View Full Version : OK, I am officially terrified
frugalone
7-31-13, 12:03pm
Got an email this morning re: the lateral position (posted about it last week on here).
They want to talk to me for 90 minutes this Friday. I had to email my boss and let him know that I applied for the job, and asking how we would handle this in terms of personal time off, etc.
I don't quite know what to tell him if he asks why I want to leave this department. I guess my first reply would have to be "I am looking for diverse library experience since I still plan to attend library school."
I am absolutely terrified by the whole prospect of an interview.
When I had the interview for my current job, they didn't ask any of those "canned questions" (such as "tell us about a time when you had a conflict in the workplace.") In fact, I totally admired them for NOT asking things like that--they concentrated on the job at hand and my ability to do it.
When I try to think of my strengths and weaknesses, my mind goes totally BLANK. And out of the many questions someone could ask at an interview, how can I possibly know which ones they're going to ask me? And 90 minutes? That sounds like an eternity. Help!!!
:help:
I am not joking, I am almost having a panic attack. Maybe I shouldn't do this at all. You don't know how greatly relieved I was to get the job I have, just so I wouldn't have to go to further interviews!
I also do not have a wonderful track record of job history. Between you, me and the doorpost, I was let go from my last four jobs, mostly for behavioral issues (although the last job, my technical skills were never what they hoped/wanted, no matter how hard I tried).
Ok, here is a re-frame:
Rather than strengths & weaknesses, list for yourself what you love & what most challenges you. I view "weaknesses" as learning edges. We cannot all be good at everything, so what is most challenging is often that learning edge. What one loves most is often what is declared as strengths.
Then, make a list for yourself of the things about this new position that grabbed your attention. What piqués your interest? What are you most curious about? Bring that curiosity to the interview! A interview is a two-way street; you need to determine if this is a good place for you as much as they need to determine if you're a fit. It's like dating!
Explore. Experiment. You can do this!
That is great news!! Once upon a time, I used to be afraid of job interviews too. Somewhere along the line though, I realized these are just fellow humans doing their job. I actually enjoy them now - how often does one get to sit down and converse with someone one on one and tell them wonderful things about yourself. No need to be so hard on yourself - no pain, no gain!
i agree. Interviews are NOT about qualifications, strengths, and weaknesses--they are about connections with your potential employer. Concentration on making those connections--through sincerity, enthusiasm, a healthy dose of self-regard about your capabilities with no apologies, honest interest in the interviewer and poise. Sit straight, lean slightly forward--"mirror" your interviewer.
If it's a real conversation, the 90 minutes will go pretty quickly. Make sure your answers are relevant. Turn it around and ask the interviewer questions about the job and even him/herself (appropriately).
Definitely write a short thank you note afterwards.
Deep breaths -- agree with redfox, you can do this!
Regarding how to handle it if you boss asks: I would just stress how much you have enjoyed working in the library system at X College and how you want to learn as much as possible about different aspects of library work before you dive into an MLS program. Reassure him that you will do whatever you can to make the transition as smooth as possible if you are offered the new position. Ask for his advice about how to best present yourself in the interview for the new position -- whether or not you take this advice, it might help to flatter him a bit and make him think you value his professional insight.
Regarding how to handle the interview, redfox's advice is great. Just try to relax and be as natural as you can be. If they ask about strengths and weaknesses you can turn it around a bit on them and ask them to be more specific -- ask what they see as the particular challenges of the job or skills needed, and then speak to those specific issues in relation to your skill set/talents.
Try to keep an open mind about the interview process. A 90-minute interview is actually a very good sign -- means they are taking you seriously as a candidate. Those "canned" questions may be very important, so do your best not to be cynical about them.
Focus on the positive and how happy you are to finally be working in this sector/at this institution (even if you are not). If they ask about previous work situations, I would say something to the effect that PR was not a good fit for your personality/skill set and that you really much prefer library work and the work environment at X College. If they raise the issue of your current position, again, be positive and focus on what you want more of (challenge, experience) rather than what is dissatisfying about your current position. I would not mention the shortcomings of your current boss -- those are probably well known within the system and you don't know what the internal politics are. Put a positive spin on it like "I have benefitted a lot from working under Mr. Y with his many years of experience, but feel that there are limited growth opportunities for me in my current position. I would value the opportunity to work in a different section of the library and continue developing my skill set and learning more from the great library management staff we have on campus."
Deep breaths. Don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you go blank. Try joking about it if it happens -- "Oh my, I am a bit nervous and my mind just went completely blank! Could you repeat the question?" Smile as much as you can. Use as much positive body language as you can (nodding and indicating you are following when questions are asked, be careful to "lean in" and not out and never lean back and cross your arms, etc.)
Good luck!
lhamo
My fav tactic for buying time while I think is this: "Oh! Great question... give me a moment..." Then, I pause, breathe, make eye contact, smile, and answer. I really love slowing down the interview pace, because then everyone relaxes. Anxiety amps up the pace, and slowing it down dispenses anxiety. This gives everyone a chance to engage their thinking brain, and they remember you with good feelings!
I also love to find a place to toss in my long ago background as a commercial sheep farmer, usually in the context of challenges. It's not on my résumé, so mentioning it makes me quite memorable. We all have something like that in our past!
One of the truly good things about being retired, is that I know I will never have to go through another job interview process. Lots of good advice above!
Yes, thank you for the good advice.
I'm feeling calmer now. I keep reminding myself of s/thing I read once: They want you to be the right candidate for the job, so they can fill the position and get on with their work! So it's mutually beneficial for everyone.
Thanks also for listening to me. I tend to get very wound up!
My manager is OK with the interview being scheduled. He didn't ask me anything, or seem upset at all. Which is cool.
:D
I really love slowing down the interview pace, because then everyone relaxes. Anxiety amps up the pace, and slowing it down dispenses anxiety. This gives everyone a chance to engage their thinking brain, and they remember you with good feelings!
Yes, great tip. It's so easy to think you have to rush-rush-rush-talk-talk-talk. But there is so much power in a pause! Any great speaker will tell you that.
You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you! Are they a right fit for you? Is this job a good fit for you? Have questions ready for them! It all really does go both ways!
And remember, it can only turn out good. Either you get a cool new job, or you get to continue being employed at the one you have. You get experience in a tough situation. There really is no downside here. :) Go get 'em!
I agree with herbgeek. That has helped me calm down often. The last job I applied for I didn't get (the person who was directly below this position for 3 years did) and I was freaking out before the interview! Then I recalled I had a job already, it was going to be okay. Let us know how it goes,
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