Then, think about the wider aspects of your life. In work or out of work, have you ever been required to handle money or deal with customers or members of the public? Have you ever helped to organize a social or sporting event? Are you a member of any clubs or societies? Have you brought up a family or looked after young children? Have you ever helped someone through a difficult period or supported someone in a crisis? What does this tell you about your ability to handle people, to organize and manage situations, to think logically and to take decisions? How do you rate your abilities in these areas? Where do you think your strengths lie? Make a list of your abilities. You'll be surprised how many there are. Most of us have more skills and abilities than any school curriculum or job lets us develop.
Now, think how you could convince an employer of these strengths. What proof have you? Educational qualifications might help. A good grade in maths GCSE, for example, might indicate your ability to undertake technical jobs. English and maths are also useful to anyone wishing to work in an office. In addition, there is a wide range of college courses that lead to qualifications which show your ability in certain areas of work.
Your references are another way in which an employer can see evidence of your ability, so when you apply for a job, make sure that you talk with your referees and let them know as much about the job as possible.
You can also use your previous work experience to indicate your ability to do this new job. Make sure that you are able to talk about similarities and differences between the job you are applying for now and any previous work experience. If you feel that you have a wide experience of work but few educational qualifications, it might be worth exploring the possibility of gaining qualifications through the accreditation of prior learning.
Acceptance
At some point during an interview, usually at the end, you will probably be asked whether you would take the job if it were offered to you. Having spent so much time and effort trying to convince yourself and the interviewer that you are just what he is looking for, it may seem like a crazy question. 'Why on earth should he ask me that? What does he think I'm here for?', you may think. An interview is a two-way process, however, and so, by the end, both you and the interviewer will be changed people! He may have confirmed or changed his view about your suitability for the job and you may feel differently about it too. On that basis, it is reasonable for him to ask whether you are still interested in working in his organization.
It leaves you with a problem. You may have discovered that the job isn't quite what you expected. Maybe you didn't realize that it involved weekend working, or perhaps the information sent with the application form didn't lay sufficient emphasis on certain aspects of the work. After all your effort it's very tempting to brush misgivings or nagging doubts aside. You want to be offered the job and you are aware that too much hesitation in answering could indicate a lack of commitment. There is no easy answer to the dilemma but 'forewarned is forearmed'. You know the question is likely to arise so try to find out all you can about the job before the interview. Background knowledge is the key. If you have done your homework there will be no nasty surprises during the interview.
If you decide to take the job, think about your security. An employer may offer you a job at the end of the interview or he may telephone you a few hours or days later. By all means accept his verbal offer but if you are already in a job, don't hand in your resignation until you have your new employer's offer in writing. Some employers will offer you a contract to sign, others will require a written reply from you. Play safe; don't give in your notice until you have something in writing.
Access courses
If you're thinking about higher education but don't have advanced level qualifications, access courses can help. For mature students, they act as a bridge between where you are, the qualifications you've already got, and your education goal. They are available in all sorts of subjects - from computer programming and teacher training to nursing - and many are flexible enough to enable you to fit your study round other commitments. Contact your local college to find out what's available. Or phone Learning Direct on 0800 100 900; they will be able to give you the appropriate number.
