Oh my goodness I got the interview - HELP!

[nikki1978]

Well I have an interview for a job I really, really want! I am currently a part time bookkeeper but DS starts nursery in Sept and DD will be in Y1 so I think it is time to start moving onwards and upwards - especially as we need more money

The man has interviewed lots of people but has not been successful so far (too many who would use the job as a stop gap while studying for their accountancy exams). He likes my CV although he did want someone qualified (I have 5 years experience as a sole bookkeeper - was trained on the job both times) he is willing to take me on if I am willing and eager to learn the management accounts side of things. He also wanted someone who knew a very rare accounting package but noone so far has (I don't know it either).

Anyway aside from the management accounts I can do everything in the job description so am confident there. The job is perfect as it is a definite 9-5 in London (no chance of having to work extra hours), I can do one day a week at home and the money is FANTASTIC. I really, really want it! The only problem is I am not great at interview (get stumped by the more complicated questions but I am confident as a person). I have booked an appt on Weds with a lady who helps hone your interview techniques but would welcome any other suggestions, hints, tips etc!

The other bugger is that my current position is for a lovely company who are struggling financially and really need me and my boss goes away for three weeks in August so I will be leaving him high and dry. I just can't miss this opportunity! But I am willing to help him if I can - just not sure how.....

Write down all the points you really want to say at some point.

Brainstorm possible interview questions (google!) and write your answers - not to be learnt by rote, but just so you're thinking about your skills, situations where you've handled various stuff.

Take a breath before each answer (to let yourself think a bit more)

Don't talk for too long. Answer the questions but don't waffle.

Be yourself. My dad regularly hired people and he said that most of them were qualified for the job- but he wanted to see if he could stand working with them day in day out!

Erm....will keep thinking...

Be interested - ask him questions too.

And good luck!

get the questions you are struggling with and write answers for them, learn them, then practice in front of the mirror.

Great! Your potential new boss sounds realistic about the fact that qualified candidates might not stay and not many candidates know his accounting package so I would emphasise willingness to learn and commitment to stay with the job.

A good way of preping before an interview is to consider your skills. In most modern interviews they will ask you about your problem solving skills, team working skills, etc.

Perhaps try this free transferable skills assessment: bit.ly/dBskus . Might be a good way to get the ball rolling

Good luck with it

This is a meeting, not an interview.

Find out what he's like - you may find out why no-one else got the job. Does he have very bad BO / halitosis for eg! (half kidding)!!!

You are meeting him to satisfy your own requirements.

Take gelseminum homeopathic remedy if you are feeling like you have stagefright.

Move your chair if you don't like where it is in the meeting room. Sit at more of an angle to the desk and his chair if you feel under the spotlight / intimidated.

Wear comfortable clothes. Drink water the night before.

And don't worry about the man you are helping now, warn him in good time, asap when you've made your decision, and he'll get someone else in.

Enjoy it, and good luck to you.