T H E I N T E R V I E W.

So as you may already know, interviews can be pretty awkward things.

If, like me, you've been on the job hunt for a while now, you have probably had a fair few already. One of the problems with interviewing is having to psych yourself up into a complete narcissist to make yourself look as appealing as possible: 'Yes, I am super organised, oh you want an example? Erm, well one time I had already planned what I was going to have for breakfast before I'd even got out of bed!' But seriously, I find talking about myself for an entire hour absolutely exhausting!

Something new I have come across recently is the phone interview. These are often conducted by a recruitment consultant who has come across your CV on one of the many, many job sites you have subscribed to. They begin by asking casual questions like; what would be your ideal job? where do you see yourself in five years? lulling you into feeling a sense of comradery, like maybe they do understand the struggle.

Now is it me, or do phone calls that seem to go on for a prolonged period of time always make me feel the need to look at every inch of my house from a different perspective: 'Well I've always wanted to write a lifestyle column for a glossy magazine', I reply, hanging upside down from the staircase banister

Then, just as you begin to feel like you and this stranger on the other end of the line could really be great friends, they turn on you: 'Well I'm sure you know that industry is very competitive, especially if you are looking for roles in London. Have you ever considered a role in sales?' Well, no, because that is in no way related to what I want to do: 'Well if you're going to be realistic about relocating to London, I think a role like this would be well suited to your current work experience.' Well, yes, probably, whilst also rendering my literature degree redundant.

Long story short, by the end of the conversation I had somehow agreed to interview for two different sales roles and forgotten I had any literary ambition at all. Needless to say, I wasn't the most convincing in my answer when asked; 'So what is it that attracts you to sales?', and returned to the drawing board to tell the miniature chalk version of me that we needed a new plan.

Anyway, looking back on my experiences so far I've put together a few tips I'd like to share with you:

Firstly: If an interviewer offers you a drink, always say yes. This way, when asked a tricky question, you can take a long sip whilst buying yourself an extra few seconds to nail a good response. And if you still don't get the job, at least you got a free pumpkin-spiced latte out of it, am I right?

Secondly: If you are asked to role play, for the sake of a few minutes it is worth throwing yourself into it. Role play will always be a painful and cringeworthy experience for both parties. If you win them over then that's great. On the other hand, if you completely bugger it up, then at least you never have to see them again!

Thirdly: Some cruel and sadistic employers may insist that you take an online numerical test before you can progress on to the next stage of the interview process. These tests are often written by the devil and should be avoided at all costs. I sat baffled by a practise question for ten whole minutes before turning into a complete cry baby and calling for back-up. In came my mum and stepdad who also proceeded to stare blankly at my laptop screen. In the end it took one graduate and two professional level brains to break down the question and work out how to solve it. Yes, eventually we came out victorious, but that was little help when the real test began and I was left to my own devices. Long story short – I failed, and failed hard.

Finally: Don't be afraid to turn down your first job offer, despite being desperate to feel like you have a purpose again; a non-graduate salary, ridiculous working hours, and spending the latter half of your day-long interview being questioned on your relationship status, are all valid reasons to politely say; 'Though I am grateful for the offer, I don’t feel this role is the right fit for me...yes it is a shame...no, no I don’t fancy going for a drink with you anyway.'

In all seriousness, the interview process can be a real learning curve. Look at it this way; with each one you are not only discovering what you have to offer to a range of different roles, you are also getting a feel for the company based on how they are interviewing you. That way, whilst they are deciding if you are the right fit for them, you can be deciding if they are the right fit for you, because in the long term, that is all that really matters.

On a side note, I actually had a social life this weekend and managed to get up to London to see some of my favourite girls. I have now returned home feeling refreshed and remotivated to move down there as soon as possible!

New posts up every monday!

More to follow!