Did I Get The Job? 

My first job interview…

I remember going to bed last night knowing that I was going to get very little sleep. I felt conflicting emotions; the nervousness accompanied with confusion, fear and sort of this desperation to cling onto something that probably never even existed just so that I could skip the interview tomorrow. I mentally interrogated myself in the privacy of my mind a possible range of questions I might be asked, ticking off the adequate responses that I could use tomorrow (I doubt I used any) because I realized, you have to have something tangible to offer whether it’s improving the quality of life of the community or making a difference in the world, otherwise your just going there to compare smiles with someone who has a better dentist than you. Sleep did come though, eventually, but I don’t think I will ever forget that long night of suspense and contemplating what the meeting might hold for my future.

It took me a whole day to write my personal statement and most of it was about me, genuinely honestly me. Although I did make a mistake by writing the statement applying for a job as a cardiologist at a university, until I realized it was supposed to be for a company or a hospital, health care centre. I spent another whole day, preparing myself for the actual interview. Even so, my voice was still crackly when the interview began. “Tell me your key strengths in this career,” “How can you contribute to the Wellington Hospital and the community?” I answered these questions without hesitation because I already had them boggling in my mind. Although, I may have gone astray at times, well there are a few reasons for that. One, is that my mind keeps wandering off when I’m nervous. But I don’t presume that to be all bad. I am analytical, affable and ambitious but to phrase John Lennon, “I’m not the only one.” I even worry about the “tell me about yourself” question at the start of the interview- was I boasting? Was it too much? I hope not because I wanted to give a good account of myself. From then on I tried to focus on the fact that I was doing this interview to get the job, to make a difference in our society, to help people, to start a health care revolution. It wasn’t about my neurosis. I struggle in these situations not to let my imagination or madness govern me and to let the positive aspects of my character define my life.

The interview seemed to go fantastically until the point where the interviewer asked, “How much should we pay you?” I didn’t expect this question. I wasn’t prepared for this one. “Um… well, I…” This was not an easy question, because if I demand a salary too high, it may prevent me from getting that job. I felt like a defenseless 9 year old. The handy cam pointed directly at me just heated up the atmosphere in that tiny glass room. It was as if it was starring deliberately to diminish me. I was victimized in there. I sat at the edge of my seat silent with no recourse, except I had the endless buzzing of needless thought, the neurological chaos, the fizz, the buzz, the clatter abating, the hive of my mind quieting but not at that moment. I was incredibly nervous and I wanted to impress. So after a long pause, I decided to say what came to my mind first: “well, based on my experience and qualifications, I believe a pay ranging from $30 000 — $40 000 is my possible requirement.”

The most important lesson I learned during my interview is the need to be adaptable. The questions asked vary enormously and range from inquiry questions to scenario’s and it’s up to you to be flexible and adapt with these situational questions you are more likely to be thrown at. Equally surprising was the speed at which time passed during the interview, left me with the feeling that I barely highlighted any of my potential and qualities. I also realized that brief answers are preferable. The bottom line is, Interviews are like quizzes. It all boils down to testing your knowledge and understanding in applying the things you learn in class with the outside world. Although, you may still encounter some questions you never expected. You have to know what you are being quizzed about or else you won’t score points (in this case, get the job). While I certainly found that interview to be highly stressful, in a way, it’s the invaluable experience that outweighs that sleepless night.