When the opportunity arrises…

Lesson: Never miss THE opportunity!

I almost can’t believe it!  I had my first interview for a REAL job that’s in MY FIELD that I actually went to COLLEGE for!  Just landing the interview means a lot to me.  What a boost to my ego!  And I needed that. 

I saw the position online for an experienced newspaper reporter for a daily paper last Friday and emailed all my info that same day.  Saturday when I checked my email, I had a response from a woman asking for an interview.  Perfect!  We met yesterday, one week later to the day. 

Interviews, to me, feel like first dates.  Your more excited than nervous and you try hard to make a good first impression.  I tried my suite on before hand, making sure it was up to par and even bought new panty hose in 2 colors, black and tan, just in case I had a run or changed my mind.  My preparation paid off, I hope. but I felt good.  When I started talking with the editor we immediately saw eye-to-eye.  We had things in common, different things to talk about.  She’s a weekly columnist and since I did my homework I complimented one story she wrote recently about her family.  It deserved a complement.  I think she really appreciated that.  Everyone loves to hear nice things about their families.  I answered all her questions as best I could.  I was eloquent and as detailed as possible.  We were friendly.

I got there exactly 10 minutes early, like my dad said, and my nerves were all crazy, y so

I was there for an hour.  She toured me around the newsroom and introduced me to the staff that was there, 3 other full time reporters.  Instead of just the regular old Hi, nice to meet you, we actually had a conversation.  They were nice and once again we had a few things in common to chat about.  It was comforting and maybe it even got them on my side.

AT THE END, when we were about to part ways, she said: "I like to be honest with people and I want you to know I really like you.  I’m impressed by the way you’ve presented yourself to me today…" and just went on and on saying nice things about me.  I was thrilled!  I appreciate that she threw me a bone in the end like that.  It let me know I’m on the right track.

She gave me a trial assignment.  I just got it tonight and it’s too late to work on it now since it needs to be done via phone.  It’s due Friday at the latest, but I’m of course going to do my best to turn it in a day early.  It doesn’t look too hard, just a highlight on a local business.  I have a really good feeling about this.  If I do good on this assignment then who knows what could come next!  THANK GOD!