Advice: How do I not completely blow this? :-)

April O Neill

I'm currently employed but in the job hunt again as I am stagnating in my job and am anxious to move closer to my boyfriend. I applied for a job I know I can do well, and it would be interesting too.

I've got an interview. The email specifically said the words "[FONT=Helvetica Neue,sans-serif]I was impressed by your CV, and would like to invite you to attend an interview for the position[/FONT]". This is a first for me, never been called impressive before.

Seems great, but there is so much riding on this that I don't want to completely muck it up in the interview. I'm great at applications, not so much at interviews, tend to let nerves get the better of me.

Help!

Hidalgo

Prepare, Prepare Prepare.

Get someone, or better again 2 or 3 friends to 'interview you a few times. Ensure they ask different questions each time, and get them to be harsh with you and ask awkward questions.

Research the position your applying for, the more info you have, the better prepared you'll be. Try and find out what the most difficult aspects of the job will be and have answers ready for those type of questions.
Also have some background info on the company to show you've done your homework.

Always try and keep the conversation flowing, nothing worse than stony silence imo.

Whilst the above wont fully replicate an official interview, the more you've done beforehand, the better prepared you'll be and in turn the more confident you'll be.

looksee

That's just HR speak. I don't mean that I am putting you down, but the phrasing of an email is not really something to be misled by.

You have obviously done interviews before, and got the job, this is just the same. Just treat it as if they just said, 'please come for an interview at ' - you are in with a chance, same as all the others, don't panic, and good luck.

repsol

April O Neill wrote: »

I'm currently employed but in the job hunt again as I am stagnating in my job and am anxious to move closer to my boyfriend. I applied for a job I know I can do well, and it would be interesting too.

I've got an interview. The email specifically said the words "[FONT=Helvetica Neue,sans-serif]I was impressed by your CV, and would like to invite you to attend an interview for the position[/FONT]". This is a first for me, never been called impressive before.

Seems great, but there is so much riding on this that I don't want to completely muck it up in the interview. I'm great at applications, not so much at interviews, tend to let nerves get the better of me.

Help!

It sounds like you are the person they want (unless your CV is a pack of lies that is:p) so just dress yourself up and be yourself. Make a list of key points from your CV about your strengths and be sure to hit them all in the interview.Try not to be nervous and make good eye contact with each interviewer.Imagine you were in their seat, what sort of person would you want to hire?.Try to guess what questions to expect and have good answers ready.Tell them what they want to hear. Good luck and let us know how you get on!

tony81

April O Neill wrote: »

I've got an interview. The email specifically said the words "[FONT=Helvetica Neue,sans-serif]I was impressed by your CV, and would like to invite you to attend an interview for the position[/FONT]". This is a first for me, never been called impressive before.

I got a reply to a job application saying they were "honoured" I applied :rolleyes: They didn't even call me for an interview!

April O Neill

tony81 wrote: »

I got a reply to a job application saying they were "honoured" I applied :rolleyes: They didn't even call me for an interview!

I have got an interview though!

April O Neill

looksee wrote: »

That's just HR speak. I don't mean that I am putting you down, but the phrasing of an email is not really something to be misled by.

It's not a HR person, it a lab principal investigator.

April O Neill

repsol wrote: »

It sounds like you are the person they want (unless your CV is a pack of lies that is:p) so just dress yourself up and be yourself.

Ah, you see, I think it would be a huge mistake to be so complacent!

tony81

April O Neill wrote: »

I have got an interview though!

I know!

Nevermind, it's late.

Ah nuts

Some Bach's rescue remedy might ease the nerves.

Stheno

Just go to the interview, research the position, and know the company from their website.

April O Neill

Stheno wrote: »

Just go to the interview, research the position, and know the company from their website.

Researching is never my problem, it's the standard interview questions I LOATHE. The "give us an example of problem-solving", "what are your career goals?" "sell yourself" type ones. :-/ I always think I come across so disingenuous.

April O Neill

Didn't get it.