Interview

[rockyracoon]

A few weeks ago I applied for a job with the local council, I've only gone and bagged myself an interview and now I'm really nervous, the last job interview I went on was 25 years ago!

Can anyone help, any tips, how do you sell yourself?

God I feel sick!

[Maydup]

I'd feel just the same rocky, but I have interviewed people and I find those who are just themsleves, to be the most appeally. Those who have text book answers and who go over the top are seen right through.

Have some good answers to why you want the job, why you left the last one, what you liked and disliked about it and why you should be chosen above the next person.

Then make sure you have a couple fo good questions to ask them. Why is the position vacant, how can you progress, how many in the team; hwhatever is relevant but try to steer clear of questions about pay and perks. Good luck!

[MadMen]

"how do you sell yourself?"

I find a full face of make-up and the 'duck face' usually does the trick :P

No, seriously, well done you! :-)

I know it's what everyone says, but just be yourself.Relax, try to stay clam and take a bottle of water in with you.
If you really do find that nerves get the better of you, then spray your tongue with a bit of Bach's Rescue Remedy.

[frugalfred]

Sound advice, Maydup. Be yourself.

[rockyracoon]

Thank you Maydup, I can talk for England usually but when under the microscope I clam up and go blank, I'll try to think of some questions (I wouldn't ask about perks etc), I have to do a maths and English test as well but I'm not concerned about that......she says!

[sunny-dave]

Get someone to do a practice interview with you - either in person or via a chat session.

Preferably someone who does know what the job entails, but doesn't know too much about you or your work history and so might ask questions you hadn't thought of.

Don't over prepare - it can tend to stifle your natural personality if you trot out a ready answer for everything.

[rockyracoon]

Thanks MM, I've got some if that Bach's stuff, I'll probably drown myself in it :)

Thank you Fred :)

[rockyracoon]

Thanks Dave, that might be easier said than done but I see where you're coming from.

I've got my daughter checking my speech, every time I slip back to common raccoon, all I hear is "mummeeeeee" lol

[abstibus]

First thing is to do is to research, research, until you know exactly what the post is and what it entails.
This will give you the confidence to walk in and say to yourself 'This post is for me'.
Wear something smart that is also comfortable and that you feel good in.
Take your time before answering questions, and elaborate on your answers - remember, you have done your research.
Try to avoid giving any negative answers with the words never/but, etc.
Turn everything potentially negative into a positive.
Don't ramble. Stay focused. Show what a positive person you are and what an asset you would be to them.
Good luck.

[chattykathy]

I've been on the interview panels for quite a few appointments for my local council. The job and person specifications usually indicate how they will be 'tested' i.e application form, qualifications, references, interview! The questions will be based on these specifications/attributes. Local councils have to do everything by the book and score each answer, so the more you say the more points you are likely to achieve. They have to give the job to the candidate who scores the most therefore do your homework! Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Baldric]

Only thing I can add to the above is Good Luck

[rockyracoon]

Thanks for your advice and good lucks, it's really appreciated. Chattykathy, it's that's how it'll work I'll be okay, (she thinks), every time I think about it I feel sick lol.

[ilovetohelp13]

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