After-Interview Blues.

I had an interview today at the Toledo Museum of Art for a “Professional Services Coordinator,” which I was really nervous about. And let’s just say that I didn’t have the greatest start to the day. (Waking up at 4:00 AM to realize that your period has started, followed by not being able to sleep much after that because the cramps are the worst you’ve had in ages does not toss you off the right side of the bed.) So after a few Advil and a long hot shower, I put on my snazzy suit and marched out of my new apartment with a smile pasted on my face.

I had never before been so nervous for an interview. This one, in fact, was the biggest interview I had ever had- no pressure. Upon arriving at the Museum, I went to speak with my supervisor who had directed me towards the job opening. She, of course, was excited for me, wished me luck, and gave me a few tips (according to her, the woman interviewing me cared a lot about teamwork, and I was to boast about my teamwork experience and abilities). Then off I went to the HR department to meet my fate.

The woman interviewing me was nice-looking, smiled a lot, but had that slight coldness to her that made her seem like the kind of woman who could smile at you one moment but slit your throat the next if you made her angry. Entering into the interview conversation I felt like I was walking on the thinnest ice imaginable (picture, for me, a pathetic girl in a cute tan suit stepping out onto an icy Lake Erie with soccer cleats).

I had already read and understood the responsibilities of the job from the job posting and explained to her that I believed I was qualified for the job. I explained how I have experience in Excel, Access, and Word and could use them all to better support and help the Museum (*coughchalkingupcough*). I’m not a liar, I do know those programs, but I felt like a prostitute selling herself and making herself seem better than she actually is just to get a job. Not pleasant.

She nodded and asked me (in depth, mind you) about why I majored in Asian Studies, how that would help me in this position at all, and how anything I had ever done with that program would give me experience for this position in a doubtful tone. I could literally feel the thin ice cracking below me…. I explained that my experiences in the Asian Studies program (including being an officer for the Japanese Club and studying abroad) helped in learn more about teamwork (I slipped it in!), adapting quickly to new situations, learning new things quickly, and dealing with different kinds of people in different circumstances. I also explained how as an officer, I was the secretary and often organized and help manage event planning and volunteering (something that I would be doing at this new position). I also mentioned how I loved museums ever since I was a little girl in Europe visiting European museums. She cracked a genuine smile across her face as I explained all of this to her, which I am hoping I correctly interpreted as a good sign.

She asked me if I had any questions, so I inquired about when she would be making her final decision and how much the position paid. If I were to get this job, I would be getting $14/hr (I was hoping for a little more) with some healthcare benefits. She also stated that three people would be chosen out of everyone interviewed to take a skills test on the programs needed. Panic struck me. I can use these programs, but being tested on them with a job on the line? No pressure! Guess who will be studying up on Excel and Access for Dummies?? This gal! Also, I have no idea when they will make these decisions, so I am left waiting once again.

I closed up the interview by stating something along the lines of “I have come to love this museum, and I would love to be involved in any way that I can. I want to dedicate my time and work to helping this museum, and I believe I am qualified for this job and will not disappoint you. I hope that you will consider me as a candidate for this position. Now turn around so I can kiss your ass, kthnx.” Ok, sans the ass kissing. But still, I left her smiling and telling stories about her son and Japanese daughter-in-law who visit Japan once a year.

Even though she smiled a lot, I still feel a little uncertain about the whole thing. She mentioned how this was to be a permanent job, not for somebody who would be leaving next year for graduate school in the fall (*looks away and whistles*). I don’t know if she was hinting at me that I wasn’t right for the job even though I told her (maybe lied…) that I would be staying. (What? Don’t judge me!) Also, there may be others out there much more qualified than I am. Even though I may want this desperately, have connections within the museum, and have an expressed desire to work there to start out a life-long career in museum work, someone with a much more experience-based resume might be chosen over me.

So, I am left uncertain and uncomfortable. Her description of the job was a little intimidating, and I feel just as lost as I did before I got the call to come in for an interview. Granted, I have a chance now that I have an interview, but she opened the job out in the newspaper, so applications will be flooding in with people with a hell of a lot more experience than me. Not to mention Rachel and I currently have new-apartment stress (problems with certain aspects of the apartment itself that took us a little by surprise). But that update is to follow later.

When I return home at around 12:30, I am cracking open a beer. I don’t care about the few boxed I have left to unpack- they can wait. Right now, a beer is my priority.
-Peace-

Packin' and Movin'

Yes, it's been a while since I've updated. Let me just list off major events that have occurred within the past few months:

1. For Rachel's birthday, we went to the Green Day concert in Detroit, MI. It was amazing, mind-blowing, and we had to be pulled out of the mosh pit because we were about to pass out from dehydration. Whoo we're hardcore!!
2. Before the concert, Rachel proposed to me! :D We are now engaged, and wedding planning is just going to be fuuun... ^^;; The actual day though will be worth all the planning and money!
3. I am graduated from college! That's right- for the first time in my life since I was 5 I am not a student. Honestly, I don't know what to do with myself and find myself anxious and apprehensive about starting this new chapter of my life... I will miss college life. Here's looking forward to grad school next year! :D
4. My internship at the museum is going awesomely! I am still waiting to see if I got the paid position I applied for (basically, a glorified secretary). I called today and asked if the position had been filled, and they said no. So I still have a chance! I am keeping my fingers crossed... I need a job!!

That's basically it. This week Rachel and I are focusing on moving out of our Bowling Green apartment to our new one near Toledo! I am so so excited! Packing, however, is a huge pain in the ass. We spent the whole day packing, so now everything we own is on boxes and packed up. We only have the essentials out for us (like clothes, cause... those are essential!)

Our current landlord is coming by on Friday to do an inspection, then on Saturday we're hauling everything we own to the new place (including furniture, which will BLOW).

This week is busy. But once Rach and I finish moving and I get word back from the Museum about the jobs I applied for, I will be super relieved! :)

Until next time

Meg