Job interview tips for mums returning to the workforce

By Allison Tait |
Job Interview Tips

When was the last time you went for a job interview? Whether it was last week, last year or last century, chances are you'll be nervous. When you're a mum who's been out of the workforce for a while, those nerves will ratchet up into the stratosphere. 

Take a deep breath. The key to a successful job interview is to calm those nerves and concentrate. Remember that you're going for a conversation, not a torture session. You've secured an interview - the prospective employer wants to talk to you. Now all you have to do is to convince them that you're the one for the job. Our 10-step plan will help.

The 10-step plan:

  1. Do your research. Most companies have websites now and a good look around will give you an idea of the mission and philosophies of the one you're targeting.
  2. Ask for information about the interview at the time it is organised. How will the interview be structured? Are there standard questions you'll be required to answer? The more you know, the better you will be able to prepare.
  3. Do a reconnaissance. Visit the company ahead of time and loiter out the front for a while. Knowing where the interview will take place will save you the stress of finding it on the day - and you'll be able to get a good look at the people with whom you might be working.
  4. Plan your outfit. Armed with the knowledge of the dress code of the company from your reconnaissance, get your interview outfit together. Note: even the most casual workplaces require you to make an effort for the interview - but you might get away with a less formal outfit. Always ensure that your clothes are clean and well-maintained. You want a professional, well-groomed effect.
  5. Practice at home. If it's been a while since you've been to an interview, try some practice questions at home. Ask a friend to play the role of employer - if you have a friend in business, HR, recruiting, or who works in a corporate environment, they'll have a good idea of what to ask you. You can find a great  list of questions (and potential answers) here. 
  6. Plan your answers. Think about the information that you want to convey to the employer. What are the skills you want to highlight? Note that employers are not just interested in what you've done, but in you explaining to them when and how you did it. If you say 'I have great leadership skills', they'll ask you for an example of the last time you utilised those skills. Think about some of your best moments in your last few jobs and get your anecdotes ready.
  7. Deal with the parenting gap. If you've been out of the workforce for a few years, it's important to think about the things you have been doing in work-speak. Chances are you've been volunteering in some capacity - school canteen or fundraisers or doing the books for your partner's business, or working on your social media skills via blogging, Twitter or Facebook. Canteen work involves money handling, customer service and the ability to work in a team. Talk about it like that. Stick to how your skills will benefit the job for which you're applying.
  8. Don't talk about your family circumstances unless it is raised during the interview. You are being interviewed to see if your skills and experience match the advertised job. Nothing else.
  9. An interview is based on two things - to see how well-suited you are to the role based on your experience, and to see how well you might fit within the culture of the organization. Be yourself.
  10. Remember that the interview is also a chance for you to gauge whether or not you actually want to work for the organization in that role. You're actually interviewing them as well! Keeping that in mind may help with confidence.

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