re job interview

michellenealemum

hello all,
I am returning to work after a break of nearly 8 years.
I have a job interview on monday and i am now wetting myself, i have tried to keep up with things while my kids have been growing up,done some courses and some volunteer work.
I am a qualified nursery nurse and have lots of experience with special needs so thats what i am going back to.
But i was thinking the last time i interviewed was Dec 1995 so can anyone offer any advice on standard questions, what they might be looking for in fact any help really.The job is working in a toy library if that gives anyone any inspiration.Thank you in advance

Fran

Good Luck!

Don't worry about the gap, it sounds like you have plenty of relevant experience.....:beer:

Claudie

First of all well done on getting an interview! Your CV or application form can get you through the door but now you need to sell yourself :O) They are obviously interested as they called you back so show them why you are the person for the job.

I would recommend the book Great Answers to Tough Questions (you may be able to borrow it from your library). It has every possible interview question I'm sure and it then proceeds to tell you why that question is probably being asked and some suggestions as to how to answer. Have some examples in your mind of good work you have done (at work, school or volunteering) and ask your OH or a friend to ask you questions and practice your answers.

There are some good websites out there with tips - this is just one

http://www.tfpl.com/temporary_recruitment/candidates/ccv___interviews.cfm

Try to wear something comfortable and practical that fits in with the others - a subtle approach to looking like you slot rigt in :O)...make eye contact, get there early (a practice run at the same time of your interview is good), know where to park, make sure your children are sorted with friends/relatives etc so you aren't hurried to leave and most of all - enjoy it! It is just as much about you liking them and the job, as them needing you.

Good luck!

cariad

as suggested try and find a book to help you or there is loads of advice on the internet. Not sure if you will be responsible for children without the parents. Try and think what type of questions will they ask you- write it down and then practice it aloud maybe with someone else listening. Generally there is always an ice breaker question like- tell me a bit about yourself, your experiences, why should we give you the job? , what skills do you have ? what makes a good team?
Possibly they might give you scenario questions like - what would you do if..., how would you deal with a difficult parent....., child with challenging behaviour? an accident..., health & safety questions etc etc
Just relax, smile and when they ask you a question-don't rush to answer it, take a pause and try and plan your answer. If unsure ask them to repeat the question- if you don't know-say that but always say that you would be prepared to find out by checking with staff members, manager or any other form of resource.
Good luck!

bobsa1

Know a little bit about the Surestart programme and any local schemes which are going on near you.

They will probably ask you a surestart or early ed. question as this is a hot government topic.

Very best of luck

tillymint

I never knew what to say to the "Have you got any questions" interview question til someone told me to say turn the tables on the interviewers and ask them "Have I fully answered all your questions or is there anything you would like me to expand on".
Another tip I got was to use my hands when answering the interview questions (I used to sit on mine!). I don't mean wave them wildly in the air (LOL!!) but it does relax you.

Best of Luck!

janeawej

a good idea would be to look on the website of the company u are being interviewed by to learn a bit about them also research tou libraries on hte internet this will make u look keen and interested. also think up a couple of question to ask them as they are bound to ask if you have any questions and there is always a horrid silence if you have to think of one on the spot!

I am a nursery nurse too! i work with children with challenging behaviour and sn

Good luck!!!!

if the interviwers are very intimidating just imagine thay are siting their in their undies!!!!! that should put things into perspective"!!!!!

Nicki

After the Soham incident, employers are also being trained to ask some form of child protection question - usually something along the lines of what would you do if you suspected a child to be at risk - so have a think about how you would answer a question along those lines.

Also if you have any special skills, eg makaton or behaviour training, make sure you mention this in the interview even if its on your application form. You'd be surprised how little attention is paid to the CV or application form once you've got passed the shortlisting stage, so don't assume people will remember it just because its on the form.

Last tip is to try and relax and enjoy it, and if you feel you haven't answered a question well, don't be afraid to admit it and have another go at it. I've sat on two interview panels recently where a candidate did just that, and we offered both of them the job (whereas we might not have if they hadn't gone back and improved on their first answer). The second candidate even came back into the room after she was walking away after the interview to give her re-considered answer, though I wouldn't necessarily recommend that as a tactic!

Good luck!

michellenealemum

Thank you for all your ideas, i have looked at the website which contained info about the other staff, so that was good.Its just been so long now since i applied for a job, and also the structure of work ahh well what will be will be.
Once again thanks for the support

rainbowrisin

If it's public sector then the questions will be based around the information you wrote in your application form - so, make sure you refresh your memory about what you wrote.
Generally employers want to know you have the skills and abilities to do the job - re-read what they were looking for and think about how you could demonstrate you have the skills they are asking for - so if they wanted someone who can deal with challenging behaviour, make sure you're clear on what qualities you bring to dealing with it - for example patience, knowledge of various techniques or whatever.
If you're asked a question which floors you, don't start babbling. Take a very deep breath and don't be afraid to pause before answering - this demonstrates you are thinking of the appropriate way to answer the question, which interviewers appreciate.
Speak slowly - in reality it will not come across as speaking slowly, because nearly everyone speaks more quickly when they are nervous - it will make you come across as more confident, and also give you time to think of the next point you wish to make whilst you are speaking.
Please don't be nervous - this is not a test or exam. Interviewers generally want information from you so that they can form a picture of the type of person you are, how well you will do the job and how well you would fit with the rest of the team - there's nearly always a question about how well you work with other people, or what qualities would you bring to the team.
If you completely blank on a question, just say that you need to think about it some more and please could you move on to the next question and come back to it at the end. Then carry on.
I also think positive thinking really helps - you could do this job easily and well - the employers want a conversation with you which gives you the opportunity to show them why this is the case.
Hope some of that helps. You will be absolutely fine. Deep breaths and positive thinking are the keys.
Good luck, and please let us all know when you will be starting!

buxtonrabbitgreen

no advice. just best of luck with it.:j