to what extent would you cite personal/practical reasons for wanting/suitinga particular job?

[hatwoman]

I have an interview next week and it's for something that's a kind of career change - not a complete about-turn, just a new direction.

Part of the reason is that my old job is virtually impossible to do outside London - and I've had enough of London. been living elsewhere, freelancing for 2 years, but have decided I don't want to go back (nor do I want to carry on freelancing). If I mention this does it sound like the job is second choice - something I only want because I can't do what I really want to do and live outside London?

On a similar note should I say/hint that I'm a safer bet than bright young things - because I'm not going to abandon them for London's streets of gold or for the joys of babyhood - in both cases, been there, done that.

Use it does sound Like a second choice answer. Find a reason that makes them thunk you are actually interested in the job .... Job interviews are competitive ... You need to have the most impressive answers!!

Good luck.

Yes not use.

Ps if a woman put down younger women in that way
in an interview I'd assume she wasn't a very nice person.

It's all about why you are the best (which includes team playing) at the job but not about putting others down!

It's not legal for an employer to decide about your suitability for a job, based on your personal circumstances (eg by asking about arrangements or plans for children). So I don't really see how it becomes OK in these circumstances. Their bottom line is how well you'll do the job, and whether you'll fit into the organisation.

Can you find a way to let your enthusiasm bubble through without straying off the point, and risk confusing the personal with the professional?

There is nothing WTO g with that at all IMO if I were interviewing I would want to know why there is such a change happening. It does of course depend on how you word it, after reviewing my word it.

In your case, I'd think you are eminently employable so you can cite personal reasons up to a point. It's a job which suits your skills - I'd think you can stress that you've got no wish to come back to the smoke, actually.

I wouldn't mention the baby stuff but it is worth stressing, I think, that as far as you're concerned you could go back to London but don't want to.

I'm quite good at interviews - email me if you want to! MIx

(I am not great with the whole Team Playing emphasis, I have to say.)

Could you not say some along the lines of this being just the job you have been looking out for a long time, as you know they are rare outside London so you are very enthusiatic to grab this opportunity.

thanks all for the ideas.

MI - I so rarely "bump into" you these days. Hope all is well.

got the "interview" tomorrow - which is in fact a 5-hour assessment centre, involving group exercises, written tests and an interview. am terrified, excited, and in a quandary as to which handbag to use

I think it is best to show enthusiasm job in terms of the way you approach the interview and nit by explaining exactly why you are so keen.