Top Tips on How to Navigate a Successful Interview

I've been pretty lucky in life. I have only ever had to navigate myself through two interviews. The first was to get into college, I had the grades so it was all pretty straight forward and this allowed me to get an apprenticeship. The second interview was when I took on a midday supervisor role and because I was already volunteering there, it was all rather informal so I didn't have usual nerves kicking in as I'd already become familiar with the staff and my surroundings.

Fast forward to now. After passing my Level 3 in Supporting and Teaching earlier this year, I have been on the look out for my next challenge, a teaching assistant job. Jobs seem so few and far between lately so when I saw one come up, I knew I had to apply, in my head thinking I probably won't hear anything back. Queue me starting to panic when I got a further phone call asking me to come in for an interview.

I'm not going to lie, I was a mixed bag of emotions by the time I had ended the call. Excitement was definitely there but I couldn't help but be a bit fearful, like a ball of nerves had suddenly gathered in my stomach. The silly thing was though my initial thoughts were, "what am I going to wear?" I've always come across as quite a confident person on the outside but inside I have anxiety issues so I knew that I'd have to prepare for this interview. 

And this is where some of my lovely fellow bloggers have come in handy. I enlisted some of them to give me their advice on what to do both before and during an interview and now I'm able to share with you all their very best tips on just how to navigate a successful interview, as well as including some of my own ideas now that I have come out the other side and lived to tell the tale.

Time To Wake Up Ready

It's a new year which of course means many of you have set yourselves some resolutions, things to improve or change. Well I didn't actually set myself any goals this year but one thing I knew could do with improving was my sleeping habits. So when I was asked if I would like to join in with Kalms Night 'Wake Up Ready' campaign I decided that I had nothing to lose. 

My Top 5 Hair and Beauty Essentials

Ok I am in no way a beauty expert. I'm lucky to get put of the door in the mornings looking half presentable since becoming a mum but I do have some hair and beauty products that help me to look in some way decent so I thought I'd share my top five with you today.

My Top 5 Exercise DVDS

I've never been a fan of exercsing infront of people, infact I've never stepped foot inside a gym. I know,  I know, noone will be watching me or even care that I'm there but I can't stop that silly fear that someone will be looking and I'd rather not embarrass myself.

This is why I much prefer to work out in the comfort of my own home, I can do it as and I when I please, I don't need to wait for exercise equipment to become free and best of all it costs me nothing, well except for the cost of the exercise DVDs that I use but when you think what a gym subscription costs then it's a minimal price to pay really.

So today I'm sharing with you all my top 5 favourite exercise DVDs, the ones that I have tried and tested and have actually given me the results that I require.

1. 30 Day Shred by Gillian Michaels

This is my go to DVD whenever I want to get back into fitness and kick start off any sort of weight loss. With three different levels and each level giving you a beginner and an advanced version of the exercises, it certainly leaves you feeling like you've done a decent work out, be prepared to sweat!!

Things To Know When Buying a House

So todays the day, we are finally moving into our new forever home after living with my mum for almost 4 months. Along our journey of buying a house I have learnt a few things which I thought I'd share with you all.

Estate agents are not to be trusted.

Estate agents will lie.

Estate agents will tell you what you want to hear.

Estate agents do not actually want to help you.

I think you can see that there is a running theme to my all seeing all knowing knowledge that I've gathered.

Honestly they tell you that buying a house is one of the most stressful things that you'll do and I whole heartedly agree. A simple process turns into a long drawn out, prolonged journey that results in lots of angry and inpatient people who just aren't communicated with like they should be.

Keeping Cool in the Office: Top Five Work Outfits

When the sun is beating down on the windows at work, and the air con is trying its hardest to cut through the heat to keep you cool, the last thing that you want to be dressed in is something synthetic, knitted and oversized. Naturally, the type of work that you are in will dictate the sort of clothing that you’re allowed to wear; some industries have a particular uniform available, while some give you the chance to dress in what you like. However, if you have to dress in business attire and you need to look professional at all times, there are still ways in which you can keep cool during the hotter months. 

Here are five gorgeous work outfit ideas that will not only adhere to the business-like dress code, but will also keep you as cool as a cucumber. 

A Shift Dress 

Work dresses are available in various shapes, sizes and colours and the choice you make will depend largely on your individual style. While you may have to wear a tailored suit – in which case, lose the jacket as soon as you can – you may also be able to have a little more personal style by wearing various dress types during your working days. There are plenty of work dresses at George which are great value, including shift dresses that are elegant, stylish and above all, cool. 

Capped Sleeves 

Team a knee length skirt with a shirt with capped sleeves and you will automatically feel cooler than you would in a full sleeve blouse. Choose a blouse in a contemporary pattern to add a little uniqueness to this sophisticated outfit. 

Beginners Guide to Running With SportsShoes.com

If you've read my blog before then you will know that this year I have been on my own little quest to get fit and healthy and one of my favourite exercises is running. It not only helps me to stay healthy but it also gives me a little 'me time', I can pop my headphones in and blcok out the world for a little while.

I wrote a post a while ago about my personal top ten tips for getting fit.

I have managed to lose a bit of weight and a couple of inches off my waist and hips but the trouble with that is, my exercise clothes no longer fit which made running difficult. Just imagine the scene, seeing me running down the street with boobs bouncing all over the place and one hand trying to hold my jogging bottoms up, I think I would have laughed if I'd have seen myself. I have to admit this has meant I haven't been out running in a while.

The lovely Jaime from The Olivers Madhouse after posting a fitness post herself including some fellow bloggers posts, was nice enough to pass on our details to a company she has worked with previously.

SportsShoes.com to the rescue!!!

They have  kindly provided me with some new running kit including, sports bra, shorts, socks and trainers, meaning that I can get back on that exercise wagon.

My Top Ten Tips For Losing Weight

Ok I admit, I am no fitness expert but I have managed over the years to slowly lose weight. I now weigh less than I did before my first pregnancy. I've tried my fair share of diets over the years and for a lot of the time I watched my weight yo-yo, going up and down, which brings me to my first tip :

1. You don't need to diet to lose weight.

Diets are only good for short term weight loss. Yes you lose weight when you are on them but as soon as you stop, the weight piles back on and sometimes more than what you weighed before you started the diet. The best thing to do is eat a balanced amount of food, no need to cut anything out.

2. Never skip breakfast.

I never used to eat breakfast, I could never face eating that early in the morning but I've since found out that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It helps kick start your metabolism and gets you burning calories from the get go. You don't need to eat a huge meal, smoothies are great for people on the go. One of my favourite breakfast is my banana and oat pancakes.

How to Make Car Journeys Entertaining For Children

During the Christmas period a lot of you may have come across the challenge of how to keep your children occupied throughout a long car journey. I myself have problems sometimes keeping my kids entertained however there are ways to keep them busy. Here are 5 top tips :

Take different snacks for your little ones to eat.

Always think about what type of snacks you are providing them with though. Fruits and things like chunks of cheese are always good as I think it is a good idea to avoid any sugar rushes. I find water and squash are always better than fizzy drinks too. Another good way to keep those little hands busy is to give them their own snack boxes and drink bottles.

Think about a few games that they will enjoy.

Of course there are many different car games to choose from and many of them will be well known to you as I'm sure like me, you played them as a child too. My favourites have to be I-spy and spot the red car. Another good choice is the grocery game, this is a memory game where the objective for the players is to memorise what they want to buy at the supermarket. 

Sing along to music or read a story

I've always found a good distraction for my children is either putting the radio on or popping in their favourite CD and singing loud and proud, of course you can have a good wiggle in your seat too. Another great alternative is putting on an audiobook.  If your children are older, they may want to listen to something on theur own MP3 player.