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A while back I wrote a blog about an interview I had been on that day. I was hyped for it, really cared about it and was pretty nervous. Unfortunately I didn't get the job, although I got close considering they called me back for a second interview. I learned to stop getting my hyped up about any individual interview.
3 weeks ago I had another interview in the same field, which I've been trying to get into for a while now (its a career change for me). I spent a little time preparing but not much, and was kind of nonchalant about the whole thing. Didn't get all nervous and spend a lot of time preparing answers. During the interview I didn't make much of an effort to make small talk (naturally introverted) and didn't send thank you emails afterward. I just figured if I get it, cool, if not oh well. Somehow though deep down, i just had this feeling I was gonna get it and big change was coming my way. I cant explain it, I just had this instinctual feeling.
I did follow up 2 weeks afterwards and was then offered the job. Despite my seeming lack of care I know its what I want, so I accepted. It's gonna be a great job, its a nice pay raise and it gets me out of a job I didn't like (can't wait to put in my 2 weeks lol). Of course I still have to pass the security clearance but it seems low odds that wouldn't happen.
Guess the moral of the story is not to care about interviews too much. Don't get all hyped about what the do's dont's are (ie sending thank you notes etc) and get all nervous. That sort of pressure just decreases your performance and chances. Although I will say I was greatly helped in this interview by the fact that it was my 3rd try in this field and I could recycle and improve upon previous answers.
So, big changes coming for me. This will mean a move to DC, for one thing. I wanna meet and interact with more girls in life too. Have lived for too long without doing that. Recently had 2 dates from Match.com after signing up there, which is a start. Actually asked them both out on the same day of the interview, and also applied for a scholarship for a certification program in this field on that day. I know its just simple emails as far as the online dating goes but I got 2 good dates and a job out of the day lol. Haven't heard back on the scholarship yet. The next challenge is overcoming that fear of approaching girls IRL. But I guess that'd be better saved for another blog  .
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I actually have a phone interview this week for a company I'd really like to work for. They pay really well, and they're really close to my house and one of the only companies whose headquarters are in Los Angeles.
Basically, if I pass this phone interview and the real interview, I've got a kickass job in a city I LOVE to live in.
If I don't, I've got to go work somewhere in Seattle/Mountain View for Microsoft or Google or some other giant corporation.
How can you not be nervous about that?!!?!? =P
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TLADT24920 Posts
Congrats on the job! I don't think it's easy to not be nervous for a job interview especially if it's a job that you've wanted for a long time and you finally have a chance to get it. I think preparation is key because you'll feel ready and relaxed when you go in. I usually just relax for my interviews and hope for the best. I disagree partially though, I think sending in a thank you letter(or email) is a good idea since it shows them that you actually want the job and are still interested but to each their own
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Welcome to Alexandria! :-D
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I had an interview today at a media company in Beijing for translation. A little background. I'm a white guy with ok Chinese, and today when I showed up for the interview there was a line out the door because people were interviewing for all sorts of positions. Everybody except me was Chinese--like always--because I apply for regular jobs instead of going through cushy foreigner channels.
I wasn't exceedingly interested in this position, but I wanted to practice trying to chill out more in interview conditions (despite all the staring) like you mentioned. After an hour waiting they told me the guy handling translation interviews was too busy today and they'd call me later. Sorry for the inconvenience and all that. Thing is they didn't realize my Chinese is good enough to understand the conversation they had right in front of my face, saying the translation position was already filled.
Who cares. Today was such a success. I just sat there for an hour SO fuckin chilled. Left with a big smile on my face, even though I never got past the front desk. Interview for a job I actually want on Thursday. I'm ready. Because now I know how to not get ready.
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^Glad to hear it . One thing I would say about not being nervous is that depending on your unique circumstances, it may not be possible. Some people would argue that being nervous is natural and a good thing. Personally I think being confident and happy is better - and everyone is capable of being confident and happy in an interview (but it definitely helps to have interview experience under your belt). One thing that's for sure is that you don't want to APPEAR too nervous.
For me the key was realizing that you shouldn't get your hopes up too much over any one interview - including when you get very positive feedback DURING the interview. It's a tough job market and you might not get the job.
Honestly for some odd reason I'm more nervous about the security clearance lol.
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come meet up with TLers in the DC metro area
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i think if they called you for a 2nd interview, it meant that the first interview didn't go well enough
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On March 20 2013 01:02 iheartEDM wrote:
i think if they called you for a 2nd interview, it meant that the first interview didn't go well enough
No it means they've narrowed down the list of potential candidates and you've made the cut.
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On March 20 2013 00:40 d3_crescentia wrote:
come meet up with TLers in the DC metro area
Are there a lot of barcrafts?
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EPT
