Help me combat nerves for an interview.

[Lilliput]

I have an interview for a place on a midwifery course and I am so nervous about it. I have never really had a proper interview for anything before, not that I cared about anyway. Just thinking about it gives me that tight heavy chest feeling of anxiety. I have felt like that on and off since I got the interview letter last monday. I will be a wreck on Friday if I don't get a grip.

Get someone to practice some questions you expect to be asked with you. Especially any that may be hard to answer. My DH and I often do this with major job interviews and it makes a big difference. Helps you feel better prepared and more in control. Good Luck!!

I am fairly sure I know my stuff, it's the actual sick feeling and shakey hands I am worried about.

Imagine the people interviewing you having a dump.

Hard to be in awe of someone if you imagine them on the crapper

NB only do this if you can do it without laughing

Remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviwing you. I'll sure you will be amazing.

Visualise youself giving killer answers to their questions...get yourself into a place where you feel GOOD about what you can offer. The visulaising thing really works.
ALso, practice with a friend the first 2 minutes of the encounter...the bit where you sit in the reception area and they come out to get you and make small talk. Practise teh firm hand shake and the 'yes, my journey was fine thank you. It's a lovely office you have here (etc etc)" line.
This works too I prominse you!

Have a trial run. Go there tomorrow (if poss) so you see how long it takes to get there, where to park and which building you are going to. It will take some of the worry out of the actual day.

Feeling sick etc is perfectly normal. When you walk in, hold your head up high, greet the panel cheerfully, shake hands with everyone and then sit on your hands to stop them shaking! You score points by making a good entrance.

Make sure you look smart, little things like scuffed shoes or chipped fingernails are noticed

Be yourself, let your enthusiasm speak for you. Talk about your own experiences of childbirth and how they have moulded you. Mention that you have a supportive family as the midwifery course is renowned for being hard work with wierd hours.

Good luck

Bach's rescue remedy is a great nerve calmer. I took it a while ago when I had the first interview for years, it really helped. You can buy it at Boots, Holland and Barrett etc. Good luck

I went to the college last week for an open day so I have sussed out where I am going and how long it will take me to get there and where to park. I think I might feel a bit of a tit doing a trial run.

another vote for rescue remedy i take it for everything, stress, interviews, flying, exams etc.

Bloody marvellous stuff good luck

Lilliput - how did it go? Have you had it yet?

BUMP!

Well I think that it went okay. I garbled a bit at the beginning and got a really dry mouth and couldn't think what to say when she asked me how much I knew about the course. I wasn't really expecting that so I apologised and said I was really nervous. But they were nice about that. They seem pretty impressed with my qualifications and the fact I already have a degree . I had to do a little maths test which wasn't too bad and I also had to write a piece on why I want to become a midwife. I hope it is Okay. I think I will probably know in the next week or so.
Oh, and I also asked what I could do between now and starting the course if I am offered a place. She said I might want to do another higher (scottish qual) in something like psycology just to get my brain back in gear for studying.
Fingers crossed girls!

You sound great especially the bit about what you could do between now and starting the course, very pro-active. I'd give you a place Oh and nothing wrong with admitting you're nervous, dh does lots of interviews for work and he says nothing puts them off more than someone walking in completely cock-sure.