If, like us, you've been flip-flapping over whether you can face making pancakes for breakfast this morning, then you're in good company. But the frying pan-based struggle has sparked something of a debate in our office - and it's not about the merits of lemon juice vs maple syrup. A Latvian friend recently told me that when she was growing up, the first child in a family was referred to as "The First Pancake'. A little harsh, you might think, but probably true. The First Pancake is the one that makes you feel that you're learning as you go along. The one on which you practise and improve - a hotbed of trial and error.
In many ways, your first interview after a career break, or a long stint with the same company, can feel quite similar. It's totally normal to feel a bit nervous. However excited you are about the role, a new job changes the status quo - often for the whole household. It would be odd, really, if you didn't feel a bit keyed up - adrenaline heightens our senses and makes us more alert, so that we can be on top of our game when put on the spot.
You may have already read our blog on general interview tips, and of course any interview, no matter how long it's been, needs preparation. That said, there's something extra special about taking part in an interview for the first time after many years. It can require a deep breath and, frankly, a bit of a mental reset. The chances are, for example, that you might need to take some time off work, or possibly arrange some childcare, to go to an interview - it's fairly unusual for them to happen at weekends.
It's a good idea, of course, to show the interviewer that you've done your research on their company. It's always great to show your interest by talking about their website or their write-ups in the industry press. It might be best, however, not to share that your friend works for them already and she said the CEO was a bit unusual.
It's sensible to practise talking about what you've been doing for the last few years, and why you left your last role. It's fine to share basic personal details - perhaps as a family you moved abroad, for example - but there are limits to the personal information you may want to share. If the answer to why you left your last job is that you felt a bit embarrassed after the Christmas party, it's probably best to keep that thought private.
The good news, however, is that the first pancake almost always helps to hone your skills. Even if the first is a bit lacking in consistency, the second is usually much better. And so with interviews. Hopefully your first will be a thing of beauty - the perfect mixture of enthusiasm and skill, landing with grace and precision. But if it isn't, don't panic. Everything in life is a learning experience - even pancakes and interviews. Sometimes you just have to treat it retrospectively as a practice run. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, take another look at the recipe and start again.
Whether you're a seasoned interviewee or a relative novice, we're always delighted to chat through interview technique, CV writing, and how to think about flexible working discussions with new employers. Flex is our favourite subject - get in touch at any time! Do also join our Instagram Live Chat at 12.30pm on Wednesday 22 February, where the wonderful Hannah Porteous-Butler will be giving us more hints and tips on how to approach an interview after a career break.