Well, the latest job I interviewed for was yet another no-go. Sigh.
I don't think I mentioned it here (or maybe I did) - it was for a YA and Reference position at one of the small local libraries. Close to home, full-time, decent pay, nice facility. I'm not sure what happened here, but I was not overly optimistic; the interview was short, and I didn't feel like I "connected," though I tried. Interviewing has never been a problem for me, but there wasn't any spark in this one. Guess I wasn't the fit they were looking for.
But, let me tell you, if I hear through the grapevine that they "regret" the decision they made, I'm going to scream. Why do I say that? Because as of last week, I have been told on THREE separate occasions that a library that has passed me over either "regrets" their hire, or in one case, "wishes they had hired me." No joke. And while I appreciate the sentiment, it doesn't really do me any good. And in the case of the academic position I wanted so badly and feel that I would have been a GREAT fit for, that news is nearly heart-breaking.
Sigh.
7 comments:
Ugh, it sucks that you didn't get the job. Also? That regret business is soul-killing. I'm continually sending you good job vibes, for what it's worth.
Thanks - it's worth plenty!
Ok, we need to work on this. There are two separate issues here.
1. Chemistry/fit: If a job doesn't look right/feel right in the interview -- if you don't connect -- consider that a sign.
2. Something is not going right in your interview process if organizations later wish they had hired you (though you need to take that with a huge grain of salt). It could be interview skills, a weak c.v., the wrong clothes, how you're sitting... can you reconstruct some of the questions you've been asked and send them to me? I wouldn't post them online (unless you consistently get a question across the board) because the organizations in question probably use them on every candidate.
I agree with Karen, take the "we regret not hiring you" with a grain of salt. (Cripes, I'm flashing back to college dating now. "You're a really nice guy, Josh. I should've gone out with you. No, I won't go out with you now.") I am sorry about the job falling through.
I should have said, "you shouldn't post them online" (it was meant as advice, but putting it in the first person came out oddly). Anyway, the offer stands. For the most part, I've had a successful career!
Yeah, take it with a grain of Salt, however you can use this to your advantage if a better job comes up at the same library. The guilt of saying "we should of hired you" and not really meaning it can often turn into a job the second time around.
Isaac
Karen,
Jessica interviews very well and has excellent interpersonal skills. I think that her problem is that she comes across as a well qualified and motivated candidate who is committed to providing excellent service and understands what librarians should be doing in the profession.
For the 15 hours a week that she works, she outperforms people working much longer hours both professionally and interpersonally.
I would certainly hire her again given the opportunity to do so and have no regrets for having done so in the first place. My only regret is that she has not received the respect and the opportunities that she deserves for offering so much of herself.
R. Balliot
Post a Comment