OMG! Petrified!

[Rohais]

Help!

I've been applying on and off for jobs for the past few weeks, ready for finishing university....

I got a letter in the post this morning from a job that I applied to a couple of weeks ago....offering me an interview!

Its at an employment law company - they're not solicitors, but provide trade union representatives etc. It's just for an office administrator job, but maybe my CV looked appealing as I'm finishing an LL.B degree and have just studied employment law.

But...

...I've never had an interview before! Heck, I've not even had a proper job before! I had a job in 2004, that I was offered following a week of work experience. No interview. I didn't even have an interview for college or university!

And, I have OCD and the day of the interview is Friday 13th May! I don't even normally leave the house on Friday 13th! Oh, and nevermind that I've got two assignments due on 6th and 7th, an exam on the 12th and then again on the 17th and 19th!

Sorry, but I'm feeling completely overwhelmed at the moment and really stressed about it all!

And breathe...

 

[Tinks1984]

Awww Kayleigh

Congratulations on the job interview, you must have impressed them And my word you've got a very busy couple of weeks coming up!

All I can say about the interview is that I was in a similar situation back when I was 19. I went to Uni and didn't enjoy it, it wasn't for me. And like you, I'd never held down a proper job, only summer temps which never needed an interview.

I applied for about 4 jobs after deciding Uni wasn't for me and I got two interviews on the same day I was mortified. Had no idea what to wear, what to say or anything.

But, I got through them. I dressed smartly, took some Kalms the night before laughing, arrived with plenty time before my interview time, *tried* to remain calm whilst waiting and then just did my best to be myself in the interview. And, if the company is good, they'll also make you feel as at ease as possible when you arrive for your interview.

You'll be surprised how well you do, even though you'll come away thinking, 'Wow, that was shocking!' You'll be nervous, there's no doubt about it, but try not let them get the better of you.

Got everything crossed for you for the coming weeks and I'm sure you'll get ahead of things on the uni work too Good Luck and here's some pixie dust to get you started

P.S. I forgot to add, the second interview I attended that day - I got the job I'm still there nearly 8 years later!

 

[Sarah28]

congratulations on the job interview! As Rachel says, you must have done something to impress them! When I was looking for a job when I left uni (I'm a graphic designer) it took me a long time to even get an interview. In my area of field, if you have no experience in an actual design studio (like I didn't ) then it's pretty unlikely that someone will take you on as studios can get very busy and no-one's really prepared to put in the time to train up a newbie.

After a looong time with no response for any jobs whatsoever, I got a call out the blue for an interview! I was scared outta my mind! Like you, I had never had an interview before (I worked part time for my aunt to earn a bit of money while studying) so I had no idea what to expect. I did a bit of research into interview questions/scenarios and into the company, prepared a few well-thought questions, stuff like that so I could try and handle what they might ask. In design, I am lucky to have a portfolio to take to interviews so I was able to talk through the work I had done, explained why I did it etc and explain how I would apply these things into the new job position and what I would be able to do for them. I think if you show how assertive, interested, and keen you are in what you have done in the past and how you can do it for them, you'll be fine! Just be yourself and it will be ok

I didn't get the first job I went for, or a couple after (not that I'm saying you won't coz I'm sure you're brill at what you do!) but I learnt from each interview I went to and how I could improve from each one.

Needless to say I've now been at my current job nearly 3 years, (few payrises but shhh in case anyone here hears me! hehe) and I'm really enjoying it! I've learnt so much as my studio were willing to take me on at a junior level. I would say preparation is key, know who your target is, impress them with what you know about them, how you could improve things, what you know and they will love you! Wishing you all the luck and love

 

[Tinks1984]

More great advise from Sarah there....hey, by the time the interview rolls around Kayleigh, your Dis Buddy's will have you well prepared

 

[wickesy]

I didn't get the first job I went for, or a couple after (not that I'm saying you won't coz I'm sure you're brill at what you do!) but I learnt from each interview I went to and how I could improve from each one.

I was going to say that the very worst that can happen is that the interview becomes a lesson on how to do better at the next one.

Congratulations on getting the interview Kayleigh and good luck! Look forward to hearing about how you got on.

 

[Ware Bears]

Good luck

 

[disney_princess_85]

I have recently got a new job, which I had three- yes, three- interviews for. It was very nerve-wracking, as you can imagine. All I can advise is to stay as calm as possible and to take some notes in with you, just in case you lose your way when responding to questions. I'm sure you'll be just fine.

By the way, I specifically requested to finish at my current workplace on Thursday 12th May, rather than Friday 13th May!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Rohais]

Thank you everyone for all your kind words and advice You've certainly helped put my nerves at ease and feel a bit more confident about it

I'll try and take it all onboard and stay calm. I'll probably get a few odd looks from people whilst I'm walking through Nottingham singing 'just keep swimming...' to myself!

Even if they say no, at least I'll have experience of an interview (and a role play scenario) under my belt, so maybe I won't panic as much for the next one...unless it goes awfully!

Thanks again!