Job interview next week

liz-paul

Hi folks, I have a job interview next week for a P/T job in a pre school playgroup. I would really love this job as it fits ok with school hours/term time, would give me a years post qualifying experience and be a foot on the very local ladder to get a job with more hours next year when youngest starts pre school!

But I haven't had a job in 6 years and I have never had a job interview... My OH and a friend who is going for another job in the same place are going to help prep me for questions and stuff but I have no idea what to wear! I know that might sound silly but first impressions count don't they? I was thinking I should wear something practical but presentable that I could wear to the job. I thought a suit would be over the top but what does anyone else think? Are jeans too casual for an interview even if you would wear them to the job?
Thanks

GemJar_2

Hi Liz, I wouldn't wear jeans to the interview as such, because I think they're a bit too casual- I'd rather be over dressed than under dressed, at least they'd know you've made the effort! I did a quick search and found this (mostly) helpful http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090508034936AA653kR , I'd especially take into account what they say about perfume. I also found this which is helpful,

"Everyone owns clothes that can be worn outside/doing physical activity. You don't need to demonstrate this at the interview. The interview is the time to demonstrate how serious you are about the job and your professionalism. You should wear nice slacks, blouse, and some kind of closed toe footwear that you could wear outside easily (if they take you a tour of the grounds, you don't want to wear heels) but NOT sneakers. When in doubt, it's always better to dress up than dress down."

Good Luck!

liz-paul

Thanks thats useful. Feel a bit out of my depth!

balmk

Hi,

Good luck for your interview!

Smart dress is best as you need to make a good impression.

Lots of eye contact when talking to the interviewer(s) and try and keep your body language "interested" - a slight lean forward will demonstrate this.

Expect to be asked questions such as "tell me about a time when you have..." e.g. dealt with a difficult situation/had to show some level of responsibility

Don't worry about not having worked for a couple of years - draw on experiences gained in your personal life.

Think of a couple of questions you could ask at the end of the interview and as you will likely be asked if there is anything that you want to ask them and it's really nice when people have questions as it shows that they have really thought about the role.

jamiecg

Hi there Liz

As a former Nursery Deputy Manager i was involved in selecting staff at interviews and would definatly say smart / casual. It is important to show a good impression to the managers and other staff yet please remember it is a play setting and so suits and ties may not be the best practicality. The interview normally is a two way interview finding out about your experiences and also showing you a little bit about the setting so please try to relax im sure you will be fine. A lot of settings now also like to put you in the workplace around children to see how you interact with the group and other staff so just act natural and im sure you will be fine, the children are the first to pick up on any nerves or if your not being yourself so just relax and enjoy yourself

If you require any more advice please just ask

Jamie

unmissable

As you walk around the place, talk to the children etc. eg if they stand still to let you pass, say a big thank you and make a comment. Regardless of how the interview questions go, you will have earnt huge amount of brownie points for you ability to relate to children.

I have recruited for schools and seeing an ability to relate to children is a key aspect, more than being able to waffle about theory of learning.

GemJar_2

I forgot to add, a massive massive good luck to you! Smile, be happy and try to relax!

liz-paul

Thanks everyone for the positive replies its so nice :beer:

Luckily they shouldn't expect me to be an expert as they know I'm just finishing my qualification, but I have a lot of experience of kids through voluntary work and through my own kids so will hope to draw on all of that. My only worry is getting really nervous and drawing a blank/or appearing like I have a bad attitude (must remember not to slouch back in chair with arms folded!!!).

I think I should do ok, just hope I do better than everyone else.... My friend has an interview with them the day before so she can at least prepare me for how it might go.....

Thanks again for all the suggestions. As far as clothes go I'm moving towards smart ballet pumps (still practical unlike heels), linen trousers (will even get my iron out!) and a fairly plain but smart top. Am also thinking not too much jewellery or make up in order to look proffessional.... :beer:

Caroline73_2

You've probably considered this but try not to mention your own children at interview. Give any experiences or situations in reference to your voluntary work or other experiences. Also think of some other reasons why you want to work with children, you probably have lots of great ones so practice saying these rather than the reasons you gave in the original post.

Good luck.

liz-paul

Well just in case anyone is on tenterhooks waiting to find out how it went:
I came out of the interview at 9:55am feeling it had gone pretty well and got a call at 12:10 noon offering me the position! I'm stunned, thrilled and terrified but it looks like I shall be working from Sept between 9-15 hours a week! Mixed emotions: :beer: :j :eek: :T

stephyt23

liz-paul wrote: »

Well just in case anyone is on tenterhooks waiting to find out how it went:
I came out of the interview at 9:55am feeling it had gone pretty well and got a call at 12:10 noon offering me the position! I'm stunned, thrilled and terrified but it looks like I shall be working from Sept between 9-15 hours a week! Mixed emotions: :beer: :j :eek: :T

That's great news well done :j