interview advice

[Ladygardener]

Morning all, I wonder if anyone can give me some tips on how to keep calm but alert during an interview. I have an interview 9am monday morning. It's to designate 10 hours of my work time towards a research study. I'd love to get it. There will be 5 people on the pannel.
My hands are shaky just thinking about it and I'm afraid my mind will go blank and I'll forget everything I know.
Any hints, tips? I've thought about the one where you imagine everyone naked but it never works for me. I don't want to take a diazepam as it may make me not as alert as I should be.

[Jasmine]

If you let the panel know how you feel about the possibility of getting the research hours you will be more than half way LNG and you will do that just by what you say and the way you say it. The panel will expect folk to be nervous and may even comment on it afterwards amongst themselves but nerves don't stop a real desire to do the job coming through. I find I am always nervous to start off but you will relax and get into the swing of it. I've forgotten the question half way through my answer sometimes but just be honest if that happens.
Lots of good luck hugs and wishes LNG. I hope you get it. Let us know how you get on.

[Ladygardener]

Thank you Jasmine, that's a good point about letting them know how I feel about getting it. I just hope I come over enthusiastic, competent, professional etc.... ;D I'll spend some time this weekend doing my "why do you want this post " thingy.

[farmersboy]

Well never haveing to to go for an interview in my life,i cant help,but as Jas said,once you get started,im sure you will be fine,i think that the thought of anything like that comeing up,is worse than the actual thing,anyway good luck,hope you get it

[Ladygardener]

Thank you for your support FB. I totally agree that the thought of it is more than likely worse than actually doing it. I've been doing my head in thinking about it all the time. I'll try to chill a little bit and remember that.

[Chuckles]

Try and priortise the things that you know and want to get over LNG, in order of importance. I used memorise key words for each subject I wanted to cover in a presentation and then the rest just fell into place, well most of the time. Good Luck

[Jasmine]

I thought of something else LNG - hopefully the panel will realise that 5 of them is rather daunting and spend time putting you at your ease.
Good luck!

[Amo]

I've found that when I have to be the focus of something, spending time focusing on myself helps.

You wouldn't be doing this if you didn't think you had a chance. You know your subject and you know where you want to go with it and where it could possably take you.

Spend the next couple of days really making time to stop for a minute or two, close your eyes and think in your own head how good you are at this thing. Picture yourself being there, confident, smiling and with the answers. Do it as often as you can and you will start believing in your self and it will shine through. You will feel the change, honest.

'I am good at this and I can do this!' and smile while you are saying it.

And at the interview, these people are only human too, they know what you are going through, they've done it a few times themselves to be where they are. You will still be a bit nervous but use your inner confidence to get you through it.


Good luck.

[Missredhead]

Be yourself!!!
My daughter used to be a recruitment consultant and she said what put people off is when the candidates tried to be something that they were not.
They know that you will be nervous, most people are when they go for an interview but if you be yourself that counts for a lot.
As the interview progresses you will become more relaxed and at ease.

Good Luck LNG xx

[Tig]

I think everyone has given you great advice lng

Couple of questions from me -

Are there other candidates being interviewed or is it an opportunity for your personal development?

Do you know everyone on the panel? Is your immediate line manager included?

Is your pay affected by this proposal?

x Tig

[Chuckles]

Just picking up on something Tig just said " Do you know everyone on the panel? " Remember even if you do know them you still need to sell yourself, don't assume because they know you they will take into account things you are good at but getting over in the interview. This actually happened to me once

[Spruance]

Having been through several interviews earlier this year I would tend to echo what MRH said about being yourself.

Everyone is going to be nervous and the panel will doubtless allow for that but I think if you can try to present a confident exterior without appearing to be big-headed you are half way there.

Also, try to drop in a few pertinent questions of your own rather than just answering all of their questions. These could be topics they hadn't considered or hadn't yet covered and so would show that you have a greater understanding of the work involved.

Good luck anyway.

[Ladygardener]

I knew I could rely on you all to help me. Thank you so much for all your helpful tips. I will be walking around telling myself I can do this all weekend Amory Christmas, ;D. Chuckles I'm trying to think of key words which will help me remember what I want to say. I've been reading up on a few subjects which I think they may referr to or at least I can get them in somehow. MRH I'll try to let my personality come through hopefully I'll be able to get through it.
Tig my top line manager will be on the pannel, also one of the researchers from Queens who would be a nodding aquaintance only. The other candidates have been interviewed but I rang to cancel mine last week as I was off with a virus and they contacted the board then contacted me and resheduled. My pay won't be affected at all. Why am I putting myself through this. Thanks for the tip about questions Santa Sru, I'll try to think of something I can ask them.
You are all smashing for giving me such good advice.
Big hugs rita

[Barbara]

It seems everyone has given you good advice LNG, the main thing is to let your personality show through,
GOOD LUCK.

[Ladygardener]

Barbara thank you very much for your support. I'll try.

[Tig]

You shouldn't worry about it lng - you are just putting yourself forward for a personal development opportunity! Be enthusiastic about the research, how you see it as an interesting proposal, what benefits may ensue through the results, how it needs to be subject to objective scrutiny, ie not in any way biased to achieve the 'desired' results (Gawd I'm a boring old f@rt ;D)

A few years ago, after I took early retirement, I responded to an advert for a lay panel member on a research ethics committee, it is a voluntary unpaid role. I had to go for an interview A panel of two Profs and a senior Manager! It was more intimidating than some jobs I had applied for in the past, however I was totally relaxed about it, because my life wasn't going to change significantly if they didn't pick me. I answered all their questions honestly and confidently, as I had worked professionally within the area. I was appointed, I enjoy doing it, no remuneration but interesting and rewarding by helping students with their research proposals which may come up with useful results for the future

You know you can do it, just let the panel know that too

x Tig

[Ladygardener]

Tig, thanks a lot for your good advice and support as always. I'll try to relax and let my enthusiasm come through. Well done you for getting involved in what many see as a demanding and difficult area, and doing it voluntarily too. I'll bet those students love you.
I'll let you all know tomorrow how I do. ;D Thanks again to everyone.

[Jasmine]

Good luck for tomorrow LNG!

[Ruthie]

Sorry for not offering any advice LNG but, reading this, I don't think any more is needed. It's all been said. Just want to wish you the best for tomorrow. Sock it to 'em girl!!

[Missredhead]

[shadow=red,left,300][glow=red,2,300]GOOD LUCK LNG[/glow][/shadow]






Missy xx

[Ladygardener]

;D thanks Jas, SR and MRH I'm so nervous it's ridiculous

[Amo]

But you're good at this and will enjoy it!! Go for it!

[farmersboy]

Good luck,lng,hope it all goes well for you

[Ladygardener]

Thank you Amory and FB, have gone over some things this morning again. You've all been so supportive and helpful.
big hugs
rita

[Ladygardener]

Hi guys, despite everything, I did'nt get the post. The clinical aspects went well but the research info they were looking for was way over my head. Although they did'nt say in the job description, the questions were very much geared to someone who'd already done a research module at degree level and done some research themselves. Anyhow, things happen for a reason so I'll be staying put.
big hugs and thanks to you all for your support.
xx

[Chuckles]

Oh dear LNG I am sorry, not meant to be obviously. At least the interview experince will have been good for you so take something from that and do ask for feedback from it too.

You never know what else might come up.

Here have a glass of to cheer you up

[Tig]

I hate it when all the requirements are not specified lng - they are not supposed to do that these days, everything you need should be in the job description and person specification for the post!



As Chuckles said you will have gained from the interview experience (and lost a couple of pounds fretting about it )

x Tig

[Spruance]

Bad luck LNG, but at least you have a better idea of what to expect next time around.

[Ruthie]

Never mind lng. They say do something that frightens you every day!! Today you've done weeks worth and come out the other side!!

[Jasmine]

I'm sorry LNG - something better will come along (I believe in fate) and that will be just what you are waiting for.