Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Interview

I found out today that I've been shortlisted for a job.

It's a job I really want. A job doing something which I thought I would do when I left university. It's taken me very nearly eight years to actually get here. 

That's largely my own fault. I'm not the most driven of people, I tend to wait and let things come to me, rather than seek them out.

I sometimes think that makes me really stupid. Really, really stupid. Because that's not how the world works is it? People don't just come and drop opportunities in your lap, you have to go and take them. Fight people off and prove you're the one with the hunger.

When people start saying things like that, I don't really understand. That's not how my brain's wired. I'm more of a "work to live" sort than "live to work".

Still, here it is, I've managed to be in the right place at the right time. It even looks like the fact I've started a blog and spent ages on Twitter might help me out, rather than condemning me as a monumental waster of time.

I'm worried. Obviously. Does anyone ever look forward to a job interview? Maybe. One of my ex-girlfriends. On the run up to exams she used to get excited. Animated. 

"I don't understand why anyone wouldn't like exams! They're like a really fun competition! I don't know why anyone doesn't like them!"

It probably helped that she was consistently excellent in those exams. Not something I can claim. Obviously, she's pretty successful now. 

If that's the answer: find exams fun, then I'm fucked.

Exams are not fun. 

Interviews are not fun.

But I'm unusually determined this time. I am going into that interview to put myself forward in the best possible way. I will be me, but I will be the best possible version of me. I will not just sound like I know what I'm talking about, I actually WILL know what I'm talking about. I will prove that if they don't take me on they are making a mistake.

Hopefully, once it's over, I won't feel the need to unleash 140 characters of unbridled regret and fury on Twitter.

Tomorrow on the blog: baby stuff.

22 comments:

  1. god luck with the interview, call me sadistic but I actually quite enjoy them, I also do a lot of interviewing in my job and love doing that.

    Have questions, do your research are 2 things that always go down well.

    "Is there any reason why you wouldnt offer me the job"

    That if your confident enough to ask it should be your last question, if they have any reservations about you they are not going to tell you unless you ask. if you know what they are you can try and overcome them.

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    1. Thanks, I think that's really good advice.

      You shouldn't enjoy them though, weirdo ;-)

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  2. Sounds like you have the right attitude- be your best self! I got a job once despite mentioning sacrificing sheep in the interview! Not that I recommend that as a course of action. Good luck x

    P.s.s your ex sounds like a nightmare!!

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    1. I'll pop "mention sacrificing sheep" on my "probably don't say this" list, just to remind me.

      And, yes.

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  3. Best of luck with the interview mate, I can sympathize with your view, never enjoyed exams or interviews myself, sure you'll be fine though.

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  4. Ooooh good luck dude! Will keep everything crossed.

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  5. Good luck with it- I'm sure it'll be fine! I come across brilliant on paper but I interview terribly. Bag of nerves and I end up talking right rubbish!!

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    1. Thanks, I'm also hoping I'll manage to hold the nerves from view!

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  6. I only know you through Twitter and blogging but - just be yourself. If you come across in person, for a job, as wicked and level headed as you seem to people who don't actually know you except online, then you will ace it. If you don't get the job, it was not meant to be.
    Feel right in your own skin and know you are worth this job.
    Han

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    1. Thanks, if only I could do the interview via Twitter I'd be all over it! ;-)

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  7. You sound positive and confident : ) It helps that it's for a job you really want - much easier to sell yourself when you feel that way. Good luck!

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    1. Yep, think it'll be easier than previous ones I've had. Thank you!

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  8. Good luck!

    I quite like interviews but I can see why people wouldn't.

    Just make sure you remain calm, speak clearly and be prepared for everything.

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    1. Another liker of interviews! Perverse, but I suppose it takes all sorts :-)

      Cheers for the advice.

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  9. Good luck senor. I've always got on well with interviews by just being me and being honest and trying not to show I'm nervous. Open body language and all that.
    You da man my friend. I'm sure you're ideally qualified, you just need to know that and try to think of a corking question to ask them at the end?
    I hope you do well.

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    1. Spencer, this post made me dig out the 'Who let the dads out?' book and read your interview post. So funny, one of my favourite posts ever.

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    2. Cheers buddy. I will be trying to bury the nerves beneath a cool, calm and collected exterior.

      I'm trying to think of some good questions to ask them, I have a few in mind.

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  10. Good luck my friend. If it's a job you really want I'm sure your passion will shine through and they'll bloody love you.

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  11. Best of luck Mr! Look forward to hearing the good news :D

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