Hi all,

You always seem to offer good advice to those going to interviews so can anyone help me.

Got an interview next week and I always go to bits because I have no self confidence.

I really like the sound of the job I'm going for but I feel more nervous because I think it might be slightly above what I'm looking for.

The advert just said accounts staff, admin staff, receptionists required for new head office and for the accounts positions part qualified required. There was no job description. I've now been sent a job description and it is more advanced than what I'm doing now and is also offering more money than I thought it would, so I've now worked more self up more thinking I wont be suitable. Boyf says they have invited me in based on CV so something must have made them invite me and to stop worrying.

Anyone any advice to make me less nervous and more confidant. Also people use kalms for driving tests would something like this help me so I don't make a mess of  another interview?

Thanks anyone who can offer advice.

not an expert, but have you tried focusing on the positive reasons why you should be suitable rather than the negatives ;)

Emma :)

I'll give it a shot over the weekend and try to think of positive reasons.

Thanks

Hi Cazf

Your boyfriend is right you know!  The company has chosen to interview you based on your CV, which means that they are interested in meeting you to find out what you could bring to them :)  If you have a look in the Foo Forum for a thread in March called "First interview what do I do" there is a lot of good advice there and the Champdogger that asked the question got the job :D  You are worried that it is more than you are currently doing and pays more than you currently earn.  But this is a positive move for you; rather than worrying about this aspect, remind yourself that you are ready to stretch yourself and move on to something more challenging which has better rewards :)

Don't get too hung up on trying to get rid of your nerves completely - everyone gets anxious about interviews and the interviewers will expect a degree of nervousness and make allowances for it :)  Do your preparation in advance and this will really boost your confidence on the day.  Most importantly, be yourself and at all times remember you CAN do it :D

Good luck and go get 'em Cazf ;)

Lesley

Cazf
as Emma says there was something there in your CV that caught their eye and made them think you would be suitable . :)
Dont put yourself down - sometimes employers are looking for people who are keen to advance and they dont always have to have either the experience or the qualifications you would think . Hope that makes sense.  :)
Look through the job description and think where it applies to you. Sometimes we think too much of our own negative points and not our positive ones.
Go for it and good luck :D

Good point Lel! Employers are often looking for potential rather than concrete experience as it can mean that they can develop the person to their way of doing business as opposed to someone who may have loads of experience but be set in their ways :)

Lesley

I'm no expert but I recently got an internal job/promotion and had to sit a board!  I was nervous but I knew why I wanted the job and convinced myself that I was the best person for it.  As for the people interviewing me - Well they are just normal people like you or I and we shouldn't be scared of them - Think big, be big :D  The other thing I didn't want to do is get carried away with text book answers and really speak as the true me...which I did, I got myself a drink and paused after each question (so it looked as though I was thinking about it ;)) and then answered as ME - as if I were chatting to a mate but remembering certain corporate buzz words and protocols.  Research the company so you come across as genuinely interested - it looks brilliant when you can tell them a bit about themselves!  If you are asked "what is your weakness" turn it into a positive, I said I used to lack patience but I was able to acknowledge this and work on my own personal development and I now feel that I can cope with challenging situations without losing my patience :D  The thing is it is ok to be nervous, it shows the interviewer that you care!  So, stay calm, take your time and remember these people are no better than you so dont be scared of them.
Sarah
PS Good Luck

Thanks all

Cazf - I'm a great believer in making big jumps up and not bothering with the smaller stages in-between. :D  The best piece of advice someone gave me at the beginning of my career was that it's not what you know, it's what they think you might know. Remind yourself that you are a fabulous human being, and give it your best shot.

My top interview tip is rehearse your opening gambit for when you first enter the interview room. Your aim is to show them that you're relaxed about the process, and assert your personality (in a pleasant way). Something polite yet lighthearted - if you can make them smile you've cracked it. Also, it's always a good idea to approach them and shake hands before you sit down.

I get very nervous for interviews, so I know exactly what you're going through. Kalms are good, although I take something called Valerina day, available in Boots, which is a very effective natural calming agent - I swear by it.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jo :)