Thursday, July 26, 2012

Jobless

Several weeks ago I wrote about my first job interview in 11 years.  Against all odds I landed that interview and against even more odds, it went amazingly well.  Seriously well.  In fact it went so well I thought I was a shoe in.  I tried not to think that, but I felt it.

I was pretty terrified.  I guess in the big scheme I don't know why I'm filled with such terror.  Really, what's the worst that can happen?  They don't hire me.  Anyway, the very first thing he said to me was, "I don't like to conduct traditional interviews, I'd rather just talk."  BIG PHEW!   I can talk to anyone.  This was going to be a breeze.  And it was.  We hit it off so easily and talked about everything from what the company does, and what they expect of the person they hire to what I've been doing for the past 11 years and my work experience previous to that.  We talked about how we both have iPads and talked about some of our fave apps.  And as we were winding down the interview and he was giving me the particulars of when they want someone in place, he said to me, "let me get you all the new hire paperwork."  Holy shit!  Now do you see why I thought I was a shoo in?   I know I've been out of the job game for awhile but is that the norm?  When I got home and opened the packet it consisted of company policies, a form to fill out if I want direct deposit, insurance applications.  All the things you need when you are hired at a new company.  

After that interview I felt amazing!   Confident and calm.  Happy and feeling like yes, everything was falling into place.  It was amazing.  It's very true that when you are feeling that good about yourself, people notice and look at you differently.  I know this because right afterward I was pumping gas and must have been smiling or something because the guy who was pumping gas into his motorcycle at the pump across from me was staring.  Then he gave me the up and down look and, I shit you not, I got one of these...


And I'm all...


I had several days of being on cloud nine.  So confident and at the same time shocked that it was happening.  It was really happening.  I made a plan, followed through and it was all happening according to that plan.  

And now it's a little over a month later and nothing.  No job.  I did all the right things.  I wrote a thank you note after the interview and mailed it, with a stamp and everything.  I emailed a few weeks later to make sure they knew I was still interested and when I still didn't get a call, a week or so later I called to find out if the position had been filled.  At that time I was told it hadn't, that I was still in the running and that a decision would be made within a week and I would hear back either way.  That was two weeks ago.  I haven't heard back either way.  I suppose we could argue that since I haven't heard anything either way that they delayed the hiring again or haven't made a decision.  But the confidence I was feeling has plummeted and I now believe that I have not gotten this job.  And the unfortunate thing is that I have no other interviews lined up.  I never stopped sending out resumes, but I have nothing on the horizon.  And that sucks.  Patience is definitely not my best thing.  In fact it's one of my worst things.  I want what I want and I want it now.  I hate waiting.  I hate that I have to count on other people to help me make things happen.  Can't we just get on with it!

11 comments:

  1. I could so relate. I am beginning my Masters in Sept. And just last month I went for an interview for my "dream job". I was so excited that it was obvious and the interviewer said the same thing "I hate formal interviews, let's just talk" And we had this amazing conversation for about an hour, about psychology, India, migration, writing, books - (in my head, it was almost like a great first date without the flirting obviously) and the interviewer said he liked my profile and he will definitely get back, just fill a few forms; and then... nothing, zilch. I can't move on because it was the perfect job!

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    1. Well I'm sorry this happened to you Hajra but I'm glad to know it wasn't just me! It sucks, I know I wanted that job and by the sound of it you definitely wanted it. Ugh. What teases :(

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  2. The waiting is so annoying. I like to know, I hate to be left in the middle of nowhere (maybe we will hire you, maybe not...). Just like you patience is not my forte.
    Just keep sending resumes...As for me, I got so tired of Corporate politics that I ended up setting up my own business. I have not looked back ever since.

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    1. I've been doing that for several years Muriel but the money is not good enough anymore. I wish my business had become a success but you know that old saying, you have to spend money to make money and I've got none to spend! Glad it's working out for you :)

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  3. This sucks big time! After all the schmoozing about not conduction the interview in the traditional way and just lets talk like we are old friends (this is quite a tricky technique as we tend to become far more revealing in a "normal" conversation) you are left hanging. I am outraged at this behaviour but it has become standard these days. It would have been nothing more than polite of them to let you know where you stand.
    Dammit, use the energy gained from anger to find new opportunities!

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  4. I just don't get it. I mean, all that paperwork?? for what?? Is this the new trend now? Jeez. Well, let's still keep hoping for the best but I do understand you. I'm impatient as well. :-(

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    1. I don't get it either. I'm just glad I never filled all that stuff out!

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  5. It was probably some weird we need to hire from within after all kind of crap. That or so and so knows so and so kind of crap. No matter what it was, it sucks!

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    1. It could be, who knows. I would have liked to know either way but it's become apparent to me that it's over and done with. dammit!

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  6. I have been on both ends of the hiring and let me tell you, giving you the new hire packet was wrong of him to do. You give the packet to a new hire, not an interviewee. My guess is that he liked you, but got nixed by some corporate goon higher up the ladder. They should have had the decency to let you know something. If nothing else, it shows that the company is dysfunctional at the entry/hiring level, and that probably gives an indication of what the rest of the company is like. Don't give up girl. You have a lot to offer, and somewhere is the perfect job. xo

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