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I have been a sahm for 6 years. I have an interview next week!

43 replies

Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:14

Eeek!
It's only pt reception work but it's local and term time :)
Can I ask for interview tips?
What's changed since I last went to an interview 7 years ago?
Outfit?
Dress?
Skirt and heeled boots?
Help!

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MrsCakesPrecognition · 19/09/2014 19:16

Good luck - how exciting.
I've also been a SAHM for 6 years, been job hunting for 18 months and only managed 3 interviews and no job. I shall be keeping everything crossed for you.

Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:19

Hi!
Have applied for at least a dozen jobs over the past 2 years and this is my first interview.

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LadyWithLapdog · 19/09/2014 19:21

Oh, good luck. Dress smartly, appear technologically aware and well organised, smile.

whattodoforthebest2 · 19/09/2014 19:24

It depends on what sort of business it is as to what you should wear - what is the current receptionist wearing? I'd be going for smart but not too dressy. Receptionists are the first people to meet clients/customers/new business prospects etc so a good impression is vital.

Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:25

I am thinking black opaque tights, black knee length small heel boots.
Dark Purple skirt knee length.
Black top and cardi?
Thoughts?

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Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:26

It's a secondary school

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Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:27

I also have a grey military style knee length dress I could wear with the same tights and boots?

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Wishfulmakeupping · 19/09/2014 19:28

Are you up to date with Microsoft office newer versions- if not there are lots of free online tutorials you could do between now and next week.
Post in style and beauty for specific outfit advice they are great there for good feedback l- have you got anything in mind?
Always have a question ready for them- they will ask at the end :)
Smile, eye contact and good luck :)

MrsCakesPrecognition · 19/09/2014 19:28

One of the jobs I got an interview for was at a secondary school. Almost all the candidates and most of the staff seemed to be wearing trousers, shirt/blouse and ballet flats.
The deputy HT was in a nice dress and heels.
Will a cardi be a bit warm in the current muggy weather? The rest sounds lovely.

Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:30

Oh god...
What do they ask?
What should I ask?

I shall check out online tutorials, thanks.
Not great with excel...should I get Dh to give me a quick tutorial?

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Moid1 · 19/09/2014 19:45

Think what skills you need
Organised
Multi tasking
Reliable
Good with people
Good with teenagers
Discrete
Good with IT

Then think of where you have demonstrated those skills, mention skill and then back up with story
Ie: when kids at school volunteered with PTA, involved in the admin

Badvoc123 · 19/09/2014 19:53

I was a group secretary at a local voluntary group for 2 years.
Have worked in the NHS and academia.

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Wishfulmakeupping · 19/09/2014 19:56

I normally ask what training might be available in the future or something along those lines- shows that your eager to learn.
I'm not sure if they would in this case but sometimes at job interviews they ask what you know about their organisation so maybe good idea to have a quick read on their website about the ethos of the school etc.

Wishfulmakeupping · 19/09/2014 19:57

You've got lots of relevant experience by the sounds of it the voluntary work is that quite recent? That will go down well

Preciousbane · 19/09/2014 19:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ratracerunner · 19/09/2014 20:01

Make sure you ask lots of questions about the school and show you have researched the ethos. Usually the head teachers write this and they will appreciate it. Smile and sound cheerful, but firm.

Don't waffle on, be helpful and positive but businesslike. Offer to attend training in your own time prior to being offered the job, if you can spare a few hours. That will demonstrate you are committed and they get to 'road test' you. Subject to the standard checks obviously.

davidjrmum · 19/09/2014 20:23

First of all - well done for getting the interview. You've been shortlisted so presumably they are happy that you have the skills they are looking for on paper so go in to the interview feeling confident. Was there a job description when you applied for the role? If so, have a look at the sort of tasks listed and try to think of examples of similar tasks you have undertaken.

A lot of job descriptions include a person specification which lists the skills, knowledge, behaviours etc. required for the role. If there is one, then it's likely that the interview questions will be based around this so again, try to think of examples that could demonstrate some of the skills, knowledge etc. listed. Questions are often in the form of "tell us about a time when you had to manage several competing priorities" or " tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer" etc. When I'm interviewing, I don't mind if the example given is fairly old (particularly if someone hasn't been working for a while) or if the example relates to something outside work, so long as it's relevant to the question.

If you're asked about something that you can't do or need a little development in be honest about it. For example, it you're asked about Excel, you could say something like "I'm more familiar with MS Word but I'd be very happy to develop my skills in excel if that was required for the role - I'm always keen to learn new things".

Focus on what you can do for your employer rather than how convenient the job might be for you re school hours etc. For example, if they ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview show an interest in the school, e.g. perhaps asks how many children attend, how support staff work with the teaching staff, what would a typical working day be like, what training opportunities are there etc. rather than asking about hours, flexible working etc.

Regarding what to wear, what you suggest sounds fine - don't get too obsessed about it. To be honest, I barely notice what people are wearing when I'm interviewing unless it's something particularly striking or clearly inappropriate.

Badvoc123 · 20/09/2014 08:19

No person spec...the vacancy was "advertised" via the school test service.
How can I access the MS office tutorials?
I know I can do the job...it's about coming across well and making them not care about my lack of recent employment, I think.
Am in a real quandary about what to wear.
I posted on s&b and they didn't like any of my ideas so I will be going shopping on Monday!

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twentyten · 20/09/2014 08:24

Hi. Choose something that makes you feel good - and comfor table. Your choices sound good! What were people wearing when you visited? Nip in on a pretext and have a look. Look on the website. Read the ofsted report on the school.

twentyten · 20/09/2014 08:26

Child protection is always really hot- read up? This would need a crb check?

Badvoc123 · 20/09/2014 08:27

Oooh good point!
Yes, I will need a crb.
I have done child protection courses for beavers (I was an assistant beaver leader for 2 years)

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twentyten · 20/09/2014 08:27

The web is full of top interview questions- have a look!

twentyten · 20/09/2014 08:29

Imaging everyone who could turn up at school and how you would deal with them! Sales angry parents late kids etc etc...

Badvoc123 · 20/09/2014 08:29

I know a lot about the school...my dad went there, I went there and my son goes there :)
Usually the receptionists I have seen have been wearing trousers and blouses - I don't really like trousers :( they don't suit me.
I was thinking a purple a line skater skirt, opaque tights, ballerina flats and a black top?
It's either that or I go and buy a dress....

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trufflehunterthebadger · 20/09/2014 08:43

Is it a competency based interview ? If so you will need to give examples of when you have done something, eg

"Give me an example of when you have altered your communication style to suit your audience"
"Give me an example of you you prioritised a large piece of work"
"Give me an example of where you have had to use your communication skills to influence someone with very different views

Try to keep your answers within the STAR model:
Situation
Task
Actions
Result and what you learnt

Remember to talk about YOU not other people. My manager's most common issue in interviews is that people talk too generally and don't say what they actually did so she can't give them points.