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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be so scared about a 'chat' tomorrow?

21 replies

fluffles · 14/02/2011 21:43

i'm losing my job this summer and am looking for a new job or considering going freelance.

somehow (mixture of luck and good contacts/friends) i have managed to persuade a local important person in my sector who i have never met before to meet me for 'coffee and a chat' tomorrow... i don't think he's got a job to offer me, it's probably more general advice and stuff.. but who knows? it's really so important that i make a good impression... i'm scared...

so, i'm basically treating it like a cross between a networking event and an interview... anybody got any top tips for such an informal but important 'chat'???

OP posts:
scentednappyhag · 14/02/2011 21:45

I'm worse than useless at things like this, but just wanted to say I hope it goes well for you Smile also, bump in case helpful people are lurking!

xstitch · 14/02/2011 21:49

Take a few deep breaths before you meet and remember how good you are at your job.

ongakgak · 14/02/2011 21:50

what is the sector?

Know your stuff, be up to date with what is happening re new practise/technology etc

Be able to discuss your work experience with examples and details

Mention relevant contacts and old work mates who may be useful

Pay for the coffee

Don't eat anything messy or faffy that will have you wondering if you have something on your chin

dress to impress

ask him questions about what he is doing, try and see how you would fit in his business

Original poster
fluffles · 14/02/2011 21:53

thanks.

can't say the sector as it's too small and would make me identifiable.

i think the difficulty will be that if he's doing the whole mentoring thing then i should talk about what i want to do, but if he's got a job going then it's all about what i can offer and not about what i want...

OP posts:
curlymama · 14/02/2011 21:54

Smile and be friendly.

RevoltingPeasant · 14/02/2011 21:55

Yeah, pay for the coffee, be relaxed as you can.

BUT I would have some specific objective or thing you want to get out of this. I.e., 'I'd really hoped you could give me advice on breaking into freelancing in this area/ my c.v./ this interview I have coming up' etc.

Not to say you shouldn't talk about other stuff, but I think having a goal will look organised and also might get you some useful feedback instead of generalities.

Good luck :)

Punkatheart · 14/02/2011 21:56

How exciting! Just be engaged, intelligent and if possible - do a bit of googling of the person...so you can relate to them....

ongakgak · 14/02/2011 21:57

He asked to meet you or you asked to meet him?

I think you asked him, in which case you have to be quite clear about what you want- which is??

RevoltingPeasant · 14/02/2011 21:59

fluffles 21.53

Having done this recently myself.... 'What you want' = you are very, very keen to break into this sector/ rise in it. You have been doing x y z over the past 6 mos/ year/ whatever. You are looking for an opportunity to develop the experience you currently have and hopefully to get some new.

This pretty much is desperatespeak for 'I want a job, lots, give me one' but has the dignity of pointing out how good and organised you are. It doesn't really close off any avenues.

Also, one other thing: be honest. Lots of people in your position won't be, they'll be so desperate they'll say anything. People in his (I presume?) position generally appreciate a modicum of honesty.

Original poster
fluffles · 14/02/2011 21:59

oh, thank you. i can see how having a goal for the meeting is good - trouble is i'm not 100% sure if i want to freelance or want a salaried position.. ideally i'd like to work for a consultancy to have best of both worlds.

i really want a job with his company but obviously can't say that straight out without it being very awkward.

maybe my goal could be to use his expertise to decide between pursuing freelance or not....

OP posts:
Original poster
fluffles · 14/02/2011 22:01

x-posts.. i do have a good track record Grin when we spoke on the phone he knew my work Grin. he's looked me up on linkedin.

OP posts:
ongakgak · 14/02/2011 22:06

I think you will do great, tell us how you get on afterwards, GOOD LUCK!!

CameronCook · 14/02/2011 22:06

No useful advice - just good luck

LatteLady · 14/02/2011 22:11

Fluffles - you have your starting point - do I go freelance or do I stay salaried? If I stay salaried, will this happen to me again? Does the sector hold freelancers in equally high demand? Is there anyone else I should be chatting to... do you know a successful freelancer who might talk to me?

All the very best for tomorrow!

Original poster
fluffles · 14/02/2011 22:19

ok. great. thank you everybody, i feel a bit more focussed now.

i will let you know tomorrow evening how it's gone..

thanks.

OP posts:
cumfy · 14/02/2011 22:41

Be yourself.

It's you that you are "selling" whatever the proposition.

Original poster
fluffles · 15/02/2011 18:45

hi, it's me..

well i think it went very well Grin although he did insist on paying for the tea and coffee.

We had a good chat and it turns out that his organisation works at a different stage than when my skills would be useful... but.. we talked about selling my skills and routes in, various potential clients.. he's offered to introduce me to somebody with a portfolio career to talk about how it works for her and also to a number of businesses who may buy in my skills.. all good basically.

we also have an idea about running some joint training - his bit and mine together to make a whole day course.. training's not my main thing but i'm ok at it and have a lot of speaking experience and it's probably the best way to find clients.

so... beginning to think that i really might end up going freelance. eek Shock

OP posts:
ongakgak · 15/02/2011 20:09

that is great, are you happy with the outcome?

Original poster
fluffles · 15/02/2011 20:53

yes, i think i am happy.. doors seem to be appearing (if not yet quite opening).

a salaried job would be the easier option but i'm now beginning to think i might be ready for the less easy option... after five years of full-time study and ten years of salaried industry experience.

OP posts:
cumfy · 16/02/2011 19:14

Sounds really good!

You know you can set up as self employed and claim tax credits ?
Basically£50pw while you're starting up.

Original poster
fluffles · 16/02/2011 21:22

really??

are tax credit not on household income? DH earns plenty... well, not loads, but is a higher rate payer (just) so i always assumed no tcs for us..

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