Job interview tactic

Then and now

I remember a time when I was about 18 when I had an interview for some job (probably a summer one). On the way to the interview, I stopped in to see my mom, who at that time was a buyer for a department store in Newark. 

As she straightened my tie, she said, "Don't worry. You always make a good impression."

I carried that confidence, along with a great deal of experience, into job interviews that I've had over these many years. And my interviews have resulted in many job offers. 

Now, because of my age, I almost dread job interviews. I can still make a good impression -- from my resume and on telephone interviews -- but when I walk into an interview, my 68 years accompany me.

I wonder what mom would have to say about that.

"Early" is perhaps the new "never"

I had a second interview last week for a PT editing position. The following is part of an email I received in response to my "thank-you" email:

"Teresa and I will be de-briefing early next week and will be back in touch as we make our decisions."

Well, early and mid week have passed, and it's now late in the week. And nary a peep from them.

The interview question that probably cost me a job

It’s reasonable to expect editors to be grammar experts. After all, correct grammar usage is one cornerstone of good writing.

But like some teachers who know their subject but have trouble teaching it (i.e., they’re not good lecturers), there are editors who sometimes can’t explain grammar very well. There have been instances when I have had that problem. One such occasion probably sank my chances for a job I applied for.

After successfully navigating my way through the telephone-screening interview, I had my face-to-face interview with the person to whom I would report.

The interview proceeded without a hitch. And then I had a “deer in the headlights” moment. From out of the blue she asked, “What is a gerund?” (A gerund, I shall never forget, is a noun formed from a verb, e.g., “swimming.”)

I don’t remember my exact response. It was doubtless some attempt to finesse my momentary ignorance.

Lesson learned: Regardless of how good you can walk the walk, never underestimate the importance of also being able to talk the talk.