Interview Nerves - To Withdraw or not? 🙈

[mumboss1984]

Hello, I have an interview next Friday for my first role after becoming a stay at home mom in 2016. I have done some self employed work in between then and now but that’s it.

The letter arrived in the post this morning and they want me to do a 10 minute presentation which fills me with dread as my confidence is rock bottom after being out of the working world for so long.

I can’t decide whether to withdraw or not!

Any thoughts or advice much appreciated, thank you.

Are you interested in the job and do you think it's within your capabilities (aside from the challenge of re-entering the market and re-building your confidence?). Is there an economic imperative for you to return to work and would it be beneficial to your family finances if you were contributing?

Of the answer is yes to these questions then you need to proceed with the application - not just because of this job but because you need to have the practice and experience of applying for jobs again.

The thing that re-builds confidence is research and hard work preparing and seeing yourself as a plausible candidate. So firstly do loads of research for the presentation, draft and re-draft. Think about times in the past when you've done it successfully on projects and reports - can you review ones you've done before for inspiration? Next look at the competencies in the role description and think of all the possible questions they might ask you to test if you meet those criteria. Write out your answers. Write out the examples you will use to illustrate each - briefly and succinctly. A useful format for examples is SOAR: Situation - Obstacle- Action - Result.

Practice your presentation - maybe even record it on zoom or teams so you can review how it comes across and how to do it to time.

Finally think of times in your career/work when you were in flow and at your best. Imagine yourself in those situations - how you felt and what you did, how you communicated. Try to imagine that when you do the interview. And remember whether you're successful or not it's great experience to learn from. Do it for yourself and focus on what you bring to the party in terms of skills and attitude.

The above is great advice. In general I think it’s far more common to regret not doing something than doing it. There is obviously a reason why you applied and you are clearly good enough to interview.

Completely sympathise on the presentation nerves but prepare and practice and you’ll get through.

Ultimately the worst that can happen is that you do a rubbish interview and if that happens so what? You’ve been out of the loop for a while and you’ll get better at it. You’ll still have been brave enough to try and next time it will be easier. On the other hand you might do far better than you think you will (I would bet on this being the case!)

Recently did and interview with a presentation at the start and it was a good way to help me settle into it and take control of my nerves.

Thank you all 😊