAYE role.

Please come back and update us OP!

Thank you for taking the time to msg me! It is indeed a tough market… this is my first interview in about 6 months of looking!

I will update you all.

I just wanted to let you all know that i got the job! Thank you all fir taking the time to respond to me

Congratulations! So very pleased for you, thank you for coming back to let us know.

Well done!

Amazing! 🤩 Well done 👏

Congratulations and well done 👏

Great news .I reckon you must have been well prepared in fact and you did not mention that it was problematic. Huge CONGRATULATIONS.