Screenface

So I had an interview for an eLearning Developer job the other day and I feel like I fizzed it.

I’m not entirely sure why – I’m utterly qualified for the position (it’s pretty much an exact match for the work that I’ve been doing for the last 11 years – just in a university rather than a TAFE setting) and I put together a pretty killer application. I also did a pretty solid job on working up a response to the scenario they gave me in advance of the interview.

It’s essentially a job that is made for me – I’d even be taking a not insubstantial pay-cut but I’m keen for some new challenges and opportunities and I’m happy to wear that.

The interview itself though – I don’t know, I was rambly, I was nervous, I’m not sure that I really answered the questions. I was very mindful of interview tips and techniques that I’ve read about – be engaged, don’t talk about pay and conditions, do your research, don’t raise negatives about your old employer – and yet…

The end of the interview felt a lot like every bad date I’ve ever been on – nothing to be said or done beyond “well it was nice meeting you”

After a few days of moping and eating too much sugar and fat, I’ve realised that I need to frame the interview experience completely differently.

I walked into that room as a supplicant, hoping that the interviewers in their infinite wisdom and kindness might bestow a job upon me.

What I should’ve done is treat it like I’m running a workshop in what a great team member I could be. When I’m in teacher mode, I’m a different person. (I’m sure we all are)

There’s no room for doubt, there’s just me, the material and the learners. And if someone out there is better equipped to run a workshop about me, I’ve yet to meet them. (I don’t think I’d want to either)

So this is a plan from here on in – it’s not an interview, it’s not a request – it’s a lesson about me as their prospective employee.