What's first thing that comes to mind? What about it is appealing to you? What other things come to mind? How do feel thinking about it?

If you feel good, then you are on right track!

Now if you are like most, you'll immediately start thinking of all reasons why this will never happen. What if you put all those reasons aside and just thought more about it? Try it...

What would be one thing you could do to explore how this idea might work? I bet you do a lot of projects at your current job, what would be your next steps if you were to make turning this idea into reality a project?

This may seem simple, but it is first step to shift your attention from discomfort to possibility.

Give it a try, you really have nothing to lose and could possibly get on your way to happily answering, "So, what do you do for work?"

• Using your scenarios make just three key points about what you've been asked. Make them relevant and right 'weight'. Not too long or too short.
• After that, leave space for them to ask more - that's what they are listening for.
• Say 'I' a lot - they want to know what your personal involvement and experience was, not 'the team' or 'they'.
• Have fun - whilst not contrived, smile and make some simple jokes, if you feel comfortable with that - they want to employ happy as well as capable people.
• Can't answer? That's fine. Make sure that you reflect on your shortcomings by saying things like, 'It's one of first things I want to develop in my next job - if you did your stuff on your scenarios and your competencies well enough, you will have covered 90% of bases well and you'll be forgiven for not being 'perfect'. If you are really stumped - say so!
• Ask questions - relevant, about their culture, focus on developing you, opportunities - positive 'peopley' things (remember it's your chance to see if you want to work with them!).
• Also ask about current issues they may be facing - you did do your homework on them, didn't you?