Interviews...I've nailed some, choked in some and thrown a few when I realized the job I was being screened for wasn't what I was looking for. There have been times when I conciously decided to play it in an understated way, and then there have been the ones when I was so overly prepared that my brain was spilling over with facts, stories, ideas....so much so that I came across like a crazed banshee on speed. Well, maybe not that off the wall but close to it.
Yeah, I've had my share of interviews....more than I care to admit. Given that the first 8 years of living in this province was a process of juggling various casual and term positions, jousting for something permanent they did add up. And they continued.....in spurts and bursts over the years. It's just that I've never been completely settled in any job I have worked in. I always seem to be looking for the right home, the right place to be me.
I never thought it would be so difficult to find this place. I have always known I wanted to work in the field of counselling....I wasn't one of the majority who didn't know what they wanted to be when they grew up. I always knew I was a people person who saw herself in a helping profession. You'd think that would be a straightforward process. For many reasons, it has been anything but straightforward. I realize now that much of this happens as one grows through mastering one's craft.
We seek out challenges....where the discomfort leads to adrenaline inducing learning. Settling, which was something I have longed for may not be all that it's cracked up to be.....Settling is different than security, but both are illusions.
So, tomorrow morning (Tuesday) I will be sitting across from 4 people answering the lobbed at me questions to the best of my ability. Yes, I have job interview......one I am keen to perform well in. "Why?" they will ask..... "Describe a situation..." they will wonder outloud while assessing my ability to think on my feet.... "What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Goals? Dreams? Opinion?" "What are your hobbies?" "How do you manage your stress....?" "Give us an example of...." All pretty darn predictable questions acting as a springboard for answers which I hope will be perceived as genuine, thought provoking, memorable.
Chances are it will begin with something along the lines of........."Tell us about yourself......" Who knows how it will unfold from there.... I'll let you know.
17 comments:
i will be doing the same thing next week.....
I'd hire you!!!!!!
paul....that's wonderful news for you .....your interview AND hiring me. I believe it will all work out for the best. Looking forward to hearing about both of these events.
seriously, thank you for the vote of confidence. i need it.
Fingers crossed for your GOOD LUCK in this interview! They will be lucky to have you! And you can tell them I said that...! (lol)
Hey Dana - (hope you see this before you go)
BE YOU!
(That's all)
I will be thinking about you this morning - with fingers crossed.
"DAISY"
Naomi....thank you. I'll let them know!
Daisy! Was hoping I'd hear from you.
I plan to hit this one out of the park. thanks.
UNB Counselling services :)
I'm sure you will be fine. You have so much to offer. I will add you to my list of prayers. I have been there Dana and though it is not always fun to be interviewed, there are those ones when you know it went well, when you were able to be relaxed and allow that person inside your skin take over. Things just mesh...that is how it went for me in the job I have now. Now 4 years in, I am so glad I took the chance. I was in another position so wasn't all that concerned about getting the job or not. I went to the interview with the thought, If this door opens...I will walk through, if not, I already have a job that I like. Well, I think that attitude helped me to relax and just be me. I pray you are able to do the same today.
I wish you luck Dana but if there is one thing you have in abundance it's the gift of the gab and I mean that in a complimentary way.
You come across as knowing what you want, you're self assured and you express yourself well. What's not to love about you?
Go get em girl.
Hi all......I think Miss Muskie may have hit a homerun. :) It went as well as I could've hoped. Good energy between the five of us, good gut feelings.... very positive feedback after my answers. I even got a tour of the office and was introduced to everyone. I'm very hopeful.
ps....Just before i was called into the interview room, I was jotting down some thoughts in my journal. Each page in my journal has a quote from the Bible. I look at the bottom of the page I was writing on and it read: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He care for you"
I laughed and cast that residual anxiety out to the Big Guy and went into the room and sat down very calmly... :)
thank you for your support out there. It meant a lot.
direct them to this blog. it will answer every possible question they have about you and who you are. you get the job. and a raise in the first week.
fingers crossed :)
MIWoman....Yes, you're right. I should take on the title of Mouthy Scottish woman! :)
Katie...thanks. mine are too.
You will shine darling, as always. xxx
Hope it went well. I'm sure it did! : )
Hey Niki...you know what I saw just before I went into the building where the interview was? I was driving down the hill on the university campus and I looked out to the church cathedral spire which is located downtown. the suns morning rays were hitting it at the most perfect angle and a bright light sparkled right in the middle of it. it was stunning! I wanted to stop and take a picture of it but didn't have the time....but the visual stayed with me throughout the interview because it seemed representative of what I wanted to do myself.
IC...thank you :) Many hours after the interview, i'm still feeling good about the whole event. that's a good sign. normally by now i have dissected it all and found the warts. so far, no warts. :)
Just came to your blog post now so your interview has passed...congrats and saying a wee prayer for the outcome! All the best, K!
i love the new photo in your header.
sorry i have not been commenting much but i am around...sort of :)
((Hug)) I believe in you
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