Oh lord I got an interview!

[lisavanderpumpscloset]

So I saw this vacancy yesterday, applied for it before I could change my mind.

I've just received an interview invite and I'm freaking out.

I already work in the organisation so I feel like they have to interview me.

The role I've applied for is a big change to what I'm doing now, but similar to previous roles from years ago.

I really feel like I'm punching way above my weight here.

Anyway...

The invite has asked that I prepare a 5 minute life story, as an icebreaker, to present at the start of the interview.

I have NO IDEA what the hell I'm going to talk about for A WHOLE 5 MINUTES!!!!!

Can someone help?!

What sort of role is it - who’s your audience?

What's your favourite memory? Best holiday you've ever been on, best family day out you've ever had? You need to think of something that you're passionate about - something that still makes your heart happy.

The role is recruitment, the panel is recruitment team lead and manager.

@girlmom21 these are fab ideas, I just don't think I could talk about them for 5 minutes 🙈

Just tell them your life story. Where you were born, what your childhood was like (favourite childhood memory), favourite family holiday growing up and then move on to secondary school, college etc and end with .. and that brings me to today, here with you.
Keep it pleasant and not too personal. They dont need to know you snogged Dave the Hippie behind the bike shed when you were 14.

How did you know that?!

Thank you, that helps

Congratulations on the interview!

When you do your life story, try to add one thing that's unusual / specific to you. It will keep you in mind and gives the interviewers a hook to ask questions around.

EG - I went to x uni to study x, which is when I also first started doing 'interesting thing'.

You don't need to go into it in great detail, just give them a little taster.

Good luck!

I reckon if you do it Fresh Prince Rap style you'll get bonus points

They will be looking at how you speak more than what you say. Can you keep them interested, 'sell' them into wanting to know more, vary how you talk (something funny then something serious etc). Be passionate, believe in what you're saying.

Good luck 😃

Thanks everyone, this is going to take some serious brainpower, I'm so nervous 🫣

I didn't get it ☹️

Oh well, it's good practice for the next one.

Did they give feedback?

Oh I'm sorry. That sucks. Did you ask for feedback?

Good experience for the next one though.

Oh I'm sorry. How do you think it went on the day. What did you talk about? I would have literally no idea what to say. My best memories of life were spent raving. Not sure that's an appropriate topic for a job interview. Really can't think of anything else to talk about my horrific birth experience, my childhood bullying, my son's challenges at school and his ND, my mental health issues, my chronic health problems, maybe my marriage challenges? Oooo choices choices.

This was pretty much me. I had no idea what to talk about.

I wrote a 5 min piece on my life. Early years, returning to work after extended mat leave, why I wanted this job and why id do it well.

They loved the presentation bit.

I let myself down on the interview answers. I suck at them.

Oh well