Job interview

Congrats posie....go girl!

Being a carer for that length of time is to be much commended but I can understand you feeling a bit out of touch.

I am sure that you are more than qualified and it might help to just think through what you have been doing and 'translate' it into a workplace environment.

No doubt you have been coping with finances and dealing with healthcare professionals - hence you have developed both accuracy and management skills! I am sure that the store will be looking for the basic skills of honesty, adaptability and a bit of common sense - something you will have in spades. Therefore, take a deep breath, answer questions from the heart but always keep it short and simple.

Can always remember thinking I had failed an interview when they asked me what I would do if my child was ill...quickly I said I'd have to stay at home....this was for a child education job, but still it was a few years ago....anyway, they said that was the correct answer!

So - be yourself and think that they will be lucky to have you - good luck!

posie I will follow your thread with interest, as we seem to be in very similar situations...will be sending good vibes your way for the interview, we will all be thinking of you, what times your interview? and will they let you know there and then or ? is it a waiting game... good luck

Hilda is right - look at all the skills you have been using to be a carer for so many years and relate these to the job you are applying for. Good luck!

If you sent them a CV, take a copy with you if possible, even better if you could put it in a folder along with a few blank sheets. When you go in, sit down, open your folder and get a pen out ready to write things down. That gives you something to do with your hands.

If it is Tesco you are going to, they have been mentioned on Radio 4 a few times lately as they seem to have admitted that they have lost customers to other stores, and so now they are having a big "push" on their customer service strategy.

You may well be asked if you have any questions to ask them! A good one is to ask why this role has become vacant, has someone been promoted, or is it just due to expansion? Also ask what their staff retention is like. This is a good question as it gives the impression that you are not likely to flit from one job to another, and as a general rule, employers with low staff turnover levels are often better employers!

Smile, make eye contact, firm handshake and thank them for inviting you.

Good luck!

Those tips make a lot of sense phoenix.

Good luck posie

Thank you everyone. Been out today to buy myself some smart trousers for the interview as mine don't fit anymore due to a worry & anxiety diet. I'm guessing my usual dress of jeans won't do

bikergran Nice to know I'm not alone in this. I've no idea if they'll let me know straight away, I'm so new to all this. Have you had any interviews yourself yet?

Our local Tesco has had the same staff for donkeys years, mostly mature ladies. They must be doing something right with staff.

Current CEO Dave Lewis

Latest news they are giving almost past sell by food to charities.

Do a bit of googling to be up to speed on their strategy now.

Good luck

posie Good luck!

posie no not applied for any jobs as yet, still in bereavement allowance for another 4 week, then it's down to the Jobcentre, apparently from what I have read I it may be universal credit for me rather than Jobseekers (same thing, different name) just to make it more confusing !

Think you are right dressing smart (deff no jeans) lol

posie smile, breathe , count to ten and if you don't understand or are feeling a bit panicked ask them to repeat the question. One of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey) is 'seek to understand and be understood'. So saying something like' did I understand you to be asking me....' gives you time to think of your answer and also ensures you get the question right. Good Luck tomorrow - give them your best smile - that's what the customers want to see anyway!!

Good luck posie - big smile and firm handshake is always good!

I endorse all above and a few simple questions I always prepare the answer to, then speak the answers out loud (by yourself or to someone else) because then your mouth will keep working even if your head goes empty!
1) Tell us a bit about yourself (prepare 4-5 line answer not about the dog but some experience relevant to the job e.g. have had to manage the household budget, find it increasingly easy to organise my time)
2) Why do you want to work here?
3) Why do you want this job? (hint: looks interesting or I like the organisation..not just I need the money!!!)
4) Why should we choose you (embarrassing but think what virtues you are prepared to talk about, sell yourself)
5) Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses ( same strengths as above e.g. I am well organised, prepared to be trained, I get things done, I'm conscious of not wasting money or resources etc) The weakness choose something you can repair e.g. I'm not very good on the computer but I'm going to the library to do one of their courses. It must not be 'I've got a vile temper and I've never been able to control it for instance)
6) Where do you think you'll be in five years time? (tricky one but best to say probably 'working for you perhaps with some more responsibility than this post offers')
7) Can you tell us about a problem you have solved, or tricky situation you've found yourself in and how you coped with it? (much better to have thought of one before the interview and talked it through to see how it sounds)
8) Have you any questions to ask us? (great answer from phoenix above but don't feel you have to ask something)
Sorry if I'm too late I only just saw the thread!

I would add they may ask
"What skills did you use as a carer that you think might be helpful in this job?"
So make a list of all the things you had to do including all the meetings with health care professionals etc before the interview, it's easier to think of things when you aren't under pressure, bet you'll be surprised about all the things you did.
They might also ask you how you would deal with a problem customer/scenario- just imagine how you like to be treated- with understanding and respect.
Good luck Hope it goes well

Well I survived it! It actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

It was a group interview, so 6 of us altogether. Apparently they've been holding interviews all last week & this week.

Started with filling in a form, then we had to answer about 5 questions in front of each other.

Then we had to work together to build a construction approx. 6ft tall with a flag on the top using only items on the table which was a pack of photo copier paper, a roll of selotape & pot of pencils.

Will have to wait now to see if I've been successful or not.

Fingers crossed for you posie!

Well I've been offered some hours!!

Nine & three quarter hours on Sat & three hours on Sun. I've said yes but I'll be on my knees by Sat eve!!
They're going to be in touch about the 2days of training.

Just hope I'll be able to remember some of it.

Posie...congratulations...just pace yourself and you will be fine!

That's a long shift, posie!

But well done on getting the job

posie I've only just seen your post. Congratulations and good luck with your training.

AnnB I thought the tips given in your post were really excellent and would be a great help to anybody who wants to be well prepared for an interview.

Good for you posie, very comfy shoes!

Well done posie

PS HQ, will you PLEASE warn us when you change things!

Congratulations posie you'll be fine

posie