Anxious about interview tomorrow

[poppetandmog]

I have worked for the same firm for 8 years but there's been a change in leadership lately and a restructure and I'm just not enjoying it anymore, so applying for other jobs.

I have an interview tomorrow for a job that would be perfect but I'm so nervous and worried about it as it's been such a long time since I've had to have an interview. I suffer from major imposter syndrome and am just so worried they will ask me something I don't know the answer to and look stupid.

Any tips would be much appreciated. For reference, I work in tax (big 4) and this job is similar but for a law firm. Thanks.

You don't loose points for going back to a question if you need more time to think.
Take your time, keep your answers to the point, don't ramble on or go off topic.

Good luck!

I’m in the same situation as you but moving within law. What prep have you done? I’ve got pages of bubbles with a specific question then bullet answers and examples around it.

Have the standard questions covered eg strengths and weaknesses, why you leaving, give example of when something gone wrong and how you dealt with it etc.

do your research on them and have some genuine questions lined up.

it’s scary but never as scary as you think it’s going to be. And if it is well, you need never see them again!

Good luck

Have one question to ask at the end

It’s hard, I have just got a new job after a number of interviews. A promotion so super happy. It had been 15yrs since the last interview! I had one interview I didn’t get it, feedback wasn’t awful but wasn’t amazing either. Just do your best, get together a few good questions for the end. Just remember they want to know about you, and you know you better than anyone. All the best

If they ask a very specific technical question you can’t answer, and it is something you should reasonably need to know for the job (relates to the job description) then just say something generic like, “i don’t have any recent expertise in that particular area, but if I encountered this problem at work I would solve it by …” (then talk about the resources you can use to research technical standards, and reference any related experience or examples).

most interviewers won’t ask deeply technical questions unless they are very relevant to the role. The aim usually is to check you are broadly competent, so ask questions you should be able to answer. BUT it may be a tough question is thrown out there to see what you would do in an area which is brand new to you, or where there is some technical ambiguity.

if you have progressed your career for 8 years in a big 4 company there is an assumed level of competence, and they will be looking as much to see if you are the right person fit as anything else. So try to be confident, act your natural self.

and remember the interview is for you too - it’s not all about whether they like you. You need to calm down enough to decide, do you like the person interviewing you? What does their approach tell you about what the company may be like to work for?

if you can’t think of questions to ask them, ask about company culture, what % of women reach middle or senior management. and how they will support your CPD.

I don't know if you've already had your interview yet but I've been there before where I've stayed at a company for a long time and then ventured away.

That first interview is always scary but think of it like dating - it's a 2 way process. They will be trying to impress you, just as much as you are trying to impress them.

Make sure you research the company/role. Have questions to ask them. And don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or rephrase a question if you don't understand it.

Good luck, I hope you get the job. And if you don't, it will have been great practice for your next interview.

Good luck, remember they are the ones who have called you for the interview. You have something they want be it skills or experience. They also want someone who will fit in their organisation, someone open, honest, compatible. They don’t want someone to rock the boat, they are looking for a missing piece in the puzzle. Smile, if you are nervous then say so, and why, a good interviewer will want you to show the best of you, so will put you at ease, they don’t want to miss out on the perfect candidate who is initially a bit unsettled just because of a few interview nerves.

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for your advice. Especially the person who told me to ask about CPD opportunities as I did and we had a long chat about that.

Don't want to jinx it but It's looking like I'm going to be offered the job - the recruiter called me about an hour after the interview to say the feedback was positive and if they were to offer, what would I be looking for. So will hopefully hear soon!

That is great @poppetandmog
I have started feeling a bit like this too although haven’t been called for interview yet, but I’ve just got too comfortable at work, been doing the same things and now I’m looking for more but slightly anxious too.

Just a quick update to say I got the job! Handed in my notice today and feel a massive sense of relief. Thanks for the advice everyone.