Job Interviews.

I am back and have made a vow to myself to set aside a weekly slot to dedicate solely to my blog.
In my defence I have been really busy, taking my first baby steps into the big wide world of job-hunting but sadly no longer for a part time job to feed my social life when the student loan has gone, but instead for an actual career!

I had my first real experience of a 'grown up' job interview last week and I must say it was a real adventure.
It was in London, so involved a lot of planning and travelling before I had even got to the interview itself. Now, for those of you out there who find the prospect of travelling anywhere on a train, on your own, quite daunting you will understand how I felt. Then throw in the fact that once you get to your destination you then have to navigate yourself through the busy streets of London under time pressure and you really are creating a recipe for disaster.

It was a very early start; having wolfed down a cereal bar and taken one sip from my boiling hot tea as I ran out the door (its always the nicest cup of tea when you don't have time to finish it) I was sat in my car driving to the station, the early morning radio stations playing upbeat songs, probably trying to help you wake up and feel chirpy, I am afraid there is nothing to be chirpy about at 6 o'clock in the morning.
I reached the station which was already packed full of cars and men in their suits locking up as they headed into the station. Being a newbie to the morning commute I parked up and went to get my ticket and off into the station I went.
Standing at the platform was actually quite peaceful, after of course I had checked, double checked and triple checked that I was at the right station, on the right platform and waiting for the right train (as I said, baby steps). There were so many people around which was quite a pleasant surprise at this time of day, although it was clear no one was in the mood to talk, or smile at that.
Despite my very best intentions of looking alert and reading through my interview notes on the train, within about twenty minutes I was fast asleep.
I was awoken an hour later by an older man, dressed in a very expensive looking suit, warning me that the train had reached London Bridge. I tried to awake gracefully but I think it was clear to him that I was really not ready for this day and in hindsight I probably owed him an apology for falling asleep on his shoulder for the majority of the journey.

I left the train with the crowds of London commuters, all walking briskly with a purpose; no doubt they do this journey all the time and you can tell - some of them literally did have their eyes shut! I followed the crowds through the barriers and after having to get change so I could pay 30p to use the toilet (I have never understood how they can put a price on going to the toilet) I actually managed to find the interview building remarkably quickly despite getting a little bit lost.

The interview lasted a whole day and was a pretty draining experience ... I have put together a few little tips for all you guys out there who have big interviews coming up that like me are a bit scatty and prone to disaster...

1) Plan your travels way ahead but when it comes to it be ready to pluck up the courage to ask for help
I printed out all the maps and had my journey in my head but upon leaving the station and reading 'head north-west' I was instantly lost! I had no idea where to go and the more confused I got the more I panicked. Even consulting google maps didn't help and so I had to ask a passer by for some directions. She was actually really kind and really helpful so don't be afraid to ask someone, especially in London where everyone around you can look busy.

2) Dress to impress but think practical
So the dress code was 'professional' which is always a little trickier for the ladies as we have so many more options and don't just have to dust off our finest suits (gents!) but find something that makes you feel comfortable. I do think wearing heels can be a brilliant thing, they give you confidence and can actually make you stand taller with better posture so I went for a small heel BUT for the train journey and the 15 minute walk through London I actually wore my flip flops! Despite getting a few strange looks I was comfortable and was able to keep up with the crowds without breaking an ankle ... just do remember to change into your heels before you enter the interview building (whoops!)

3) Be confident from the outset
Its so important, especially in groups situations to stand your ground. Being in a group of about thirty other applicants, it was really clear to me how important it is for you to make an impact on the crowd and let your presence be known. There will always be someone who takes control and tries to phase everyone else or intimidate them but when you clock that person stay alert but focus on you and how you come across; let them remember you for the right reasons.

4) Don't over analyse
Once a section or stage of the interview is done it is over. You can't go back and change anything so just use all that energy and adrenaline to drive the next stage!

Whatever you do keep calm and go for it!
Good luck guys! x