Today, I received the disappointing news that I did not win the job lottery. I was, however, a formidable opponent, as there were only two of us competing.
I’m confident that the person selected was more qualified for the job, especially knowing that she has already completed the MS program in Technical Communication that I am currently pursuing.
I did take the opportunity to benefit from the experience by asking if there was anything, in terms of more education and/or experience(s) I should seek, or anything to do differently while interviewing.
The manager said, “I can’t think of any constructive criticism to give you. It was a very difficult decision, as you were both quite qualified. The person we offered the job to had more of a marketing background, while you had more of a technical background. They both have their advantages.
“We were very impressed with your work and your interview — so much so that should I become aware of any other communications-related positions in our division, I will happily consider or recommend you.”
So, though I’m disappointed, it did end up being an incredible networking opportunity, about which I’m very pleased.
Here is the job description:
Job Title: Communications Specialist
Band: 07
Location: RTP 500 Complex
Responsibilities
Seeking a Communications Lead to provide support for Software Group (SWG) Research Triangle Park (RTP) team. Candidate will drive overall theme for SWG RTP Communications and identify/maintain communications channels for the employee population.
This is a broadly scoped, highly visible position with frequent interactions with SWG RTP Executives, Finance, Human Resources, Development and SWG Corporate Communications. This lead will additionally assist with lab activities and initiatives by providing web site, design, and creative support to foster a collaborative environment.
Candidate will additionally support employee communications for the site executive and SWG RTP exec team. Candidate must demonstrate strong teaming and technical skills.
I know what you’re thinking, “That’s a dream job?” “It’s my dream job,” I said.
Now that the decision’s been made I will tell a short story about the interview. I love when things turn out totally different than you’ve anticipated, especially when you think you’ve covered all bases.
It was absolutely pouring the day I interviewed, and I had my folded, retractable umbrella with me, since I had to travel to another building for the interview.
I arrived about 10 minutes early, and while I was sitting waiting to be called into the office of the Vice President I’d be interviewing with, I was thinking about the “interview handshake stuff” – that is; a firm handshake and no sweaty palms.
I have always had a very firm handshake, so wasn’t too focused on that, just reminding myself that that’s often a “first impression factor.”
I don’t generally have sweaty palms, even when I get nervous, but I was a little warm from rushing to the building (mostly to get out of the torrential rain), so was perspiring all over a little, and wanted to be sure my palms weren’t sweating.
I blew on them. I wiped them on my pants. Blew on them again.
I thought I heard the VP’s door open, and I grabbed my umbrella with my handshaking hand. The umbrella was wet, which got my palm wet.
It wasn’t her door.
I dried my hand again, and made a mental note to be sure and grab the umbrella with my left hand when her door really did open. I actually sat in the chair with my left hand on the umbrella just to make sure.
Her door opens. I approach the doorway to her office, and stick out my right hand, “Hi Sue, I’m John Martin.”
“Hi, John. Sue. I’m not going to shake your hand because I have a cold.”
I found this article rather interesting. (From www.365gay.com.)
(Malmoe, Sweden) A library in a small community in southern Sweden has started a novel program to promote diversity and break down stereotypes. In addition of borrowing books on different cultures the Malmoe Library is now offering people.
The living library project is called ‘Borrow a Bias’. It allows townsfolk to borrow any of nine different minority people. Borrowers have 45 minutes to confront the prejudices in the library’s outdoor cafe.
“You sometimes hear people’s prejudices and you realize that they are just uninformed,” said Ulla Brohed, the chief librarian and the person who conceived the idea.
The group includes a lesbian, a gay, an imam, a Muslim woman, a journalist, an animal rights advocate, a Dane, and a Romany or Gypsy and one other to announced later.
Although Sweden has civil rights protections for gays and recognizes same-sex couples with partner rights many Swedes, especially in smaller communities, have little knowledge of gay issues including the desire to marry and adopt children.
“It’s a fun idea. Prejudice is something you have when you don’t know each other. If you confront each other, then the prejudice is broken down,” said Lilian Simonsen, the Dane who will be on loan.
A similar project is already underway in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Robert was an absolute dear, as he cleaned my house for me today, in anticipation of my sister and parents arriving on Saturday. Thank you, my sweet.
Dancing was rather festive tonight. A visiting dancer from Charlotte, Rodney, was in town on business, and joined the fray. Jay made a guest appearance, meeting a guy there named Billy that he’d been talking to on the Internet for over a year, but had never met. No major distractions or missies tonight.