Nobody starts a new job in January

I arrive 45 minutes early.  I sip a drink to keep my throat moist in preparation for all the talking I was about to do.

I fumble through the notes ready for the interview.. I set myself the goal of getting a new job.  I wanted this, firstly for my own professional development and because of personal struggles in my current job which made me realise I needed to move on.

How I prepared for my interview

I had thought carefully about the whole application process, looking at the job description and the person specification to try and devise what questions would be asked.  I then reflected on how my own experiences met these questions.

During the last three nights I had dedicated my time to thinking this through.  Now with 30 minutes till the interview I realised I had probably done enough and that I was better to mentally and physically prepare.

I looked at my reflection in a shop window, readjusted my suit, tidied my hair and practiced my body language – altering my posture so that I was stood up straight, walked with confidence and maintained eye contact.

I treated preparing for the interview, like I would for a race,  I loosened myself up and listened to a motivational video I had ripped from Youtube.  This pumped me up as I walked to the venue.  I was ready to dominate the interview as I made one thing clear – I was the man for the job.

Before I arrived I walked past a card shop, which sold postcards with motivational sayings on them.

One stood out. It said:

I CAN AND I WILL.   WATCH ME.

I purchased the card and placed it in my interview folder to read over while I waited to be  called in.  I repeated the words over and over. Until I was saying

“I can (do this job) and I will (have this job). Watch me (show why you’ll want me to have this job).”

At the interview

When I arrived, I was informed there was a test. This information had not been revealed on the invite letter, but I didn’t care, I did not fear a a small test.

And perhaps this attitude helped; as I stormed it and I knew it at the interview as I explained why I answered the way I did.  The panel looked impressed.  My confidence was high, I could do anything.

For the rest of the interview I answered each question to the best of my ability.  I could have been more concise, but I take the view that too much information is better than not enough information.

The interview flew by and on my way out I made small talk with one of the interview panel as he showed me out.  I like to do that because it essentially is a final chance to show that I am someone who can fit into the team and that I am not socially awkward.

The Aftermath

It was Friday, so I knew there would be a long weekend till I got a response.  On Monday I heard nothing, so I assumed it was back to the drawing board.  This was not my first rejection and would not be my last, I just needed to apply for other jobs.

You can’t help thinking where it went wrong.  So by Tuesday I was kicking myself about how I could have answered questions better.  One in particular answer I gave was crap and I knew the panel probably thought it was bullshit.

It got to 2pm and still no call, as what employer calls a successful candidate so late?

I stuffed myself with food to make me feel better, so when I got a call 10 minutes later I felt a little sick.

“we we’re wondering if you were still interested in the job….”

The news nearly made me puke with excitement.  I was shocked but I accepted it.

This was an emotional moment, I had been trying to better myself at work since 2004 and had finally got up the next step.  I didn’t quite believe I had been offered the job until I got another call asking for references.

I would be starting my job in January.  I thought nobody starts a new job in January, as employers are focused on the holiday season.  But it was true, I was living the cliché, “New Year, New Start”

Now I look at that motivational card, that sits above my desk and smile.

I can and I will.  Watch me…….