I really had my hopes up with this interview. I suspect that I haven't learned anything from prior job interviews. Why didn't the little voice knock some reality into me? At one time I worked in a heavy sales-driven environment, so why am I having a hard time with rejection? Some days, it's just more fun to be pissed! Honestly. When you're mad, everyone leaves you alone. When they try to embark on your space, you can yell back at them. You now have an excuse for being a bitch. That's right, I said it. Anyway, I am veering off topic.
The beginning of the year started off rather promising. I was perusing the online classified employment section from my local paper when I embarked on an ad for an executive assistant position with Gatehouse Media. I read the job description with eagerness to send my resume right away. The criteria listed included items like good computer skills, strong verbal and communication skills, and so on. I thought this was a good fit for me, it is applicable and I can get back into that industry. Off the resume went. Now it's a waiting game.
A few days later I recieved a call from Brad Dennison, the head dude of Newspaper Development. We chatted for a few minutes and set up an time and date for an in-person interview. I was jubilant! Then I thought, 'I need a new outfit. An excuse to go shopping! And it's tax deductible!'
Off to Express I went. I scored big time because they were having a big clearance sale and managed to get a $120 blazer for $30! Veering off topic again, but give me a break. I am a girl - girls love new clothes - girls love a good bargain on new clothes. Enough said.
The first interview took place on January 13. I met with Brad, who then directed me to Jean Hodges. He says, "I will let you talk with her for a bit." I wasn't really expecting that, but that's okay. I'm a big girl and can hold my own.
Luckily, I felt comfortable with Jean right away. She was very personable - and she was smiling! Quite frequently, I might add. I love it when the interviewer smiles. It shows they have emotion. I do and say everything based on emotions, so when I noticed she had some personality, it made me more comfortable. Not as put-my-guard-all-the-way-down kind of way, but comfortable enough where I can freely discuss my credentials without really wondering what the interviewer might be thinking.
That part of the interview lasted about an hour. Once it was concluded, it was Brad's turn to interview. This part was just weird, because he didn't smile much, and when he tried to crack a smile, it didn't look very genuine. Now I have to wonder what he must be thinking as I blab about what I achieved at The Daily Herald. I really wanted to say, "smile please" but held back because I suspect he may not have appreciate such spontaneity.
Needless to say, my interview with Brad lasted not even 20 minutes. At the end of our meeting, he stated he wanted me to meet with another director, and ends with "We're still interviewing other people, but you're definitely qualified..."
Ha. Most people would be thrilled to hear such a thing. Not me. That statement can be inpretated two ways:
- I am definitely qualified and only has interest in me.
- I am over-qualified, I would probably ask for too much money, and I will be bored with this job in a hurry.
Based on past disappointments, the latter was definitely the case. This is also why I didn't get the job at The Chicago Tribune. After two weeks went by without a word from GateHouse, I resorted to going back to the drawing board with my job search. But then....
The phone rings, and the caller id clearly says, "GateHouse Media." This was last Thursday. It was Dave Arkin, head dude of News Development. This was the other director whom I was supposed to meet. We chatted for a few minutes, and then I noticed there was a dog barking in the background. I was a bit thrown off. Is the dog interviewing me as well? Should I say I'm a proud supporter of the ASPCA? I wonder if I might score some bonus points by mentioning I have two beagles? Bad idea....what if his dog doesn't like beagles? Maybe I'll mention my cats instead. Oh..no...that's even worse. In the end I didn't say anything to his dog. I continued with the interview. He seemed to have liked what I had to say, so second interview was scheduled for the following Tuesday.
That afternoon I felt very confident. I met with Dave and we gathered in his office. He asked me if I was familiar with any image-editing programs and HTML. I thought this was a bit bizarre considering the initial ad didn't specify anything about "knowledge of Photoshop and HTML a big plus." Luckily, it just so happens I do have working knowledge, but did admit that I've never worked in a Mac environment. Big mistake.
My interview with Dave was shorter then the one I had with Brad. I left with an uneasy feeling, but as always, I remain an optimist.
Last Thursday I received a call from Brad. I could tell by the downward tone of his voice that I wasn't the dreamgirl he was hoping to hire.
"We've decided to go in another direction. But I want to let you know that we REALLY like you and will keep your resume on file..."
I really wanted to laugh when he said that. That is such a farce. If they had REALLY liked me, they would have hired me...period. But I have to give him props on taking the initiative to report the bad news. And he didn't do it by e-mail...he actually picked up the phone and called me personally. Very old school...a quality I really like in a man.
As such, after that phone call, I analyze in agony. I thought I gave a lasting impression. I prepared for the interview for days. I thought I gave an impressive performance. I did not hesitate much in the thought process (I have been guilty of that in the past, a bad habit I'm having a hard time breaking), I spoke clearly and confidently, and I was quite proud of myself after all that was said and done. I have not interviwed anywhere else for a year prior.
Then I realized my mistake. It was that damn dog! The dog was insulted because it was clearly trying to communicate with me during my phone interview with Dave, and I did not respond. Dave's dog was trying to send telepathic messages to his human. Perhaps something like 'Hey, that girl is rude. I'm trying to get involved in the interview process and she's just ignoring me. If she's that rude on the phone, imagine what it might be like in the actual job!'
I have been ousted by a dog. What can I say....animals rejoice!
