What to wear?! More importantly, how to calm down?!

[fireheart]

OK so I got a job interview. However, this isn't for any old retail outlet.

This is for a teaching position. Specifically, a SWIM teaching position.

Unfortunately the old adage "dress as you would for the job" doesn't quite fit since I'll be in the water for most of it and covered up with a polo shirt.

So yeah....what do I wear?

Here's the details:

-It's strictly a swimming school, meaning that there's no recreational swimming or competition swimming involved. (they do run a squad program however what is taught in the squad levels varies and the skills from that are more for school events rather than club competitions)
-I could be working with any age group from six-month-old babies (with parents) up until teenagers. (from around age 3, they're weaned away from mum and dad)
-They have seen me ONCE, dressed up nicely for handing in my resume. All other contact has been over phone.
-The interview is in 2 days.
-The complex has its own parking and is not located near any shopping hubs.

So I can't decide whether to be incredibly formal or a little more casual. They're assessing my attitude towards being an instructor. For the record, shoes and face are already covered: I have plain black ballet flats that I wear for business/formal events, while hair and makeup will be minimal (Outside of eyeshadow and lipgloss, I generally don't wear that much).


Also the last couple of times I have contacted the school, I have been EXTREMELY nervous when doing so.

As I pointed out to Lupo over chat, the last call I made was a very fast and very blurted out call going along the lines of "Hi my name is <fireheart>, I applied for a position some time ago and was told that I was to call you back if I was successful in getting into my course. I am now calling to inform you that I did get into my course and if you could contact me on <number> to discuss this, that would be great".

Yeah, I was nervous. So question is, how do I calm down before going into the interview?!

[Amusement Gal]

I can't really say much, given I was nervous as heck when I applied for my job. Just be confident in your abilities, that's what helped me about halfway through. Because it's the one thing that you can control in your interview. And that's about all I got. Like I said, I was still pretty nervous too!

As for the clothing for it, I'd go for a little more casual myself. As a swim instructor, are they going to see you in a suit at work? You're going to be wearing practical clothing there, and wearing that type of clothing might add to the point. But that's just my opinion. I wouldn't say TOO casual, but don't bring out the suits!

[trailerparkmedic]

I'd go formal. I believe that it's better to be over than under dressed. I'm a nurse and I wear scrubs at work, but I wore a suit when I interviewed. You may not want to go that formal, but you do want to give the impression of being responsible.

[It's me]

You want to look authoritative, and athletic. I.e., extremely well-suited for the job. Now I can't say exactly what that would look like... maybe think of what you pro-sport coaches dressed up like? Or may the judges at a competition?

[fireheart]

I'm thinking practical but formal (thanks guys!). I have a top that's comfortable enough to wear during the day and I might team that up with my black pants.
Also nearly EVERYBODY goes to a job interview wearing black and white. At least what I'd be wearing is enough to let me stand out.

[Becks]

I go by "when in doubt, business casual".

[fireheart]

I go by "when in doubt, business casual".

So in other words, dress conservatively?

I'll be dressing conservatively later on in the year as well for my teaching placements. Last time I wore a similar outfit to the one I have planned for work experience at the local school. I got top marks

[Food Lady]

I go by "when in doubt, business casual".

Me, too. I am terrible with the nervousness, though.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Swim instructor you say?

Wet t-shirt.

My work here is done.

[fireheart]

Swim instructor you say?

Wet t-shirt.

My work here is done.

You're lucky I wasn't drinking anything!

Their "uniform" is (aside from swimsuit) a blue polo shirt with the company logo and navy pants.

[Becks]

So in other words, dress conservatively?

Yep.

Me, too. I am terrible with the nervousness, though.

Oh, me, too. I radiate nervousness, when I'm not radiating sexiness.

[Seshat]

How to calm down:

First: it's hardly the only swimming teaching position in Adelaide. (I think you once mentioned that that's where you are.) So if you don't get this one, there's plenty more.

Second: They're not judging you. They're trying to judge whether you would fit well into their organisation. That's a very different thing, and keep it in mind.
Oh, and judge them right back. Make the same assessment: would you fit well into their organisation? Would you be happy working there?

Third: Write yourself a big list of reasons why you're great for the job. Blu-tack it beside the bathroom mirror. Read it every time you clean your teeth, do your hair, etc.

Fourth: Meditation. Relaxation. De-stressing.
Whatever works for you. Formal meditation, sipping tea or coffee and thinking of nothing, gardening, swimming, walking the dog, painting art.... whatever form of de-stressing works for you.

[fireheart]

OK, so here's an update.

Had the interview and this one I seemed to do a lot better than in previous interviews. THe flow was a lot better and I couldn't stop smiling.

Until I got home.

Now here's a bit of background: the piece of paper that I had to send off for was a WOrking With Children check. This was for my uni placements. The swim centre wanted a National Police Certificate, which I DIDN'T HAVE. In the interview however, I said that I was pending, not realising that they were two different things. Uh-oh.

I really hope that they'll accept the working with children check!

[Seshat]

Contact them and tell them - and contact the police and get the National Police Certificate process started as well.

Mistakes happen. The important thing is how you respond to a mistake. (And this one is very minor - it's easy to not realise they're different things.)

[fireheart]

Contact them and tell them - and contact the police and get the National Police Certificate process started as well.

Mistakes happen. The important thing is how you respond to a mistake. (And this one is very minor - it's easy to not realise they're different things.)

I'll respond to them tomorrow and ask if they will still accept the Working With Children Check.