How honest should I be in the interview??

[bloodycold20]

Hi All.

I have an important interview on Friday for a company I’m very familiar with and who has been a client of mine for a few years. I’m in a desperate situation and unfortunately have to leave my job ASAP. I won’t go in to it but it’s not my fault and I’ve been their top performing employee for many years.

The job I’m interviewing for requires the skills I have for a certain geography- this is fine, I can definitely do this and think I could be an asset. However in the initial interview with HR they told me that the job will predominantly focus on a different geography. I have some previous experience of the work required for that country, although I was junior when I did it and so received mentoring and supervision. I’m now a lot more senior but haven’t worked on that area for 5 years.

How honest should I be about this?? I don’t want to get in to a situation where I’m out of my depth and they were under the misconception that I was an expert in that area. The role works on their own so no opportunity to be mentored or bounce ideas off people. On the other hand I don’t want to do myself a disservice. I have some experience and understanding and I’m a very hard worker, like to over prepare, do a lot of research, know I’m doing things right.

There are not many jobs being advertised right now so this is adding to the panic!

Can anyone advise what I should say?

Just be honest. Make sure they are aware of all your proven achievements and experience, and in light of that you are confident you can soon adapt to the new role.

Be as honest as you have been on here.

My workplace will let people go during probation if they've made false statements regarding their knowledge in a subject area and their skills aren't at the level expected when starting, it's unfortunately a waste of people's time.

If you're honest then they will know you have the skills but also they'll be prepared you'll need extra training in those areas.

I don’t think you need to be “honest” as in come clean about anything, you simply answer their questions with the experience you have

ie they ask you a question about that geography, you respond with your experience from that time. They ask you one about management or skills now and you respond from this role

everyone surely has a mix of skills and experience across all roles? This is normal?

I would be honest but I also would do as much research as possible about that geography ahead of the interview so, when asked about my experience I could be honest but also talk with some authority about the similarities and differences between them.

@podcastrunner i have a solicitor involved and we’re negotiating a reference and NDA.

That's good. The company will be legally obliged to give only the reference agreed.

I wouldn't worry too much about the geography. You've had exposure to that area and will therefore have more experience than many candidates. Your subsequent work will give you the context to better interpret what is required. Do what you can to update your knowledge but don't worry too much. You sound a strong candidate.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone! I’ve spent time today researching general requirements for the geography to refresh my memory and feel a bit more confident. Thanks for all the advice!

You can spin it as well - you’ve developed the area you’re confident in a great level and are looking forward to doing the same with a new area!

being honest about your experience is surely a secondary consideration re being honest as to why you’re leaving your current job

Especially given that they’ll find out anyway

Anticipate the trickier questions they might ask and rehearse some answers.

Concentrate on

• transferable skills & knowledge from current role
• ability to learn quickly and apply new skills - based on previous experience of having to do the same
• willingness and dedication to learning about the new geography and where you'd go for that information (e.g. online data, people you know, developing new networks s via Linked in or other networks)

I'd rather hire someone with an awareness they will have some gaps and who will take care to learn and fill those gaps in, than someone who blags the interview, then just 'wings it' as they can't ask for help, then makes a mess it.

the trickiest question will be

“why are you leaving your current job?”

Thanks for all the advice. I had the interview today and it was very positive. I was very upfront about my experience and expertise and double checked what they were expecting and if my experience fit with that, which it does. I’m through to the next stage!