Lack of experience on "real" job interviews; ever worked for a government housing program? (employment, income)
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We have just relocated for my husbands job and now I am on the job hunt. I have my first "real" interview tomorrow with a Housing and Redevelopment Authority agency (provides housing for elderly, disabled, low income families) for a Program Assistant. It only requires that you have a high school GED (but pays fairly well) I have just received my Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. Though I have education the last 7 years of my life consists of employment with child care and UPS. So I am extremely nervous for the interview.
They are mostly looking for someone with people skills (which I have) and strong computer skills including Excel (I'm not real familiar but can learn). And want you to be able to obtain a Certification in public housing rent calculation within 18 months. Do I tell them in the interview that I have not had a whole lot of experience with Excel and am not great at math...or just ask what the training includes.
I mean they must not be too concerned with my employment past if I got an interview right? I'm just so nervous, really think it is something I would like to do!!
Just ask what the training includes - if they need a person with specific skills and yet were willing to interview you despite not meeting all those skills (such as Excel), there's no point in reminding them that you may not be exactly what they are looking for. If you feel you can learn the needed skills through training, go for it - this doesn't sound like a situation where they need somebody with very narrow and advanced mathematical skills that are far above what you have or could gain, so you can probably learn it.
I would never say in an interview that "I am not very good at Excel or math". Say instead you are proficient in excel, but could probably use a refresher as you haven't used it in awhile but can do simple equations.
It isn't the easiest program to learn, depending on what you are using it for. Doing VLookups and other complex calculations may be a part of the job. You don't want to get in over your head.
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