One down...
So today was my first job interview in seven years. I still haven't had any word about the remapping and realignment that's going on in our department, as in if they've actually mapped me into any of the restructured jobs that will come into effect in September/October. So I'm still pushing forward into going for new jobs. I have another interview next week and I'll begin searching out more admin opportunities at the university as I'd love to continue to work for them.
The interview was this morning as I wanted it out of the way quickly so that I didn't stew about it all day. It was in a building I've been in before which was helpful though when I went in, there was nobody at reception to direct me to where the room was which was a bit unnerving. I dressed in a short-sleeved striped blouse and a knee-length black skirt with my usual black work heels so I felt smart and proper. I took with me my passport and my GCSE and A-Level certificates which they wanted to photocopy for proof of my citizenship and my schooling. Annoyingly I can't find my degree certificate at the moment, I'm convinced my parents have it because the night I graduated, I went to a big party at ChristChurch and I remember taking a change of clothes but definitely not the certificate. I'm sure I would have given my parents the certificate so that I didn't lose it that night. Handily getting a replacement only costs £20 which I'd have to send off with a completed and witnessed form. So I'll probably end up doing that as I hate not having my certificate.
Anyway, everyone was really friendly and welcoming in the department that I was interviewing for. Someone got me a glass of water and somebody else, a complete stranger, told me that they were sure I'd do well which was lovely. I also got tons of lovely supportive messages from family and friends which really helped. The interview itself was with three people who were all very chatty and friendly which put me at ease. I managed to answer all the questions reasonably well though a little while afterwards I felt like I had better answers and more examples that I could have used. But isn't that always the way? After the interview, I had an 'informal' chat with the young lady working in a similar job to give me a flavour of what it's like which was nice and I made sure not to let my guard down and put across how much I liked the sound of the job. Everybody was positive and told me that I should hear from them early next week. I'm telling myself that I have another interview to go to next week and that even if I didn't get the job I interviewed for today, it was great interview practice and gave me pointers towards what sort of answers I should have prepared for such an event. I shall be writing more flashcards to go with the ones I made before this interview which covered things like my communication skills, my administrative skills etc. So that's good. And the interviewers told that I'd come across really well which was a lovely thing to hear. They also told me I should be very proud as they'd had ninety-nine people apply for the job and I was one of the few selected from the group for the interview. So I should hold onto that and onto the reminder that even if there's a negative outcome, there's quite a few positives to take from this experience.
The interview was this morning as I wanted it out of the way quickly so that I didn't stew about it all day. It was in a building I've been in before which was helpful though when I went in, there was nobody at reception to direct me to where the room was which was a bit unnerving. I dressed in a short-sleeved striped blouse and a knee-length black skirt with my usual black work heels so I felt smart and proper. I took with me my passport and my GCSE and A-Level certificates which they wanted to photocopy for proof of my citizenship and my schooling. Annoyingly I can't find my degree certificate at the moment, I'm convinced my parents have it because the night I graduated, I went to a big party at ChristChurch and I remember taking a change of clothes but definitely not the certificate. I'm sure I would have given my parents the certificate so that I didn't lose it that night. Handily getting a replacement only costs £20 which I'd have to send off with a completed and witnessed form. So I'll probably end up doing that as I hate not having my certificate.
Anyway, everyone was really friendly and welcoming in the department that I was interviewing for. Someone got me a glass of water and somebody else, a complete stranger, told me that they were sure I'd do well which was lovely. I also got tons of lovely supportive messages from family and friends which really helped. The interview itself was with three people who were all very chatty and friendly which put me at ease. I managed to answer all the questions reasonably well though a little while afterwards I felt like I had better answers and more examples that I could have used. But isn't that always the way? After the interview, I had an 'informal' chat with the young lady working in a similar job to give me a flavour of what it's like which was nice and I made sure not to let my guard down and put across how much I liked the sound of the job. Everybody was positive and told me that I should hear from them early next week. I'm telling myself that I have another interview to go to next week and that even if I didn't get the job I interviewed for today, it was great interview practice and gave me pointers towards what sort of answers I should have prepared for such an event. I shall be writing more flashcards to go with the ones I made before this interview which covered things like my communication skills, my administrative skills etc. So that's good. And the interviewers told that I'd come across really well which was a lovely thing to hear. They also told me I should be very proud as they'd had ninety-nine people apply for the job and I was one of the few selected from the group for the interview. So I should hold onto that and onto the reminder that even if there's a negative outcome, there's quite a few positives to take from this experience.