Interviewing for a job you don't know you want.

So I made it to the final round of the Executive Assistant interviews, and the cookies represent the adorable "thank yous" I left for all fifteen people I had to have the final round of interviews with. Yes - 1 - 5! Fifteen.

There was the culture"" interview with people the HR recruiter assumed I didn't know although I did, so I could talk about what I like to do in my off time (which leads me to another post about where companies are going with this nonsense).

The "cross functional" interview with people in different departments that work heavily with the two gentlemen I would be supporting. This was the most informational interview for me. I went into all the interviews with the intent to discover as much information as I could about whether the job would be a good fit for me. In this interview I was able to find out more about how my bosses really work and interact with people in ways I don't think they could explain about themselves.

And on the topic of explaining, I must admit, this is a job I am not sure I want or is a good fit for me. I could do it well, but I am worried about it slowly killing my drive. As mentioned in the previous post. The paycheck and security is appealing.

So I had to figure out "How do I interview for a job I don't know I want?" And the answer for me, very openly. It was the best interview I have ever done. I was honest. I have been so trained to find the answer I believe the interviewer is looking for - I tend to not really answer the question for myself.

And I think that is one of the reasons I end up with careers and jobs I do well at, but leave me with a nagging sense of missed opportunities and the sands of time ticking away on me. No Joy - no fullfillment.

I am a good interviewer, and end up being selected based on answers that don't ring true to me. DONE with that. This interview was liberating.

In the 30 minutes with the "People and Organization Development" team, when I was asked if my current job in Communications would be open and this Executive Assistant job - which would I prefer? I answered my current job. It was funny the way Amber, who has been with HR at the foundation for four years was asking me the same question three different ways.

And not in a please we want you to answer it is a way, so we can hire you - I got the vibe early on that HR did NOT want me for this gig, so I was surprised - even though I had executive support experience - that I made it to the final round. No Amber was asking it like she was the smartest person in the room with her clever interviewing techiniques, and several times interrupted the interview to make "funny" asides and inside jokes with the VP of People and Organizational Development.

So I answered in several times that I would always want my current job. And I told them I am up for a 9-5 schedule, but not to be drilled at all hours to set up calendars and take calls from the executives.

I made it professional, and was extremely prepared for the interviews. I discussed how I would effectively organize these two executives and that I did want the job because I was looking for stability and a place to develop roots. So I gave it my all and was truly honest. I don't think I could have done better for me.

So I handed out by "thank you" cookies and will see what comes of this job. I rest assured though, that I gave it my all.

Here are two other jobs I just applied for this week:
Manager Corporate Partnerships - Feeding America
Business Development Manager - Demand Studios