Anxious about applying for new jobs

[dreamintwilight]

So, my husband and I have been looking for office jobs for me at the university I used to attend and where he already works at as well. One of the jobs is in the adult undergraduate continuing education program. I'm fairly confident I'd be able to do most any office job, but of course I have no "real" first-hand experience in an office setting, so I'm of course a little anxious about what to expect. This will also be the first "real" job I've applied for. Up until this point I've had jobs working at Starbucks, an after school care, and a church as a soloist. So, this would be my first job where I'd have to wear work clothes and have a formal interview.

It's really nerve-wracking...and I haven't even applied for anything yet, haha. My husband mentioned my wanting to apply to a woman who works in the office I'd be applying for and she was all excited and said she'd mention to the director that I'd be applying and such (everyone loves my husband and wants to help us out, haha). I guess I'm just worried that they might expect to much of me or something (even though I know I could do the job well) and will be disappointed if I don't meet their preconceived expectations.

Of course, my husband spoke to the director of his department (about my applying for the position) and she said the woman in charge for their department was very serious about the program and wouldn't feel pressured to hire me unless I was the best candidate for the position. It just reminds me of when a new movie comes out and all you hear people talk about is how great this movie is and all your friends tell you to go. And it's been built up so much that by the time you see it, you end up feeling like "What's the big deal?"

All this to say...Im nervous. It's something new, and I tend to get a lot of anxiety about anything new (ie Humira!! Haha). It would just be nice to get a job with a salary. I do NOT want to go back to something like Starbucks or a grocery store. As much as an office job probably sounds boring to some people I think I would really enjoy it. I like clerical, task-oriented stuff. I just need to do some research on the program and possibly some of the people I'd be working with.

Anyway...any encouragement would be appreciated. Sorry I wrote so much! :ybiggrin:

 

[teeny5]

First of all good luck! Here are my suggestions for an interview...

Dress professional...nicer than you would have to for the job.
Be professional...just answer questions honestly and confidently.
Practice...let your hubby ask you interview questions so you practice some answers.
Be prepared...inevitably they will ask you something you either don't know the answer to or have no experience in...stay calm and you could answer by saying "in this situation I would..." just because you have never done the job doesn't mean you don't already have skills that will help you in it. You could also relate it to something you do know about "in my experience doing...I had a similar situation where I did..."

Hope this info helps. I do hiring in my job and have taken courses on how to interview. I get nervous any time I have to interview but I am much more confident if I rehearse as much as possible.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Thank Teeny Yeah, I tend to be very honest, so hopefully I won't be "too" honest, haha. Not oversharing, but I know sometimes there are certain things people say to generally avoid saying, even if it is honest. But I've always felt I'd rather be completely honest and not get the job.

And I agree about just because I haven't done the job doesn't mean I couldn't do it. Hopefully they will see that too. I do have some experience with situational-type interviews (giving examples of a time I had to do so and so or a time I had to deal with a certain situation). That actually how Starbucks does their interviews. So, I hope if I get an interview it's more like that rather than the rehash-type interviews where it seems they are asking you the generic Qs you already answered on your application (guess that means they don't really wanna read my application! LOL).

I also hope if I don't know an answer that I am able to explain it in a way that's satisfactory like you mentioned. I'm definitely a rehearser too! Haha.

Thanks for the encouragement. I know I'll most likely do fine in the interview (if I get one). It's just the element of the unknown, of course, that makes me anxious and nervous. I also saw a picture of the woman I'd be interviewing with online and she looks kind of intimidating! Haha. I think regardless of the outcome, I just hope to be satisfied with how the interview goes. No regrets wishing i would have said something better or whatever

 

[violetcreams]

I'm sending you ALL of the very best vibes for your interview Twilight! Deep breathing exercises before you go in & try to relax & be yourself. You will be MARVELLOUS! xxx

 

[Jerman]

Good Luck, I hope it goes well and that you get the job. It may be helpful for you to look up some practice questions and rehearse with hubby. Remember good eye contact, definitely look him in the eyes while shaking hands. You seem to be a dynamic young lady, smile be yourself hold your head high with pride. Best of luck to you.

 

[GoJohnnyGo]

Good luck Marisa.

Universities are generally very progressive organizations when it comes to employees with medical issues.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Thanks, Violet. I'm hoping by just being myself it won't leave me with any regrets!

Jerman - Thank you for the compliment. Sometimes I tend to battle feelings of confidence with feelings of incapability. I think this started happening after I graduated college and realized how hard it was to find a decent job even with TWO degrees in hand! The encouragement really reminds me not to doubt myself.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Good luck Marisa.

Universities are generally very progressive organizations when it comes to employees with medical issues.

Absolutely! It's also a Christian university as well. When I was in the hospital my husband's (who already works there) office was extremely understanding when it came to him missing work and having to leave on short notice for unexpected procedures and medical emergencies. I think that's another reason I want this job so bad. It would be one less thing to worry about if my employer was understanding about my condition. My husband even found out there are 2 people in his office who also have some form of IBD, so we've had a lot of support from them. He still gets asked on a regular basis how I am doing.

 

[Astra]

Hi Marisa

You're gonna be just fine, a lovely young lass like you, who wouldn't want you?!
I had an interview with a presentation (promotion) 4 years ago, in front of my senior managers who I have worked with for over 12 years! I thought I would never live up to their expectations neither. After the interview, I shook hands with them and thanked them for the wonderful experience and how much I had enjoyed it!
They said 'shut up Joan you've got the job!' lol
Just be yourself, be smiley, stay pleasant, maintain eye contact and laugh at their jokes!
sending a big good luck hug your way!
Joan xxx

 

[dreamintwilight]

Haha, thanks Joan! I hope my potential employer has a good sense of humor like yours do!

 

[Entchen]

Absolutely! It's also a Christian university as well. When I was in the hospital my husband's (who already works there) office was extremely understanding when it came to him missing work and having to leave on short notice for unexpected procedures and medical emergencies. I think that's another reason I want this job so bad. It would be one less thing to worry about if my employer was understanding about my condition. My husband even found out there are 2 people in his office who also have some form of IBD, so we've had a lot of support from them. He still gets asked on a regular basis how I am doing.

First, best of success to you in the interview!

Second, I worked at a Christian university for a year and loved every day of it. If the right doors open for you to work there, I hope that it turns out to be a positive experience for you.

Also, I'm with GoJohnny re. universities being understanding of medical conditions. Lots of protection and assistance for employees who are sick.

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Marisa - I think you should be a chef because you are always creating such delicious concotions!

Good luck with the interview process - for this job, or any other. When I lived in Chicago, I took a job as a secretary and I was nervous as hell - even though I was a college grad and had tons of work experience!

If this job doesn't work out, maybe you can try a temp agency, just to build some experience in an office environment.

With your sparkling personality, you will do fine anywhere!! Good luck! -Amy

 

[dreamintwilight]

That's funny Ames. I used to say if things didn't work out with Mental Health Counseling for my Master's my plan B would be culinary school. And I decided in my time off this semester from being sick that MHC wasn't for me, haha. Maybe I should go to culinary school!

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually looked up a couple companies in the area, so maybe I'll make use of them if this doesn't work out.