Thursday, June 26, 2008
Nerves are starting
I think another girl I know from AlmaMater will also be interviewing for my "dream job" tomorrow. I may have more experience, but she's been on more interviews. I've had only my three so far, and only one was for a position at this level. So now I'm getting nervous. Plus, I bet she plays that instrument (the one I re-learned this week) better than I do. Gah!
Random bits of quirky information
*I somehow earned enough money from my various music-related jobs to merit a piece of the Economic Stimulus pie. It doesn't even cover the amount of money I've spent trying to get a job so far, but I am still grateful!
*I called my former landlord this morning because I moved out over 6 weeks ago and haven't heard anything regarding the refund of my security deposit. I probably should have called sooner, but I never remembered during office hours. Anyway, the guy was very pleasant and I trust him more than the previous landlord, who screwed me over in my roommate situation.
*I had the strangest dream this morning right before I woke up. In this dream, I was staying at someone's house in their little garage. I've never met the people in real life. Somehow, we came upon a baby girl (abandoned?), and I felt as though the others didn't treat her well. I decided that I was going to move out and take the little girl with me. (She didn't belong to the other people in the dream.) Then I started freaking out because I had never even changed a diaper before and I wouldn't know how to care for her.
*Things left to do today:
1) Call hotel in Interview Location for a room tonight.
2) Pack for interview.
3) Gather all items to pack for SummerJob1 (1 week of music, fun, and hot weather in a domestic location!)
4) Gather all items to pack for SummerJob2 (1.5 weeks of music, fun, and travel to an international destination)
5) Prepare for interview (check out posted curriculum online, review potential questions, compose questions for interview committee, practice my prepared solos)
6) Write my sister a note because she'll be leaving for her own job adventure, and I won't see her for another month.
7) Get ready, dressed, etc. and drive to Interview Location
*I called my former landlord this morning because I moved out over 6 weeks ago and haven't heard anything regarding the refund of my security deposit. I probably should have called sooner, but I never remembered during office hours. Anyway, the guy was very pleasant and I trust him more than the previous landlord, who screwed me over in my roommate situation.
*I had the strangest dream this morning right before I woke up. In this dream, I was staying at someone's house in their little garage. I've never met the people in real life. Somehow, we came upon a baby girl (abandoned?), and I felt as though the others didn't treat her well. I decided that I was going to move out and take the little girl with me. (She didn't belong to the other people in the dream.) Then I started freaking out because I had never even changed a diaper before and I wouldn't know how to care for her.
*Things left to do today:
1) Call hotel in Interview Location for a room tonight.
2) Pack for interview.
3) Gather all items to pack for SummerJob1 (1 week of music, fun, and hot weather in a domestic location!)
4) Gather all items to pack for SummerJob2 (1.5 weeks of music, fun, and travel to an international destination)
5) Prepare for interview (check out posted curriculum online, review potential questions, compose questions for interview committee, practice my prepared solos)
6) Write my sister a note because she'll be leaving for her own job adventure, and I won't see her for another month.
7) Get ready, dressed, etc. and drive to Interview Location
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Neutral first impressions can be changed for the better
I re-learned an instrument last night so that I can play a song for Friday's interview. I had taken a class on this instrument about 4 years ago, and I remember I used to practice during the commercial breaks of American Idol. I don't believe I learned the scales, and I could not fluidly move between notes. Learning a complex instrument in a class of 30 people is not the ideal way to effectively progress.
I was amazed at how quickly it came to me when I tried to play again after all of these years. My brother, who took a course on this instrument this year, helped me position my fingers correctly on the instrument (which belongs to our sister who does not know how to play), and I was soon moving more rapidly than I ever did when initially learning it! I found a pretty little song which I decided to use for my prepared solo demonstration, and I'm pretty psyched about the whole process. In fact, even if I don't get the job (which would require me to teach this instrument), I might be inspired enough to really re-learn the instrument beyond what I've prepared for the song!
I was amazed at how quickly it came to me when I tried to play again after all of these years. My brother, who took a course on this instrument this year, helped me position my fingers correctly on the instrument (which belongs to our sister who does not know how to play), and I was soon moving more rapidly than I ever did when initially learning it! I found a pretty little song which I decided to use for my prepared solo demonstration, and I'm pretty psyched about the whole process. In fact, even if I don't get the job (which would require me to teach this instrument), I might be inspired enough to really re-learn the instrument beyond what I've prepared for the song!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Foreshadowing?
During the weekend of my cousin's wedding, marriage was quite a common subject. My sister and her beau have seemingly been heading in the direction of matrimony for awhile now, and Westley and I also view it as a real possibility, though not in the near future.
My sister and her boyfriend may tie the knot next year, but I believe she's leaning more towards waiting an additional year. With circumstances as they are, Westley and I will have to wait two years. So ... it's possible that there may be two glorious events in 2010.
When it came time for our cousin to toss her bouquet, my sister and I were both out on the dance floor. As it sailed through the air, I caught it a split-second before my sister, but she ended up with it somehow. Hmm.
My sister and her boyfriend may tie the knot next year, but I believe she's leaning more towards waiting an additional year. With circumstances as they are, Westley and I will have to wait two years. So ... it's possible that there may be two glorious events in 2010.
When it came time for our cousin to toss her bouquet, my sister and I were both out on the dance floor. As it sailed through the air, I caught it a split-second before my sister, but she ended up with it somehow. Hmm.
Optimistic
About a week after I blogged about DreamJob, the deadline for applications was extended. I was disheartened; my application wasn't good enough to end the search! Then I realized that I was being ridiculous and my hope returned.
Since then, I've learned that the job may not be my Ideal Ideal; I'd have to teach classes A, B, C, and D in addition to three sections of X, my specialty. I actually really like D (with some experience), I have had some training pertaining to C, but not much interest or experience in A or B.
Regardless, it's still the best combination of location/work that I've really encountered. (Others may be great in location- near a city- but not the type of position I'd want, like Third Time, which was not offered and therefore did not need to be rejected.)
I'd contacted the person who's leaving the position because we had participated in a community organization together, and she was able to give me some insight into what the position entails. Then time passed. I didn't hear anything. My departure date (for two summer jobs, covering three weeks) was rapidly approaching. And, like I said, the deadline for applications had been extended. I was starting to feel stressed.
So, last week, I mustered up all of my courage and confidence and called the person in charge. My voice mail (because the phone was not answered) went something like,
"Hi. This is Estrella LastName at [phone number], and I had submitted an application about two weeks ago for the open position in your district. I am still interested in the position, but I wanted to let you know that I will be leaving on [date] for two professional obligations [with additional information on the gigs, as a way to highlight but not brag about my skills]. I will have my phone with me for the first segment of [job], but not after [certain date]. My internet and email access will be sporadic at best during those three weeks. Again, my phone number is [...]. Please call me if you have any questions."
One day passed.
On the second day, I got a phone call from the person in charge, inviting me to interview at the end of this week. (!) The interview will be more extensive than my previous ones, requiring me to actually demonstrate my skills in different areas. I'm a little nervous because- What if they don't like me? I look darn good on my resume (which is 100% accurate, without any fluff), but they're going to see the real me. While I know it wouldn't be a rejection of me if I don't get the offer, it will be hard for me to remember that if the job goes to someone else.
Since then, I've learned that the job may not be my Ideal Ideal; I'd have to teach classes A, B, C, and D in addition to three sections of X, my specialty. I actually really like D (with some experience), I have had some training pertaining to C, but not much interest or experience in A or B.
Regardless, it's still the best combination of location/work that I've really encountered. (Others may be great in location- near a city- but not the type of position I'd want, like Third Time, which was not offered and therefore did not need to be rejected.)
I'd contacted the person who's leaving the position because we had participated in a community organization together, and she was able to give me some insight into what the position entails. Then time passed. I didn't hear anything. My departure date (for two summer jobs, covering three weeks) was rapidly approaching. And, like I said, the deadline for applications had been extended. I was starting to feel stressed.
So, last week, I mustered up all of my courage and confidence and called the person in charge. My voice mail (because the phone was not answered) went something like,
"Hi. This is Estrella LastName at [phone number], and I had submitted an application about two weeks ago for the open position in your district. I am still interested in the position, but I wanted to let you know that I will be leaving on [date] for two professional obligations [with additional information on the gigs, as a way to highlight but not brag about my skills]. I will have my phone with me for the first segment of [job], but not after [certain date]. My internet and email access will be sporadic at best during those three weeks. Again, my phone number is [...]. Please call me if you have any questions."
One day passed.
On the second day, I got a phone call from the person in charge, inviting me to interview at the end of this week. (!) The interview will be more extensive than my previous ones, requiring me to actually demonstrate my skills in different areas. I'm a little nervous because- What if they don't like me? I look darn good on my resume (which is 100% accurate, without any fluff), but they're going to see the real me. While I know it wouldn't be a rejection of me if I don't get the offer, it will be hard for me to remember that if the job goes to someone else.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Third time was not the charm
Installment #3 of the Estrella Needs to Find a Job series.
I got the call while on the other side of the country last week. The vacancy, described as an X/Y position, had interested me enough so that I'd submitted an application two weeks earlier. It was in a more rural location, but it was less than 40 miles from a major city- a definite mark in its favor. I agreed to drive up for the interview yesterday, and I was very excited! [Aside: I now find myself measuring distance in terms of what it would cost me for gas, so ... this was about $55 round trip, not including the nasty collection of various tolls which ended up being about $20.]
I budgeted extra time for unexpected delays, and while there was one half-hour setback, I arrived with an extra half hour. I used the time to drive around the area (pretty and simple). I stopped in at the gas station to get a snack, and the locals were quite friendly. I began to imagine myself living there, and I was pleased at the thought.
At the school, the secretaries were very kind and helpful; they knew I'd driven a distance and they offered to get me coffee or water upon my arrival. The principal came out to retrieve me and informed me that I'd be interviewing with him and two of the current music teachers on staff in his cozy (and slightly cramped) office. We chatted pleasantly, and I felt quite at ease. I'd enjoy having these people for colleagues, I thought to myself.
Then.
In one of the early questions, the principal posed this question: If I were to walk into your classroom, what would I see? What kind of teacher are you?
I asked, "In an X class?" (for this X/Y position)
He responded, "Well, I was thinking a Y class, but if you're more comfortable, then yes- X is fine."
I was more comfortable with X ~ it was what I had studied for my graduate degree, and I've spent years gaining practical experience in X field from many different angles. So I proceeded to answer the question in regards to X.
For further questions, the other staff members and the principal asked questions regarding and in terms of Y. Very specifically. Until they told me directly: The position was all Y during the day, but the candidate would have the opportunity to "assist" with X for 4 days a week after school. One of the staff members interviewing me was actually in charge of X classes.
I remained pleasant and perky after this revelation, and I believe I had a very good interview. I think my interviewers were very impressed by my portfolio. I really enjoyed talking with them; the interview felt more like a comfortable dialogue than an intimidating interrogation.
Afterwards, as soon as I got in the car and called my parents, I began to cry. I'd so been looking forward to this interview and I liked everything about it ~ location, people, community, colleagues, administration, etc~ everything, except for the job itself! Even if I were offered it, I don't want to accept because I really want an X position. I haven't spent YEARS and thousands of dollars preparing for an X position, only to end up with a Y position which hardly makes use of the skills for which I've spent so much time, energy, and money developing.
Mentor believes I ought to "hang in there for an X job," and I am. I submitted 2 more applications today, and I have a lead on another which I plan to investigate tomorrow. I don't know what God's will is, but I figure that in order to be open to it, I should apply for everything which looks as though it might be a good fit. I will "flood the market" as my mother has advised. God can do the other part~ preparing me for the right job and making it obvious to both my future employers and me that I am the best candidate for whatever job He intends for me to have.
I got the call while on the other side of the country last week. The vacancy, described as an X/Y position, had interested me enough so that I'd submitted an application two weeks earlier. It was in a more rural location, but it was less than 40 miles from a major city- a definite mark in its favor. I agreed to drive up for the interview yesterday, and I was very excited! [Aside: I now find myself measuring distance in terms of what it would cost me for gas, so ... this was about $55 round trip, not including the nasty collection of various tolls which ended up being about $20.]
I budgeted extra time for unexpected delays, and while there was one half-hour setback, I arrived with an extra half hour. I used the time to drive around the area (pretty and simple). I stopped in at the gas station to get a snack, and the locals were quite friendly. I began to imagine myself living there, and I was pleased at the thought.
At the school, the secretaries were very kind and helpful; they knew I'd driven a distance and they offered to get me coffee or water upon my arrival. The principal came out to retrieve me and informed me that I'd be interviewing with him and two of the current music teachers on staff in his cozy (and slightly cramped) office. We chatted pleasantly, and I felt quite at ease. I'd enjoy having these people for colleagues, I thought to myself.
Then.
In one of the early questions, the principal posed this question: If I were to walk into your classroom, what would I see? What kind of teacher are you?
I asked, "In an X class?" (for this X/Y position)
He responded, "Well, I was thinking a Y class, but if you're more comfortable, then yes- X is fine."
I was more comfortable with X ~ it was what I had studied for my graduate degree, and I've spent years gaining practical experience in X field from many different angles. So I proceeded to answer the question in regards to X.
For further questions, the other staff members and the principal asked questions regarding and in terms of Y. Very specifically. Until they told me directly: The position was all Y during the day, but the candidate would have the opportunity to "assist" with X for 4 days a week after school. One of the staff members interviewing me was actually in charge of X classes.
I remained pleasant and perky after this revelation, and I believe I had a very good interview. I think my interviewers were very impressed by my portfolio. I really enjoyed talking with them; the interview felt more like a comfortable dialogue than an intimidating interrogation.
Afterwards, as soon as I got in the car and called my parents, I began to cry. I'd so been looking forward to this interview and I liked everything about it ~ location, people, community, colleagues, administration, etc~ everything, except for the job itself! Even if I were offered it, I don't want to accept because I really want an X position. I haven't spent YEARS and thousands of dollars preparing for an X position, only to end up with a Y position which hardly makes use of the skills for which I've spent so much time, energy, and money developing.
Mentor believes I ought to "hang in there for an X job," and I am. I submitted 2 more applications today, and I have a lead on another which I plan to investigate tomorrow. I don't know what God's will is, but I figure that in order to be open to it, I should apply for everything which looks as though it might be a good fit. I will "flood the market" as my mother has advised. God can do the other part~ preparing me for the right job and making it obvious to both my future employers and me that I am the best candidate for whatever job He intends for me to have.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Teaser
I was gonna write a long post about the rest of the weekend: half-catching the bride's bouquet, my 50+ year old mother breaking it down on the dance floor, the phone call I got on Friday which will require me to drive to another state tomorrow ... but, unfortunately, thunderclouds are overhead and I've gotta shut down the computer.
I probably won't have time to write later today due to rehearsal & packing for the unexpected trip, but I should be back home on Wednesday!
I probably won't have time to write later today due to rehearsal & packing for the unexpected trip, but I should be back home on Wednesday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
