Job Interview

Today I had to wake up before the sun had the time to rise. My alarm was set for 4:15 a.m. I wanted to make sure that I had enough time to wake up, apply my “interview makeup look”, curl my hair and drive to the airport.

Which happens to be about 40 minutes away from where I live.

Luckily, I was able to take my time to prepare for today’s interview yesterday. I spent time preparing all interview related documents such as copies of my resume, cover letter, and my 30-60-90 Day Sales Impact Plan. I also prepared my interview attire which consisted of a navy jacket, navy dress pants, white collared button-down shirt, and black heels.

One thing about me is that I am a natural planner. All things must be in order for me to be prepared and feel confident and this interview preparation process was no different.

See, interviews can be naturally stressful. Especially when you may have a lot to lose in the process. Not to say that I had a lot to lose, but I knew how bad I actually wanted to land this job. My flight departed MCO – Orlando International Airport at 8:25 with boarding time being at 7:40.

Knowing how long and frustrating working your way through the TSA line can be, I wanted to be there early just in case there were any hiccups.

5 Important Things I Always Do When Interviewing For A Job:

1. Prepare for the job interview AHEAD of time. Preparation is KEY!

2. Know Your Worth-Know what you bring to the table and don’t be shaken when questions arise about the role and whether or not you are capable of doing the job.

3. Be yourself

4. Always set yourself apart from the competition

5. Take names and be nice to everyone-besides you never know who may be the one to offer you the job.

When I arrived in Detroit around 11:00, I took the time to sit down and eat at one of my favorite restaurants PF Chang’s. The waiter offered me the table in the very back of the restaurant. For me, this was the perfect place to gather my thoughts, review my game plan, and to mentally prepare for the questions that I KNEW they were going to ask me.

After I finished my meal, I was offered and a single fortune cookie. At first, I was going to save it to snack on later, but a small voice told me to open the cookie. And the message inside almost ruined my makeup! I was on the verge of breaking down with a face full of tears. The fortune read…

“You will soon be rewarded for your good work.”

I was so taken back by this message I took a picture to document the moment, at the moment.

You see when you are connected to the source (God) he will show you the way and he will comfort you to remind you that he is in charge. I walked into my interview today with a sense of calm I have never felt before in this type of situation. Besides, I said a prayer that God would guide my words and actions. I asked him to only allow me to showcase who I am as a professional and as a person.

After meeting with 4 different managers in 3 different rounds of interviews…

I walked away with the job.

You see, I pushed the fear aside and I showed up with so much confidence and passion that no matter the questions that were asked I had the answers based on MY experiences in this industry. God has already equipped me for all that I had to face today. I’m still in shock and amazed at how God continues to show up. He also reminds me of ”who” is in control.

After making it to the last round and being offered the job, I had a flashback. Back to the time when it took me 2 years to land a career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Remembering how I told the regional manager that I was not leaving his office until he offered me the job. Because after pushing through of 2 years of “No’s” I was fed up.

I knew I could do the job, I just needed him to give me a chance and he did. When the interview was over, I signed my offer letter before I left his office that day. A day I will remember for the rest of my life.

Today reminded me of that time, going into the interview with the mindset that I have EARNED a seat at the table with the hiring managers. Now it was my job (and goal) to prove to them why I should stay. After over two hours, I did just that. I proved WHY I EARNED the seat in the first place and WHY I now DESERVE a spot on the team.

I can keep going about today, but I will save it for another post. If you are on the job search and you feel like giving up, don’t. Keep pushing. Remember…what is for you will be for YOU and no one else.

SHOP MY INTERVIEW OUTFIT

What has your experience been when it comes to interviewing? Share your story in the comment box below.