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interview tomorrow for the first time in 10 years- help me get my head in gear- i am weeing myself

22 replies

cremolafoam · 25/09/2007 11:42

deep breaths

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USAUKMum · 25/09/2007 12:10

be calm, cool, collected, and show them how fabulous you are !

Gather your thoughts. Think about what you know about the job, company, etc. Continue to take deep breaths!

I am also off to an interview on Monday, but it is with someone who I used to have as a client. So am a bit calmer about it.

binkleandflip · 25/09/2007 12:12

play the part of someone who has already got the job. The interview is just a formality that you have to play along with so with that in mind dont be nervous, dont worry about admitting when you dont know something, treat them like esteemed work collegues not interviewers.

cremolafoam · 25/09/2007 12:17

oh good advice you two. dh says i should keep up the mantra:
'you'd be lucky to get me'

its more nerves about actually going back to work if i am honest. being back in the world so to speak.

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USAUKMum · 25/09/2007 13:44

the thought is nervewracking isn't it. But on the other hand, you've probably worked harder these last few years than you will at work .

phdlife · 25/09/2007 13:47

practice. google a list of interview questions and think about what you'd say in response.

and your dh is right - they are lucky to get you.

Tortington · 25/09/2007 13:48

at least your not shitting yersel'

good luck.

flowerybeanbag · 25/09/2007 14:45

Well try not to wee yourself for a start..not in the interview room anyway...

Do you have a job description? If so you should be able to work out a lot of the questions. Have a look at the person spec, where it says what skills/abilities/experience etc the person needs.
You can almost guarantee there will be at least one question related to each of the things listed. Those things are listed because the successful candidate must have them, so the purpose of the questions really is to give the candidate a chance to demonstrate that. Other questions may pop up as well obviously, but it gives you a good framework to start with.

So look at all the things you need to have from the list on the person spec, and think of an example of when in the past you have used x skill or demonstrated x ability. Including background, why the situation was successful, what you learnt from it, whether you would do anything differently etc.

If you've got those examples ready in your head to cover all the things on the person spec, you ought to be able to handle most questions. Talking about a past example rather than a hypothetical 'I would do x, y z' is more convincing and reassuring for an employer and is easier for you as well, you will feel more confident talking about stuff that's happened than you would trying to imagine what you would do in x circumstance.

Even if the questions asked are hypothetical 'what would you do' ones, make sure you answer with examples anyway. Also if you have some examples worked up in your head you will feel more confident as you won't go in completely blank about what you are going to say for the next hour.

Other than that, hold head high, relax your shoulders and neck and keep relaxing them - that's where you find yourself automatically tensing up. Just every so often make yourself aware of your shoulders and neck and consciously relax them - it makes a lot of difference.

Good luck!

cremolafoam · 25/09/2007 16:32

thanks fbb. I am just looking at the job spec now and doing what you have suggested.You are right that it is better to have answers at the ready. i am so used to winging it. (Certainly in the childcare department)
Lifting shoulders
letting them go
lifting shoulders
letting them go
and breaaaaaaathe......

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flowerybeanbag · 25/09/2007 18:29

best of luck for tomorrow, let us know how you get on!

USAUKMum · 25/09/2007 19:50

Goo Luck !!!! and keep breathing !

chocolatekimmy · 25/09/2007 20:59

Please, please prepare some sensible questions to ask them at the end (and during). Write them down, refer to them if you need to.

So many candidates have let me down when I have asked them if they have any questions and they either don't or ask a real divvy question. It can make the difference between being selected or not.

USAUKMum · 26/09/2007 19:48

How did it go?

cremolafoam · 27/09/2007 10:42

oh dear
NOT WELL

I was fine until I parked the car and then nerves overtook me.Managed to throw up in the car park.By the time they called me in I was physically shaking all over.They kept asking me if i was all right.The whole time i could hear my voice answering the questions like it was another person while my brain was saying your fine youe fine just hold it together til the end. I did more or less.I had prepared answers but honestly i think i sounded like i had learnt lines and not actually thought about the answers.
It was all over before i could pull myself together.Not good at all as it is a customer service job.
Also the interviewers all seemed SO bored and jaded.The girl who brought me in said they were interviweing 51 people for the jobs( there are 8 jobs)The woman who is the would be boss was 20 years younger than me and i really felt like she discounted me from the start.
Am shaking now thinking about it.

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USAUKMum · 27/09/2007 14:15

It did take alot of guts to go out and do it though, so you should be proud you made it through. It must of been so difficult with the circumstances you described. It is horrible when the interviewers don't respond or look bored !!

Now you've done the first, maybe you'll be calmer the next time around? We have the Idiot's Guide to interviewing Interviewing

That has some good tips.

flowerybeanbag · 27/09/2007 14:17

Oh cremo what a shame!
Still, even if you are not successful, try and treat any interview as a learning experience, you are getting interview practice and also learning about the jobs you are going for, what you can expect, what companies are right for you etc.

If this doesn't work out something else will be along soon.

fireflyfairy2 · 27/09/2007 15:32

Cremola! I have been wondering & wondering where you were! How does dd like the new school?

cremolafoam · 27/09/2007 17:07

hi ff2
yes back to porridge. DD is loving new school.Little Miss Independant!Flip me she was ready for the challenge of 10 subjects or whatever it is. having a ball actually, which leaves me looking for a job as you can see.
I did rather f£$% it up yesterday.
How are things with you? Did you have busy summer?Are you back at college this year?

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fireflyfairy2 · 28/09/2007 20:36

Yes, summer was grand. We went to France for a week, lovely lovely place

Back at uni just last week! It's going to be a toughie this year! So after a week or two it'll be back to butts & no more MN'ing for me for a wee while

Glad B is settling well at school

You never know, you may have done better than you think at the interview!

Dh is self employed but fed up with it & has a job interview next week... he's dreading it too!

cremolafoam · 08/10/2007 17:11

FUCK ME they gave me a job.

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USAUKMum · 08/10/2007 17:52

Yeah!!! GOOD LUCK!

ScummyMummy · 08/10/2007 18:02

Great! Well done, Ms Foam.

flowerybeanbag · 08/10/2007 18:53

Excellent news, congratulations!

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