Got interview and I'm terrified - advice welcomed!

Gingernutmeg

I just wondered if anyone could offer me any hints or tips for interviews. I was offered an interview today for a job that I reeeeaaaallly want and I'd really like to be as impressive at interview as I can be. Most of the interviews I've had in the past have been fairly informal and I'd just like to know what I can expect as I suspect that this will be a much more formal affair. I'm a bag of nerves now and there's a week 'till the interview! Tbh the wage for the job is a little higher than I expected I would be considered for, and I almost didn't bother sending the form off - I certainly didn't think I'd ever hear back lol so I'm thrilled that they got in touch, which is why I really want to do good here ...

Also, prior to the interview I've got to go for tests at an agency lasting about an hour - any ideas what they're likely to be? (The job is in the charitable sector btw). I'm thinking something along the lines of literacy/numeracy and some kind of in-tray exercise, or maybe even a psychometric test of some sort ... Can anyone point me in the direction of a website with examples, just so I can familiarise myself so the experience doesn't come as a total shock.

Thanks for any help!

elsien

I think it might help if you're a bit more specific about the type of job it is. The last interview I had was for working with people with learning disabilities, so the tests beforehand were group discussions which aimed to show your values and attitudes (I think.) No written tests at all.
Is the job office based, and what level is it at?

Gingernutmeg

It's an office based job for a new role in the organisation, dealing mainly with donors on a personal level and developing new systems and processes for donations of a specific type - from the job description, the job seems to involve a degree of 'book-keeping' alongside working directly with donors and producing advertising for that area, as well as carrying out other duties within the organisation - promoting the organisation and 'my' specific area, some training of volunteers and general admin duties. I'm not entirely sure what level the job is at - looking at the salary scale for the organisation it seems to be a 'mid' level job, if that's any help ...

LittleVoice

Good practice would be for you to be advised of the type of tests that will be administered. When you get confirmation of where and when this will happen, it should include enough information for you to be more prepared.

Gingernutmeg

LittleVoice wrote: »

Good practice would be for you to be advised of the type of tests that will be administered. When you get confirmation of where and when this will happen, it should include enough information for you to be more prepared.

Thank you! Hopefully I should get that on Monday. I'm planning to spend the weekend swotting up on the more technical aspects of the job (I'm dusting off the textbooks as we speak) so hopefully I should feel a little more confident by next week.

stokechick16

Not much advice i know. But dont be nervous !! And good eye contact, show your flexible willing to learn etc

good luck x

betterlatethannever

stokechick16 wrote: »

Not much advice i know. But dont be nervous !! And good eye contact, show your flexible willing to learn etc

good luck x

Good advice, although the interviewers do expect you to be somewhat nervous.
If you find maintaining eye contact difficult (and its never a good idea to stare someone in the eyes..its creepy) then look at their ear lobes. To them it looks as though your looking at them but you might feel more comfortable.
Can also help if you can find some info about the company that you'll be working for and throw in odd (good) comments about it that show you've actually researched the job.
Good luck

stokechick16

I cant look people in the face. Not sure why? Maakes me laugh, so i could not look someone who was interviewing me in the face.

judy_

Good luck with your interview.

I had my first interview a year ago (had been a full time mum for 7 years) so was very nervous, thought I was too old and not up to date in the current job market.

The interview was very informal, and at the end of the interview I was asked if I had any questions (I blurted out..."when do I start")

4 hours later I had a call to say they liked me and was offered the job.

I am still with the company and bounce out of bed every day as I love my job

msmicawber

Whatever the job is, look at the job description (if you don't have it already, get it) and look at how you can prove that you match the description from previous jobs, college or whatever. Look happy, confident and open and you'll be fine. Good luck.

andan

Best of luck with the interview, i think most people have offered good advice, so not much to add. However whenever i go for an interview, i try and find out a bit about the company before hand. I also compile some questions to ask them as they usually like it if you have some questions as well, if i didn't create them before hand, i would forget them when in the interview! I check to see how i meet the job description and try and remember examples from previous jobs.

Best of luck with it all and i hope the interview goes well.