I have related to some of my friends that moving into the interview stage in the job hunt is like dating someone. I have had a few interviews over the last couple of months. I have gone to one interview where shortly after I arrived, I knew I wanted nothing to do with the job. Of course, I was called back for a second interview. I decided to go just for the experience.
The polar opposite was an interview I had last week with a firm that I could see myself investing many years in. It just sounds like a fun job and the people there seem great. I really hope I get it.
The paranoia that goes with the waiting game can be applied to either the dating scenario or the job interview:
- How did it go? Oh we had a great time. Had a lot in common, really hit it off well.
- Did they like you? yeah, I think so, couldn't tell if they were just nice and polite or if there was genuine interest, but the conversation really flowed well.
- Did you like them? Oh yeah, I can definitely see myself with them.
- When will you hear if you got the job? I don't know. They said they would call "by the end of next week." Does that mean Thursday? Do I give up if I don't hear from them by Friday? What time on Friday is the point of no return before i have to wait until next week?
- Are they interviewing other candidates? Yeah, I think they are. but I really hope I get the rose.
- It's been a week since the interview, have you heard from them? No, not yet. Should I call? I don't want to seem too--um--desperate. But I want them to know that I'm interested, that can't hurt right?
- Did you call? Yeah, I hope I wasn't too talky. I hope they weren't annoyed by the interruption to their day. I hope I showed the right amount of interest without seeming annoying. I hope that was initiative they heard, not reaching out to grab something not there.
- What did they say? Oh, I'm still a candidate, they'll make a decision by tomorrow or "early next week."
- What are you doing? Waiting by the phone.
