I had an interview today for a position that I really wanted, with a company that I think is great, in the city where I want to end up. I had to skip out group work at school and miss a class. In all the interviews I've had (which is actually quite a few considering work terms), I have never prepared or been more nervous than I was for this one. I've spent the past two nights going over behavioural questions, situational questions and working through my past three years experiences and how they've made me a better candidate. Why all the intense-ness? Because this opprotunity determines the direction of my life (at least that's what I believe). I know that after I graduate I'll be going on my trip to Japan (flight booked, bye bye $1300) but after that, I have no idea what time will hold. If I don't have a job I will truly be the classical "bum". Never once during my 5 years at university did I believe I would be in this situation and I'm sure a lot of other students felt the same way. But things change fast. Even today, sitting in the lobby of the company I hope to work for I open the Calgary Herald to the second page to see a huge article focused on out of work, middle aged engineers. That's right, not even just middle-aged men, middle-aged engineers. So I'm sitting there on the couch thinking to myself, "Shit." If experienced engineers can't hold down their jobs what chance do I, as a fresh, green, engineer have?
The interview itself went alright I think, but that's also what I said about my last interview and I didn't get that position. I think I was definately nervous but the vibes I got from the two interviewers was generally positive. Every question that I was asked I had read the night before. I didn't freeze on any question except one ("What frustrates you?"). I didn't get very many suggestive/prodding questions where I had to elaborate on something I was talking about but I didn't get any "excellents" or "greats". Thinking about the interview now there are so many questions I could have answered better. I could have emphasized my enthusiasm for the company, my desire to learn and increase my skills. But I didn't. And I hope that these mistakes don't come back to haunt me. I guess I'll only know after they get back to me in the next 2-3 weeks. These will be the longest 2-3 weeks of my life. But hey, at least I looked good for a few hours.
Getting to come back to Calgary was also nice because I got to see my little nephew again. It also happened to be my sisters birthday so being here for the get-together dinner with my other sister as well. Back to Caden though, I really miss him sometimes. Everytime I drive down here from Edmonton I can't wait to ring the door bell and (hopefully) see him run to the door. He still can't talk yet but he does know a few words though. Unfortunately he still can't call me (Cow fu) but he definately can point me out.
I am entering a very scary part of my life in the next couple weeks. I'll become an obligated engineer next weekend, a graduated engineer within a month. Unfortunately I'm also unemployed, single and not optimistic about my chances of finding work. Scary times indeed. If get this job there are very few people who will truly realize how happy it would make me.
edit: Just realized I royally fucked up on another question, "What do you bring to a team?" How the hell do I mess up such a simple question? I said some BS about curiosity or some shit like that. I'm just getting teared up inside right now.
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