I remember back then when job hunting meant buying the Sunday paper and going through the classified ads section. In most recent times however, looking for a job has become more applicant-friendly. If you have access to the internet, all you have to do is find sites of reputable head-hunters, go through their job boards and send your resumes on-line. They also have sections where you can find articles about anything and everything that will help you in your job application process. I recently checked out an article on how to prepare for a job interview. I have gone to a number of job interviews in the past. I normally prepare every time by practicing answers to different possible questions that are relevant to the position that I am applying for. That is one way to boost my confidence level. The thing with me though is that the more I like the job, the more nervous I become. Regardless of how much effort I put into my preparation.
Last Tuesday, was a nerve-wracking day for me. I went for a final job interview after I passed the first one and the written and oral examinations for a home-based job that I applied for. The time was set at eight in the evening for me and early morning for the interviewer. The Chairman of the company, who is a Japanese national, was in South America. So we had to do it through Skype. Prior to that day, I did a bit of research about Japanese people. I’m sure glad I did. That meant that I had to somehow control my ever so energetic personality. The situation called for me to be more calm and direct. It did not help that my husband wanted to be in the same room. He teasingly told me that he would teach me the answers to the questions. After making the effort to look professional by putting on my corporate attire, a little make-up and my lucky pearls, I locked the door and ignored the knocking of my son until he went away. A few minutes before the start, I prayed for wisdom and a sense of serenity. The questions were simple and straightforward. There was the usual question of why I was applying for the job. Nothing prepared me for the next though. I was asked to talk about what I consider as my worst experience in life. Truthfully I answered but I was overcome with a sense of melancholy after, that it had set the mood for the rest of the interview for me. Then the question of my best experience, times spent overseas, my edge over the other applicants, my strengths and my weaknesses. Clearly, he was testing my proficiency with the language. I take pride in the fact that I can easily discern a person’s thoughts by his expression. I sure failed that time. There was no telling what was going through my interviewer’s mind. Like a suspense story, I went to bed that night anxious and hopeful.
You can never really tell what will happen during a job interview. But it would help to really prepare for it and pray. The practice of controlling emotions will truly help especially if you are asked questions that will affect your mood. We learn new things everyday. That is what I learned that day. As for the results, I am happy to share that I start with my training soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment