After Today’s Job Interview: A Candidate's (Tired) Retrospective
It’s an amazing thing, really, the degree of stress one feels when preparing for a job interview, especially when 1) you’ve been out of work for two-plus years 2) you know that there are scads of well-qualified candidates being interviewed for the same job and 3) you’re feeling rusty because you haven’t been called for an interview in awhile.
Regardless of how well I’ve prepared for a particular interview, the dominant thoughts in my head on the day of the interview all sound something like this:
I don’t want to do this. I don’t have to go. I can just not show up. I don’t want to go. Why do I have to do this? I don’t have to do this. No one's making me do this. Why do I have to go through this? I hate this.
Still, masochist that I am, I do it.
The amount of research I do and advice I read and decisions I make and people I contact before each rare and highly-prized job interview astounds me. I study up on the company, its mission, its goals. I peruse articles and discussions and websites that offer helpful tips, techniques and to-dos for interviews.
I also tailor my portfolio of writing samples to the particular job and company. Should I include this or that? Can I find more examples of a certain type of written communication vs. another? On which computer did I create the document I want and will I be able to find it now? Do I have hard copies of this or that article I've published? Do I have a binder, clear plastic sleeves, dividers for the sections so everything’s organized?
I talk to people I know at the company or to people I know who may know people there. I do a lot of reading to make sure I’m conversant about the latest communications tools and their applications in the specific field for which I’ll be interviewed.
What to wear is always an important decision too. Should I wear a skirt and jacket or a suit? Which one combined with which top? Or maybe a dress? And which shoes and purse? Are my hair and nails OK? Do I present a youthful – appropriate to my age, of course – appearance? Do I exude energy and enthusiasm and confidence and interest?
Even the drive to the interview requires preparation. I MapQuest the route so I have an idea of how long it takes to get there. In my car I use GPS, so I hope it’ll take me on a sensible route that isn’t delayed by road repairs, blinking traffic lights or cars with flats.
Remember, all of this thought and consideration and planning are required and I haven’t even gotten to the actual interview yet!
An interview is the absolute epitome of multi-multitasking. You try to remember the advice you received and the information you read and the points you want to make and the anecdotes you want to tell, all while actually listening to and understanding the questions being asked and responding thoughtfully and appropriately while not rambling on (and not forgetting to make good eye contact and to project positive body language and facial expressions).
After what feels like an eternity but fortunately isn’t, it’s done and they smile and thank you and you smile and thank them and you shake hands (firmly) and make your exit. And when you get home, the very first thing you must do is dispatch a perfect and memorable thank-you note.
Once that’s done, you can finally collapse, dog-tired, on your couch (and in my case, with my cuddly Pug), curl up, close your eyes, pull up your “blankie” and shut it all out.
For me, at least, job interviews, and everything leading up to them, are utterly exhausting. I'm surprised I even managed to find the energy to write this post!
Bernard McGovern
12:58 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Thanks for the personal account of your experience. I would add the clammy hands just prior to shaking hands with your interviewer (or at least that feeling, even if you are cool and calm). Interviewing is tough but so important
Fran Hopkins
10:30 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Thanks for reminding me about that, Bernard! As much as we know we're supposed to remain "cool and calm," how do you do that when the stakes these days are so high? I remember a time when you could go on a job interview or two or three and get a job. Now it is so much more difficult, making each opportunity a nerve-wracking experience.
j. elizabeth
12:58 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
What you wrote is absolutely true...to the last letter! I, too, am in the job search vortex and I tell you...it is not only frustrating, it can be demoralizing. I am in my 50's and in a field...HR...that has limited opportunities...particularly at a more senior level. I have gone to several agencies...who ...
(1) initially conducted a phone interview to see if I was "in person" worthy to come to their esteemed offices.
(2) after passing the phone interview segment of the pagent..uh....process..was informed that they would be "glad to see me" in their presence...uh....offices.
(3) given an address (unknown to GPS)...so it would take an addition 1/2 hour to identify the building.
(4) showed up on time...but found myself waiting and waiting to be seen by the "esteemed one" ..er....interviewer.
(5) asked to fill out mounds of paperwork and show my proof of allowance to work. (Understand the proof also shows age....which is not something I want everyone to see but what can you say....I don't want to share my age with you???).
(6) put through another grueling Jeopardy round of questions and answers about my life, my work, my desire to work, my attitude about my work, my work ethic and the beat goes on...
(7) thanked me for my time...obligatory handshake
Yes...when you get home...you are exhausted and hope that a good impression has been made so that the "esteemed ones" will forward you to the company. I don't envy anyone having to job interview...including me.
Fran Hopkins
10:30 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Jacky, you are funny! "The esteemed one" -- I love that. At least we can still laugh, right? It's true, it is demoralizing to be expected to prove, over and over and over again, that you're still worthy of a job, even if you've been employed your entire adult life and have outstanding skills and experience. If something in your "presentation" isn't exactly what that particular interviewer wants to see, hear, or sense about you, then your skills and experience mean nothing.
mandy
8:48 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
Re: allowance to work, you do NOT have to complete that. By law, you have 3 days AFTER starting work to complete the I-9 form. It actually states in the instructions that all new employees "hired"....must complete the form. I do not EVER complete the form prior to starting work. I state that I am uncomfortable giving that information out, but would be happy to provide it if hired. This has never been a problem, and if it was, I would seek legal action. Not only does it have your age, but your SS number as well. This information may be necessary for a pre-employment background check, but that´s a whole different form. (which I also do not complete until needed), nor, as an HR Manager, do I blame anyone who does not.
Karen Julius
4:11 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
You are right on, Fran. It doesn't seem like something that should be so laborious, but it is.
Fran Hopkins
10:30 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Thanks, Karen, I'm glad it's not just me! What's worse, you go through all that drain and strain, but the sheer volume of competitors you face means that your odds of actually getting the job are slim.
Raymond Helfrich
4:11 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Please see this—apropos topic—for Monday's meeting:
http://patch.com/E-m3rX
And come network with us, over here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NNJ_PIT/
Fran Hopkins
10:30 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
A talk on "The Art of Interviewing" -- how timely! That's on Monday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at the Maplewood Public Library. Thanks for the information, Raymond.
j. elizabeth
10:26 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
Mandy, you are right!!! As an HR professional, I knew that I should not be asked to complete a form or show I9 documentation until after being hired - whether it is a temp job or for regular employment. I knew better...but did not do better. I wholeheartedly agree with you that I should not have shown or completed information. In fact, recently, two agencies asked me to show I9 documentation "in case a temporary position became available". Of course, none didn't (at least up to now). When I left their offices, I thought to myself....Jacky...you know better than to provide this information!! Thanks, Mandy.
brooklynwind
8:49 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I wish you lots of luck with your job search. Hard work is always rewarded. The interview process is a daunting reality and an imperfect art form. We all try our best to get past the interview screen. Many great workers are hired through interviews, unfortunately, many talented people are exhausted by it and the interview process may not work in their favor. People should have jobs if they want them, and interviews should be avenues of employment, rather than preventive colanders that keep people out of work.
Fran Hopkins
11:44 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Thanks, brooklynwind! You're right, after doing this now for more than two years, it's easy to see why people become discouraged and give up. Maybe I'm deluding myself, but I'm still not ready to call it quits! Thanks for the encouragement.
Elizabeth
10:48 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Fran, I laughed (and related!) to all you said in your article as well as all of the comments. I too remember the days when I would go on an interview or two and, voila, I would receive a job offer. Now I am excited just to get an interview! Fran, you are a talented writer with a great sense of humor. I would hire you in a snap! Good luck to you and all job hunters out there!
Fran Hopkins
11:44 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Thanks, Elizabeth! Yes, times certainly have changed, haven't they? I guess that's why I think they'll change again. It shouldn't be so difficult for people with skills and experience and motivation to be hired! It's sad and for many people, tragic. We have to hang on for the tide to turn in our favor again.
Elizabeth
3:14 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Love your optimism, Fran! I went on an interview last week which I thought went very well BUT prior to the interview, The company emailed me their application and release for background check to complete and bring with me. The background check asks for license # and DOB. In my past experience a company doesn't usually ask for background check releases until they make a job offer. So the company now knows that I will soon be 56. I didn't want to fill this form out but felt if I didn't, I would have been automatically precluded from a job that I am well qualified for. The company didn't break the law but still they were able to find out my age. I am very interested to know if I will get a 2nd interview.
elizabeth
5:15 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Hi Elizabeth....As I mentioned here...I ran into the same situation as you and Mandy (who responded ot me) is correct. As an HR professional, we normally make a job offer "contingent on the successful completion of background checks and references". Without a job offer...a company nor an agency should ask for anything with information regarding a persons age. They can...but it subjects them to an age discrimination claim. I agree with you. I filled out the form presented to me also...and didn't hear anything back from them. The interview went well...I thought...but never heard "hide nor hair" from them. Perhaps if folks like me pursued it legally...that bad habit would stop.
Fran Hopkins
12:20 am on Friday, June 22, 2012
You and I were born in the same year, Elizabeth! Unfortunately for us, I don't think it's a common birth year for new hires these days. Still, I intend to remain positive!
Fran Hopkins
9:01 am on Friday, June 22, 2012
Elizabeth, I also wanted to wish you good luck with the job for which you interviewed!
Erich Lagasse
1:15 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I like the tone and sincerity of the article. I also have interviewed unsuccessfully on numerous occasions, but now that I think of them, perhaps I wasn't being bold enough. We recently posted a guide http://academy.justjobs.com/make-yourself-memorable/ that discusses the importance of fascinating a hiring manager, and tips how to do so. I hope it's useful. - Erich
Fran Hopkins
4:19 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
I'm going to check out this article now! Thanks, Erich.
Andre Jones
3:49 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
This is exactly how I felt after interviewing yesterday and to add to that it was my birthday. I've been in IT for three years now but was laid off 2.5 months ago. I've had numerous phone interviews and a few in persons. I nailed my last in person and was told I did not get the job because after me, they interviewed someone with the same knowledge just a couple more years experience. This last interview took a lot out of me because it's becoming crunch time in my household, with expecting a new baby soon and all. I studied and prepped for the whole week leading up to the interview. This in an entry level position, which is a step down but it does pay a little more than my previous role. So I'm hoping for good news, fingers crossed...
j. elizabeth
10:20 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
I am sorry to hear that you did not get the job. However, the good news is that you felt confident and comfortable at the interview. The more you interview, the better you get. I am confident that something good will happen for you soon.
Well....I have an interview today also. So...we'll see how it goes.
Happy Belated Birthday To You!
Fran Hopkins
4:19 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
Andre, I really hope you get the job! My fingers are crossed for you too. (And a belated Happy Birthday!)
Andre Jones
3:21 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Just to check back in, I did end up getting the job that I interviewed for on my birthday. I was called in for a final interview which was a panel with four Sr's and the CIO. At the beginning of the interview one Sr. said "As a reminder this is for an entry level position (I was recently level 2 but for a smaller company making less). I remember thinking to myself; I've had three interviews and now have the CIO in front of me, all for an entry level postion. Nevertheless I accepted and start this up coming Monday.
Fran Hopkins
5:04 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Wow, what a great story! I always like to hear when things work out for people. Congratulations, Andre. They put you through the wringer, but you made it! Thanks for the update.
Raymond Helfrich
4:19 pm on Thursday, July 26, 2012
Come network with us, over here, at your (time-shifting) convenience:
Northern NJ Professionals in Transition
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NNJ_PIT/
just read the description and see if you resonate with it, before you click 'join'!
Then share your thoughts/feelings/questions/answers/etc. with your peers and many counselors/coaches.
Beverly Meaux
5:26 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Congrats Andre, I wonder what a person has to go through for a senior level position.
Beverly Meaux
5:43 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Just think 1 day this interview process will be over for you. As real estate agents we , have to get interviewed day after day, year after year.