Short notice for tough interview on maternity leave

[YellowPirate]

I've got an interview next Tuesday and only found out about it yesterday. I have to do a 10 minute presentation, followed by a half hour interview. It's a professional role and I'm on maternity leave now- I'm so worried about it - does anyone have any tips? I've started the presentation but it's not coming together well. I'm also really rusty on everything as I haven't worked in 11 months, plus there are 2 areas that I don't have much experience of. Is it worth going?

I feel I've got so little confidence. I've no time - I can get a few hours in each day but it doesn't feel enough. My little ones are both poorly - the baby has been awake half the night (hence being awake now!) and I feel like I've got to choose between working in the morning and having an hour or two nap (as husband is off work). This job is so much better hours than the one I'll go back to next month and will be nearer my mum for help with childcare but I feel like I'm setting myself up to fail. :(

Absolutely you can do it, not a waste of time at all! You have been a working professional for a lot longer than you have been a Mum. They would not have invited you for interview unless they thought you were capable of performing the role. No doubt you're just feeling a bit rusty as you say. Concentrate on your strengths. I doubt many candidates can tick all the boxes of requirements. Do you have someone you can do a run through in front of - DH, your Mum or a friend?

Thank you both for your replies. The presentation is coming together but I still feel as though I'm running out of time (plus my 10 month old has decided he doesn't like sleeping this week, either in the evening when I'm trying to work, or all night!).

I suppose what I'm really scared of is making an idiot out of myself. I had an interview on my last maternity leave (mid-8 month sleep regression) and I messed it up so badly- I was mortified! One of the panel this time was on that panel, so that's added extra nerves.

Hopefully it will be ok .... :)

Awww very best of luck. I really hope you get it. As someone in the same boat, it's amazing how quickly your confidence goes when on mat leave and you feel you can't do it. I am sure you will do well though, and certainly not embarrass yourself!x

I am always scared of making an idiot of myself in interviews but in reality I don't. I also recruit lots of people and I've never had anyone who has been catastrophic.
Be positive and do you best. That's all you can do