The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: verdifish on June 05, 2015, 11:52:02 pm

Title: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: verdifish on June 05, 2015, 11:52:02 pm
So as many of you good folk will be aware myself and FSM nutter embarked on our challenge of a life time earlier this year when we applied for an FCS New starter farm and we seem to have ticked all the right boxes etc etc etc as we are one of 3 candidates from 68 to get to the interview stage .

However .I am pooing my pants !!!

I don't know if its an age thing but I really am finding it difficult to deal with the stress involved ,
Having passed some of the most stressful and arduous  courses the army has to offer I have to say I THOUGHT this would be a mere tab in the park !  WRONG !!!

Does anyone have any quick non alcholic stress remedies ?

The interview is wed at 1015hrs so would a collective 2 mins silence be taking the pi$$ ??? 
And then theres the what to wear question ?????

Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Ghdp on June 06, 2015, 12:46:43 am
Well , I will ( and; I WILL) maintain a two minute silence at 10.15 on Wednesday. I am having a dental crown fitted at 10 :roflanim: however, but more importantly, i will be rooting for you!
You have not been shortlisted for nothing. You clearly stand out from the crowd.  I cannot  take the stress away but if it helps, think of me, a dental phobic, stuck on a dentist chair, with an idiot grin ( thinking of you both to avoid addressing the task in hand) and just do it!
In my day job (as an advocate) i tell often clients that there is no one more expert than they are about who they are, why they say what they say and why they are right. I suspect that you may need reminding of that truth.
Good luck.
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Fleecewife on June 06, 2015, 01:29:07 am
I find things more stressful now too.  I have worked out a relaxation technique which really does help.  You need to go somewhere quiet, preferably outdoors, no-one else around. Sit down, regulate your breathing, close your eyes, then concentrate on what you can hear and smell, near and far.  I hear nibbling sheep, snuffling dogs, cheeping and screeing birds, the breeze, rustling leaves, various smells (not always very nice), distant vehicles, snufflings in the undergrowth.  If I'm indoors it may only be man-made sounds I hear, but it still works.  Keep your breathing slow and relax into what you hear, not letting other thoughts in. It is also possible to consciously lower your own blood pressure.     Do the relaxation each day.  Make sure not to wind eachother up before the interview, and don't have differences of opinion in front of the examiners.  Definitely no alcohol.

For your interview, KNOW you are the best couple for the opportunity. Have a look through the info they already have about you, and think what extra stuff they may need to know.  Be confident and sell yourselves.

To wear, if your interview is on the farm, a nice clean, but not brand new, boiler suit would be ok, or just jeans, a check shirt and boots.  Don't be scruffy, but look like you are happy to muck right in.  If the interview is somewhere else, I don't have a clue  :roflanim:

Good luck both, and tell us how it goes  :fc:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: devonlady on June 06, 2015, 06:25:49 am
I shall certainly be thinking positive thoughts for you on Wednesday at 10-15.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: bloomer on June 06, 2015, 07:17:23 am
Regardless of out come you have done well to now...

From your posts on here you are as well prepared as you can be for this...

I will remember to pray for you both on Wednesday morning...

We expect full feedback after the event...:-P

Lastly try really hard to get a good night's sleep the night before...
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 06, 2015, 08:33:41 am
How about some of the Bach flowers essences - the rescue remedy
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Louise Gaunt on June 06, 2015, 08:44:25 am
I guess you feel like this because you really want this to happen. A bit if nerves are good, sharpen the brain etc, as already said, you know you best, and can sell yourself to the panel. I have done lots of interviewing over the years, and in my experience, interview panels can see who is really enthusiastic, has all the right skills etc, rather than just going on the paper evidence from the application process. They will be looking for common sense, knowledge, realism and a real passion for farming. you both have the knowledge, I am sure you have common sense and a sense of humour, to have stayed the course in small holding you have a sense of realism, and must have a passion to consider taking on something more challenging. Good luck, I shall be thinking about you on Wednesday, and let us know how it turns out.  :hug:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Big Light on June 06, 2015, 11:20:17 am
For appropriate dress I would suggest being as smart as you can for the circumstances - if  you take a pride in your appearance then they will know you will care for there property too and I guess if you turn up like a scarecrow then vice versa.
 I would try and prepare as best I could re the farm and your plan - might also be worth a random contact with some one who has won an fcs farm before - the worst the random stranger can say is no - I think most of the winners have been in the press - know your plan inside out - run things past a suitable 3rd person incase theres something you have missed - better to make a mistake in practice - trust in your abilities training and practice - good luck!
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Treud na Mara on June 06, 2015, 03:43:44 pm
And don't forget - saliva in the mouth before you step into the room. It sounds a bit basic but trying to speak with a dry nervous mouth is almost impossible. And slow down so you have time to consider your answers before you deliver them.  We'll all be thinking of you.  :fc:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: pgkevet on June 06, 2015, 03:49:07 pm
For anyone who really suffers interview anxiety to the point of panic, palpitations and sweating.. your GP will probably script some beta blockers.
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: fiestyredhead331 on June 06, 2015, 04:24:46 pm
just be yourselves, you are an awesome pair and will do just fine  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Kimbo on June 06, 2015, 05:31:34 pm
Rescue Remedy...I swear by it. Both my children have used it through all their exams. I used it religiously when I was competing at dressage and when I was interviewed for the job I now do.
I swear it does work
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: paddy1200 on June 06, 2015, 11:20:08 pm
Look smart but not overdressed.
Take a small pause before answering a question and if you need more time, ask them to repeat it.
Don't wing it, answer to the best of your knowledge and admit if you're not sure.
Do your research, knowledge of the system/expectations/business is key.
Be prepared for the 'what would you do if ' scenarios.
Above all, do your best and stay relaxed.
Camomile tea is a good calmer.
Good luck
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Lesley Silvester on June 06, 2015, 11:28:58 pm
Praying as well. Hope all goes well.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Louise Gaunt on June 10, 2015, 08:43:42 am
Thinking positive thoughts for you. Good luck!  :hug:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Rosemary on June 10, 2015, 08:53:24 am
Good luck for today :fc: :fc: :fc: :fc: :fc:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: john and helen on June 10, 2015, 08:55:25 am
 :fc: :fc: :fc: :fc: :fc: :fc: yes best wishes for today….
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Ghdp on June 10, 2015, 09:11:46 am
Saying a prayer for you today.
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: fiestyredhead331 on June 10, 2015, 09:33:40 am
 :fc: :fc: Good luck  :excited:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: bloomer on June 10, 2015, 02:49:08 pm
And? Suspense is killing me...
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: fsmnutter on June 10, 2015, 04:05:34 pm
It's killing us too!
They want to announce the successful tenant at the Royal highland show next week
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Big Light on June 10, 2015, 04:15:41 pm
Come and see us at the heb lines when you get lucky !
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Womble on June 10, 2015, 08:02:37 pm
It's killing us too!
They want to announce the successful tenant at the Royal highland show next week

Oh come on. This is a great opportunity, but it's not the X-factor!!

{Edit: should have been clearer, what I meant was this isn't something that should be done or announced for other people's entertainment. That's simply not fair on the applicants.}
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: fsmnutter on June 10, 2015, 08:45:21 pm
Nope, it's a life changing opportunity, not 15 minutes of fame like the X factor
However, it is someone else's opportunity as we came second
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on June 10, 2015, 08:50:31 pm
Oh no  :hug:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Big Light on June 10, 2015, 09:46:27 pm
Sorry to hear that  :fc: the next ones yours
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Rosemary on June 10, 2015, 09:47:31 pm
Very sorry to hear this  :(
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Ghdp on June 10, 2015, 10:51:00 pm
I am so sorry to hear this. 
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: devonlady on June 10, 2015, 11:07:57 pm
Oh, I am so gutted for you :'( If it's any comfort at all I've always found that these things happen because something better is waiting for you. Don't give up or become despondent, it will come good :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: verdifish on June 10, 2015, 11:32:23 pm
Well I wont be trying again as the stress and financial costs for a second / third time outweighs the potential benefits ,2nd sucks !
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Lesley Silvester on June 11, 2015, 12:39:12 am
So sorry it wasn't what you had hoped for.  :bouquet: :hug:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: fiestyredhead331 on June 11, 2015, 10:33:42 am
noooooooo  :o

gutted for you both  :bouquet:
Title: Re: FCS Starter Farm Wobblies
Post by: Louise Gaunt on June 11, 2015, 11:18:45 am
So sorry after all your hard work and worry. I hope something turns up for you soon.