Out of practice for Interview!!!

N71

I've got an interview Monday - i've not had one for 6 years and i'm terrified.

Its a job in a position i've always wanted - my dream job.

At the end of the interview, they say 'do you have any questions?' - whats a good question. I don't want to look dumb and say, no thanks.

And what do you wear. Its a school office job. I've always worked in offices, and have got used to trousers and tops/shirts. I wore a black and white Next dress to work last week, and got loads of compliments, several people said I looked really nice/smart/posh (do I normally look a scruff!!), so was thinking about wearing that with black tights and a black cardi (to cover any cleavage!) - do you think a dress and cardi is ok, or do people still wear suits to interviews?

Any help appreciated!!

fengirl_2

Good luck with the interview!
Some people still wear suits, but I think that in the relatively relaxed scenario of a school smart casual-ish would be fine and your dress sounds just right.
Good questions to ask at the end - what training opportunities would there be? Are there some periods of the day/term which are busier than others when I might be expected to work more hours? When will I hear your decision?

Liz_the_Whizz

One of my friends works in the school office at my son's primary school as an unpaid helper (they have a few).

They are on their fourth school secretary in 18 months, previous three all ended up on sick leave with stress. Key to this is the Head Teacher, who is a control freak - in any school, this is the person who will have the defining influence on your role.

So it would be a good idea to ask questions around the resourcing and management of the school office, subtly ask about turnover in the role and how hands-on the head teacher (who will probably be sat there) is.

You could also ask about their use of IT (Schools Information Management Systems), especially if you read up about it a bit first.

You can also do a one year Certificate in Educational Administration by distance learning - may be a feather in your cap if you ask about that;) .

Good luck

Zazen999

Qs - without the benefit of the actual job role

What is the biggest challenge facing the department at the moment?

What would my targets be in relation to the job in question?

What are the opportunities within the company with regards promotion and moving up the ladder?

Plus all that Liz said, and any other questions that you might think of before the interview itself.

N71

Thanks for all your replies - i'm still terrified!!!

Theres some good questions there, i'll use them to stop me looking dumb!

I'll let you know what happens!

London_Exile

Just want to echo the sentiments of earlier posters. Congratulations on getting the interview for your dream job!!!

As far as interviews go it's always better to go in looking smart as the first impression is probably the most important thing. I had an interview at an investment bank in the city a couple of weeks ago on a Friday, so my interview panel and all the other office bods I could see, were all in smart casual (jeans\shirt combo's etc). But I was in a sober suit. No matter what the office culture is, you are not yet part of it so dress smart and dont take a chance.

As for the interview itself, try not to remember that it's your dream job and over do things, try to reamin objective and be true to who you are and not what you think the interview panel want. Stay calm!!!!

I don't know whether this would be applicable in your case, but try to find out as much as you can about the school and what the job entails. It at least shows some degree of self awareness.

I always take with me into interviews a copy of my CV and all my certs and other such stuff that may be related to the job (in my case IT, though I'm crap at it!). Just so I have it to hand and can refer back when asked about previous roles.

I guess we will all look forward to hearing how it goes.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

missstropy

I wish you lots of luck. Have pm'd you today. Let me know how you go on.

N71

I didn't get it!

The head phoned me this afternoon. He said i came across very well at the interview, and my application was very good - but they've decided to give the job to a lady who already had a lot of experience in a school environment.

Oh well, back to my crappy job tomorrow - and looking for the next one!