I have an interview next week: hand holding required

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Trouble is, I'm pretty good at getting interviews but not so good at being offered the job...

Hideous nerves don't help. I was reasonably senior before children but have been a SAHM since youngest was born 4 yrs ago and now seem to be full of self-doubt.

The job is part-time admin at a small local charity, there will be interview and an IT test.

[Prizepudding]

Feel your pain, I had my first interview in 8 years after being a SAHM for 6 years, it was nerve racking. I tried to prepare by thinking of questions they might ask but it seems such a long time ago that I felt a wee bit of my depth, it went ok though. Be proud you got called for an interview, it is good experience if nothing else.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Glad it went well prizepudding

I've had a few interviews recently and they've all been 'close but no cigar', which isn't a great confidence boost. I always ask for feedback and consensus seems to be that I interview well but there's always someone else with more relevant experience...

[lljkk]

Let us know how it went, Rhinestone.
I am jealous that you even got interviews. It's all relative.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Yeah, I know lljkk, DH keeps telling me that it's hard even to get shortlisted in the current climate. What sort of jobs are you applying for?

I have a friend sorted to look after the DC (interview is on Weds, school hols for us) and will do some prep this weekend. Oh, and dust off my smart clothes.

[hefner]

Good luck Rhinestone, hope it goes well. I've had a similar thing to you at several interviews lately (including one for my dream job last week ). Feedback is that my answers were fine, but someone else had more experience, it's so disheartening.

Think positive, focus on the fact that you interview well!

[lljkk]

Data analyst jobs and all related grades below.
I have an interview next month, with an organisation that is evidently in crisis with heaps of recent local bad news coverage (public sector). Not in a position to be too choosy, though.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Yes hefner, I think the thing is that there are a lot of very experienced/qualified people out there at the mo, so lots of competition.

Good luck with the interview lljk, hopefully the organisation you're applying to is about to turn a corner.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Interview was today.

I hate myself. Misread the time as 10.30 when it should have been 10.10.

So I thought I was 10 mins early, but in fact was 10 mins late.

FFS I wouldn't give me a job after today's performance. Put me on edge for first half of interview. Did warm up a little towards the end and they seemed nice people...

I will have a cry about it later

[lljkk]

No, No, No!! Don't despair. Here, it's not quite 2pm but having some on me anyway.

It's all good experience, whatever the outcome. I am terrified I will get tripped up on a detail like that, too.

I was once nearly 2 hours late for an interview. Because I was such a numpty I didn't understand how to plan the journey (train times). I was only 24 . They stared at me in shock when I turned up but were nice enough to briefly chat & show me around.

And then I felt confused & puzzled why they didn't offer me the job. What a tosser I was.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

I even hung around outside in the cold for 5 mins so I wasn't too early. I even said 'I am a little early' to the leader of the panel, who looked at me oddly, and then later explained that they had expected to see me at 10.10 .

Had a little sob in the kitchen now off to a friend's house with the children (school hols here). G&T later I think!

[lljkk]

10:10 is a silly time, anyway.
Would you actually like the job?

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Seems like a good organisation, and would prob be chance to grow the role.

Only thing is they want 15hrs spread over 4 days, which wouldn't be my first choice (would prefer 2 long days). But I would take it if offered.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Update:

Have just checked my email and there was one from the interviewer at 10am asking me to call them (they don't have my phone number). And now I won't be able to call until Tues after long weekend - argh!

[lljkk]

Oh nuts...
Do you think that's good news? I mean, they would just send you a nice paper letter if they wanted to say No Thanks, wouldn't they?

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Don't know... had kind of come to terms with not being offered it so didn't check my email this morning and have been travelling all day to visit family.

They said they would let me know by Weds so might be a good sign.

My nerves can't take it... I'm on the

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

They've offered me the job!

I phoned as soon as office was open this morning, subject to references, agreement over hours etc.

But apparently did really well in interview... Phew!

[lljkk]

hahahahhaa....! After all that angst. I just had a feeling.
Well Done You. :)

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Thanks Hope your interview goes well too - is it soon?

[hefner]

Congratulations!