First Interview in 22 years - HELP

Fluff15

If a glass of water helps, ask for a glass of water when you get to the place - I think most people are happy to give one. Then, bring it into the interview so when you get flustered you can take a sip. If you have a real uncomfortable moment and you think it will be obvious to the employers, just apologise and explain that you're so nervous because you'd love to work for the company. Do your research and get to know the company inside and out (if you don't already) and demonstrate that knowledge. Google some common interview questions. Maybe ask a friend to run through them over the weekend for 30 minutes or so with you so you can practice answering them in a live situation. The night before, go to bed early, have a bath/shower (which ever you prefer) and relax. In the morning, have a nice clean breakfast, get yourself looking fabulous and have a quick mental go over all the preparation you've done. Finally, go dazzle your potential employers! Don't be afraid to ask them about things you don't understand - it will show you're willing to learn, and also think of a couple of questions you want to ask them. Good luck

quietheart

Bronnie wrote: »

I had my first serious interview for over 30 years last month lol

Previous jobs, I'd just flashed my qualification certificates or else been for an informal chat and after that, was self-employed for 10 years.

This interview was for a career change and a job I really wanted. I had 4 weeks notice. I spent 3 weeks preparing, reading up on forums, going to the local drop-in Job Club for interview advice and up-to-date tips.

By the final week, I was actually back-pedalling to avoid panic. So, what will be will be, if they like me they like me, kind of attitude.

My partner suggested I think of something that would make me smile while I was waiting to go in and this was great advice to avoid any rising feeling of panic. I tried my best answering a lot of competency based questions. Interview went ok, was on the spot a few times, but just tried to relax, ask for clarification where necessary, but most importantly tried to let my personality, warmth and enthusiasm shine through and tried to engage with the interviewers.

At the grand age of 56, I am delighted and excited to be embarking on my new career next month. ::j

Oh well done you! You must be so chuffed. Best of luck in your new career!

quietheart

Eliza wrote: »

Am sitting at my desk with the job desc and person spec, writing out every conceivable question they could ask me on each point and for each one I'm writing a 'this is what I did....' answer (is that what they call competency based questions - well I never knew that!!!)

Having written notes on each point I'm writing it out in best writing ( I memorise better with pen and paper than on computer, as I touch type my mind can easily stray while the fingers continue to type!!) and pulling the notes together emphasising the aspects that I think are relevant to this job (a local charity, 3 on the panel, I really want it too!!!)
...and don't forget the equal opps question!!!
...and I'm really beginning to panic. Going to sort out my clothes next!

When is your interview? Have you got the weekend to prepare? You sound like you know exactly what to do!
I'm also thinking about clothes, need to be smart but comfortable.
Hope we're not going for the same job!!:rotfl:
Best of luck

Eliza_2

Haha - no we're not, mine is very small and local. I have a computer test to do too.

Have just been looking at examples of questions on the net and my mind is really blank - I really just can't think of a time I upset someone at work or home (I'm thinking of 'dealing with sensitive issues' here which is an essential on the person spec.) I'm going to just have to say I can't think of an example and hope they move on. With 'nul points' for that question!!!

and how do they find out if you're honest and trustworthy? (Also on person spec). How do they find out if you have a commitment to the organisation? I could be lying.

Time for a brew methinks!

quietheart

Eliza you are funny!
I met with a friend for coffee earlier. She told me that she has always scored each question to differentiate between interviewees. Now that has sent me over the edge!
If the people interviewing us knew how keen we were I think we'd get extra points!
With 'dealing with sensitive issues' has a colleague told you personal information in confidence, have you supported a colleague through difficulties? Have you had to raise any awkward subjects at work that needed to be raised?
I'm hoping that speaking in an honest and open way will back up that I'm open and honest but it does need saying and saying again.
There's just too much I feel I need to get in. I'll never remember it all. Or say it in the right order. I'll probably give them a laugh at the very least

quietheart

Have you seen this?
http://lifehacker.com/5877626/prepare-to-ace-your-job-interview-with-this-job-interview-one+sheeter

Just need to complete it now!

Eliza_2

quietheart wrote: »

Eliza you are funny!

Ner, that's only a 'desirable' (yes, really, it says sense of humour!)

I know I've done all those things, supported people etc but can't really think what I did apart from just be me. How do you analyse natural inclinations?

And just one sheet? Huh, there's more to me than just one sheet!

This job is well outside of my professional sphere, tho with transferable skills. I know I could talk for England about my profession, but this is different.

I'm nearly at the 'sod it, time for a g and t' stage, but will take the dog out for a bit instead. My interview is tomorrow QH, I'm just going to read up a bit more about the organisation later on and that's it! I bet they don't ask half the things we've prepared for, I once went for a job really well genn-ed up on the company, the services, lots of examples and when I arrived I sat on the stairs in the building with the manager and IT guy and the first question was when can you start? the second was tea or coffee? and I left after being shown round - I still do a few hours there years later So much for prep.

Liz

quietheart

Oh I will be keeping everything crossed for you.
Just be yourself, you come across very well, really personable, committed (ha) and smart.
Your questions here show you are honest and your line about 'natural inclinations' should be brought into an answer!
I'm also going to force the dog on a long walk before I go (lazy greyhound won't be very happy with me but hey-ho!)
I was just reading a site suggesting an alcoholic beverage an hour beforehand and I'm thinking 'could I??' - that is how bad it's got.
One of my previous job offers was like yours, it was a fairly easy interview, the manager phoned me later and said as I'd got the job as I was the only applicant who didn't look like a Bros fan!
I may put that on my CV.

Beachview_2

I really struggle with the 'give an example of ...' questions too. I know I could do the job, its just the interview process I'm rubbish at.

Eliza_2

I completely agree with you Beachview, so true. And there's no way I'm going to mention 'natural inclinations' - they don't need to know about my g and t habit!!!

Time to polish my shoes.

Liz