So, I have long been lamenting my current job, as a fee-for-service clinician. Long hours, so-so pay, no benefits (thanks to being fee-for-service), etc. I always have paperwork to do at home, which seriously cuts into my time wtih my daughter.
After sending out a bunch of resumes, and garnering quite a few ‘thanks but no thanks’ responses which left me upset and feeling dejected, I have now landed an interview.
So why do I have a feeling of dread? It might be Groucho Marx syndrome—if these folks are willing to even interview me, this job must really suck. It could just be fear of the unknown. It could just be that knee-jerk reaction to change that I have, where even leaving an awful situation (and my current job doesn’t necessarily come in at awful most of the time, just not great) makes me feel shaky and insecure.
Who knows. Either way, I stand to lose nothing but maybe an hour of my time by going on the interview, right? It could turn out to be great, even if they’re even considering hiring the likes of me.
I also have a couple of fractured bones in my foot, so I guess I’d best search for interview clothes which match my oh-so-attractive orthopedic shoe.
"So why do I have a feeling of dread? It might be Groucho Marx syndrome—if these folks are willing to even interview me, this job must really suck. It could just be fear of the unknown. It could just be that knee-jerk reaction to change that I have, where even leaving an awful situation (and my current job doesn’t necessarily come in at awful most of the time, just not great) makes me feel shaky and insecure. "
Lorene, a job interview gives anyone the shivers and I know what you mean about the Groucho Marx syndrome, but it could be that you’re getting a positive break too:) Even after hearing the benefits and salary, if you get the job, but don’t like what it has to offer you don’t have to take it. Most of all(and this is easier said than done I know) try to make sure you act your most confident and in control throughout the interview. I know you’ll be shaky, but it’ll only be for an hour or so, so chin up;) I’ll keep you in my thoughts!
A feeling of “dread”, you say? That doesn’t sound good. See if you can turn it into “foreboding” and then “apprehension”. And if you find out that the job really does suck, you can stay where you are. As you say, there’s nothing to lose.
And in the worst case, you also pick up a little interviewing experience. That could come in handy down the road.
The best tip I’ve found is to use your apprehension, the energy and curiousity you get from being nervous, to help prepare yourself. Find out what you can about the company, how you could fit into what they do, and remember the things that you do best.
I had an interview yesterday, myself. Seemed to go very well.
The advice I was given many years ago that has stood me in great stead is, always go on an interview. You can always turn down the job. Don’t let your Groucho Marx syndrome keep you from going in there with a nice smile and a firm handshake and a confident demeanor. You’ll do great, whether or not the job is one you want!
Well, you have no reason to dread this interview. You’re a charming, intelligent woman, and I’m sure you’re very good at what you do. I think most people assign too much importance to interviews. Sure, you’d like the job (usually) but, if you don’t get it, so what? You’re no worse off than you were before the interview.
So, don’t think of it as a “grueling, nerve-wracking ordeal”. Think of it as an exploratory adventure. You’re just going to see some people who already think highly of you, to see if you like them and what they have to offer. They may try to intimidate you, if they’re that type, with condescending attitudes or psychologically disadvantageous seating arrangements or whatever, but the fact remains, you are in control. They asked you to come see them.
They had the advantage, when they were sifting resumes. But, now that they’ve selected yours, the balance has shifted. Sure, there are probably other candidates. So what? Aren’t you at least as qualified as anyone else likely to be applying? Of course, you are! And, they know that. For all we know, they may have already picked you as their top candidate. The interview is just to confirm that your resume wasn’t a tissue of lies, and see if they like you as a person. No problems there!
Then it’s time for them to sell you on the benefits of working for them. So, don’t go in meek and intimidated. You’ve already survived the hardest part! Now, it’s time for them to prove that they measure up to your standards.
Thanks for asking!
I think it actually went pretty well. There was one absolutely horrifying moment (or five), in which I had the most astounding coughing fit, mostly because I have allergies and the woman who interviewed me had her window open. I was apologetic, she was gracious, we got through it. Still, I was thinking that, not that long ago, that type of thing would have made me really upset and it just didn’t. These things happen.
Anyhow, the actual interview went fine. I was there for almost an hour. She asked some tough questions, which I genuinely think I answered well. I asked some questions which I think were pretty intelligent, etc. She will be contacting me next week to let me know if I have made the second round of interviews, but I am free to contact her before then if I have questions, etc. I’m going to send her a follow-up/thank you note today.
I did think about the support and good wishes folks here had sent me (as well as the good advice) and I have to say, it helped a lot. Robot Arm, have you heard about your recent interview? Any more on the horizon?
Good thinking on the follow up/thank you note. I once asked my current employer what the deciding factor in hiring me was and he informed me that it was the enthusiasm which my thank you letter conveyed…and here I’d come so close to not sending one. Good luck Lorene! Keep us posted!