Interview tips- how do I convince them that I'm perfect for the job?!

[ScummyMummy]

Hi all. Job interview coming up on Tues and I'm getting nervous... I haven't had a formal interview for a good while. Have done the obvious- haircut and new good luck interview clothes purchased with a view to down-playing my scruffy side, etc. Any tips on what and what not to say/do and how to present myself? What do people look for when they?re interviewing? Is it true that the panel decide for or against in the first 12 seconds of the interview and, if so, how an earth does one create a good impression in such a short time?! I'm fairly keen, not to say desperate, to move on from my current job soon and being short listed for this post- which sounds great!- has given me a bit more confidence that it CAN be done. I?d really like to feel that I?d given the interview my best shot and that, even if I don?t get the job, I have something to build on for future occasions. Help!
(Btw- I work in the voluntary sector with kids and families in case anyone has insider knowledge or advice!)

Good on you girl! Well done scummymummy, good luck with everything

we KNEW you would!

Wow! That's brilliant! It's one of the joys of mumsnet - vicarious problems but also vicarious success! I'm off to grab a glass of wine in your honour!

Congratulations.

Fabarooney! (I think my cultural reference points have become confused with those of my son's). Cause for celebration on Saturday I think.

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Congratulations Scummy! Mx

Brilliant! Congratulations Scummymummy!

Great! Any insights?

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Well done!

Well done, Scummy!

Congratulations scummymummy!!!

Fantastic Scummymummy! Hope the job ends up being everything you want it to be. This thread gave some really good advice - what a great advert for the benefits of Mumsnet!

I'm just looking through all the messages of congratulation to Scummymummy and its made me all emotional. So many people are behind her and wishing her well, I think its fantastic and I could just cry. Well done again SM.

I'm completely overwhelmed! You're right PamT. It's absolutely wonderful. I'm so so touched and honoured by these lovely messages. If I wasn't trying to work out how to break the glad tidings to my current bosses when they come back from lunch I'd be weeping a little weep I think! I love you all!

Scummy mum, you give me hope. But HELP needed please - I am trying to find work right now, but am having no luck because I only want to work 3 days a week. I found part-time work last year before my baby was born, but now it seems an impossible task. I've spoken to a few agencies but no luck. Am getting depressed as the children are booked into nursery for September and that's when fees start. Does anyone know of a decent agency that could help. I work in Project management/finance/analysis. The frustrating thing is I know of 3 other women from ante-natal who are in the same position.

I also get stuck on how to present myself as capable. Once you utter the words 'mum' and 'part-time' they look at you like you've left your brain in the maternity ward! - so much for Blaire getting women back to work

Yours suffering serious baby blues
Lil

Scummy mum, you give me hope. But HELP needed please - I am trying to find work right now, but am having no luck because I only want to work 3 days a week. I found part-time work last year before my baby was born, but now it seems an impossible task. I've spoken to a few agencies but no luck. Am getting depressed as the children are booked into nursery for September and that's when fees start. Does anyone know of a decent agency that could help. I work in Project management/finance/analysis. The frustrating thing is I know of 3 other women from ante-natal who are in the same position.

I also get stuck on how to present myself as capable. Once you utter the words 'mum' and 'part-time' they look at you like you've left your brain in the maternity ward! - so much for Blaire getting women back to work

Yours suffering serious baby blues
Lil

Are the other women that you know in the same line of business? Local Authorities have to offer job share on any suitable post and this can be strengthened if you are able to find someone else to apply for the other part of the post. There might even be someone in a job somewhere who would really like to go part time but their boss won't let them because they couldn't fill the other half a post. I'm sorry but I don't know of any agencies, are you wanting specific days or just any 3?

Lil, have you ever logged onto Jobserve, the address is www.jobserve.com - it may be worth having a look
Good luck!

Yes Dizzy,thanks.I have looked at Freeserve. But the jobs that come up under 'part-time' are secretarial and the like. No good for paying nursery fees with. Maybe Local Authority is a good idea Pam. Do you know how to find those jobs?

Try opportunities.co.uk and lgjobs.co.uk Both have public sector jobs. Good luck with it. One thought - when I wanted to change careers I decided I would apply for a full time job as being the only way to get in, then negotiated my way down once I knew everyone was happy with my work. But I know they would have said no if I had asked for this at the outset.

good point Bee. Maybe this is the only option.Ally McBeal was on today, and the court case was about discriminating against working mums. I hope there's a big section on it in THE book Justiner!