Interview advice please

Cutterby

Hi all, sorry for starting a new thread - I just didn't wanna take over someone else's thread..


I'm 24, not worked since having DD five years ago (long story), been looking for work but it's awkward to find something that fits around childcare, as OH works differing hours every day so can't always be back to take DD to school, or pick her up some days. Aaaanyway, there's a "lunchtime supervisor" (dinnerlady to you and me! ) job come up at my DD's school which would be perfect - right hours, five minute walk away, I talk to and get on with one of the ladies there already - so I applied - got a call about 20 minutes ago, asking me to go for an interview - well I'm thrilled!! I'm trying to stay calm, I know it definitely doesn't mean I'm anywhere near to getting the job, there's probably dozens of people applied for it, but an interview is still good isn't it?


Few questions anyhow..

Do they check references before the interview? As I put my high school and my last employer before my 'career break' - who wouldn't have given me the best reference as we had a disagreement about my pregnancy - they wouldn't give me time off for hospital appointments and told me if I ever phoned in sick that I might as well not bother going back in - I was really sick one day, rang them to tell them and they reminded me what they'd said so I just didn't go back. Very bad of me I know, but I was 18/19 at the time and I definitely wouldn't do that now! Thing is, I was very good at my job, never late or off sick, so I'm hoping they'd mention my reliability or just say nothing. If they did say nothing is that majorly off-putting to prospective employers?


What do I wear for an interview? I know it's a stupid question but I don't remember having interviews for my previous jobs, kinda just walked straight into them. Could I go in black smart/casual pants and a black smart-ish top? I have no 'smart' shoes so it'd either have to be blue or green trainers or pink(!) Crocs or black Croc style Mary Janes - these probably sound the best but aren't the most comfortable - but I could put up with them if they help in any way!

I'm absolutely terrified, nervous, scared - I have really low self esteem and hate talking about myself, especially to someone 'new' but am fine once I feel 'safe' with them, which is how I can talk to the school secretary and the dinnerlady now - but am dreading sitting down in front of the headmaster and having to speak to him - it'll be like being back at school!


I thought employers picked the best of the bunch from the applications, and then interviewed them - but do they interview everyone who applies? I'm beyond chuffed that I've got an interview!!


Thanks in advance for any replies and sorry for going on so much - OH's asleep cos he's on nights so can't pester him and I'm bursting to tell someone!

KT1985

That is very exciting

Youy have done brilliantly already to get an interview- school jobs at the min are so scarce!

Dress as smartly as you can- thats all you can do.

Don't think of it being like you are back at school, that really won't help. Between now and then you need to work on your self esteem. They don't tend to interview everyone that applies, especially for a post like that, they will have picked the most suitable candidates.

Don't worry too much about your references, they are basically checking that there is nother really really dodgy about you, or that you were sacked for child protection reasons.

I am excited for you- I had an interview for a school today, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Nile

Good luck for your interview Cutterby.

Are you sure you don't possess any shoes or boots? They don't have to be brand new, just make sure that they're polished/cleaned.

I think that wearing trainers or crocs would be too casual for an interview.;)

Can you afford to buy a cheap pair of shoes from somewhere like Matalan or Primark? If not, could you borrow a pair of shoes from a relative or friend, just for the interview?

Black trousers and a blouse should be fine. Don't wear lots of jewellery or perfume, less is more.

Fingers crossed for you too.............KT1985

Let us know how you get on.

Regards

Nile

Cutterby

KT1985 wrote: »

That is very exciting

Youy have done brilliantly already to get an interview- school jobs at the min are so scarce!

Dress as smartly as you can- thats all you can do.

Don't think of it being like you are back at school, that really won't help. Between now and then you need to work on your self esteem. They don't tend to interview everyone that applies, especially for a post like that, they will have picked the most suitable candidates.

Don't worry too much about your references, they are basically checking that there is nother really really dodgy about you, or that you were sacked for child protection reasons.

I am excited for you- I had an interview for a school today, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thank you so much!!! Think I needed that reassurance.. And good luck for you too, hope you get your good news! x

Cutterby

Nile wrote: »

Good luck for your interview Cutterby.

Are you sure you don't possess any shoes or boots? They don't have to be brand new, just make sure that they're polished/cleaned.

I think that wearing trainers or crocs would be too casual for an interview.;)

Can you afford to buy a cheap pair of shoes from somewhere like Matalan or Primark? If not, could you borrow a pair of shoes from a relative or friend, just for the interview?

Black trousers and a blouse should be fine. Don't wear lots of jewellery or perfume, less is more.

Fingers crossed for you too.............KT1985

Let us know how you get on.

Regards

Nile

Thank you! I definitely don't have any shoes - do have some knee high boots somewhere.. Don't think they'd be right either although spose they'd be hidden under my pants.. I could nip into town on Thursday and see if I can get a cheap pair of nice shoes - it'll be worth the outlay in the end I'm sure Borrowing's definitely out, the only relatives we speak to seem to be all male :rolleyes:


I don't have a blouse so will have to have a look for one on Thursday, and as for jewellery - I wear two tiny nose studs, a tiny bar in each tragus and a thumb ring - lose them all? Thanks for mentioning jewellery, I'd not have thought of it until afterwards

Nile

Well I don't know the current standards required for working in a kitchen/restaurant environment..............and I hope someone will post with advice soon..........but I believe that wearing jewellery is not allowed in food preparation areas.;)

I think it's something to do with bugs being trapped between the skin and the rings/studs etc. So, it's best to remove all jewellery for your interview.