So let's start with the roller-coasting.
Monday morning I got my act together really early: I made arrangements to meet with another employment agency and filled out a rather extensive pre-interview form, got an e-mail from a local marketing group requesting an interview with me, got a call from a web site I sent my application to on CareerBuilder, and filled out an application for a part time management position at a retail store close to my house.
After being thrilled about speaking to a more professional employment agency, I got even more excited when I got the e-mail from the marketing group who's job posting looked almost perfect. Then I Googled the company and found out they've scammed quite a few people and don't even have a real site (for an internet based company.) But I didn't let my positive glow fade. I was confident in the application I did for the agency and how many resumes I had sent out. Not 15 minutes after I found out about the scam, I got a call for a copy editing/ editorial assistant job (YAY!!!) The woman I spoke with was enthusiastic and said that my resume looked impressive, "a perfect fit."
Arrangements were made for an interview the following day at 5:00p.m.
Interview Prep:
First thing's first: I picked out an outfit that was both professional and comfortable. Too many times I've gone on interviews in full suits to places where jeans and collared t's are the norm. Too many times I've been uncomfortable in a button-down that doesn't sit just how I want it to. This time, I opted for black dress pants, a button down and a sweater - an outfit I know that won't be a distraction from conversation (either in my head or the employer's.)
Second: I got my study on. I read numerous articles on their web site, took some notes of three things that stood out to me (approachability, cleanliness, ease of navigation.) Then, I searched for AP (Associated Press) style quizzes to brush up on some rules for the copy editing test I would have to take. I came across this fantastic site that offers an assortment of quick lessons and quizzes, written by authors with a snarky sense of humor.
I also checked my resume to make sure it was perfect, as well as made sure that I had a complete list of my references and their contact information with me.
Beyond the "good night's sleep," I made sure not to eat anything funny (hey, I haven't been on an interview in a while and I know that regardless of what I'm interviewing for, I immediately get that "first day of school" nervous belly ache when I take the exit ramp off of I-95.
So, the interview.
I showed up and met the chief editor, who I spent the next half an hour discussing the workings of the office and my previous experience at my internships. She explained that their were two openings- one editorial assistant job (part-time and entry level) and one copy editor job (full time and full benefits.) I, and I believe the interviewer, thought I was a better fit for the first opening, but of course I want a full time position! We talked for a while before she sent me on rounds to meet the rest of the copy team and interview with the head copy editor and her assistant, as well as the person below her in the editing line (who told me that the owner of the company was an SU graduate!)
I thought the interview went pretty well, but, as the article says, you never can tell if somebody else interviewed better than you. I'll keep you all posted.
Until then, Happy 4th of July everybody!
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