My mind was racing.
Will they think I’m a good enough candidate? Will they like my resume? Remember, be as polite and eloquent as ever. How will they react knowing that my time in this job is transient?
As I clutched the pages of Queen Sugar, I realized that my eyes were aimlessly scanning past every line and not registering a single word. My right leg was bouncing as it usually involuntarily does when I’m focused or anxious.
It was June 13th, and I was about to be interviewed for my first job. It was around 7:30 a.m. and I was waiting in H.R. for one of the young women who worked in the office to call me inside for the interview. As I sat there I remember thinking, “why did I even bring a book? These nerves aren’t letting me concentrate.”
I was excited to try my introverted personality at hospitality; it was an attractive challenge, one that I knew would provide personal growth and simultaneously give me real work experience.
When I was being interviewed, I was pleased to discover that the questions being asked were ones I had premeditated the answers to thoroughly. My mom helped me prepare the most, quizzing me and, most importantly, running through the basics and equipping me with questions I should always expect during a job interview. She helped me when I was a candidate for the Posse Scholarship as well, so I knew she would prepare me for almost everything. This being the first job I would work, it was a nerve-wracking process, but the mental priming alleviated my tension significantly.
I was asked details of my education and if I had experience in the field of hospitality or luxury service, and if I was familiar with the company’s mission statement and commitments. My small black binder held some of the golden nuggets of information: a copy of my high school diploma, my resume, and the documents they had me read, print and sign. Throughout most of the interview, however, I used what I had practiced and rehearsed out loud and in my mind constantly.
I think my characteristically polite mannerisms and lexicon helped convince my interviewer of my fitness for the job, despite the lack of experience. Nonetheless, this event served to show me that with enough preparation and courage, you can positively set yourself up for success.
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