Not worked for 2 years and have an important interview any advice?

[monkeyfeet]

Hello all

as it says in the title I have been out of work for two years not through choice in this time i have had a baby and he is now almost 1.

My husband has recently lost his job so it all hinges on me. The job is well paid perfect for us in our area and in my field. I really really want it. I am well qualified for it and am one of five people being interviewed.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing myself for it, any suggestions for what to wear , unsuitable things to say etc..

This will be my first actual job interview ever.

Thanks for any help anyone can give me

It's wonderful that you have got down to the final 5 for the job. You obviously have a good chance of getting it.

With regards to what to wear, you haven't said what the job is, but it would imagine a suit would be a good choice. I know it's a bit old-fashioned, but I believe that it's better to be too smart than not smart enough. A suit will always make someone look dashing and intelligent. (Well usually) It's always easy to dress down for the job afterwards, but it's important to make a good first impression.

Look up everything you can about the company on the internet beforehand. Be prepared by knowing about the firm, their areas of business, their customers/suppliers, their expansion areas etc.

The interviewer is likely to ask questions such as:
Why do you want the job?
Why do you want to work for that company?
What strengths can you bring to the job?
What are your weak points? (Plan your answer to this one carefully. Your bad point can never be too bad!)
Where do you see yourself in 10 year's time?

You can prepare in advance some answers to those questions.

Also, you should prepare in advance 3 or 4 questions to ask the interviewer.
They will usually ask if you have any questions and it shows interest and intelligence if you ask something about the company and/or position.

Be confident and be yourself.

(I hope all that isn't too basic and obvious)

Hiya

thanks very much thats great, the job is for an office managers position within an academic company.

I shall prepare some answers and have a look through my wardrobe maybe i will get a new outfit i need to smarten up.

thanks again

if they ask a question and you need a second or so to think up a good reply - take that time, don't blurt. Have a drink or say something like "could i have a moment to think about that". A few seconds to them will feel like an eternity to you :)

GOOD LUCK

It's ages since I've been for an interview but I always

...prepared answers for all of the obvious questions plus answers for questions that would probably NEVER be asked (but on a couple of occasions were). If you are a belt and braces type person then this might be a good approach for you. If not, ignore and busk.

...wore something that made me feel really confident.

...smiled.

But the most important thing to remember is that whoever is interviewing you isn't there to pick holes in you because they really, really WANT YOU TO BE RIGHT FOR THE JOB. It's easy to forget this when facing an interview panel but having been on the other side of the table a couple of times I know it's true. The interview panel are sitting there DESPERATE for the right person to walk through the door. And a big part of being the 'right person' is to be presentable, friendly and willing to learn on the job. IMO they want someone who will be approachable, friendly and efficient - that's what you need to put across. :)

Go through the person spec and the job description with a fine tooth comb and think about how your previous experience compares with what they are asking for. Try to think of answers to hypothetical scenarios, eg how would you deal with persistent lateness by someone you manage, or how you would deal with an angry customer on the phone, that kind of thing.

Google interview questions - there are loads of sites with helpful advice.

I heard an artcle on the radio a while back about interview techniques and the lady said the important thing to remember is that whoever is interviewing you thinks their company is the dogs doodahs (not her words!)

Basically for each answer you should try to flatter the company (not in a cheesy way mind you)- that's what they want to hear, how great they are.

eg 'Why do you want to work for ABC'
'Because I feel ABC is a leading force in the field of...'

Also firm hand shake and lots of eye contact!

Hope that helps:)

Thanks so much everyone for all the advice, I kind of messed up the interview I think I rambled too much.

I find out tomorrow it is my dream job just hope I am not too devasted when they give it to someone else!!!

monkeyfeet.

hope it all works out; but big advice from me is to write down all the questions they asked you (as many as you ca remember) and then write down the perfect answers. keep this; it will really help with any other interviews.

Hi There,
I hope you did get the job, but IF you didn't, ask for some feedback - if you can face it, face to face. This gets you back in front of them, and you never know, they might have other positions which might be suitable at a later date. It will also give you an idea of areas which you need to work on. I have a FAB way of dealing with interview rejection - 'well, this means that something better is coming along'! A bit Polyanna for some, but I've found that by staying positve (difficult I know with the pressure you may be feeling)you remain open to new opportunities.
Good luck! and let us know!!