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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to ask for interview tips...any bosses out there?

47 replies

FortunesFave · 03/01/2019 09:40

I know, I know...it's not a REAL AIBU but I really, really need support.

I've got an interview tomorrow at what looks like a very sleek, smart company in the city in which I live (Australia) and I am quite frankly terrified!

I have been self-employed for 10 years whilst DC were small and now want a regular part-time income.

This job is bloody perfect. 15-20 hours per week and not bad money at all.

I am well able to DO the job but I'm so worried that I'm out of the loop in terms of jargon and that I will seem all middle-aged next to the bright young things.

Any tips on how to come over as the perfect candidate?

OP posts:

Redtartanshoes · 03/01/2019 19:54

Ask what they find challenging about their role or what aspects of the company they really like.

Thank them for their time at the end of the interview.

Remember the examples you give don’t need to be 100% truthful😉

Purplevicki · 03/01/2019 20:02

Be on time!!! If you change your mind, make contact and let them know. I won’t interview someone who reapplies after a no-show.
Don’t ask about salary.
Have a few questions prepared to ask that are relevant to the post (and not a lower grade)

Good luck op

Purplevicki · 03/01/2019 20:03

Oh yes... and have a firm handshake

ilovepixie · 03/01/2019 20:05

Do bring several copy’s of your CV (hate it when candidates don’t) Definitely not a thing in my line of work*

Nor mine.

Notsobendy · 03/01/2019 20:10

In addition to the above ....

Don't waffle in your answers.
Its fine to ask for them to repeat a question.
Its fine to think for a few moments before answering.
If you don't know the answer to a question or don't have an example of something they are asking for , just say so honestly rather than trying to bullshit /waffle a non answer.
Good luck!

Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername · 03/01/2019 20:14

Also, please don't promise things u can't deliver. I once interviewed someone who said he was available 24/7. (In my line of work, its a necessity), and then tells me(once he'd been hired) he can't work weekends

trinity0097 · 03/01/2019 20:18

Don’t be afraid to smile, to crack a joke, if appropriate, have a conversation, I.e. just be normal!

JellycatElfie · 03/01/2019 20:22

Look them in the eye
Have a firm handshake and bright smile
Dress smartly but so that you feel confident
Be honest! If you don’t know an answer say that you don’t know but you’d do x to find out
Have a look at the job specification again - make that fit you!

possumgoddess · 03/01/2019 20:24

We wouldn't expect candidates to bring copies of their CVs as our HR department makes sure we have all the relevant information on all our candidates prior to intervew. We do, however, expect them to bring copies of their certificates and proof of identity and of where they live. This is stated in their interview invitation letters. However in the last 2 interviews I did not one of the interviewees did that. So - read your interview letter carefully before you go and ensure that you have originals of any and all information they ask you to bring. And yes, dress suitably for an interview but also make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. You won't be able to concentrate if your skirt is too tight!

whatsnewchoochoo · 03/01/2019 20:34

Try not to think of as an interview but instead a chat with someone who works in the same field as you. Always remember you're just there to see if you're a fit for the job, but that partly means seeing if you really like them to so don't do jargon, just be yourself

I wouldn't expect a CV either - I've already read them if you've got to the interview stage

iaintgettingonnoplane · 04/01/2019 11:15

my best tip for an interview is at the end when they ask "do you have any questions for us" is to ask the interviewer about their progression in the company and where they started out. As people love to talk about themselves :D

Mia1415 · 04/01/2019 11:47

HR Manager here.

My top tips are:
-research the company

re-read the job description and think of examples of when you have done things similar to those required
Smile
Breath
Don't be afraid to take a few seconds before answering a tricky question.

But, the most important advice anyone ever gave me was this. They WANT to like you. They want you to be the idea candidate. Always remember this.

Tighnabruaich · 04/01/2019 11:53

Everyone has given good examples. I'll add a couple of personal ones. If you are prone to waving your hands about when you are talking, fold your hands together loosely on your lap to stop it happening. If it's a panel of interviewers, make eye contact with each one in the row. At the end thank them for their time.

Redtartanshoes · 04/01/2019 12:14

I think the cv thing has been misunderstood.

I wouldn’t take “copies” I would however take a copy. Just incase they say “back in 1993 you did xyz can you tell us about that” although you should know your cv, rather than getting flustered if you can’t remember what they are referring to, having a copy of your cv would help.

atomicfission · 04/01/2019 19:22

How did the interview go, OP?

Mummyshark2019 · 04/01/2019 19:57

I have interview d for many years and never expect candidates to bring in multiple copies of their CV. I would expect a prepared candidate to bring in one copy for their own reference should they want to consult it whilst we are walking through the CV. But as an interviewer, I will have brought in my own copy with questions to prompt me.

Original poster

FortunesFave · 05/01/2019 04:04

ato It went well I thought. They asked me if I could begin next week and I said yes, then they said "Thank you, Annie will call you before the end of the day"

And then they never called!! Wtf?

OP posts:

ariadneonnaxos · 06/01/2019 11:37

Ah annoying. There's all sorts of reasons why they might not have called you - very unlikely to be to do with you personally. But frustrating to have to wait all weekend. Hopefully you'll get good news tomorrow! I had an interview on Friday too, and have another one (for the same job) tomorrow. Fingers crossed for both of us!

Original poster

FortunesFave · 07/01/2019 09:03

Update....I got a voicemail today whilst at work and it was the woman who'd interviewed me and she said sorry for not calling on Friday but they were still deliberating and that I am one of the top candidates.

So I feel much better.

OP posts:

ariadneonnaxos · 07/01/2019 09:24

Awesome!

cheeseandpineapple · 07/01/2019 18:20

That’s great, well done so far.

Do you have referees lined up? Can you drop them a line and let them know you can organise these quickly if needed and ask them if there’s anything else they need to help them make their final decision?

AprilSpring · 07/01/2019 18:43

Was interviewing the week before Christmas.
Other than what has already been expertly said.... don’t try and be too clever. In my experience there are never trick questions. Start with the basics and elaborate from there.
And if they have asked you to prep a presentation or similar do what they ask! Sounds simple but you’d be amazed at how many people try and be too clever in pre prepared presentations and end up tripping over themselves.

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