Job interview tomorrow and I'm stressing!!

[ohfacksake]

So, I have my first job interview since 2018 tomorrow, and I'm just all in a tizz about it.

It's for a job within the Civil Service and I really want it. But my anxiety is getting the better of me and telling me it's not going to happen. I scored really high in the application part, but now I have to actually speak to someone and it's terrifying me. I'm convinced I'm going to balls it up and look a bit of a twat!!

Please, can anyone just give me any advice or kind words? I'd really appreciate it, thank you!!

Take a deep breathe. The interviewers have generally been where you are. They want good people for the roles.

Have a look at STAR interview techniques.

If it's for a specific role, have a look at the job specification and for each criteria work out in your head a STAR style answer as to how you can show your experience/ability in for that criteria.

Additional questions - why do you want to work there? What can you bring to that role/organisation. Why did you leave your last role? How did you deal with a difficult manager/colleague?

If you use your hands when nervous (like me) make sure you casually put your hands together in your lap and hold them together to avoid looking too animated.

And then, think about what is the absolute worst that can happen? You don't get the job. You don't have it now so you are no worse off. So nothing bad can happen here. Hopefully that will help you stay calm!!

Good luck!!!!

Thank you, this is super helpful.

It's for an AO position. I already work in administration so know my stuff, but I'm just worried I'm going to crumble into a nervous mess and not get my answers out how I intend.

You've given me some more things to think about though, so thank you! 😊

Relax. Take a deep breath before you answer each question. It’s important to make the example you use answer the question. You can use an example more than once. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

good luck

Interviewers know that people are nervous and quite often the first question will be one to settle people down. Ie why do you want the job. They want you to do well as recruiting is a faff.

enthusiasm for the role does show through at interviews. Well done on your good application.

Good advice above. Also, know that many employers don't enjoy holding interviews any more than candidates enjoy them and some will find it very nerve wracking..i do!

Good luck!

Good luck!

Good luck today. Try telling yourself ‘I’m so excited for this interview’ rather than nervous. It can help reframe it in your mind a bit. Let us know how you get on.

Thank you so much everyone. Some very good advice, especially the "I'm excited for this interview". I'm going to keep telling myself that today, thank you.

I keep reading about the department I'm applying for but none of it is sticking in my head and it's really annoying me! I'm just going to keep reading bits throughout the day and what happens, happens.

I will let you all know how I get on! Thank you!! 😊

Morning everyone!

So I think the interview went well! The interviewers were really nice (turned out I knew one of their nephews!). I was super nervous but they helped put me at ease. I feel my behaviour answers were quite strong but not so much my strength ones. There was a lot of nodding and smiles so it seemed like I was saying the right things. I find out if I've got it the week leading up to Christmas so I will keep you posted!! 😊 xx

Aw fingers crossed you get the position. I'm glad the interview went well for you :)

Thanks for the update OP! Fingers crossed you get the position!!!

Hey everyone, I promised you an update so here it is...

I GOT THE JOB! I am so happy. Thank you all for your advice and encouraging words. Goodbye to dead-end job and hello career! 🥳🥳 xx

🎉 brilliant news. Now you can go and enjoy Christmas and look forward to a new year and a new job!

Yay, congratulations! A great Christmas present!

Congratulations OP amazing news