I've Got An Interview...

[KurtB]

As some of you will know, I retired from being an aircraft techie in RAF last year after 23 years to look after my baby girl full time. She's now two and is going to nursery on Fridays all day which gives me a day to myself.

I contacted an engineering firm recently, who build, restore, race and support historic race cars. I asked if they needed a volunteer, and told them I am happy to work Friday and the weekends as required. I sent my CV, and have chatted with the MD. They emailed and have called me for an interview, which I think will be this Friday (tbc).

 

Now I haven't been to an interview for a long long time, so would welcome any tips, as I can already feel the nerves building! What should I wear? Should I take anything with me such as the masses of certificates of achievement and competence? Any other advice?! Am I over egging it?!

 

Kind regards,

Kurt

[chrislane]

Best of luck with it Kurt. Better to be overprepared rather than under in my experience. Cant really offer any specific advice though as engineering certainly isnt my area of expertese!

 

Cheers

Chris

[Alex B]

Excellent news Kurt!

 

If it's a formal interview I would say wear a suit.

 

Take your certificates with you what warm is it going to do?

[Simon Mac]

Best of Luck!

 

Agree with Chris, too much is better than too little.

 

I don't work in engineering, but do sit the other side of the table a bit, so somethings are universal:

 

Do all the research you can on the firm, trawl their website, and try and find out interesting details.

Ask pertinent questions based on this (stuff like how many cars they build a year? what the split is between race support and refurb?

especially if they have any thing that is showcased on the website news section or in the press,  try and lead them into talking about it, normally they will get enthused and lightens the mood.

 

Think what they might ask you in advance. Hobbies and  experience are obvious ones, but there are other more subtle ones :

-things you have found difficult in previous work,

-what you most enjoyed,

-why you want to work for them..

 

Most importantly try to be relaxed. One way to help is to look at this as you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you

 

As to what to wear, you can't go far wrong with a dark suit and tie (make sure it's a simple pattern, no mickey mouse prints etc ) 

[Dr H]

Just don't wear your mankini and you'll be fine.

 

You have the technical knowledge and enthusiasm. They should see that. You'll be in there before you know it!

[jonnyfox]

.....and buy some Calms (tablets) readily available and pop three of those prior to the interview. They'll help with the nerves on the day.

[scatty]

Crikey, at your age I was expecting it to be a weekend job at B&Q.... :-)

 

Only what's been said, I would say suit. All your qualifications and roles and responsibilities. Anything you've done that relates to there business. 100% agree with digging out some info on the firm and what they do. Always looks good if they see you've done some homework.

 

I think you just need to be yourself and come across as a nice chap that you are.. :-)

[philipthelazyjournalist]

Best of luck Kurt - hope it goes well, I'm sure you'll be fine. 

[kieranexige]

Good luck Kurt,

 

Only whats been said above. Be as confident as you can be and show a keen interest by asking them as many questions as they ask you.

 

Always worked for me

[Steve J]

This is a volunteer position, not paid according to your original post.

I'm sure they'd be happy if you could demonstrate engineering competence and won't be looking for the level of experience as they would for a paid position.

Good luck.

[KurtB]

That's absolutely correct Steve, it's unpaid and I asked them if they could use someone with my skills on Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

I'm hoping to assist in any way I can, pick up new skills, make new acquaintances, go away to race meets Europe wide, and basically enhance myself whilst working for a company that has some prestige in historic racing circles. It may lead to something else, but I'm not expecting that.

 

Some good advice on here. Leigh, I'll leave my mankini hidden under my suit, and I'll be sure to don my best outfit.

 

I'll be sure to report back when the process is over. Thank you all very much for your advice, it truly is appreciated. Now, where are those calms...

[Chris_edeson]

Good luck Kurt

[jonnyfox]

Lol don't have too many, they'll think you're a stoner, and stoners defiantly should NOT work on aircraft! ;-)

[hartleyj]

Think of it as a conversation, rather than an interview. Wear what you're comfortable with. What do you think they will be wearing? Take your cues from that. You know what you've achieved, you don't need to rehearse that. Tell them what you've done, but also ask questions about what they do as a business. Show that you've given it some thought. It's a booming sector so they're probably very busy. If you show you're keen and willing, I'm sure you'll do well. 

 

Good luck!

[scatty]

Have a shave and polish your shoes...

 

Oh god, hang on a minute, that's what my dad tells me all the time.... #oldskool