Oh My...

[MrsMattie]

Wasn't planning on going back to work for a while. I've been a SAHM since my 4 yr old was a baby, and I now have a 23 wk old, too. Have applied to study for a Masters starting in Jan 2010 (won't know if I've got on to the course until after the interviews in June, though)...

I've been feeling bored and frazzled at home recently and saw this job at the organisation I used to work for. Applied, but didn't hold out much hope at all, as the job's at a very high profile organisation, so knew there would be dozens if not hundreds of applications for it. Thought at the very least applying for it would get my brain back in gear a bit.

Well, I've got an interview next Tuesday

What am i going to wear? What am I going to say? I've been hanging at home MN-ing for several years and now I'm going to have to go and talk to big, scary boss types about why I am fabulous and qualified for this prestigious role. Arghhhh! Chuffed, but absolutely petrified.

Any kind words or general interview advice?

Deep breath.

If you can defend yourself on MN, then scary big bosses are nothing - just picture them as being Xenia (substitute fierce outspoken MNer of yours choice)

You applied because applying would get your brain in gear - so approach the interview in the same mode.

Yay, good luck! Well done for getting the interview.

This calls for a new outfit (if you last worked there 4 years ago you'll definitely be in need of some new clothes).

Oh how exciting! Good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine. Does it excuse a shopping trip, you reckon?

Thanks, ladies.

Yes, new shoes at the very least (don't think Uggs or flip flops will cut it ).

My mum is having the kids on Friday so I can have a good session of note taking, thinking and working out some answers to questions they are likely to ask. I am feeling so nervous, though....

OOh yes, definitely new shoes. Use the confidence boost you have had by getting an interview (not an easy task in the current climate) and go for it.

I agree with the earlier post about having defended yourself on MN you will be fine with scary boss types. I saw your posts on a recent breast/bottle feeding thread and was applauding you (from the sidelines -those threads terrify me!)

Good luck!

Well done in getting an interview!

Whats your secret? I'd love to know as I'm just getting knock-backs at the moment after a similar amount of time as a SAHM.

Good luck

Thank you. I can always rely on MN-ers to give me a boost

lol!@slighltycrumpled. I usually steer clear of bf/ff 'debates', but this one got my goat. I'm not always so cantankerous. OK, maybe I am...a bit

Thanks Norbert. I don't know if I have a 'secret'!
The job is a perfect fit with my previous experience. I also demonstrated in the application form exactly how I met the job spec. I literally cut and paste each criteria into a word document and then made a sentence around it, with an example of what I'd done in previous jobs that clearly showed I met that criteria.

I also know this organisation's recruitment process quite well. I was coached years back by an old boss after not getting selected for interview for a few jobs that had my name on them. She told me that at the initial selection process stage, the HR bods literally went through each application form against the selection criteria and ticked off how many of the key phrases had been used. That's how they seem to select for interview. Then at interview stage, the people who going to be your actual bosses step in and makes the decisions.

You know, this might be controversial, but I actually don't make much out of the fact that I've been a SAHm for the past 4 years. I don't include it in the 'employment' bit of application forms, and I don't mention it in personal statements, except near the very end, where I weave it into a sentence that's actually about something else. For example, in this application they wanted to know if and why part-time was suitable for me, and I said that I am hoping to study part-time for a Masters, so p/t work will allow me to concentrate on that, too, however, I am able to be flexible about which hours I work and am looking forward to returning to work after taking a short career break to look after my children.

That was the only time I alluded to being a SAHM. I kn ow some people will say 'but you learn so many transferable skills as a SAHM' etc, and I do agree, but unfortunately, I don;'t think many employers are interested, especially not if you are going for more senior posts. So I only mention it briefly to explain the gap in my CV, and I wouldn't talk about it at all at interview unless they bring it up...

excuse typos...

Hello!
How did you get on?

Sally

I got the job!

Start part-time at the end of the month, and go full time from July. So excited, although now in a complete tizz about sorting childcare....

Still, it's been the best confidence booster I've had in years

Thanks to all of you who advised me and put up with my general whingeing

Well done!!!

Good luck with the childcare search!

Sally xx

oh well done mrs mattie,
a successful interview does wonders for the self-esteem doesn't it.
now for a working wardrobe!
see you on style and beauty.