Business & Careers Article: Little Boss, Big Boss -
Part 4

By: Leigh Kostiainen of Hire My Mum

You have established your reasons for returning to work. You've discussed the essential issues with your partner. You are clear in your mind about your work lifestyle balance. You know what type of work you want to look for. You've found some positions vacant that would really suit you, and you have sent an application.

Now, you have had a call to say they want to meet you. WOW! But wait, this is the bit you have been dreading. It's time to be pragmatic and realise the person you will go to meet is just a person too. They are more than likely quite nervous about interviewing people anyway. In the interview, it is important to be yourself - they want to know about who you are. Fitting in to a workplace's culture is a critical factor these days which means the interview is about more than just your skills.

If you think you won't know what to say ask a few friends to give you an idea of some questions that might be asked. Write out an answer on your guidelines list. Read those questions and answers the night before or over coffee the morning of the interview so it is fresh in your mind. Don't try to remember verbatim, you will lose the natural quality of being yourself and become more flustered when you can't remember all the words.

Allow plenty of time to arrive and park, the worst impression you can make is being late. Having said that, if you can't avoid being late make sure you have a phone number to call so you can notify them of your expected arrival time. Don't go on about the reasons when you arrive, even if you are really nervous - just let it go. Before walking in, take a moment to take a deep breath and allow yourself to relax, especially if you were running late.

Don't forget the guidelines you created for yourself, don't feel pressured to change these unless it is what you want to do. You will pay for it later when things aren't working out. Asking for a flexible workplace agreement - working from home all or part of the time, is fine to do, so don't be afraid to ask.

Whether you work for a 'little boss' or a 'big boss', you still have choices and control, don't let yourself or anyone else tell you otherwise.

For more information on flexible workplaces and finding work at home jobs visit Hire My Mum, your Australian Boutique job Board with direct link to flexible employers seeking part-time workforces and work at home mums.

Read further sections of this article:

• Little Boss Big Boss - Part 1
• Little Boss Big Boss - Part 2
• Little Boss Big Boss - Part 3

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