Any fabulous interview tips?

[MrsMattie]

Got interview on Tuesday morning

At the moment, I am going through my application and the job description and trying to second guess what they might ask me and make notes on what I'd say.

I'm also trying to make a list of some killer examples from my previous employment that I can talk about no matter what they ask me.

I am feeling shit scared.

What else should I be doing / should I do on the day.

I have yet to sort clithes, by the way

focus on examples from previous employment where you 'turned things around'.

they gobble that shit up.

lol!

Yep, definitely doing that. It's an event organising role, essentially, so they're going to want to know how good I am at contingency planning and how I deal with the shit when it hits the fan...

I can do this job standing on my head, but SAHM-dom has knocked my confidence...

and don't wear clothes that look crap sitting down. i have lots of stuff that looks great when standing or striding forth into the room confidently only to ride up my arse upon sitting down.

Well done - and good luck!

I've not had an interview for years but was told this tip:
Take a breath before replying to anything. According to a friend of mine who's a business psychologist, too many people reply right away instead of taking a few moments to think through their response and she feel interviewers don't mind you taking stock before answering as it show you're confident enough to think things through and not rush in (she also says that men in business notice women who wear lipstick and tend to see if as assertive so if you think you could do it, and have a male interviewer, maybe this is an idea?). I know it seems a very sexist thing, but apparently men view women who wear makeup in the business world as women who are assertive and capable
Good firm handshake (none of those limp lettuce affairs)

Handbag - hankies/tissues, mints, spare holdups, pen and directions to venue if you're not familiar with it

Oh, and don't kiss the panel!
Good luck!

Thank you, both!
lol@'don't kiss the panel'

Will take note of the lipstick thing!

I also read somewhere that wearing your hair down if it's long is a complete no-no, so am working on stylish but not too school ma'am-ish 'up do's' this weekend

I've been wearing my hair down. Maybe that's where I've been going wrong...

I would second wearing makeup (and practice it a bit if you don't usually wear it) as it does look more professional. Make sure your perfume isn't too overpowering as well.

Good luck!

hadshake is very important )) also come well before your interview

Be warm

Best advice I was ever given was to try to relax and enjoy the interview. They said think of it as them getting to know you and you getting to know them.

Oh and I'm not a believer of the rule that long hair has to be tied back/up as long as it is tidy, isn't distracting and doesn't hide your face.

And if they say "where do you see youselves in 10 yrs time?", resist the urge to say "where you're sitting"...it sound so naff!!!

I've been trying the lipstick thing in the playground actually, at school pickup times,just subtle lipstick, nothing porn-y or brash and just as a matter of research you understand.....and have made a number of new friends from the fathers that lurk!

Good luck!!

ha ha!@Frank.

men are so shallow! Either that or they are very good at realising the inner strength and business acumen that I possess...
What have you decided to wear for this interview, then MrsMattie?

Oh God, I don't know

My friends (one a senior recruitment bod, other a top bod at KPMG) both reckon not a full on suit, as it's not an office-ey role.

'Smart but feminine and a bit funky' says one.

'Smart but not intimidatingly so. Not suited and booted' says other.

I usually wear jeans and Uggs or 'day' dresses and flip flops, FFS. I am lost!

It's a toss up between smart trousers with shirt/blouse sort of thing and heels, or a 'work' dress with shirt/blouse underneath, thick black tights if it's not blazing hot / nude tights if it is and not too tarty shoes.

This is what I already have. Could possible shop for something new on Sunday at local shopping centre.

Argh!

I don't know, I've interviewed lots of people and I always like it when they come suited and booted - shows that they cared enough to make an effort.

Having said that if it's hot then trousers/blouse or dress are good options, as long as they're obviously smart ones and not too sexy (ie bare too much flesh iyswim).

Do you know if you're being interviewed by a man or a woman or a panel?

Two guys - the would-be-line manager and big, big boss. There'll probably be a recruitment/HR woman present, too, to play ' good cop'.

I think I've decided on some long, wide legged black trousers with very sharp, cinched-in-waist, short sleeved black blouse/shirt (feel safe in black!), but brightened up with caramel-ish coloured heels and silk scarf, plus my 'lucky' bracelet, which adds a bit of interest but isn't too jangly and annoying. That's the plan, anyway. Basically, I've cobbled together what I've got because I cannot bear the idea of clothes shopping on a sunny bank holiday Sunday!

Phew...so stressful!

Update:

I got the job!!!!!!!! teeee heeeee

Currently in tears, though, as got period, knackered and husband being an arse. Boo hoo.

Anyone around to chat?

I am around! well done!
Did you use any tips btw? congrats to you MrsM!

oh and here's a tissue to dry your eyes and a boot to boot your dh

Thank you ladies.

Used every single top on this thread, practially

DH is knackered himself from a recent period of intense work, so fell asleep on sofa while my best friend and mum had a celebration dinner and bubbly with me. It's not his fault, but I can't help feeling let down No toast to em4, nop real 'bigging me up'. I went for a high profile job less than 6 mths after having my second child (my second c-section) and got it...I just hoped for a bit more fanfare, I guess.

tip, not top!

That was meant to say 'no toast to me, no real bigging me up'...God, I can't even type...

TARANTARAAAAAA!

I brought a new outfit,when you look good you feel good! I was also absolutely myself,left the rest up to the Gods and got the job! Nerves can be a really good thing,just use them positively!

Sorry just saw you have the job,congatulations!!!

I've stolen all these tips.

I have a new outfit (didn't work for last inyerview but not to focus on that), which I do feel confident in and will also work on up do's for hair.
A tip I had from elsewhere if I can't think of any questions to ask at the end was to ask them to describe a typical day in the job. Is this OK, or is there anything else I could ask?

(Also congratulations Mrs Mattie )