HR Moms or Dads: Job Interview Question

Good luck and dress professionally! Even in today's casual dress environment, you can't go wrong with a nice dress pantsuit or at least a conservative blazer.

I used to do a lot of interviews and have seen a lot of DON'TS down through the years. I think the funniest one was when we had a WANG position open (I am dating myself now, who remembers WANG anymore?) and a woman showed up dressed in a clown outfit. I can't remember whether she was just coming from a kid's birthday party or if she was just handing out leaflets on the street, but yes, she came dressed as a clown. Big shoes. Striped costume. Pom-pom buttons. Red wig. You get the idea. To top it all off, she was unbelievably grumpy. Nothing like interviewing a bad-tempered clown for a word processing position. Needless to say, she didn't get the job!

Happy!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I bet it's scary. I remember my trip back into the working world after being out for 5 years...you can do it!!

Look at the position description again. think of examples of how you have done that job or one similar to it in the past - how you fixed a problem, succeeded when things were tough, etc. Customer service? How you handled a difficult client/customer. (since I don't know what you do or what you have applied for).

Familiarize yourself with the company - research them on the internet....look up the CEO on LinkedIn...even the recruiter you have been talking to. You might find something in their profiles that tell you where they went to school and any common interests you might have. And no, that's not stalking...as I am sure someone here will say that...that's the purpose of linkedin.

Don't be nervous. They selected you for an interview! That means they saw the value in you!! ROCK IT MAMA!!!

Good luck! Remember it's your chance to see if you'd really like to work there. It helps with nerves to think of it as you interviewing them. Be honest, and be yourself. Give a firm handshake and be excited about the opportunity.

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Good luck! Remember it's your chance to see if you'd really like to work there. It helps with nerves to think of it as you interviewing them. Be honest, and be yourself. Give a firm handshake and be excited about the opportunity.

What is the job for????

I was a SAHM for 10 years, and now have a part-time job.
At my kids' school.
I interviewed too. I just sort of winged it though. I go by my own radar.

I have conducted and been on quite a few interview panels, so here are my tips.
1. Wear a suit, better to be overdressed, than underdressed
2. Research the company and make sure you know what they do, and a little information about the position.
3. Always ask questions, when they ask "Do you have any questions." Come up with a couple before the interview
4. You have to find a way to coorelate what you have been doing, with what the job description entails. Look for key words in the job posting or description and hit on the ones that you have skills that are relatable.
5. Be personable, it's ok to be nervous, you should be, it's an interview and you are selling yourself. Make sure to take time to think about the questions before you answer.
6. Good Luck!!

I interviewed someone recently who only asked about what our company could do for her. While of course it's important to understand that the job will fit with your family life, be careful to phrase it in a way that's positive and not just about the company fitting your schedule. Or save it for the follow-up discussion with HR or a second interview. Seriously, the only questions this person asked were related to when she could request flexible hours, when she could take vacation, phone calls at work etc. No questions about the actual work or company itself! Wasn't sure whether she wanted the actual job!

Tell them you've been a CEO for 10yrs ;). It's not a lie; you've been the CEO of your house and managed X amount of kids lives, hubby's life, scheduling, event planning, budgeting, shopping, cleaning, cooking. I think you get the idea!

Just be your professional self, don't ramble, be concise, but use concrete examples. Your past experience will help you. Be confident!

What is the job for?

Focus on the positive aspects about being a mom - scheduling, multitasking and those sort of things. Be sure that volunteer experiences are on your resume. Especially if you chaired something.

Also, be sure to tell them that although you have been home, you have made it a priority to keep up with technology. iphone/iPad, social networking. Be on LinkedIn.

A great thing to mention is how you are done with one job - one that has had so many challenges and rewards and now you are looking for something new and challenging. And of course, getting paid would be nice! Make a little joke! Mention how excited you are to get back to work.

Good luck!

That's great! My advise would be to dress professionally, bring extra resumes and remember that you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you, to make sure it's a good fit for everyone, so come prepared and with questions.

Depending on what kind of job it is, you may find yourself in a behavioral interview. Research behavioral interviewing and tips for it. Most companies are using these types of interviews to find the best fit. I would also suggest preparing for behavioral interview questions. I am sure you can get examples online, but the questions will be like," Tell me about a time when you had to overcome conflict in the workplace. How did you do it? and what was the outcome?" I relocated just over a year ago and most of the places I interviewed used this type of interviewing. Most of the interviewing was me with a panel of people. Just fyi, I am a Cost Accounting Manager. Good luck!

Congratulations. I just got back into the workforce 3 months ago after being a SAHM for 9 years. To say I was terrified, is putting it mildly. The one thing I would say is be honest. If you've done something with your skill set while staying at home, say it - if not, don't be ashamed. Interviewers can usally tell when you are making up stuff. I used my education and my past skill set to promote myself. And remember, when you have an offer and its not quite what you want or less than what you had, think of it as a first step - getting your foot in the door. After that you can only move forward!!

Good luck - wish you the best!!!