Technically, it was not my first interview; but it
sure did feel like it!
On April 4th, I saw a job posting that got me very
interested. It was for a part-time position and it was what I was looking for!
It allowed me to work from home! I desperately wanted this job and I spent
somewhere between 2 and 3 hours to rework my resume and cover letter. As soon
as I was done, I emailed it; I didn't even think about the fact that there was
a deadline of April 25th and I sent it out too early on April 5th which also
happens to be a Saturday! Perhaps, I should have waited till Monday at least?!
On the following Monday, I was pleasantly surprised to
receive an acknowledgment of my application from the potential employer. Just
that courtesy boosted my confidence to no end. I wrote back saying that I hope
to hear from them after the 25th of April! I was waiting anxiously and finally
on the 30th, I was contacted to reconfirm my interest in the position as well
as state my availability for certain weekdays. Once all those formalities were
completed, I got an interview date of May 14th - my first interview in a long
long time and I was excited. However, I also had the daunting task of rounding
up 3 references!!
What seemed like a challenging task turned out to be a
blessing in disguise. I got an opportunity to reconnect with people on a
professional level; the best one was with my friend Smoggy. He and I worked for
about 3 years prior to ASid's birth; although we met at a workplace, we became
really good friends. We worked well professionally and also gelled personally.
It came as no surprise then that I reached out to my friend Smoggy! He offered
to go through the job description and prepare me for the interview. He spent an
hour and a half on the phone reminding me of all the skills I possess. I was
truly astonished at my own knowledge and I felt prepared for the interview next
day.
What can I say? I did really well in the interview. I
called Smoggy, my Mom, my newest friend (who gave me an opportunity to do a
couple of hours' worth of work each week) and Craigley. I told them all that
I had the job; I was so sure. I was so excited. For the first time in a long
time, I felt like I had experienced something other than a Momley Moment that made me feel good about myself.
Then, a week went by and I heard nothing. None of my
references were contacted! What happened? A day later, I get an email saying
that the job has been offered to someone else. It was May 22nd and Hans' 6th
b'day, and I just broke down and cried. I felt a loss that couldn't be
expressed in words. Amidst all that crying, I wanted to know "why?” The
lady who had been communicating with me the whole time was kind enough to reply
to my query and this is what she wrote:
It was wonderful to meet
you, and share some of your teaching experiences. I do hope you are able
to move ahead to a more full time position, as you certainly have many
excellent skills that should assist you.
I thought you were very comfortable in the interview,
and answered questions in detail and on point. You have many great
qualifications that will assist in the process. I have no doubt that if
you continue to pursue job opportunities you will soon find a more full time
position.
In this work world, it often takes several searches
for jobs before the right one appears. So don't give up!!
All the best with this journey!
Thank you lady! Thank you Smoggy! Thank you to
everyone else who believe in me. Boys, Momley is on her way! I would have loved for an opportunity to work with this lady, however there will always be other opportunities and Momley is not giving up!
