A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I have an interview for a Youth Worker job tomorrow afternoon. I'm very nervous. I haven't had an interview for ages.It wasn't my idea to do this kind of work. The Jobcentre put me forward for it. I am a shy person, so I hope I would be ok working with children. What kind of questions do you think I might be asked at the interview, and if they ask if I have any questions for them, should I ask them questions?. I actually have never had a job where I have got paid. They might wonder why I haven't had one. I feel quite embarrassed about that. On the application form, I put that the jobs I have had have been temporary. I'm not sure how to answer if they ask about that. The truth is, there have been a few reasons for it. I haven't had much confidence, I haven't been offered interviews for some positions that I applied for, and there were a couple of jobs that I left because I didn't feel comfortable there. I'm not sure if I should mention my lack of confidence, as they might want confident people for this position. I have to take three documents with me, as they are going to do a CRB check. The only ones I have at the moment are a bank card, a bank statement, a book that I take to the Jobcentre which has my national insurance number on it, and some letters that have my name and address on them. My dad has some of my documents, such as my passport (it isn't a valid one though, so the photo on it is old ), and he has my birth certificate. I don't have a driver's license because I don't drive. Do you think any of those documents are suitable?. I don't think I can get the documents from my dad, as he doesn't live very close to me, and he is working today and tomorrow.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (17 July 2014): The person I spoke to on the phone said I will be interviewed by two people. I didn't think that would happen for a voluntary job!. I'm very nervous. I'm also wondering what to wear ?. I was thinking of wearing a white blouse, black trousers and black boots. Does that sound ok?. I don't know if I can dress casual for the interview.
Unfortunately, I couldn't prepare much for this yesterday, as there was a power cut for most of the day yesterday at home. Bad timing!. I still have a couple of hours to prepare for it.
Thanks for your advice Mark1978 and Imissfuturama. I hope it goes well today.
A
female
reader, Lolly_Poll +, writes (17 July 2014):
There are lists online for what documents are suitable for a CRB check. The document list is quite specific, and if you don't have them it can hold up a CRB application. I have been CRB checked 6 times for various different positions, and it is something that is more of a formality when it comes to working with children.They will probably ask you why you want to be a Youth Worker. It's probably best not to say that you're just there because the job centre sent you.You don't have to be outgoing and loud to be good with children. You will need to learn to play to your strengths. A lot of Youth Work jobs involve planning and leading activities, so is there anything you can think of that you would class as a skill. Can you play a sport, or are you good at arts and crafts, maybe card making or drawing?I volunteered as a Youth Worker for 3 years, as well as studying one year of a Youth Work degree (before moving onto Social Work). The key with Youth Work is to be yourself. A point to note, in the UK Youth Workers are more and more being pushed to have a degree. The pay is better if you are qualified as opposed to unqualified, so this job may result in further studying, which would be an excellent addition to your CV. Good luck :)
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A
female
reader, ImissFuturama  +, writes (16 July 2014):
 No, never say you lack confidence. Always talk about your strengths FIRST at an interview. You can mention a weakness after that, but downplay it as much as possible. You should always have at least one question prepared. It doesn't sound good to say you don't have any questions for them.
Temporary work is better than no work at all, so I don't think that will be a problem. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about that.
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A
male
reader, Mark1978 +, writes (16 July 2014):
 Don't mention a lack of confidence in a job interview. Never put yourself down in an interview or mention any negatives unless asked what your biggest weakness is, in which case say something like public speaking. Regardless of the type of person they are looking for confidence is something they want at all levels. Someone timid, shy and nervous is unlikely to be offered any job in these tough times.
If you are 30+ and never had a paid job then you really need to become financially self sufficient. Relying on others for money is never good at any age but, to be blunt, this has gone on way too long. Unless you have a disability or health reason, you should have spent at least some time in paid employment by now.
In terms of ID ideally they want something with a picture on it. A passport, driving licence, etc. If its out of date it is not valid and, as such, not taken as proof of identity. Even if you don't drive you could apply for a provisional licence and get ID with a photo on that way. Obviously not for this interview, but for the future.
Research the business online before the interview. Ask questions which show that A: you are interested and B: you have done your homework. Obviously don't say "i did a quick google search and saw that...." make it sound like you have spent a while longing to work for that particular business. Focus on what You can do for them, not what they can do for you. Dress smartly and strictly professional. Arrive in good time. Be positive and polite.
If they ask about your previous work say that you worked in temporary positions. Nothing wrong with that. But don't say you left because you didn't like a position. That's the death knell for any interview.
Mark
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