Dreading an interview when returning to work?

Returning to work after having children can be daunting but don't let the interview scare you!

Returning to work after having a child can be daunting. For many of us this doesn’t mean just getting back to work, it means finding an entirely new role that fits with your new family. And you know what new jobs mean… interviews.

What is it about interviews that get so many of us shuddering?! Interviews have the power to turn even the most confident of us into a jelly-legged mess. Whatever it is about interviews that your dreading, we’ve got some tips that’ll help you parents on the way back to work as well as you budding job sharers out there.

First things first, make sure you do your research on the company your planning to apply to. Should the interviewers spring a surprise question on you about their company or how it operates, you’ll be ready with an answer and not an awkward silence.

Secondly, take your time and relax. Many of us tend to feel very pressured in interviews and this can lead to us filling any silence by saying anything and everything. It’s always good to keep in mind that this interview isn’t be all – end all, consider your answers before you start talking, maybe even just take a sip of water to give yourself a little extra time.

Lastly, write down some questions that you have about the role and the company. Nothing is worse than getting to the end of an interview and not having any questions. Having these questions prepared beforehand means you won’t have to scramble to think of something on the spot and also shows that you’re actually interested in the role.

You never know what type interview you’ll be going into, some are very relaxed and informal while others are very professional. Whatever your potential employer’s interviews style, try to come across as friendly, open and able to listen.

No matter how much you prepare for your interview, nothing will be better at helping you prepare than practice. Any time you go to an interview and your unsuccessful, you’ll be that bit more confident when it comes around to the next opportunity. Make sure that even if you don’t get the result you want, take something positive away.

Do you have any pro interview tips that we haven’t shared here? Let us know on our Facebook and Twitter pages and help your fellow job sharers land their ideal job!

Go back to the blog