Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Original poster

I have a job interview in 2 hours and I can’t stop crying

67 replies

Interviewdisaster · 31/01/2022 14:59

It’s for a while position at DH’s work. He suggested I apply for it and helped me with the application. I’m not qualified and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. The interview is at 5 online and I’m going to look like such an idiot. I’m supposed to be preparing but I can’t stop crying because I’m not clever or capable enough and I’m going to let DH down and look stupid in front of his colleagues.

OP posts:
PixieDreams · 31/01/2022 17:11

Please update us OP, I hope you are smashing it right now!

Original poster
Interviewdisaster · 31/01/2022 18:18

Thank you lovely people. I’m done! The technology worked okay. I didn’t cry, or say anything stupid. I managed to answer all the questions and ask a few pertinent ones of my own, and the 50 minutes went by quickly.

OP posts:
TokyoSushi · 31/01/2022 18:21

Well done OP!!

Cyberworrier · 31/01/2022 18:55

Hurray well done!

spurs4ever · 31/01/2022 18:59

Well done! When will they let you know? X

SummerHouse · 31/01/2022 19:00

Wow. You went from a sobbing mess to a credible interviewee. Reading your op, I thought poor woman, how will she cope? Well you did not need my sympathy. If you can pull off such a turnaround, you can do anything. Bloody well done!! Flowers

BobbieT1999 · 31/01/2022 19:09

Star Star Star

DoubleHelix79 · 31/01/2022 19:22

We've just hired someone who has returned to work after years of raising children and we're extre happy to have her. She is super capable. Fingers crossed for you!

My top tip - if it didn't work out this time - would be to go on as many interviews as you can, even for jobs you're only vaguely interested in. That's a great way to get into a routine of interviewing and eventually you'll stop feeling too stressed. Then when the right job comes along you have all the answers ready to go.

comfortablyfrumpy · 31/01/2022 21:40

Fantastic - told you Grin

Spectre8 · 31/01/2022 21:47

Well done. Just wanted to add that I once had gone for one interview for a role in my current department I really wanted internally (second time round), but also applied for another role in another department to hedge my bets. I almost didn't go to the interview for the other role but it was too late to cancel as it would look back plus I thought I better do it just incase I didn't get my preferred one.

I literally prepped 30 mins before the interview.
Sods law I got that role and I didn't get the one in my department!

So you just never know

Indecisive29 · 31/01/2022 21:59

@Interviewdisaster

Thank you. I’ve stopped crying, washed my face, put on make up and a clean top. I had to do the school run, which helped me calm down. I’ve been a SAHM for many years. I desperately want to work again but have lost all confidence (as you can probably tell!) I used to work at management level and do have transferable skills, but always assume that potential employers will judge me negatively for having been out of work for 8 years.
@Interviewdisaster I’ve read your update OP and I’m so glad your interview went well Smile fingers crossed for you!!

Just as a side note about an earlier comment - any employer who does judge you negatively for being out of the work force raising your children is absolutely not worth your time in my opinion! I’ve interviewed many women in your position and 99% of them have started the interview feeling the need to justify them taking time out to raise their kids!! I’ll say the same to you as I have to all of them - you’ve taken a break from your career to raise our next generation - OWN IT Grin don’t doubt yourself or your abilities!

334bu · 31/01/2022 22:03

Well done Flowers

Viviennemary · 31/01/2022 22:05

In your circumstances I think it's a mistake to apply for a post at your DH's firm. Its just more pressure and stress.

DickeryDock · 31/01/2022 22:37

@Viviennemary

In your circumstances I think it's a mistake to apply for a post at your DH's firm. Its just more pressure and stress.
What an unhelpful comment Confused

Well done OP you stepped out of your comfort zone and went for it! Hold your head up high

Original poster
Interviewdisaster · 31/01/2022 22:56

No, it’s okay, Viviennemary has a point. I was feeling extra pressured because I was worried about reflecting badly on DH if I messed up the interview (not to mention having to face my interviewers when I accompany him to future work events).

Unfortunately there’s a second round of interviews if I make it through this one 😬😬
On the plus side my career break was not mentioned at all, despite it being very clear on my CV.

I can’t quite believe I managed to pull myself together either. I think it was applying makeup and not having time to redo it that made me stop crying! I’m sure imposter syndrome is something I’m going to struggle with wherever I end up (and I’m determined to find a job this year) but the advice from PPs about trying to get as many interviews as I can is really helpful.

OP posts:
JacquelineCarlyle · 31/01/2022 23:05

Well done Op - good luck and if you don't get this one, the experience will stand you in good stead for the job that's right for you.

Original poster
Interviewdisaster · 07/02/2022 13:20

I’m through to the second round of interviews Confused
I have a week to —freak out— prepare.

OP posts:
SparklingLime · 07/02/2022 13:23

Yay!! Very well done!! Your name needs changing now.

Susu49 · 07/02/2022 18:17

Fantastic news! So pleased for you!

BouncyFrog · 07/02/2022 18:20

Congratulations! Well done Flowers

Bonbon21 · 07/02/2022 18:23

Well done... if you perform that well when you were practically falling apart an hour beforehand.....you will walk it... they obviously see a huge potential in you and you just have to dig dep and see it for yourself..
Do not underestimate all the skills you have honed as a full time mum... it takes talent to keep all the plates spinning.. good luck...you can do this!!!
Make sure you come back and let us know your start date!!

Gonegrey31 · 07/02/2022 18:26

Brilliant news now hold your head high , onwards and upwards !

RoyKentsChestHair · 07/02/2022 18:26

At that’s brilliant news well done!! I’ve also recently had an interview for a job outside the home after many years working at home, both self employed and as a SAHM. I have massive imposter syndrome and am actually shitting myself at the prospect of starting, but I obviously impressed them enough to get the job.

I think it helped that there was no burning platform, no real urgency to get this job, so I just thought to myself it’s good practice. Every interview I attend means I get to practice selling myself so that when the right job comes along I’m ready. I applied for about 10, got 2 interviews and was offered the 2nd job. You’ve got this!!

JacquelineCarlyle · 07/02/2022 23:49

Well done Op - great news!

Original poster
Interviewdisaster · 14/02/2022 13:43

That’s brilliant @RoyKentsChestHair! When do you start?

Interview part 2 was this morning. No tears this time, but I did feel like I was going to be sick 🤢 Amazingly I think I came across as quite composed, even though my heart I was pounding and my feet were jiggling like mad under the table. I felt like my answers were at least reasonable and made sense, even if they weren’t what the interviewers were looking for (which I have no idea of!) and once again 50 minutes seemed to pass quite quickly. Again only the briefest passing mention of my “career break”, which was a relief!

I’m going to try and relax and enjoy half term and not think about what news I might hear later in the week. I got so much further than I expected to.

OP posts: