Article by Wendy McCance
When I was young, I used to brag about being able to talk anyone in to hiring me (even if they weren’t looking to hire anyone). Ah, the good old days when you could point in a direction, claim that a particular job would be yours and get it.
The economy tanked, the jobs dried up and being overly picky wasn’t an option any more. The goal became to get a job, any job. Along the way I lost sight of one important factor. A job, any job is not valuable if it makes you miserable. I am a born salesperson. It runs in my family. I know what employers want to hear and I am good at selling them on my skills.
When I began writing this blog, a slow transformation began to take shape. I heard my voice louder than I have in a long time. Through my writing, I slowly saw what is of most importance to me. What I’ll tolerate and what I won’t put up with anymore. I realized how I want to live my life and what I want to surround myself with more than ever.
So I started thinking about all of the articles out there on how to land a job. There are articles on what to say and what to avoid in an interview. There are so many pieces of advice floating around regarding how to tweak your honesty to get someone to hire you. With all of these seemingly helpful pieces of advice it is apparent how easily it is to lose sight of who you are, what works for you and how to trust the bells ringing in your head when you know deep down that a job is honestly not a good fit.
I went to an interview today. I must admit that we are in desperate need of an extra salary to balance out our bills. Keeping in mind where my head was at when I went into the interview, I heard the little voice that said this wasn’t the right job, but I pushed it aside.
The first alarm went off when I walked through the door and was handed paperwork to fill out for the “internship position.” Ok, first of all, this wasn’t mentioned on the job site or in the follow-up call to set up the appointment. The only thing I was told on the phone was that the position was for a sales assistant to take care of orders and handle customer service. If you were to see my resume, you would know that this was in itself a huge step backward. My experience far exceeds what I was applying for, but I was ok with that because simply, I need a job.
I almost said something, stunned that this was an internship, but decided not to jump to conclusions and move forward with the paperwork (anyway, I needed the practice interviewing).
The actual interview seemed fine until the person I was being interviewed by made a comment that during the summer I would see a lot of young interns working there. The philosophy of the company he explained was that older people have used up all of their ideas and are stale, but kids in college were full of fresh ideas they could suggest. I understand the eagerness of the younger kids, but I was still put off by the comment. was he suggesting that I was old and stale?
At the end of the interview I was given a tour and told what the next step in the hiring process would be. I actually walked out hoping I would be called. My experience was a perfect fit for what they were looking for work wise.
It took me a while replaying the entire experience in my head before I decided I’m an idiot and should have slapped myself silly for hoping for a job like that. The application I had filled out was obviously intended for a younger person. The questions ranged from what college are you currently attending, and what semesters are you available to why an internship would be something of interest to you. Seriously, what were these people thinking when they asked me to interview. It was obvious that I wasn’t what they were looking for in any way other than skills. I think they really thought they could get a bargain by hiring me.
I had fallen into the quick fix category of I feel like I need a job now even though it is a terrible choice.
I had an opportunity to fill out a long questionnaire for another job. I took my time and really gave the most sincere answers that truly displayed who I was instead of what I thought they were looking for. I got a follow-up email saying that after getting to know me better through the answers I gave, they thought I would be a good match for their company. They scheduled me for an interview.
The moral of this story is that I am done taking all of the well-meaning advice out there. I am who I am and I want to feel that a good fit was found. I can’t imagine letting fear guide me into a bad job and out again within weeks or months as I realize that this is no place for me. Sure we need the money, but that doesn’t mean I need to work for peanuts or grab the first offer just because it’s the first offer.
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Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
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I completely identify with your job search. I have had several jobs working as an administrative assistant. I am a horrible assistant mostly because I tend to get indignant when asked to do something. I mean, really what’s the matter with their legs? Do they really need to bypass the fax machine on their way to my desk to ask me to fax something? You see? Horrible admin asst! LOL!
Now that I’m in my mid-40s and my son is 27 I am more focused than ever before on my writing. If I could just make a decent living doing that I’d be truly happy. So, that’s MY searchforhappiness!
Love it. I hope you have success as a writer.
Wendy, even though it is a financial strain, I am proud of your personal insight to know your worth. You ARE who you are and I know the effect of taking a quick fix job ends up knocking your self worth into a tailspin. I am not saying that ones ego is more important than reality. It is just that not allowing yourself to be the best you have to offer is a crime to yourself, your family, your co-workers and the employer. Something WILL come through.
Thanks for the support.
You Go! — taking back our power . . . that’s important.
Thanks.
Good for you! When we let fear (aka ego) overtake us, we don’t make the choices that are in the best interest of our soul. Your soul knew that wasn’t the right job, and you eventually listened. Sometimes the Universe is testing us on our resolve to follow our path by putting tempting offers in our way (or sometimes things that trigger our fears). Being solid in who you are and what you want for your life is the key, and you’re there!
Thanks. You always have the most supportive comments,
As I read your post I could see myself. My husband & I are in the same situation. It would be easier if I had income. I was asked to interview for a position three levels below my experience. I was turned down. I was asked to do the same two additional times with the same result. In the end it was apparent that was I interviewed out of courtesy because of my friend’s request. The fact is it wasn’t the right fit and would have been a disaster if I had been hired. I actually wrote about the experience: http://findingourwaynow.com/2011/11/jelly-beans-opinions.html
Go for the right opportunity. It may take a little longer but you and your family will be the better for it.
I think we must be interconnected some how. It always amazes me that we both have similar situations and have both written about it. Kinda comforting actually.
I do find it fascinating how I we have similar experiences and thoughts. I very much enjoy that feeling of connection.
Me too.
Great post! So true, at the end of the day you need to keep your integrity and pretending to be someone you’re not is the opposite of that.
Thanks for the comment. I just saw your blog and it is great. I just had to follow you too!