First interview in 10 years, help needed!

[1wokeuplikethis]

Ive got an interview on Monday for a job I really want after spending 3 years out of the loop raising my young family.

I haven’t had an interview for almost ten years and I’m sickeningly nervous. There is an assessment first and if that goes well, they will interview me.

It is a job I have experience of, and the application form was competency based questions (9 questions, each needing a 300 word answer).

I’m not allowed to take notes in with me.

So, I am practicing the assessment part each day and I have made notes on the questions in my app form and the answers I gave. I just need to try and memorise them, which is what’s making me nervous because my memory is terrible.

Then I suppose I ought to prepare for questions like what are my strengths/faults? What would I bring to the role? Why do I want to do this job?

I should research the company and plan some of my own questions, but it’s not very easy to find much out about them.

Any more useful tips?

I think I mainly need help with controlling my nerves. I am very good writing things down but face to face I struggle to remember things and find the right words on the spot.

I’m terrified!

Sounds like you've done great prep! Some bits I've picked up (and been taught on interview training)...

When you've given an answer - it can be useful to clarify that you have answered their question it can be easy to go off on a tangent under stress. Just ask : have I answered your question or is there anything you'd like me to elaborate on?

Depends on the job but try to give tangible examples where possible - data driven.

I always try to make sure whenever I give an answer I'm showcasing a different example or skill.

Questions - I typically ask about the future of the company, ambitions for them and for the role. If the interviewer will be the line manager I ask them what the most challenging part of their role is and how this role will support that.

If you have the confidence it can be good to ask at the end if there's anything they are looking for in the role that you haven't discussed.

Good luck!!!! 🙌🙌🙌

Thank you! That’s really useful, especially the question at the end.

Making sure I answer the question is a good point as I definitely tend to waffle, perhaps if it’s “how do you work under pressure” make a mental note of finishing what I’m saying with “that’s how I manage under pressure” or something?

And I’ll definitely make a mental note of 3 or 4 really good examples of what I’ve done that could answer a couple of different questions and just have that at the forefront to ensure I slot them all in in my answers.

I think it’s definitely more my nerves that are worrying me. I’ve got sweaty pits just thinking about it.

Have a quick google of the STAR technique (situation, task, action, result & reflect)
This is a good way to answer competency questions and give you a structure to your answer so you are clear and don't ramble or go off at a tangent. Good luck!

Oh I'm a nervous sweater too. I always go to the bathroom just before I'm going to go in to be interviewed. Wash my hands and add a little dry shampoo - it stops me worrying about sweaty hands.

I agree, you've done some terrific work here already :) I work with people in exactly the same position as you and it's completely normal and natural to feel this way. The advice above is great.

One of the Top Tips when you're waiting to be interviewed is the STOP method. You can do this either in the car when you arrive or in the loo. (You can also do this silently with your eyes closed if you're on a train and no-one will notice :).

S = Stop. Stop what you are doing: Press the pause button on your thoughts and actions
T = Take. Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself and bring yourself fully into the present moment. Say to yourself - I can do this, I'll handle this, I'm thankful for this experience whatever the outcome etc (you can make up some)
O = Observe. Just observe what is going on around you. Don't judge - watch it go past
P = Proceed... give yourself a pat on the back and go get em! Remember, you're interviewing them just as much as they're interviewing you. If you can frame it as a positive step forward, then you start to lift your pressure.

Hope this helps, good luck, you'll be great! :) Helen
bouncingbacktoworkcoaching.com

Great advice Helen, thank you 😊

I agree with Bouncing’s last point - remember it’s as much about you interviewing them. What do you want to know about the company, how they work etc. You need to be sure they’re a good fit for you too! Once I started thinking this, I became much more relaxed at interviews.

My pleasure - we've all been there! :)

I really recommend any books by John Lee's, really helped me when I was looking.

Hi, I have a job interview for a part time post as a sixth form study supervisor. I'm at a complete loss as to what they will ask, any help much appreciated. Thanks