Job Interviews Gone Wrong
Remember this scene from Friends?
What is it about those meetings that bring up the worst version of your professional self? 😓 I wish I had the answer to this one. Interviewing for jobs can be really stressful at times, and pretty draining. I consider them to be more demanding than an actual job. And I am sure this is true for both, hiring managers and candidates.
Last week I was invited to interview for a fantastic job opportunity at a great local company. Not only this position seems like a great fit for me, but it actually excites me. It perfectly matches my skills and background and I was even considering to willingly take a pay cut for this position. I have what it takes to excel in creative work that involves community engagement, analyzing data, creating and executing marketing strategies. I am a passionate worker, I am extremely dedicated — which makes me a reliable person. Most importantly, I am bilingual in Spanish. Living in Texas, Spanish speaking is a useful skill which can help your possibilities to land a job or even to make more money if you are already employed. This opportunity comprises every area of my work experience.
I prepared myself in every way possible for this meeting: mentally, emotionally, I read and researched more about the company and their social platforms than what I already knew by being a loyal user. I even went out and did some shopping to make sure I wore the right colors to make the best impression. My interview was planned to start at 10:00 a.m., and I was ready since 8:30 a.m. It was the worst rainy morning ever. Therefore, my hair wasn't a very good ally.
I was told to park at the front of the building but unfortunately, I couldn't find any parking spot for visitors who were not participating in one of their programs. It took me a while and still, I couldn't find an unassigned parking spot. I had to take the risk of leaving my car on the one and only available space designated for staff members. Then, I walked under the rain towards the front door while getting my heels all wet, but still, I tried to look ready, impeccable, and excited as I was.
One of the most important things I prayed for was matching chemistry. I was hoping to create a great impression on the hiring manager since the very first handshake. And expecting likewise for me. We headed off to his office while doing some small talk. Once in there, the setting was a little overwhelming, but still, I managed to stay calmed and try to look confident. Until...
The interview was scheduled to last for an hour, and afterward, a short tour of the premises would follow. I cannot remember his first question but what I do remember is how bad my words got tangled up and I was unable to provide an articulate answer. It was terrible! As I tried to calm my self down, slowly respond to the following questions, look confident, etc., all I was able to perceive was a huge disappointment in his eyes. It was so hard to concentrate. Every time I shared a comment or an idea, his immediate response was: "for sure." So embarrassing!
Needless to say, the interview lasted for only 30 min — included the short tour.
What frustrates me the most about this experience is that I am not that person. I have previously read that job interviews are based on intuitive predictions from the interviewer. "And it is true that some interviews can be poor predictors of performance, especially if interviewers (...) assess candidates based on intuition." In my case, I was somehow intimidated by the opportunity. The hiring manager for this position "has a long-term record of success in developing award-winning multi-platform promotions and marketing campaigns," so, I just can imagine what he saw in me.
Truth is, I still see light at the end of the tunnel. I still harbor a slight hope within me that I will encounter a unique opportunity and I will excel in my performance as I've always done. My luck lies on more than meets the eye. I know I am a valuable asset to any company. I've been active in the workforce for more than 20 years and not only I have been trustworthy and competent; I have been successful, committed, honest, positive, and determined; I have even performed as an outstanding entrepreneur.
What is it about those meetings that bring up the worst version of your professional self? 😓 I wish I had the answer to this one. Interviewing for jobs can be really stressful at times, and pretty draining. I consider them to be more demanding than an actual job. And I am sure this is true for both, hiring managers and candidates.
Last week I was invited to interview for a fantastic job opportunity at a great local company. Not only this position seems like a great fit for me, but it actually excites me. It perfectly matches my skills and background and I was even considering to willingly take a pay cut for this position. I have what it takes to excel in creative work that involves community engagement, analyzing data, creating and executing marketing strategies. I am a passionate worker, I am extremely dedicated — which makes me a reliable person. Most importantly, I am bilingual in Spanish. Living in Texas, Spanish speaking is a useful skill which can help your possibilities to land a job or even to make more money if you are already employed. This opportunity comprises every area of my work experience.
I prepared myself in every way possible for this meeting: mentally, emotionally, I read and researched more about the company and their social platforms than what I already knew by being a loyal user. I even went out and did some shopping to make sure I wore the right colors to make the best impression. My interview was planned to start at 10:00 a.m., and I was ready since 8:30 a.m. It was the worst rainy morning ever. Therefore, my hair wasn't a very good ally.
I was told to park at the front of the building but unfortunately, I couldn't find any parking spot for visitors who were not participating in one of their programs. It took me a while and still, I couldn't find an unassigned parking spot. I had to take the risk of leaving my car on the one and only available space designated for staff members. Then, I walked under the rain towards the front door while getting my heels all wet, but still, I tried to look ready, impeccable, and excited as I was.
One of the most important things I prayed for was matching chemistry. I was hoping to create a great impression on the hiring manager since the very first handshake. And expecting likewise for me. We headed off to his office while doing some small talk. Once in there, the setting was a little overwhelming, but still, I managed to stay calmed and try to look confident. Until...
The interview was scheduled to last for an hour, and afterward, a short tour of the premises would follow. I cannot remember his first question but what I do remember is how bad my words got tangled up and I was unable to provide an articulate answer. It was terrible! As I tried to calm my self down, slowly respond to the following questions, look confident, etc., all I was able to perceive was a huge disappointment in his eyes. It was so hard to concentrate. Every time I shared a comment or an idea, his immediate response was: "for sure." So embarrassing!
Needless to say, the interview lasted for only 30 min — included the short tour.
What frustrates me the most about this experience is that I am not that person. I have previously read that job interviews are based on intuitive predictions from the interviewer. "And it is true that some interviews can be poor predictors of performance, especially if interviewers (...) assess candidates based on intuition." In my case, I was somehow intimidated by the opportunity. The hiring manager for this position "has a long-term record of success in developing award-winning multi-platform promotions and marketing campaigns," so, I just can imagine what he saw in me.
Truth is, I still see light at the end of the tunnel. I still harbor a slight hope within me that I will encounter a unique opportunity and I will excel in my performance as I've always done. My luck lies on more than meets the eye. I know I am a valuable asset to any company. I've been active in the workforce for more than 20 years and not only I have been trustworthy and competent; I have been successful, committed, honest, positive, and determined; I have even performed as an outstanding entrepreneur.
But, what is my biggest weakness? I may not be great at interviewing. Does this make me unqualified?
Exta con madre to be real.
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