This is a bit of a silly thread to make but I just need some reassurance. I have a big interview coming up tomorrow for an assistant psychologist position - it's a really big deal as AP posts are like gold dust and this job would be perfect experience for the doctorate I eventually want to apply for. I really really want it.
The problem is, I'm a ball of anxiety at the best of times, and I am so terrified. I've pretty much been shaking since I was invited to the interview last Friday, feeling nauseous, feeling tearful. I dread to think what I'm actually going to be like in the room! I have to prepare a short presentation, and I've been struggling quite a bit with that as well as preparing answers to questions they might ask, and I'm just so scared. I'm frightened I won't be able to go into the room at all.
I'm trying to breathe deeply and stay calm, and I know if worst comes to worst I can take a couple of Valium before I go in to keep myself centred (I take it very rarely, only if I really need it), but I could just do with some reassurance.
I know it seems so scary for you, but I know you will be okay. Just try not to over think things before you go. Think of it this way; you always think you'll fail with things, yet you always do amazingly well. Your firsts at uni; I know it's not gonna help you be any less nervous, but you should know, and I know that you'll do great. I'm so proud of you ♥
Keep in mind that AP posts are so hard to come by that literally hundreds of people apply for them. That you have been offered an interview is excellent! It means that they see you as having the necessary skills and have chosen you over and above many others. Even if you aren't selected this time, you're certainly on the right path and you should let that give you some confidence. Best of luck.
Have you got anyone who has been in the same position and that holds the same post as you? They may be able to give you some pointers. Also have a look through job description and person specification. Sometimes on the end they will list some suitable reading as well. I find it better if I can do some research and write it all down. Have a chat with one of your friends and bounce some ideas off them. Sometimes when you have a little strategy it can help.
I know how you feel though, I went for a job interview last month. The first part was a group interview with some really strong characters and the individual interview I was in and out in 15 minutes. I broke down in tears in the car afterwards convinced I hadn't got it. I then got a call that evening, out of the 7 interviewed I got the advertised job. Just try to have faith in yourself and the abilities, if they weren't interested in you then they wouldn't have offered you an interview. Good luck hun x
Thanks everyone, that's reassuring. I asked someone who was a volunteer AP there and got some pointers from her. Also practiced my presentation lots and it's still a mess but I don't think that's something I can really help as I'm just useless at presenting anything - stumble over words etc.
I've done lots of reading, looked at possible questions they might ask, really researched. I'm just scared it's not enough.
Thanks :) I didn't make enough of the points they wanted me to. I feel stupid and like I've let myself down, but at the same time it was my first ever AP interview and I was very nervous, so hopefully next time I'll be more lucky. Thank you all for being lovely x
Ah poop :( That sucks but it's still experience hun. Take the advice you have been given and try, try, try again. Next time you may not be so nervous as you'll have had prior experience. Don't let this set you back x
I know you didn't get the job but well done on trying your best, hopefully you will be able to learn from the mistakes you made and next time be successful.
Keep positive (:
'Cause I'll always remember you the same.
Oh eyes like wild flowers within demons of change ♥
Like you said to me about my driving test, my first one will be my 'trial' run, so if I don't pass, I'll know what to work on for next time. That's all it is for you sweet x
Thanks guys! Today I found out one of the guys I currently work with who also had an interview got the job, which is great for him, but a bit of a kick in the teeth as it's harder when it's someone you know! Trying not to be too bitter haha x
sorry you didnt get the job, but like others said use your experience from this one in future interviews. dont give up and keep applying, jobs are hard enough to get these days, let alone highly competative ones, i expect lots of people applied and to get asked for interview is an achievement in itself!
Something I'd suggest as well is that if you're not already doing some volunteer AP work if you have time (which if you're working full time I appreciate it's unlikely you will have) then it may be worthwhile doing that. I know somewhere where I went the AP there had previously done some work there as a student and was then a volunteer AP there before the job came up and they had a new volunteer AP; it doesn't mean you'll get the job if 1 comes up at the same place but means you'll get to know what it entails more, gain some more experience and may help with things like doing presentations as it may be part of your job at times and therefore after you've maybe done a few a week for a while they'll seem like nothing.
I would love to do volunteer AP work if I could but I work full time so it's unlikely. I am keeping my eyes and ears peeled for any opportunities though. Thanks Kim x
