Job Interview
Posted on July 1, 2004 by Ching under Life.
I dressed up all spiffy for an internal job interview today (I guess now that it’s three o’clock in the morning that would be yesterday). Brian made me wear a suit and everything.
I was like, “But it’s jeans day, baby! I don’t want to be overdressed if they are in jeans..” Protestations aside. I took his advice. I guess we’re old school that way. Dressing appropriately for an interview is a definite must. I wish that he would be as receptive to my (often unsolicited) advice as I am to his.
I kind of have mixed feelings about the interview. I was informed of the appointment on Tuesday, so it was kind of a short notice. I wasn’t quite as prepared as I wanted to be but I was just grateful for the opportunity to even be interviewed so I tried to be as flexible as possible. First it was at 8:15 AM on Tuesday, which of course I didn’t know about until I arrived at work on Tuesday morning (my current days off are Sundays and Mondays) and by then it was too late. David reschedules the interview to Friday at 8:30 AM. The new date and time would require me to come in at least a half an hour early but I didn’t really mind. Then he comes by very late on Tuesday afternoon (as in right before he leaves for work) and reschedules the interview for 2:30 PM the next day. Much sooner than I would like but better because it’s within my work hours. At least, I wouldn’t have to come to work extra early. Then on the day of the interview (yesterday) he sends me an instant message (via Sametime, we are on Lotus at work) to ask if we could move the time up to 2:15 PM. When he first asked if we could reschedule for the fourth time, I thought I would get an extra couple of days out of it. The major pro: I would’ve gotten additional time to prepare for the interview. The minor con: I only have one good suit! LOL! I would have welcomed the extra day or two to prepare (not that one can really prepare for interviews; it’s kind of like taking the SATs, you either do well or you don’t — in my opinion) but things don’t always work out in our favor.
Anyway, I think the interview went okay. I think that I could have done and said certain things better. I’m just not as eloquent (or full of BS) as Brian is, I guess. That’s a skill that I will definitely need to develop.
There were so many things that, looking back, I wanted to cover but (alas!) I did not think of it at the time, didn’t know how to incorporate it in my replies to their line of questioning or I was just too timid to share the information. I think because of my inability to toot my own horn and my humility I cannot sell myself as well as I should. My only hope is that the quality of my work will speak for itself.
Either way (whether or not I am awarded the position), it has been a great experience. I always welcome every opportunity for learning and growth so even if I don’t get the job at least I learned from my experience. I have always encouraged others, particularly my friend Misty, to apply for these opportunities. I mean, you may or may not get the job but at least participating in an interview is an excellent opportunity to improve your interview skills. Something that I have to continue to develop because it’s not exactly my forte. Not having the gift of BS and not really going on interviews on a regular basis (maybe once every couple of years at that), what little interview skills I possessed have gone to the wayside. It’s wonderful to have been given the opportunity of an interview if not to get the job at least for practice.
As always, it’s a wonderful day in Ching’s neighborhood. Even though our yard isn’t exactly manicured and there skies seem cloudy. I have shelter, food and clothing so I can’t complain.
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