Interview in 2 hours. Want to cancel.

[Mrsfrumble]

Please talk me down!

I've been out of work for 5 years. This is my first interview since I started applying for stuff when youngest started school last September. I was gobsmacked to be invited; having been under the impression that such a break would render me fairly unemployable. I do (or did!) have relevant skills and experience for the job, but I'm so rusty, if I'm honest it will take time and assistance for me to get back up to speed.

There's going to be a 15 minute "test" before the interview. No indication of what it's about, only that candidates don't need to prepare. I've convinced myself it's going to be technical stuff that I won't remember how to do. I want to call and cancel so I don't waste their time and mine.

Any tips for salvaging some dignity if this turns out to be the case? How honest should I be about my rusty skills? Obviously I was upfront about the career break on my application (I have been volunteering in that time, but in a totally different area).

Well done!

Sounds like you did fine and didn't disgrace yourself. Well done!

I also managed not to scratch my head for the duration of the interview; impressive thanks to the delightful case of headlice gifted to me by DD. Ahhh, the indignities of parenthood! I never thought I'd attend a job interview with nits (Note: Boots own brand treatment is rubbish. I'll be going back for the strong stuff tomorrow).

Now the relief of having it over with is subsiding, I'm starting to cringe a little at some of the things I said. I think my problem is that I have so little basis for judgment, and am naturally a bit pessimistic.

I'm truly grateful for all the lovely support.

Wishful I have my fingers crossed for you.

Thank you op but I found out late yesterday afternoon that I didn’t get it but got such lovely encouraging feedback lost out to someone with many years more experience than me so can’t argue with that.
Think you did very well not to itch then op! That must take some good control.
Fingers crossed for good news for you 🤞

Delurking here OP. I had two interviews week and I'm exhausted. I got a rejected from the first but had lovely feedback and I'm waiting to hear about the second one. Desperate to just know one way or another but will have to wait. Just hoping it swings my way...it's right for me in so many ways....

Just wanted to join to show support, many of us in the same boat!

Good luck to you Holy well done on getting 2 interviews 👍🤞

Well I didn't get the job. Just a very standard email to say that I was unsuccessful on thIs occasion but thank you for my time.

Sigh. Back to searching, I guess. Thanks for all the support and good luck for those still waiting to hear news.

Ah, bad luck! At least you got the practice and overcame the first hurdle! Any chance you could get them to send you some feedback?

Hi OP, sorry to hear this news, such a bummer but don't let it get you down for long. Definitely ask for feedback from the panel as often I've found it constructive and I've improved each time.

I tell myself that you never know who you're up against so here's no point comparing - lots of the roles I've gone for have ended up with internal candidates and there's nothing you could have done differently.

It just wasn't meant to be, the right job is waiting for you, it's just timing. Onwards! But take a break from it if you need to - the whole process is mentally exhausting!

(I will try to tell myself the same if I get a rejection tomorrow )

Thanks kenandbarbie. I guess I could respond to the email asking for feedback.
I'm pretty sure they will just say I don't have enough up-to-date experience in a particular area, which is how it seemed during the interview.

Also, despite spending all bloody morning combing through my and DD's Vamousse-coated, we're both still itching.

*Vamousse-coated hair, that is.

Very good sign to get an interview- and they may have already had someone lined up.

Good luck with the job hunt and congrats on not bottling it!