SAHM needs tips for first interview

[Anonymous]

After 5 years out of the workforce, I have an upcoming interview for a dream job. I am performing as much research as I can on the company and its projects, but wonder if you have other tips for me. Especially from those who have interviewed SAHMs and seen glaring faux pas during the interview process. TIA.

[Anonymous]

1) Do not discuss your children or their ages

2) do not ask them their policy on time off

3) if they ask you if you have children, RUN.

4) if they ask you for compensation info - tell them that you're sure that they will compensate you fairly and according to the extraordinary value and dedication you will bring to their organization. That said, do your homework and find out what the going rate is for someone in your position. You've been out of the workforce for 5 yrs so be prepared.

5) bring 2 extra copies of your resume.

6) firm handshake, eye contact

7) always follow up with a thank you email

8) ask them questions about the company, what they do - show them that you've done your research

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. Good luck - wishing you the best!

[Anonymous]

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Don't talk about your kids.

[Anonymous]

Have your list of strengths and weaknesses in your head, be ready for the tough questions like how you were able to overcome obstacles on a project or w/ co-workers to get a job/project done, how priorities changed at work and how you dealt with it, worked through it. Also, questions like why do you want to work here, do you work better alone or with groups, etc. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't talk about your kids.

I agree BUT your employment gap will come up as a question. I was a SAHM for a couple of years and this came up in interviews for me. I briefly explained that I SAH and then moved on. I suppose you could avoid mentioning kids with a nebulous "family" or "personal" explanation but I think they will see through that anyway, or worse think that you have some major personal problem that makes you unreliable. So I would just mention family/kids as an explanation for the gap, and then move on.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for the tips and well wishes!

[Anonymous]

My tip is bring a writing sample. I only SAH for a year, but at my first interview, someone asked for one and I didn't have a copy with me and felt ridiculous. I hadn't interviewed in years, and my field doesn't involve a ton of writing, but still, it is legitimate that an employer might request one.

[Anonymous]

1) Do not discuss your children or their ages

2) do not ask them their policy on time off

3) if they ask you if you have children, RUN.

4) if they ask you for compensation info - tell them that you're sure that they will compensate you fairly and according to the extraordinary value and dedication you will bring to their organization. That said, do your homework and find out what the going rate is for someone in your position. You've been out of the workforce for 5 yrs so be prepared.

5) bring 2 extra copies of your resume.

6) firm handshake, eye contact

7) always follow up with a thank you email

8) ask them questions about the company, what they do - show them that you've done your research

This is good advice. Good Luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't talk about your kids.

I agree BUT your employment gap will come up as a question. I was a SAHM for a couple of years and this came up in interviews for me. I briefly explained that I SAH and then moved on. I suppose you could avoid mentioning kids with a nebulous "family" or "personal" explanation but I think they will see through that anyway, or worse think that you have some major personal problem that makes you unreliable. So I would just mention family/kids as an explanation for the gap, and then move on.

Yes this. Advice to not mention kids is insane, you will need to explain the gap.

Good luck,

Another former SAH that returned to work

[Anonymous]

And don't forget to bring a note pad to take notes. I'm in a detail oriented profession and not bringing that would immediately disqualify you.

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And don't forget to bring a note pad to take notes. I'm in a detail oriented profession and not bringing that would immediately disqualify you.

Wow really? You should reconsider that! I think most interviewers would expect the candidate to be focused on answering the interview questions, not on taking notes. I think your perspective is outside the norm and toy might be missing out on good employees. Plus why are you talking so much during the interview?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And don't forget to bring a note pad to take notes. I'm in a detail oriented profession and not bringing that would immediately disqualify you.

Yeah, this is very odd. I've never brought a notepad to an interview ever. The only person writing should be the person asking the questions.