Take This Job …
Another job interview down, and still no job. In this sytem there is an awful lot of competition and it is especially so now with the recent changes in upper management around here. People are anxious to move on. 23 people interviewed for the last position I went for. So, part of the problem is that I am one man in a very large pool of desperate men. Ok … that desperate men part makes me sound like a criminal, but you get the point.
I have been over this in my mind, and in conversations with my wife and one thing I know for sure is that it isn’t my qualifications that are in question. I know for sure that I am more qualified in terms of training and experience than at least half of the applicants going for these positions. So what is it?
It could be me. It could be that I just don’t interview as well as I think I do. As time goes on I have become more discouraged and have probably put less energy into my interviews, although recently I have had a couple very good ones.
Another possibility is that I may have pissed someone off somewhere that I just don’t know about. This could be possible also. I have a habit of being straightforward. I try very hard not to be painfully honest, but I don’t hide from the truth either. I can’t think of a time when this has been a problem, but I can imagine it happening without me being aware.
Whatever the reason, I have been very discouraged. So much so that I have decided finally that my future probably does not rest here with the State of Oregon. I have begun the process of researching schools and the plan is to complete my bachelor’s degree and move on. I am so close to completing it anyway, I don’t know why I haven’t done it before now.
The hardest part about all of this for me is coming to grips with having spent the last 13 years of my life in a job that I thought was the last one I would need. I have a lot of time and energy invested here and it’s hard to give that up. At the same time, it is impossible to accept staying in this position until I retire. I may have an inflated perception of my own worth, but I’m better than that.
So, another new adventure is about to begin in my life. At the very least, I will have more material to blog about.
Technorati Tags: job interview, competition, management, qualifications, qualified, training, experience, interview, discouraged, straightforward, truth, bachelor’s degree, blog
It seems that these days qualifications aren’t half as important as how well you can kiss the ass of the person who has to accept you. Companies and employers may suggest several ‘qualifications’ that they would love seekers to possess, it seems they throw all those out the window if someone can sweet talk them enough. It’s all about people skills and how quickly you can ask “how high?” when they tell you to jump.
All too often I find myself dealing, as a customer, with someone who feels blatantly incompetant. I have to ask myself, “Who employed this idiot,” and then I realise that these people seem to have fairly decent ‘people’ skills. Of course, anyone could have stunning people skills when they spend all day talking to their colleague instead of dealing with the customer that is impatiently tapping their fingers on the counter.
That, and the fact that “young blood” means low amount of pay, which means more money in the companies pocket. They would much rather save money that pay a few extra dollars to someone several years older. Most companies just don’t care anymore.
Hi,
I wondered on your blog while searching for folks blogging on woodworking. Here’s wishing you and your dad well.
A some thoughts from a complete stranger on interviews and getting hired.
1)There are two types of people in the world those that will hire you and those that won’t. Don’t sweat the ones that can’t see your value. Also it usually takes 1 week for every year you’ve been working to find a new job.
2) Having hired and been hired a lot over the the last 10 years of my 27 year career,I’ve come to realize people really do make the decision to hire within the first 2 minutes. Remember going in that you have something they desperately need, talent. You are really in control of the interview.
Be comfortable and honest with yourself and everything else will work out.
3) Your current family situation probably shows, if you’re stressed about it during the interview let them know why to give insight as to why you might appear nervous or anxious.
Another random suggestion setup a job page on this blog - put your resume up. Put the page link in a prominent position on the home page.
What are you looking to do? Answer the standard ice breaker questions - What gives you the most satisfaction? What is your greatest strength; weakness?
Best of Luck
Steve
Thanks, Steve, I appreciate the words of advice. If you like dad’s work and his writing, you might want to keep an eye on his new blog http://www.potsandpens.com. There’s not much there yet, but in a few weeks I hope to have him up and running strong. He’s going to spend at least 5-6 weeks out of his shop in recovery.