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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask for interview advice

16 replies

SaySomethingggg · 29/03/2018 10:17

Am a regular but posted under this name yesterday regarding the issues I have at work at the moment to allow others to see my historical post.

So, as I mention in yesterday's post, I have an interview today.

I have already spoken with the interviewing company and said what hours and salary I am looking for and have been told that such a request is not unreasonable for the right candidate. Unbeknownst to me at the time I was laising with one of their directors so that, I hope, has put me in good stead.

I called yesterday to confirm my interview, speaking with the gent who will be interviewing me. He thanked me for confirming and said he'd see me today. This chap is also a director.

The role I am going for is not all that different to my current one but the sector is vastly different to my current role and anything I have worked in before.

I have looked at the company, their affiliates, holding company and sister companies to get an idea of their size and how long they have been established etc. I have looked into the history of the company so that I can demonstrate my interest.

I've printed out the vacancy which I applied for and also 3 copies of my CV.

I have the interview at 1 and it's not far from my current workplace so I will be going during my lunch.

Is there anything I need to do before I go, or any tips you can give me?

OP posts:
Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 29/03/2018 10:30

Anyone?

OP posts:
UpSideDownBrain · 29/03/2018 10:33

A list of good questions to ask at the end?

Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 29/03/2018 10:58

UpSideDownBrain Thanks for that suggestion. I've looked for and decided on a few that, if appropriate to ask, I will now ask. I often in the past have been a bit rabbit in headlights when the inevitable "Do you have any questions" bit comes at the end.

Any other suggestions?

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Tryingoutanothername · 29/03/2018 11:06

I've had 2 interviews recently ( first ones in years!).
Both were competency based.
The interviewers had pre-prepared questions and appeared to score my answers 0 - 5 after each reply.
They didn't particularly probe into my answers so if there is something you want them to know about you then make sure you say it in response to a question in case a discussion doesn't follow.
Try and think of examples of when you have been in similar situations and how you dealt with them in response to their questions.
I got my job offer!
Good luck.

Step · 29/03/2018 11:08

Show and tell is always good for me... pictures, charts or graphs showing what you have done and how.

moonlight1705 · 29/03/2018 11:08

Remember to give your STAR answers - Situation, Task, Action, Result

I once didn't get a job as they told me although it looked as if I had the right experience then I didn't give them firm examples of how my experience could be used.

Also listen to the questions carefully.

confusedhelpme · 29/03/2018 11:26

Competency based questions. For example they will ask "can you give me an example when you ....."

Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 29/03/2018 11:26

Fantastic, thank you all. I will remember STAR moonlight

Now, if they ask why am I leaving my current position, I would like to be honest and say that it is because my current employer cannot accommodate my request to reduce my hours to allow school drop off. Is that ok to say? I will be reducing from a fulltime job to this position.

I have already stated I would like to work Monday to Thursday from 930am.

OP posts:
Chimchar · 29/03/2018 12:15

It's a bit late now, but have you seen the ch4 show called 'the job interview'?
Some brilliant scenes of what not to do, and some great prep for questions that come up time and time again.

Good luck, be confident, believe in yourself and be awesome! Come back and let us know how it goes.

SmileThanks

ikeepaforkinmypurse · 29/03/2018 12:19

because my current employer cannot accommodate my request to reduce my hours to allow school drop off.

I wouldn't say that, because it screams of nightmare employee to me. You have already indicated that you will only work xx days and xx hours. I would try to find a more positive answer, about the new position.

Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 29/03/2018 13:45

So, it went well. Or that's how I feel.

We shall see...

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Chimchar · 29/03/2018 17:59

Well done.
When will you hear?

Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 03/04/2018 10:39

Hi Chim, Apologies for the late reply. The interviewer said it would be today or tomorrow given the Easter break.

OP posts:
Chimchar · 03/04/2018 17:04

Any news?
Do you want the job if they offer it? Smile

Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 03/04/2018 18:53

No news yet. I'm unsure... they advertised part time. I expressed my desire to do 930-5 Monday to Friday and told them my salary expectations. They still wanted to interview. It's a new role so they're unsure where it will go but the interviewer said it's only 2 days a week to begin with which is not suitable for me. Was a bit deflated when they said the 2day thing. Plus whilst it's an office based role, it's essentially at a fish merchants. Stupid me didn't expect actual food on site. I don't like fish. Or the smell of it! Lol

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Original poster
SaySomethingggg · 03/04/2018 18:54

Sorry Monday-Thursday not Friday

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