Interview nerves!

[Minxie]

Hi all. Have been out of the workplace for a number of years whilst bringing up my children as a lone parent. Have just been invited for a job interview. Am so nervous you would not believe it. Any tips on how I can get through it.

[theo_wyvern]

just attempt to focus on the job at hand - the interview, prepare well by learning a bit about the company and a list of possible questions you may have.

what you need to start doing is have faith in yourself, you have succeeded in getting an interview so you have obviously already impressed - no reason why you shouldn't do the same during the interview.

if you are really concerned when entering the interview and it is clear you are struggling then simply explain the situation, most people prefer honesty

best of luck with the interview

[rosyrussell]

In advance make a list of all your strengths, and focus on them. Do as much research as you possibly can about the company, and have a couple of questions ready for them when at the end of the interview they ask you if you have anything you want to know. It shows that you are really interested in the job, and not just going through the motions. Body language is important, make sure you smile at the interviewer, make good eye contact, sit straight and do not fiddle with things while you are talking. Their questions are not being asked to trick you, but to find out as much about you as they can, so answer fully and make it your challenge to get them to see what a great person you are and how you will be a positive asset to their firm. Good luck!! Let us know how it all goes!

[Harry Nuttal]

I've conducted a lot of interviews; mostly in the pub. Which is where you soon find out whether someone has two heads. It all depends on the job. My daughter, who's not lacking in confidence, gave 'em plenty at the interview for her current job in the media. Three blokes were interviewing her and she decided to be herself. If they didn't like what they saw then it was their loss. She told one bloke that he sounded "just like mi dad" and to another she said: "Bet you're right proud of that question aren't you? How long did it take you to dream that one up?"

As well as them wanting to know whether you can do the job they need to know that you will fit into the team. Tell 'em you are a bit nervous, and why, and offer to start on a see-how-it-goes basis for a couple of weeks. No strings. They might go for that. I would. Go for it. Be yourself. Don't ramble. Keep it short and snappy. If you don't know the answer to a question say you don't know. Don't waffle. Like I'm doing... Good luck.

[rachela500]

You're nervous because it is something you have made important in your life. Try to remember that there are lots of jobs out there, so, if you don't get this one,there will be lots of other opportunities. Apply for lots of jobs and get loads of interviews so you know there is always another door to open, this should make them less daunting.

[Minxie]

Thankyou for all your advice. I will do my best. And Harry, you didnt waffle! honestly. Thanks again. Will let you know how I got on.

[maximo]

Don't be scared ! They're only just people, after all. I had an interview this tuesday, and I never expected there to be 3 people interviewing me, with prepared questions, as it was. I had studied the company's website a bit the night before, and thought about what my answer would be to those awful questions, like " what are your weeknesses", and "why should we hire you ? " As it was, those Q turned up, and I wasn't as lost as I would have been if I hadn't thought about it. So my advice is : have a look at the company's website, have some questions ready ( Q about training are always good), shows you're intersted in getting better , and sound cheerful.

By the way : they called me today, and offered me the job. So it worked !!!

Good luck !

[jigman1]

I usually find that a bottle of water brought into the inter view is a godsend ( ask if its ok to do so first) as my mouth gets very dry when I'm at interviews, which causes more nerves in my opinion.

You say you've had children well what can be more nerve racking than that. Good Luck.

[ilovetohelp13]

Try these interview tips from Payscale.com - http://bitly.com/Zh2jdR