Dear, guys – welcome back to Letters From Liz!
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for many reasons, but the main reason is that I’m finally going on some job interviews! I’m extremely grateful that after a year of not getting anything set in stone, I’m finally starting to hear back from some places and getting offered job interviews!
I had my first interview after 5 months of nothing in the middle of July for a program that is located in Harlem. Of course, I was nervous, excited, anxious, everything normal to feel for something like this, and I prepared myself to the point where I felt most confident. This was also not like any interview; this was a group interview, and from what I heard from others: they aren’t good. They suck.
Coming out of it and now having the time to reflect on it, I am learning a lot about myself in the process. At the time I am writing this, I have interviews booked for the upcoming month and I’m taking what I’m learning about job interviews and myself to not only help me professionally but personally as well!
I’m definitely learning that work experience may not always be what people are looking for. As a person who decided to fully commit to their studies, I don’t have a lot of the work experience that jobs may be looking for. My credentials are in my education, to be honest. I may not be the smartest person in the world, but I’m confident with the knowledge I have and the degrees I received. I ultimately want to work within the college setting or any academic community, and I believe that my studies and my passions back me up when going into these interviews. I’ve learned that this group interview that many of these candidates really do come from different walkways of life, and although you may not have the experience your other candidates have, you have something that these people liked.
With that being said, I’m learning not to be so hard on myself because of my lack of working experience. While this particular job requires a lot of social working skills, it requires a lot of knowledge regarding education and how to treat students within an academic setting. I’m learning that I, too, have something to offer, and maybe that what an employer may want.
In addition to that, I’m also learning how to ask for help when I need it. My job hunting process was very limited in regards to people knowing my process and progress, but there’s nothing wrong with asking someone for help or advice about job hunting and interviews. My former professor, who is now my friend and mentor, has given me tons of professional tips while my partner has helped me with a lot of the social things that comes with the job. I honestly feel like because of this, I am able to feel more comfortable in talking about these things that were once private to me, y’know? In any situation, it’s okay to ask for help or for advice; it doesn’t mean you failed on your own!
Lastly, I’m learning how to introduce myself out to the world. Yes, my blog also helps me out as well, but I’m learning how to introduce myself professionally. In other words, I’m learning where I want to be and who I want to be in this world. After having to introduce myself through cover letters, job applications and job interviews, I’m getting a better understanding of what it means to introduce yourself in a professional matter.
Anyway, I’m very excited to see where this journey goes! I hope ya girl is employed and rejoiced very soon! Even more so, I’m excited to grow from these experiences.
Letters From Liz. 