Job Search!

@Oaktree 

Thanks for starting a post on this topic, I honestly feel like it’s exactly what I needed right now.

This year, I’m going to try getting back into work. I’ve chosen to take a break from my previous career because it was extremely stressful, triggering for me, and came with a lot of responsibility (not as in a leadership role or anything, just a lot to manage day-to-day.) Right now, I feel like I need something more low-key, something that allows me to rebuild myself and ease back into working without that high stress and heavy responsibility.

I’ve been applying for a few jobs, and yesterday I got a call back for an interview this Friday/tomorrow.
At first, I felt excited, but now I feel like my mind is driving me nuts. I don’t know if anyone else can relate, but when you’ve done the same thing for a long time and suddenly try something different, it feels really overwhelming. My mind keeps coming up with a thousand reasons not to go because I’m scared. But I’m trying to remind myself that I can’t assume it won’t work out when I haven’t even been to the interview yet. I have to give it a try. I guess any job will feel scary at first, whether it’s your top pick or not. I guess it’s just going to feel this way and I’m trying to mentally prepare for the ultimate question.. “Tell us about yourself....."

How’s it going for everyone else at this stage? Sending you all my support.

@Junie @Ruby26 @tyme @chibam 

I've been on both sides - the interviewer and the interviewee. 

Some of the best interviews I've sat through are ones where people can provide examples of their experiences and the outcome and how this aligns with their organisational goals. 

I also have to say that when interviewing, we often look at whether the person will be a good 'fit' for the current team and the role and this is hard to prepare for. You don't want to be over-skilled nor under skilled I guess.

I just want to say, take a few deep breaths. If you need the question repeated, ask. Pause and take a break if you need to @SaltwaterSoul .

All the best with your interview!

@Ruby26 , how are things going with you?

@tyme 

I discussed conflict resolution during my interview and used the example from the forums. I said that I tried to give the particular person grace to make mistakes.

Amazing @Oaktree ! That was such a great example. When working with people, it's about giving them unconditional positive regard.

And to be honest, conflict is not easy, hence it is conflict, right? Yet there are certainly opportunities that lie within.

@tyme 

That's interesting, thanks for sharing some insights. I did some practice yesterday to get a rough idea of what I will say, and then I also wrote down some questions that I am interested in asking. I didn't get much time to prepare back as they called me just two days ago, but I try to convince myself it's good practice either way, it's good to get out there and give it a shot.

I wish you all a good day. 

@Oaktree @Junie @Ruby26 @chibam 

Hey everyone,

My interview didn’t go the way I had hoped.. I only had one day to prepare, so I didn’t feel as ready as I would have liked. On top of that, the interview itself felt quite unstructured. I was only asked two questions..“Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your interests outside of work?” I felt like I didn’t really get the opportunity from the start to show who I am and my strengths. I tried to talk about me, but the interviewer had a long list of information to cover, so the conversation felt very rushed. 

As the interview went on, the most surprising part was that she spent much of the duration speaking negatively about other staff members and even her own boss. I have never experienced anything like that before, and I left feeling quite shocked... While it was very disappointing, especially after putting myself out there, being brave, and dressing up for the interview, I’m taking it as a sign that it probably wasn’t the right fit for me. I wouldn’t want to be in that disrespectful toxic environment, especially as this would have been my first job back in a while. ☹️ 

I’m hoping the right opportunity will come up soon....

@Oaktree @tyme @Junie @Ruby26 @chibam 

@SaltwaterSoul @tyme 

You need to see interviews as you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Even if you are offered the job, if you don’t think their values align with yours, you can refuse the job offer. I wonder if they were testing to see if you would say something? Anyway better luck next time 

Hey @SaltwaterSoul ,

Wow indeed. I totally hear you! Even if you got the job, you may question whether it's a workplace you want to be in. 

At least you got insight into what the culture may be.

I look forward to hearing you find something that aligns with your values 🙂

Hope you aren't discouraged and will keep looking!

@Oaktree @tyme ,

Thank you so kindly, it means a lot to get some encouraging words after a rocky interview. I will keep looking, it was worth a shot I guess. Have a great night everyone. 😊

@Junie @Ruby26 @chibam 

Hey @Junie ,

Sorry that I missed your post earlier. 

I hear job search is hard. Whilst networking can be the way, there are also other ways such as start from entry. level jobs and then working yourself up the ladder sort of thing. I guess it's a bit of a pay cut when you first start, but if it's a role you enjoy, then it may be worth it.

We look forward to hearing how it goes for you.