h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've just applied for a job - the first job application in 14 years - slighly different area - much higher level than I'm on at the moment - and I've got an interview! At least I've got a message asking me to contact them to arrange an interview. I received the message too late to ring back yesterday and I couldn't get to sleep because of it.

I know I've got to do a presentation - I know someone else with an interview on Tuesday, and I'm feeling a bit panicky. Roy tells me the best thing is not to think about it for the moment and to start planning once I know what it is they want me to do. He says treat it as interview practice - I know I would have to weigh up whether it would mean moving house and that has school and childcare issues. On the other hand, it would mean being nearer to him.

Cor, isn't Roy sensible?

Good luck ZSF But don't get in a spin until you know what it is you've got to present. And didn't you weigh up the pros and cons to some extent, before you applied? I'm guessing you wouldn't have gone for the job had the move been an insurmountable problem?

Exciting

Yes, Roy is sensible. He's got a background in total quality management and m

No, I don't think the move is an insurmountable problem, and I have the option of buying a small motorcycle - I do have a full motorcycle license, which would certainly make the journey easier. I could go across the Woolwich Ferry. I'd have to buy kit again - I gave all my leathers to charity a while ago - well, except for my helmet, that is.

I'm now thinking of my responses to such questions as 'when did you go beyond the call of duty?' and such like things. The trouble is, I tend to forget about things I've done after I've done them - I don't hang on to my stuff - although I tend to remember the things which went badly rather than the things which went right.

Fb, I think one of the most important things for me will be to get interview practice and feedback. If the job's meant for me it will be mine, if not, then it will be a great learing experience.

Traveller in Time writing for writers
"Clear your throat and sing for them !

"

Thanks, Z, thanks Tit!

A singing interview? That'd confuse them!

ZSF
I always ask my current line manager for advice before interviews They are usually more than happy to discuss possible questions/responses and they often remember the stuff I've done well, when I've forgotten it - or assumed it was run of the mill stuff that was expected of me

I also spend a good couple of hours going over the application I completed and the job description (have you got a list of Essential and Desirable criteria?), spotting the issues where perhaps I haven't already demonstrated my suitability for the job.

Let us know when the interview is, so that we can bolster you up with and and

Hi there ZSF!

Being in a search mode myself, I sympathize with the angst you may be feeling; though I'd suggest a slightly different tact.

You may have done your research before applying ( a good thing ), but you can utilize this time to find some bits and pieces of information on the company that will demonstrate your interest in them and their operations. It will also give you fodder for asking intelligent questions about their goals and overall direction, the challenges in their industry, and the challenges facing the successful applicant.

BTW: Roy and I are in similar fields. I wonder how many 'quality' people are on this site??

<towel.

"He's got a background in total quality management and m"

I'm particularly interested in Roy's background in "m"

I think I have a background there too

Hi Fb! Hi Fords!

Roy has just been giving me a quick lesson in TQM principles. The basic one of 'added value' was really interesting. I must admit, I love models, so I could relate well to it and look at it in the light of what I'm already doing.

Fb, - by 'm' I was going to say management consultancy/coaching - yes, it could have been anything - he's quite good at massage!

The job's in local government and I've downloaded their service plan to have a look at.

I should find out tomorrow when the interview is. Thanks for the !

Best of luck ZSF - the tactic of the moment in interviews (behavioural interviewing) is to ask people about situations they may have found themselves in in the past, and how they responded to them. From what little I know about you, you might well be able to do well on this - despite what they may ask.

I hope it all goes well tomorrow / today!

Woodpigeon

Very dear ZSF,

I have just caught up with this posting..

I think you should just be you. You are such a super person and have so many qualities that these cannot help but shine through.

Howqever, I am worried about the distance and the motor cycle and what is going to happen to little ?

Why not come out this weekend - say Saturday for lunch? All of you.

Much affection

Also Ran1

Thank you Woodpigeon! Thanks AR1

I now have a date for my interview - it's 21 December at 9 am. All I know is that I have a 30 minute test and a 45 minute interview.

AR!

Lunch sounds lovely and it would be really nice to see you - I'm not sure how practical it is, as Roy is still ill and I will probably need to use the time to prepare for my interview. However, I'm off work after that date, so I may be able to come on, say 22 December, unless that is too near Christmas for you. I can't speak for Roy without asking him first, though.

*notes 21 December 9am*

I think that it might be a bit dicey on the 22nd as my carer is going off from the 23rd until the 28th and we shall be flat out on the 22nd. But perhaps you could come in between Christmas and New Year.

Let me know what date you can make . Oh dear., I remember you are going to your parents. at that time. Did little get to his concert?

Much affection

Also Ran1

Thanks, Fb! I was speaking to Roy a little earlier and he reminded me that I would be interviewing them as much as they would be interviewing me (even if they are offering big bucks) and it's important that if I get the job, that it's right for me. Fingers crossed and prayers would be welcomed, though!

Hi AR1 - yes we are going to see my parents between Christmas and New Year, although we will be back with a couple of days in hand before the beginning of the new term, so maybe Wednesday 5 January might be a runner?

No, little did not get to be in 'Oliver' - he was very disappointed. Oh well, there's always next year. I hear it was very well done.

With

I forgot to say, I have a 30 minute test before my interview, but no presentation, and they haven't said what the test will be on:

Ability to produce & present reports clearly - yes
Ability to communicate with diversse community - yes
inspiring the trust and confidence of people at all levels - yes
Ability to think laterally - yes - in the right circumstances
knowledge and understandng of key issues facing local govt and in the specific area - yes and probably

Well. I did the interview yesterday. Not heard yet. How did I think I did/ Well, I think I blew the presentation side of it. It came on a subject I'd heard of but hadn't assimilated, so I didn't really know the material. Plus, there was such a lot of it in really small type and I'd left my usual reading glasses at work, so I spent a frantic time trying to find a pair I'd just stuck in my bag at the last minute. I almost decided I couldn't do it, but then I thought I was made of sterner stuff than that. I ran out of time for preparation and hadn't prepared the end properly. In retrospect, I should have prepared the conclusion at the end and then worked backwards. I was reasonably au fait with the background stuff.

I was really strong in some parts of the interview, less so in others, and I felt that I didn't get the chance to show some parts where I really do shine.

Was it the right job for me? I honestly don't know. I didn't get that that I felt after I interviewed for my present job. It certainly won't be the end of the world if I don't get it - I can certainly learn from the experience. If I'm offered it, I don't know if it would be right for me. Certainly there would be the experience to manage much bigger projects that I do at the moment. And it would be nearer to Roy. Plus it's offering a lot more money. Still, I'm not in the position of having to make a decision at the moment. I would have questions to ask about support and flex - it would mean a lot more travelling and the possibility of having to work evenings - not necessarily easy to sort out childcare.

One thing I would like is to get really good feedback from the interview. Perhaps I need to work on the right questions to ask.

Dear Zarquhon

I wonder if you ahve heard yet? You write so sensibly and analytically. and in a healthy self critical way that I feel sure that will come through even if you did not have the right glasses!

The 5th January sounds good to me, my dear. So I shall put that down in my diary and you can contact me closer to the date one way or the other.

In the meatime I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas. and to my sweet little lots of happy times with his grandparents. You must let me know what he would like for Christmas. Thank you!!

Very much affectionate and a big for my dear little

Also Ran1