Thursday, February 21, 2013

Those words you never want to hear.

Hearing "no" is never easy, is it?

I am not the type to announce things like job interviews or other things that are not definite. This time around, I wanted to tell people because I wanted the advice and the prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the people on my side praying for good news.

I wish I had good news to give you, but I don't.

:(

Today I found out that I did not get the job I interviewed for on Monday. To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. I am afraid I am in for a round of heartbreak though as I continue to interview for elementary positions. This process has reinforced that searching for the perfect teaching job is truly not easy and I may have a very long road ahead of me.

After asking the principal what I could have done better, she said to articulate more examples with my answers to the questions.

I have to admit, I found the panel interview to be odd. It did not feel like a conversation. It felt like me just talking and them writing. It did not feel personal at all. So, after this experience I will be thinking about what I can do better (including more examples!) and trying to create a conversation type atmosphere. A part of me kind of hates myself for typing that though, because by the end of the interview on Monday I had them all laughing and seemingly enjoying themselves. So, clearly my need for a more personal atmosphere is seeping through the intense formalities.

Anyway, I just wanted to get on here and thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. They meant the world to me and I really needed that encouragement. Thank you.

19 comments:

Kristin said...

I'm sorry you didn't get the job. The entire process of finding a job is horrible. I spent 2 years looking for the one I have now and it is horrible. My brother is an elementary teacher and it took him quite awhile to find a job. He loves the one he has now so it was worth it.

DrayaAnn said...

So sorry to hear about the job. But if this one wasn't meant to be then that means there is just something perfect out there waiting for you. I'm sure it's going to be a long road to finding the perfect job, because it always is, but you'll do great, and they'll be so lucky to have you!

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

I'm sorry. I don't think I've ever experienced a conversation type atmosphere, well maybe at my last interview, but it was super informal. But yes, specific examples do help a lot. Bonus if you have feedback on positive outcomes after trying different strategies.

Julie said...

I'm sorry! I am someone who knows that road very well so trust me when I say keep your head up, you will be where you need to be soon!

Becky said...

Oh Amber I'm so sorry!

I think it's huge that you even asked what you could do better - especially after you heard no.

Hope you have a good weekend and can shake this off sooner rather than later!

Anonymous said...

It always sucks to be turned down for a job but the right one will come along for you. Enjoy your weekend and all this snow we have. It is still snowing here in Cedar Falls.

Stephany said...

I'm really sorry, Amber. I'm on the job hunt now and it's so full of heartbreak. Especially when you interview for jobs you really, really think you'd be the perfect fit for.

Hugs.

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Ug -- job interviews suck, especially ones where you have to be in front of more than one person. I had to interview with two and it was hard, so I can't imagine having a panel! Good luck in your search in the future though... :)

Shoshanah said...

I hated going through interviews back when I was doing them. And while I do really enjoy my current job, a small part of the reason I'm still there is because I don't want to have to interview anytime soon. Definitely something I don't enjoy, but even more so, don't think I'm very good at.

And I'm wishing you luck for the next interview you have, and hoping you wind up at a school that's a perfect fir for you!

Unknown said...

Awwwww.....boo :( I'd say I'm sorry, but I've come to learn that when things don't work out like I had thought I wanted them too, there's usually something better waiting right around the corner. So, instead of "I'm sorry", I'm going to say "Congrats! You are one step closer to finding out where you SHOULD be." Hang in there--any school would be lucky to have you!

Amber said...

So sorry to hear that friend! The right job WILL come along though so this just means that wasn't the right job for you. Thinking of you!

Lesli said...

You will find that right job--it just takes time. And interviews are tough-they can be so intimidating--sometimes I end up feeling so unprepared and ditzy. I think you should just be yourself and I am glad you made them laugh-what is wrong with being friendly and needing a personal atmosphere. Boo on formalities! Love ya!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Aw, I am sorry that you did not get the job. I was really hoping you would. Interviews are tough and now you are entering a new career so it's probably a different interview style. I learned a lot about interviewing in grad school as we had to do all this prep work with a career coach to be able to participate in on campus recruiting. One thing they taught up that helped me and may help you was to list out all the qualities that an employer would look for (multi-tasking, attention to detail, collaborating, etc etc) and then think of several examples from your work history that exemplifies how you displayed that strength. I thought it would come off as canned during the interview, but it didn't. Instead of stressing out to think up an example, I had a bunch in my mind to use and that really helped me.

I know you will find something. I know that doesn't help with the disappointment of this not working out, though. You'll be in my prayers!

Lesli said...

I agree with what Manon said (something better around the corner) and Lisa gave great interview advice.

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Awww, sorry to hear Amber! I was hoping you would get it!

I have learned a LOT about interviewing since I started work because I have now interviewed others for teaching and aide positions. That has been really helpful to me as far as learning what people want :) In some ways though, it's a crap shoot as everyone obviously has differing opinions about what they want. I think Lisa's advice is really good though, and in teaching you can also think about different situations they may ask you about for some examples, including things like a time when you had a behavior issue/what you did, what you do in your classroom to prevent behavior issues/classroom management, what your literacy program looks like, a lesson that went well, a lesson that did not go as you expected but you obviously switched it around to greatness haha. Those are just a few ideas. Let me know if you need any help :) You will definitely find a job, I promise!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Oh, one more thing- I think interviews are just kind of awkward/formal haha. I have had success even with panel interviews having it not be SUPER formal, but it's always been pretty formal. I only had a couple of interview though fortunately. My panel one went well, but I brought a portfolio with visuals so I got to use that to help the awkwardness a bit haha. Not my favorite way to interview definitely! The only thing I like is that you usually have a nodder, who nods at everything you say- I love those people haha.

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Panel interviews are the worst! Hang in there girl! I'm sure you'll land a great job!!

P said...

sorry lovely. :-( I know exactly how you feel too as the same thing has happened to me in the past week or so and i was turned down for a job I had already been doing for most of last year. Rejection is just horrible.x

Anne said...

You are a rockstar & any school would be LUCKY to have you!! Keep shining on my friend!