Got interview and I'm terrified - advice welcomed!

Doodles

Hi Gingernutmeg
Well done on getting the interview! I don't know about any tests you will have to take, but in terms of the interview itself, I thought I'd add my own experience about office job interviews (and I've been to a fair few in my time)

• is there a job description/person specification? if so, they are likely to focus some/much/all of their questions on this so make sure you have some examples in your head of situations you've been in, or projects you've done. Oh and don't let the word 'projects' throw you either (like it confused me once and I thought they were talking about project management!), just talk about a 'piece' of work you did that you were proud of etc
• I've found that always there's questions around: communication/working with colleagues/team working, deadling with problems/conflict, and prioritising heavy or conflicting workloads. Just make sure you give good examples of things you've experienced in the past.
• If you don't understand the question, say so. Don't bluff your way through it. They'll rephrase the question, and generally if you're not getting to the point they want to ask a next question to steer or guide you into what they want you to say.
• At the end if they ask you if you have any questions, maybe have 1 or 2 in your head you could ask (if they haven't already asked it). I've often asked things about training opportunities (cos you sound keen to learn) or the one I asked in my last and recent interview was "could you tell me who are your main contacts that you come into contact every day" the panel seemed to like that question and clarified a bit more about the job for me than was on paper.
• You mentioned dealing with donors on a personal level - think they may ask you about how you deal with people, so think about your answer being in terms of friendly, courteous, sensitively, clear and listening properly to them as well as confidentiality of course

Um, that's all I can think of for now. Just my twopence though, hope its of some assistance.

Best of luck!