OMG I've got an interview.........

[joorla]

I've had an email today to go in for an interview next week to discuss my application further.

I haven't had an interview for about 8 years now and since then have had 2 kids, one of them only 8 months old and I'm still on maternity leave.

Now, I'm 40 years old and didn't enter this or that I had dc's (young dc's at that too) onto my cv. I'm concerned that if they ask my age and family situation that they may be put off and go for someone younger without kids. Are they allowed to ask your age?

Just need general advice really so that I'm prepared.

The rules are murky.

They can ask you anything they want it would just be hard later to prove they didn't discriminate because of it. So they could ask age and number of kids.

They'll know your age - its fairly easy to work out from CVs and unless your called Sam they'll know you a woman so will have probably assumed you have kids.

Stop worry and go to the interview.

so why would someone younger and without children be any better? I would have thought someone who had children already would be better as they do not need to have more maternity leave, unless they wanted a bigger family. just my thoughts on the topic.

They're not supposed to ask your age or even have it on the application form I don't think.

However, it's obviously a bit of a grey area as the dates given for your education and work experience usually make it easy to work out.

They are not supposed to choose another candidate on the basis of family situation. Of course you can't know if they have been influenced by this, but they ought to be careful what they say. Hopefully, you have found an employer who sees what people like you have to offer...

I think they can ask you what they like as long as they ask the same question to all the other candidates. What they can't do is discriminate against you on the basis that you are 40 or are a woman with children - they'd have to come up with better reasons than that.

Congratulations on getting to interview, and good luck.

I am 27 and seem to struggle to get interviews because I am childbirth age! I have 2 dc but never tell them at interview stage. It does not cause a problem with work so why should I?

If I get an interview I usually get the job though. Some places will look for young people so they can pay them minimum wage and get them to work at short notice, but I would say most are looking for experience, a good track record and someone who will be committed to them and reliable, good timekeeping and no sick days! All of which my 16-20 year old staff are not great at

Can you practice interview with a friend?

Without knowing the type of job you will probably be asked general questions-

Why do you want to work for x company?
What skills could you bring to x?
Why should we hire you?

And always have a (sensible) question at the end when they ask if you have any questions for them!