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AIBU?

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Original poster

to be panicking about my job interview?

9 replies

IrianOfW · 20/04/2018 09:31

Been in the same job for 24 years - didn't mean to be but three kids came along and it was easy to stay put when my employer offered me part-time working when I needed it, flexible working, working from home etc. Now we are all likely to be made redundant in a few years time which was a shock to say the least. I suspected I would be almost unemployable as I have very specific skills and they had been moulded to fit my current role over the decades.

I polished up my CV (ie wrote one from scratch) and applied for a job that looked vaguely likely and wasn't too far from here. Within an hour I had an email asking me to interview. Totally shell shocked!

I haven't had an interview for 24 years. I don't even have interview clothes as such as we are very informal at work here. I don't even know if I want another job but I know I have to think about it but maybe didn't expect to have to think about it quite so soon.

Sp confused and scared and excited......

OP posts:
CherryBlossomSeason · 20/04/2018 09:35

Congratulations! The fact you're not sure if you even want it is good. I tend to be more relaxed and get the job when I'm in two minds over if I care.

If in doubt a black shift dress & jacket usually work.

PoisonousSmurf · 20/04/2018 09:38

Wouldn't it be better to stay and get your redundancy first and then look for jobs? But still go for the interview. It will be practice at least.

Babdoc · 20/04/2018 09:42

Well done! Obviously you wrote a good cv. You can make a virtue of the fact that you've managed to juggle kids and job for all those years too - you must be a good multi tasker and organiser. You can also point out that as you've already had your family, you aren't likely to need maty leave from the new job. And as a more mature applicant, you are likely to be more reliable than a youngster - better work ethic, less chance of you having a hangover and pulling a sicky. I imagine you have a good reference from your current employer, too - your long track record shows you were well thought of in your workplace.
The next step is to suss out the new place - do your research, check out the firm, think of some questions to ask them, and find out their dress code in advance so you can look the part at the interview. If in doubt, go for a smart suit - better to be over than under dressed.
Finally, don't be scared, be chuffed and exhilirated! Look forward to a new challenge and the chance to show off your skills and get out of a rut.
Best of luck, OP, I hope you get the job. At the very least, it will be interview experience, which is always useful, and you can ask for feedback if not successful, to aid future applications. Chin up and go for it!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 20/04/2018 10:02

Thanks all.

cherry - my DH gave me a lovely short coat/jacket for christmas - charcoal wool with a small black velvet collar. Planning to get a charcoal/black fitted skirt to go with. I actually have a smart pair of shoes in my wardrobe that I bought for a wedding - otherwise it would be boots or Merrell sandals Hmm. You are right - far better to not be desperate for a job.

smurf - I am not sure on that. they are offering the stat minimum so I'd come out with about 14k. Nice but not life-changing! My problem is that I am not sure what jobs are available to me in the sort of area bearing in mind that I have three kids still at home and I'm also supporting my elderly parents who moved to be near me a few years back. Not sure that I'd be able to get anything when I am finally made redundant.

baddoc - I've been googling like a mad woman! I am sure my work ethic has gone out of the window in the last 24 hours! You are right - I have good things to offer but in IT it can sometimes feel like youth is valued more than experience. I can just envisage turning up to be interviewed by a 20 something who thinks I'm a fossil Grin

But I shall try to see more of the exciting challenge and less of the scary mountain to climb.

OP posts:
Original poster
IrianOfW · 29/04/2018 07:44

It went really well. Very relaxed and comfortable. Sounds like exactly the kind of company I want to work for. Best of all I don't need to be based at the HO, as long as I visit there regularly I can be based from home. Sadly I don't think they can afford me Sad I can't take a pay cut although I would be prepared to take the same pay. He told me what they are offering, I told him what I needed and he said they would be prepared to be flexible for the right candidate. THey have one other candidate to interview this week and then they'll get back to me either way. Good experience whatever happens.

OP posts:
MyYoniFromHull · 29/04/2018 07:47

Sounds very positive, and hopefully it will have helped your confidence a lot in knowing you're very employable elsewhere

Original poster
IrianOfW · 03/05/2018 14:38

Didn't get the job. No idea why but hey ho!

OP posts:
Original poster
IrianOfW · 03/05/2018 15:14

Have asked for feedback - can't hurt as they can only say no.

OP posts:
Youaremysunshine2017 · 03/05/2018 15:20

Hi op, put it down to good experience. Hope you get useful feedback. I'm waiting to find out about a job interview I had last Thursday.

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