Advice for interviews

[dottyrobin]

I'm 34, trying to retrain in software development. Completed some bootcamps, certificates, night time learning etc.

I've started applying for jobs and I (surprisingly) have some interviews lined up. I am absolutely bricking it. I've only ever had one career and it was with a family company so I've never interviewed for anything before. The jobs are trainee / graduate positions so they're expecting me not to know a huge amount but want the passion for the job.

Any general interview advice? I have next to no confidence so I'm really struggling to think of good answers to questions about myself.

I had a baby in Feb and I feel like my brain has disappeared so any advice with that too would help

Just wanted to add the lack of confidence is to do with my personality and the job I'm applying for. Imposter syndrome has started already??

I know my current job inside out and upside down. I train new staff and manage a small team. If I was interviewing for what I do now I would feel fine!

Having just been interviewer for ‘early career’ roles this is my advice.

Have a good understanding of the role you have applied for, what it entails & why you want it. Passion for the job is important.

Have some knowledge of the company you are hoping to work for.

When asked a question think about your answer- don’t just spit out words of what you have done. Apply your past experience (from work, home etc) to what you can bring to the table.

I just want to thank you for your help, I may have sounded a bit overly passionate
I tried my hardest which is what matters so we'll just have to wait and see now. I'm just really happy I got the interview tbh as I thought my cv might have been lacking.

Best of luck - did you get it?

I did! Over the moon! Thank you