Cassie’s Laws

Just home from a twighlight: Preparation for interviews.

I think I was beginning to live in denial with regards to the employment situation. It was always at the back of my mind that come June I would probably be unemployed but after tonight it has really hit home.

It was explained that there will probably be “significantly less jobs this year than last.” My friend who was in my position last year was unsuccessful at the interviews and I know from her that there were 11 permanant posts within the council. I dread to think what significantly less than 11 is! Luckily she managed to get a job within Clanckmannanshire council so at least her story has a positive ending.

It was quite alarming to hear them discuss the interview process. Although the speakers made an excellent job preparing us for the interview, and tried their best to help is remain positive, it was clear from their talk that the situation is pretty bad. It was explained that every person that applies for the jobs will be ranked. We will be ranked on our performance at the interview alone. Each question at the interview will have a possible score and our totals for each one will be added together and we will then be organised into a list from highest to lowest. It does sound a very brutal method of selection but I understand why the process has to be completed in such a way. It was also added that out confidential report will have little bearing on our score and the only reason this will come into the equation is if too many people have the same score.

After 5 years of hard work it is demotivating to think that only a small percentage of us will receive employment from this interview. I keep asking myself what do you need to do to be the person who gets a job? The speakers today simply said that you need to give a good interview and sell yourself. I hope that the opportunities that I have been given this year by Margaret and the support from the school, especially from my 0.3 and my stage partner, will be enough to help me along the way. I hope to use the experiences I have had to convince (for lack of a better word) the interview panel that I am worth employing!

However, as they also mentioned tonight, if unsuccessful at these interviews there will be other opportunities for employment throughout the course of next year.

For now, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.