Monday, September 29, 2008

Waiting is the Pits

I am officially in the limbo stage of trying to find a new job for my new life in Chicago (or rather old life that I'm trying to resurrect). I am in the Waiting Room - that little room that companies put you in after you interview and they are "thinking things over". It is pure torture.

I might pull out my hair from the sheer stress of waiting.

As you might be able to tell, I am finally back in New York after my four day trip back to Chicago for my interviews (yes, plural!). The first interview took place on Thursday afternoon and it was in the 'burbs. Which I discovered wouldn't be that rough to commute to everyday even though I had at one point last week referred to it as "reverse commute hell". The traffic getting out of the city wasn't too horrible. It was actually a breeze and I arrived an hour an a half early for my allotted time to interview. Whoops. Luckily for me this little 'burb had just built a new strip mall with all the stores a girl like me can entertain herself with (Ann Taylor, White House Black Market, Victoria's Secret). Ah, how I love Illinois and its large expanses of prairie that allow for large outdoor strip malls.

I think the interview went well. I hope. I pray. Fingers crossed that it went well. I say this because I feel like I was somewhat ambushed. Meaning when I arrived for my interview I was informed that I would be meeting with not just one friendly interviewer, I would need to meet with 5. It was a sort of round robin. All the interviewees came that day and we all got juggled between the 5 interviewers. It was intimidating and also weird that I had to see my competition. Not that I will ever know, but I'm pretty sure Nate will not get the job. He was a sweaty mess of nerves. Sorry kid, maybe next time.

There are some things I said that I wanted to pat myself on the back for, and there were some things I said that I instantly wished I could take back. I do this after every interview I've ever had though. Scrutinize my every move until it makes me sick with worry. Which is what I've been doing ever since I left that office 3 hours after I arrived (a very intense 3 hours). That kid Nate has nothing on my nerves now. I am a wreck.

Luckily, my second interview went very well. It was with a staffing agency so I was obviously less nervous. The girl I met with said she was going to recommend me to her supervisor who would then present my resume to the medical journal that is looking to hire a temporary editorial assistant. My gig would be a temp-to-hire one, which means if they so chose to the company I was working for could hire me full time after my three months were up. Unfortunately, this means I would be getting paid hourly. But on the other hand, if I didn't like it I wouldn't feel obligated to stay after those three months were up.

I also had the opportunity to meet with our family friend who also lives and works in the 'burbs for a small local magazine. She gave me some tips. I got to see her kids (who are as adorable as Suri Cruise). And she bought me some delicious cookies. Yum in my tum.

All in all, it was a very productive two days. I got a lot done. I met with a lot of people. And now I'm just stuck in the Waiting Room. Waiting, waiting, and waiting for some answers.

17 comments:

Elizabeth Marie said...

Interviews are always dreadful experiences. Even if you do well you always have to freak out over it afterwards and then panic when they don't call you back right away to offer you the job. It sounds like you did wonderfully though. Nice job girl and good luck!

Elle Field said...

Ah, I'm in the waiting room too at the moment (I've never known it to be called that before).

I hope your wait turns out to have a positive outcome!

Maki said...

Sometimes the anticipation is too much to handle, but I'm sure you've done a good job and have faith!

Looking forward to the happy news!!!

BigRed said...

I've been in the waiting room for a week. Provisions are running out...

Anonymous said...

Good luck! I'm sure you did great.....hope you get a call real soon. Until then.....well, you'll just have to sweat it out.

Carolyn Chapple said...

I was in the waiting room last week, and heard through a friend who works at the company I interviewed with that they chose to hire another candidate. I just got a letter in the mail today that as impressive as I was, they had went with a more qualified person. Bummer!

Hope you have better luck!

Anonymous said...

Chicago is super awesome and there's an amazing blogger network there.

Good luck on the job(s)!

Lindsey said...

I hate when you have interviews in front of more than one person. I feel like I'm being grilled.

bodelou said...

good luck with those interviews. and welcome to chicago (soon) im rockin' it out in the 'burbs myself. what a life.

Audrey (the Hepburn House) said...

Good luck! Thanks for your email, but the way. Too bad the comp isn't the one I thought...but I do love the strip malls in Illinois! Did you get to visit the Outlet Mall in Aurora off of I-88? That one is the best!

Lisa said...

Good luck! I hope you get the job.

Unknown said...

I know exactly what your going through cause I been job hunting lately and I still haven't got any calls back! It sucks hardcore! But, all i would have to say is think positive! Great post!

Ms. Salti said...

Yeah, we've all been there. Good luck with everything!

Belowen said...

Ahh, I am so impatient. Waiting kills me. Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

you guys have a good taste!

Jean said...

As soon as you stop thinking about it, you will get a call. I love Chicago! Good luck!

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